Yes, foreigners can absolutely wear cheongsam (qipao) respectfully, and many Chinese designers, cultural experts, and community voices actively encourage it as cultural appreciation. However, context, intention, and respect matter significantly. Here’s a balanced perspective:
✅ When It’s Appreciated:
Worn with Respect & Knowledge
Educate yourself about the qipao’s history (e.g., its origins in 1920s Shanghai as a symbol of modernity and women’s liberation).
Avoid treating it as a "costume" or pairing it with stereotypes (e.g., "geisha" makeup, exaggerated accents).
Supporting Authentic Culture
Buy from Chinese designers or ethical brands (e.g., Shanghai Tang, Qipao Project) rather than mass-produced fast-fashion knockoffs.
Choose quality craftsmanship (silk fabric, traditional tailoring) over culturally diluted versions.
Appropriate Occasions
Formal events (weddings, galas), cultural celebrations (Chinese New Year), or as elegant fashion.
Example: Rihanna wearing Guo Pei’s qipao-inspired gown to the Met Gala was widely praised.
⚠️ When It Becomes Problematic:
Trivializing or Sexualizing
Using qipao for "sexy Asian" stereotypes, frat parties, or Halloween reduces a cultural symbol to a caricature.
Ignoring Cultural Significance
Wearing it without acknowledging its roots or misrepresenting its meaning (e.g., calling it "kimono" or "exotic loungewear").
During Cultural Tensions
Avoid wearing it in contexts mocking Chinese culture or amid anti-Asian sentiment.
🌍 Perspectives from Chinese Voices:
Designers like Vivienne Tam: "Fashion is a universal language. The qipao is a gift to share."
Netizen Polls: Over 80% of Chinese respondents on Weibo support foreigners wearing qipao respectfully.
Diaspora View: Most see it as appreciation unless paired with mockery (e.g., "slanted eye" gestures).
✨ How to Wear It Respectfully:
Credit the culture: "I’m wearing a qipao, a modern Chinese dress."
Skip props: No fake "Chinese" accents, fans, or chopsticks in hair.
Support creators: Buy from Chinese-owned businesses.
💬 Real Examples:
✅ Positive: A white bride wearing red qipao at her wedding to honor her Chinese in-laws.
❌ Negative: A influencer wearing a sexualized "geisha-qipao" hybrid for clicks.
Final Verdict:
Yes, wear it! The qipao’s history is rooted in cultural fusion (blending Manchu, Shanghainese, and Western influences). As long as you honor its craftsmanship and significance, you celebrate Chinese culture, not appropriate it.
"Tradition grows when shared with respect."
— Confucian proverb
If unsure, ask: "Am I honoring this, or using it as a prop?" When in doubt, listen to Chinese voices.
More Question:
1 Qipao vs Cheongsam: Decoding the Distinctions?
2 Is it OK for a white person to wear a cheongsam?
3 Can Foreigners Wear Cheongsam or Qipao Dress?
4 How can a white person wear a cheongsam (qipao) beautifully and respectfully?