About Our Dresses

Straight answers to the questions worth asking before you buy a qipao from us. Where we have not been able to confirm something, we say so rather than fill the gap with nice words.

Are you a designer brand?

No. Maison Hua is an independent shop. We select our dresses from partner manufacturers and sell them under our name. We do not design or sew them ourselves.

Where are they made?

In China, by partner manufacturers who specialise in qipao and cheongsam. Your dress is shipped to you from our partners, with tracking.

Are they made to measure?

No. They come in standard US sizes. Every product page has a size chart in centimeters: check it against your own measurements before you order.

What our dresses are, and are not

They are

Ready-to-wear qipao and cheongsam dresses, in standard US sizes.
Inspired by the traditional Chinese dress: mandarin collar, frog buttons, side slits.
Chosen one by one for their cut, fabric and finish.
Made to be worn: at a wedding or tea ceremony, for Lunar New Year, at prom, or any day you like.

They are not

Made to measure or altered to your size.
Designed or handmade by us. They are made by our partner manufacturers in China.
Antique or vintage originals. Our "vintage" styles are new dresses inspired by older designs.
Official costumes or licensed products of any film, show or brand.
Certified hypoallergenic or organic. We make no such claim. The fabric of each dress is listed on its product page.

Choosing your size

Standard US sizes

Each dress is offered in standard US sizes. The exact sizes available are shown on the product page before you add it to your cart.

Read the size chart

The size chart on each product page gives the bust, waist, hip and shoulder in centimeters (1 inch = 2.54 cm). Compare it with your own measurements, not with the size you usually wear.

Fitted, little stretch

A qipao is cut close to the body and most fabrics have little or no stretch. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one.

Each cut is different

Length, sleeves and slit height change from one dress to another. Check the size chart of the dress you want, even if you already own one of ours.

Photos, colours and sizes

We work hard to show our dresses accurately. Product photos are supplied or styled for presentation, so the colour and finish you receive can vary slightly from what you see on your screen.

Embroidery, prints and pattern placement can differ a little from one dress to another. All measurements are approximate and given as a guide. A small difference of this kind is normal and is not a fault.

Fabric and care

Always follow the care label sewn into your dress first.
Hand wash in cold water, or choose dry cleaning for satin, velvet, sequin and embroidered dresses.
Do not tumble dry. Dry flat or on a padded hanger, away from direct sunlight.
Iron on low heat, inside out, or use a steamer. Place a thin cloth over satin, sequins and embroidery.
Close the frog buttons when you hang the dress, so the collar keeps its shape.

What we look at when we choose a dress

Fabric and lining

A good qipao keeps its shape because the fabric has some weight and the dress is lined where it needs to be. Thin, unlined fabric shows every seam.

Collar and frog buttons

The mandarin collar should stand on its own and the frog buttons should close cleanly. These small details are what make the dress look like a real qipao.

Seams and slits

A fitted dress fails at the seams and at the top of the slits first. Neat, reinforced finishing is what lets you sit, walk and dance in it.

A dress with a history

The qipao, also called cheongsam, took its modern shape in 1920s Shanghai and has been worn by generations of women since. We sell it with respect for that history, and we are happy to see it worn by anyone who loves it.

Want to know more? Read Qipao vs cheongsam: what is the difference? in our Journal.

Prices and availability

Prices, availability and sizes can change at any time without notice. A style that sells out may not come back.

We do not show crossed-out "former" prices that were never charged, and we do not invent scarcity to make you buy faster. For orders, delivery and returns, see our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

We are an independent shop

Maison Hua selects and sells its own range of qipao and cheongsam dresses, made by partner manufacturers in China. We are not affiliated with, authorised by, sponsored by or otherwise connected to any other brand, designer, retailer, film, show or franchise.

We do not claim to be the official, original or only seller of these styles. Similar dresses exist elsewhere; the ones we offer are those we have chosen and put our name to.

Disclaimer

Maison Hua is an independent retailer. Business details are listed in our Legal Notice. All third-party trademarks that may appear on this website, for example in a customer review, remain the property of their owners and are used for identification only.

The information on this page is given in good faith as general guidance. It does not form part of any contract and is not a guarantee. Nothing on this page limits your rights under applicable consumer protection law, including your rights for products that are faulty or not as described. This page should be read together with our Terms of Service, Refund Policy and Privacy Policy.