The most common reason Western women do not buy a qipao is not the price, not the style, not the cultural question — it is the sizing fear. "Will it fit me?" The answer is yes — if you measure correctly, order the right size, and know which style works best for your body. This guide eliminates every sizing uncertainty. Measure. Match. Order. Wear.
Step 1 — How to Measure Yourself for a Qipao
Three measurements. That is all you need. Measure accurately, and the rest is simple.
Measure around the fullest part of your chest — across the nipple line. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. Keep it snug but not tight — you should be able to slide two fingers under the tape.
Measure while wearing your normal bra. The qipao's frog closures run across the chest — the bust measurement determines whether the closures will lie correctly. This is the measurement to prioritize if you are between sizes.
Measure around the narrowest part of your waist — usually 2–3cm above your navel. Stand naturally, do not suck in. Keep the tape snug but comfortable.
The waist is the easiest measurement to alter — a local tailor can take in the waist of a qipao for $20–30. If your waist measurement puts you in a smaller size than your bust or hips, order the larger size and have the waist taken in.
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat — usually 20–23cm below your waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. Include the fullest part of your seat in the measurement.
Western bodies often have a larger hip-to-waist ratio than Asian sizing standards assume. If your hips put you in a larger size than your bust, order the larger size — the side slit of the qipao provides additional movement room at the hips.
✦ Measure first. Then shop. Every qipao at Olive Girl has a detailed size chart.
Green Daily Qipao — Slim Improved Cheongsam
$83.00
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Purple Slim Qipao — Waist Cinching Cheongsam
$87.50
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Short Sleeve Slim Qipao — Improved Cheongsam
$79.50
Shop NowStep 2 — The Size Chart (US Sizes + cm)
Olive Girl Qipao Size Chart — Improved Modern Cheongsam
| Size | US Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | US 4–6 | 84–88 | 66–70 | 90–94 | Petite frame, slim build |
| M | US 8–10 | 88–94 | 70–76 | 94–100 | Average Western frame |
| L | US 10–12 | 94–100 | 76–82 | 100–106 | Fuller bust or hips |
| XL | US 14–16 | 100–106 | 82–88 | 106–112 | Curvy Western body |
| 2XL | US 16–18 | 106–110 | 88–92 | 112–116 | Plus size, fuller frame |
✦ Between sizes? Always size up — the waist can be taken in by a local tailor for $20–30. The bust and hips cannot be let out. When in doubt, go larger. ✦ Height note: if you are taller than 170cm, the hemline will sit higher than shown — check the hemline measurement in each product listing.
Step 3 — Body Type Matching: Which Style Fits You Best
Every body type has a qipao style that fits best. Here is the complete matching guide — find your body type, find your style, order with confidence.
Hourglass — Bust and Hips Similar, Defined Waist
- Long qipao — the most dramatic and most flattering
- Embroidered qipao — the embroidery draws the eye to the construction
- Any color — the silhouette works in every color
- Sizing: order your bust size — the waist will follow
Pear — Hips Wider Than Bust, Defined Waist
- Knee-length improved modern qipao — most flattering hemline
- Jacquard qipao — pattern draws eye upward
- Darker colors at the hip — navy, deep green, burgundy
- Sizing: order your hip size, have waist taken in if needed
Apple — Fuller Midsection, Narrower Hips
- Improved modern qipao with stretch fabric — most comfortable
- Solid dark colors — navy, deep green, black, burgundy
- Two-piece qipao set — separate sizing for top and bottom
- Sizing: order your bust size, choose stretch fabric styles
Rectangle — Bust, Waist, and Hips Similar Width
- Embroidered qipao — creates visual dimension and curves
- Waist-cinching improved modern qipao — creates waist definition
- Bold colors and patterns — create visual interest
- Sizing: order your bust size — the construction creates the waist
Tall — 170cm+ / 5'7" and Above
- Floor-length long qipao — the most dramatic and most flattering
- Mid-calf qipao — the most versatile for tall frames
- Check hemline measurements before ordering knee-length styles
- Sizing: order your bust size — tall frames typically fit standard sizing
The Tailor Guide — What to Do If It Does Not Fit Perfectly
"Every qipao can be made to fit perfectly — the question is not whether it fits, but whether you are willing to spend $20–40 at a local tailor to make it yours. That is the difference between a dress you wear once and a dress you wear for years."
