China’s ch'i-p'ao had developed from the informal Manchu ch'ang-fu, a plain long robe worn by all classes from the emperor down, and by 1930 the majority of women are wearing it.

A close-fitting dress made from one piece of material, the ch'i-p'ao is fastened up the right front side.

It has a high mandarin collar, and its skirt is slit up the sides to the knee.

It is made of traditional Chinese fabrics, padded in winter for warmth.

At first it was a long dress, but the hemline gradually rises to come into line with Western dress.