On the hunt for the best places to buy cheongsam and qipao in Hong Kong? These stores won't disappoint.
We’ve already shared our fave spots to shop vintage clothing, snazzy suits, and collections from local fashion designers. Now we’re breaking down the top spots to buy cheongsam and qipao in Hong Kong. Whether you’re looking for a traditional dress for a special occasion or something more contemporary for everyday, you need to take a look at these stores.
Brands that offer elegant cheongsam and qipao
1. Shanghai Tang
Shanghai Tang takes the traditional silhouette of the qipao and brings it into the 21st century – think knitted fabrics, slit details, and angled hems. Combining the iconic garment’s rich cultural history with the essence of contemporary womanhood, a qipao from Shanghai Tang is a timeless symbol of elegance and heritage. Favoured by many Hong Kong celebrities and socialites, this esteemed brand ensures you to find a special piece.
Shanghai Tang has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
2. Yi-ming
Founded by Grace Choi, a fashion designer and former model, Yi-ming is a homegrown fashion label influenced by oriental art and aesthetics. Its ready-to-wear cheongsam and qipao are recognised for their contemporary design, blending Chinese ornamental detail with Western craftsmanship. Instead of merely following fashion trends, the brand strives to reinvent traditional designs while retaining key cultural characteristics, weaving the past and present together to create a unique style. At its brick-and-mortar store and convenient online shop, you’ll find a variety of garments and accessories for the whole family, with signature collections including the Mahjong, Cypherhood, The Bund of Love, and more. All of these products are designed to suit all ages, body types, and ethnicities, making Yi-ming the perfect place for everyone to experiment with oriental-style clothing.
Yi-ming, 50A Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 3111 2268
3. My Cheongsam
Elegance, personality, and versatility – these are the words that come to mind when browsing through My Cheongsam’s catalogue of dresses. Traditionally, a cheongsam is rather physically restricting for the wearer, so, with practicality in mind, this brand insists on creating collections for the modern woman that takes practicality into consideration. With a catalogue of full length dresses as well as qipao-inspired apparel, My Cheongsam is on a mission to make this traditional garment into everyday wear for classy ladies worldwide.
Shop My Cheongsam online.
4. Cammie Chan Cheongsam
A quirky yet elegant cheongsam brand, Cammie Chan specialises in modern designs that bring extra flair without sacrificing the classic charm of the traditional garment. Maintaining a conservative silhouette, the label keeps things fresh with contemporary patterns and by adding frills and ruffles. Every dress stands out almost like a customised piece with different details, allowing the wearer’s personality to shine through. This namesake brand is made for the girlies with main character energy!
Cammie Chan Cheongsam, S302, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3113 8138 (Whatsapp)
5. Olivia Couture
If you’re looking for a fancier qipao suitable for formal banquets and weddings, you can’t go wrong with shopping at Olivia Couture. Full-length or knee-length pieces are available here, each of them intricately designed with handmade embroidery. You can enquire about getting your hands on a unique and stunning qipao online, and meet curator/tailor Olivia Yip to create your very own custom-made dress. Rest assured you’ll be the centre of attention when you wear a piece from Olivia Couture!
Olivia Couture, Shop 3, G/F, Redana Centre, 25 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2838 6636
6. Sparkle Collection
If you’re hunting down cheongsam and qipao pieces with a distinct contemporary flair, look no further than Sparkle Collection. As a fashion brand that works closely with intangible cultural heritage inheritors in Hong Kong, Sparkle strives to uplift local design talents, frequently hosting fashion shows and city-wide events that puts their work under the spotlight. Sparkle’s collection of cheongsam injects flair and glam into the traditional garment, featuring energetic designs and form-flattering cuts.
Sparkle Collection, Shop G, 1/F, Fashion Walk, 9 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2773 5196
Contemporary cheongsam and qipao for everyday wear
7. MGP Label
Standing for Millennial Girl Power, MGP is based in Singapore but ships to Hong Kong. If you’re looking for a modern take on cheongsam that still maintains its elegance with conservative cuts, you’ll find the chicest fits at MGP. The extensive collection of patterns, colours, and styles of cheongsam match just about anyone and everyone. And the affordable price range makes you look expensive without breaking the bank!
Shop MGP Label online.