If your qipao does not fit perfectly when it arrives, a local tailor can make simple alterations. Here are the four most common alterations for Western bodies — with typical costs and what to ask for.
What to ask for, what it costs, and how long it takes
The most common alteration for Western bodies. Ask the tailor to take in the side seams at the waist while leaving the bust and hips as-is. Try the qipao on and mark the desired waist position with pins before leaving it with the tailor.
If the qipao is too long for your height, a tailor can shorten the hemline. Note: shortening the hemline also shortens the side slit — ask the tailor to maintain the slit proportion when shortening.
If the qipao is slightly too tight at the bust or hips, a tailor can let out the side seams — if there is sufficient seam allowance. This is why sizing up is always recommended: a larger size has more seam allowance to work with.
If the Mandarin collar is too tight or too loose at the neck, a tailor can adjust the collar height and circumference. This is a more complex alteration — bring the qipao to an experienced tailor who has worked with Chinese garments before.
Measure Once. Order with Confidence. Wear for Years.
The improved modern qipao at Olive Girl is designed with Western body proportions in mind — wider bust, fuller hips, longer torso. Sizes S through 2XL, accommodating bust up to 110cm and hips up to 116cm. If you are between sizes, size up and have the waist taken in by a local tailor for $20–30. Ships in 3–5 days to the US, UK, and EU. From $55.50. The qipao is not a dress that requires a specific body. It requires the right size — and now you know yours.
Shop by Your Size✦ Every body type. Every size. Authentic construction. Available now.
Luxury Jacquard Qipao Long Dress — Exquisite Cheongsam Gown
$55.50
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Green Daily Qipao — Slim Improved Cheongsam
$83.00
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Purple Slim Qipao — Waist Cinching Cheongsam
$87.50
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Retro Embroidered Qipao — Improved Cheongsam
$86.50
Shop NowDoes a qipao fit Western bodies?
Yes — the improved modern qipao at Olive Girl accommodates bust up to 110cm, waist up to 90cm, and hips up to 116cm. The Mandarin collar fits every neck. The frog closures adjust to every chest. The fitted silhouette celebrates curves. If between sizes, size up and have the waist taken in by a local tailor for $20–30.
How do I measure myself for a qipao?
Three measurements: (1) Bust — around the fullest part of your chest, tape parallel to floor, snug but not tight; (2) Waist — around the narrowest part, 2–3cm above navel, standing naturally; (3) Hips — around the fullest part of hips and seat, 20–23cm below waist. Compare to the size chart. If between sizes, always size up.
What size should I order if I am between sizes?
Always size up. A qipao that is too small will not close correctly at the frog closures and will be uncomfortable. A qipao that is slightly too large can be taken in by a local tailor for $20–40. The most important rule: if your bust puts you in one size and your hips in a larger size, order the larger size and have the waist taken in.
Which qipao style is best for curvy Western bodies?
Best for curvy bodies: (1) Improved modern qipao with stretch fabric — most comfortable; (2) Knee-length short qipao — shorter hemline more forgiving for fuller hips; (3) Jacquard qipao — woven pattern draws eye upward; (4) Two-piece qipao set — separate sizing for top and bottom. Avoid very tight floor-length qipaos in non-stretch fabric if you have a significant bust-to-hip difference.
Can tall Western women wear a qipao?
Yes — tall women wear the qipao most dramatically. The long vertical line from Mandarin collar to hem is most powerful on a taller frame. For women 170cm+: a floor-length or mid-calf qipao is the most flattering choice. A knee-length qipao on a tall woman will sit higher than shown in product photographs — check the hemline measurement in each listing before ordering.
What if my qipao does not fit perfectly when it arrives?
A local tailor can make simple alterations for $20–60: taking in the waist ($20–30), shortening the hemline ($15–25), letting out the side seams ($25–40), or adjusting the Mandarin collar ($20–35). The most common alteration for Western bodies: taking in the waist while leaving bust and hips as-is. Always try the qipao on before taking it to a tailor — the fabric needs to settle on your body first.
Measure Once. Order with Confidence. Wear for Years.
S through 2XL. Bust up to 110cm. Hips up to 116cm. Every body type. Authentic construction. If between sizes, size up — a local tailor does the rest.
Shop by Your Size
