Traditional Taiwanese Dress Costume
Elegant, timeless, and rich in cultural heritage.
The traditional Taiwanese dress, most famously represented by the elegant Qipao (or Cheongsam), is a high-collared, form-fitting garment worn for Lunar New Year, weddings, and formal festivals. Originating from historical Han styles and evolving through the 20th century, this look is celebrated for its beautiful silk brocade fabrics and intricate frog closures. Wearing one creates a sophisticated, culturally rich aesthetic that is both classic and graceful.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
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What you need for a Traditional Taiwanese Dress costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Traditional Taiwanese Dress costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Qipao Dress
A form-fitting, high-collared dress made of red, blue, or green silk brocade fabric, featuring traditional frog closures and side slits.
Hair Accessory
A decorative jade hairpin, floral hair clip, or gold tassel hair stick to secure an elegant updo.
DIY: Decorate a simple wooden chopstick with gold paint and a hanging tassel.
Hand Fan
A classic folding paper fan or a round silk paddle fan with floral embroidery.
Footwear
Embroidered silk flats, Mary Jane shoes, or simple nude heels.
DIY: Wear classic black or nude heels already in your closet.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Traditional Taiwanese Dress costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the Qipao dress, carefully fastening the side zipper and the traditional frog closures at the collar.
- 2
Style your hair into an elegant updo, such as a low bun or a braided chignon.
- 3
Insert the decorative hairpin or tassel hair stick into your bun to secure the style.
- 4
Slip into embroidered flat shoes or classic heels that complement the color of your dress.
- 5
Carry a folding silk fan or a round paddle fan as a traditional prop.
Makeup & hair
Style hair in a neat low bun or a half-up twist secured with a traditional hairpin. Keep makeup classic with defined eyeliner, a soft blush, and a bold red lip to match the elegance of the dress.
Traditional Taiwanese Dress for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair a women's red Qipao with a men's traditional Tang suit jacket or a 1930s-style Han shirt and trousers.
- group
- A group can wear coordinating Qipaos in different vibrant colors like emerald green, royal blue, and festive red.
- kids
- Children can wear miniature silk Qipaos or two-piece Tang suit sets with embroidered patterns.
- Plus size
- Look for Qipaos made of slightly stretchy brocade blends or custom-tailored A-line cuts for a comfortable fit.
- pet
- A small dog or cat can wear a lightweight, red silk-patterned pet vest with decorative gold trim.
Tips
- Check size charts carefully, as traditional Qipaos are tailored and often run small with little stretch.
- Choose a dress with modest side slits if you plan to walk, sit, or dance comfortably at an event.
- Steam or iron the dress on a low, delicate setting to remove wrinkles without damaging the silk or brocade fabric.
Traditional Taiwanese Dress costume FAQ
- What is the difference between a Qipao and a Cheongsam?
- They refer to the same style of dress; 'Qipao' is the Mandarin term, while 'Cheongsam' comes from the Cantonese pronunciation.
- When is this traditional dress typically worn?
- It is commonly worn during Lunar New Year, weddings, cultural festivals, and formal family celebrations in Taiwan.
- How do I choose the right fit?
- Because the dress is form-fitting, measure your bust, waist, and hips accurately, and opt for a size up if you are between sizes to ensure ease of movement.
Did you know? In 1930s Taipei, the Qipao became a symbol of modern, educated women, often paired with Western-style high heels and bobbed haircuts.