8. Qipology
If you’re looking for more modern looks, Qipology is your best choice. Apart from traditional qipao outfits, you’ll also find qipao halter tops and denim pieces here. What’s more, you can even book an appointment to design your own qipao for a wedding, graduation, or gala. Qipology prides itself on creating looks that are contemporary yet timeless. So, look out – the classic qipao has got a glitzy makeover!
Qipology, H314, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6061 4074
9. Sau Lee
Celebrate contemporary Eastern chic with a modern cheongsam from Sau Lee. Accentuating the female form with amazing craftsmanship and high-quality materials, the combination of traditional and contemporary influences gives every Sau Lee dress a special touch of glamour. Made from a variety of materials, you can find a long or short cheongsam that’ll definitely bring out your inner beauty.
Shop Sau Lee online.
10. Yan Shang Kee
For an authentic qipao experience, look no further than Yan Shang Kee. Offering qipao rentals that include hair styling services, Yan Shang Kee gives comprehensive services for those looking to use the beautiful dresses for photoshoots or special events. Rentals are available for women, men, and children, so those in search of gorgeous outfits for a family portrait will be well taken care of. Yan Shang Kee also offers professional photography services, making it a perfect one-stop shop for stunning pictures. Want your very own exquisite qipao? You can also make an appointment to get a tailor-made dress from the talented team at Yan Shang Kee.
Yan Shang Kee, G/F, 4 Wing Lee Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 9411 2706
11. Vivienne Tam
Vivienne Tam brings a fresh and funky side to qipao in Hong Kong. With adventurous patterns and unconventional fabrics, the traditional look is revamped. The high-quality materials and beautiful designs add a special touch to the tried-and-true design of the qipao, too. Expect to turn heads when you show up in a Vivienne Tam look, whether to a party or a night out on the town!
Vivienne Tam has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
Traditional cheongsam tailors
12. Linva Tailor
In business since 1965, Linva Tailor gained popularity after crafting Maggie Cheung’s beautiful cheongsam for Wong Kar-wai’s film, In the Mood for Love (2000). Here, you can have an exquisite dress tailored to your measurements with a stunning range of fabrics available. Find the perfect cheongsam from Linva Tailor’s diverse and versatile range and live out your ultimate 1960s fantasy.
Linva Tailor, 38 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2544 2456
13. Mee Wah Qipao
First on the list is the oldest bespoke cheongsam tailor in Hong Kong: Mee Wah Qipao. Conveniently located in Sheung Wan, the store displays beautiful rolls of printed, floral, and coloured fabrics; feel free to browse around before being measured for the perfect cheongsam to fit your body. Mee Wah Qipao will get you the ultimate qipao of your dreams with a wide variety of fabrics and custom fitting and tailoring. This is the place for a uniquely made piece that will last you a lifetime.
Mee Wah Qipao, 76 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2543 6889
14. Long Kong Ladies’ Tailors
Helmed by master tailor Leung Long-kong, Long Kong Ladies’ Tailors is a traditional qipao tailor in Hong Kong. Having worked on stunning and vibrant qipaos worn by Maggie Cheung in the classic Hong Kong film In the Mood for Love (2000), Long Kong Ladies’ Tailors offers the finest craftsmanship. Located in a modest workshop in Kwun Tong, Master Leung accepts commissions for personalised qipao designs.
Long Kong Ladies’ Tailors, 12/F, World Interests Building, 8 Tsun Yip Lane, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, p. 2882 6863
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between cheongsam and qipao?
Generally, both cheongsam and qipao refers to a traditional form-fitting dress worn by Chinese women. However, in Hong Kong, cheongsam refers to a more casual rendition of the garment while qipao can refer specifically to Chinese wedding dresses.
Is cheongsam Chinese or Korean?
Cheongsam has its origin in the Manchu people of northeastern China and is a relatively new invention. The first modern-day cheongsam came about in the 1920s and the whole style was popularised by classic Hong Kong movies in the 60s and 70s.
Is cheongsam for male or female?
This might come as a surprise, but "cheongsam" actually refers to both mens- and womenswear. While the feminine version of this traditional garb remains a form-flattering dress, the masculine version resembles a long robe. Fun fact: masculine cheongsam is listed as one of Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage!
What's the difference between a kimono and a cheongsam?
The Japanese kimono has a much more conservative silhouette and a lot more accessories to go with it than the Chinese cheongsam. A kimono is a loose-fitting traditional dress that shapes the body into a rectangle, and is usually held together by an obi belt, while a female cheongsam is identifiable by its flattering cut and characteristic Mandarin collar.
