Everything you need to know before purchasing hanfu, qipao, Tang suits, wedding dresses, opera costumes, and martial arts uniforms online. From sizing and fabrics to pricing and shipping.
Shopping for Chinese traditional clothing online gives you access to the world's largest selection — over 400,000 authentic items from workshops across China. Online stores like China-Cart.com (operating since 2003) offer far more variety than any local shop, with direct-from-artisan pricing, free worldwide shipping, and 365-day return policies that local stores rarely match.
Chinese traditional clothing encompasses dozens of distinct styles. Here's what's available and typical price ranges:
| Costume Type | Price Range | Best For | Shop Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanfu (汉服) | $50–$400+ | Everyday wear, festivals, photography | Browse Hanfu |
| Qipao / Cheongsam (旗袍) | $60–$300+ | Formal events, parties, weddings | Browse Qipao |
| Tang Suit (唐装) | $80–$250+ | Chinese New Year, formal occasions | Browse Tang Suits |
| Wedding Dress (裙褂) | $300–$2,000+ | Traditional Chinese weddings | Browse Wedding |
| Opera Costume (戏服) | $200–$1,500+ | Performances, cosplay, collection | Browse Opera |
| Kung Fu Uniform | $40–$200+ | Martial arts training, Tai Chi, performance | Browse Martial Arts |
| Lion Dance Costume | $500–$2,500+ | Chinese New Year, cultural events | Browse Lion Dance |
| Dance Costume | $80–$500+ | Fan dance, ribbon dance, water sleeve | Browse Dance |
| Ethnic Minority Clothing | $80–$600+ | Cultural events, collection, performance | Browse Ethnic |
| Cosplay / Guofeng | $60–$400+ | Anime, gaming, cultural fashion | Browse Cosplay |
Browse the world's largest collection of authentic Chinese traditional costumes.
Shop All CostumesGetting the right size is the #1 concern when buying Chinese clothing online. Here's how to measure correctly:
| Measurement | How to Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bust (胸围) | Measure around the fullest part of your chest | Critical for qipao, Tang suits, and tops |
| Waist (腰围) | Natural waistline, above the hip bones | Most important for hanfu skirts and trousers |
| Hips (臀围) | Widest part of your hips | Essential for fitted qipao and skirts |
| Shoulder Width (肩宽)< | Edge to edge across the back | Key for jackets, robes, and structured tops |
| Height (身高) | Barefoot, from floor to top of head | Determines overall garment length |
| Arm Length (袖长) | Shoulder point to wrist | Important for long-sleeve hanfu and robes |
Focus on waist and height. Hanfu is designed to be loose and flowing — the waist tie adjusts to your body. If between sizes, go up. Skirt length should reach your ankles.
Requires the most precise fit. Bust and hip measurements are critical. A well-fitted qipao should skim the body without pulling. Custom sizing is strongly recommended.
Measure over any undergarments you'll wear on the day. The jacket should close comfortably. Custom sizing is included free with most wedding orders.
Order your regular size or one size up for freedom of movement. The loose fit is intentional. Focus on shoulder width and arm length.
The fabric determines both the look and feel of your costume. Here's what to look for:
| Fabric | Feel | Best For | Care | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silk (丝绸) | Smooth, lustrous, lightweight | Formal hanfu, qipao, weddings | Dry clean | $$$ |
| Brocade (锦缎) | Heavy, metallic-threaded patterns | Wedding Qun Kwa, opera, ceremonial | Dry clean | $$$$ |
| Cotton/Linen (棉麻) | Breathable, natural, casual | Everyday hanfu, martial arts uniforms | Machine wash cold | $ |
| Chiffon (雪纺) | Sheer, flowing, lightweight | Dance costumes, sleeve overlays | Hand wash | $$ |
| Satin (缎面) | Glossy, smooth, structured | Qipao, performance costumes | Dry clean | $$ |
| Polyester Blend | Durable, wrinkle-resistant | Practice wear, children's costumes | Machine wash | $ |
| Organza (欧根纱) | Crisp, sheer, holds shape | Water sleeve dance, formal overlays | Hand wash | $$ |
| Velvet (天鹅绒) | Soft, rich, heavy drape | Winter hanfu, opera costumes | Dry clean | $$$ |
1Browse and Select
Use the category pages to browse by type: Hanfu, Qipao, Wedding, Lion Dance, Opera, Martial Arts. Use filters for size, color, and price.
2Check Sizing
Open the size chart on the product page. Measure yourself in centimeters. If between sizes or ordering for a special occasion, select custom sizing and enter your measurements.
3Choose Options
Select color, size, and any add-ons (matching accessories, shoes, headdresses). For custom orders, you can specify embroidery changes or fabric substitutions.
4Add to Cart and Checkout
Add items to your cart. Choose checkout with or without creating an account. Enter shipping address — delivery is available to 190+ countries via DHL, FedEx, or UPS.
5Payment
Pay securely with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or PayPal. All transactions are SSL-encrypted. China-Cart has been processing online payments safely since 2003.
6Production and Shipping
In-stock items ship in 1-3 days. Custom orders take 7-15 days for tailoring. You'll receive tracking information by email once shipped. Typical delivery time: 5-10 business days worldwide.
Understanding price tiers helps you set realistic expectations and avoid overpaying:
| Tier | Hanfu | Qipao | Wedding | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $50–$100 | $60–$100 | $300–$600 | Basic fabrics, machine embroidery, standard sizes. Great for casual wear and trying out the style. |
| Mid-Range | $100–$250 | $100–$200 | $600–$1,200 | Quality silk or brocade, hand-finished details, custom sizing available. Suitable for events and photography. |
| Premium | $250–$500+ | $200–$400+ | $1,200–$2,500+ | Hand-embroidered, premium silk/gold thread, master tailor construction. Museum-quality pieces. |
| Method | Speed | Coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Shipping | 7-15 business days | 190+ countries | Free on most orders |
| Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | 5-10 business days | 190+ countries | Free on orders over $150 |
| Rush Production + Express | 3-7 business days | 190+ countries | Additional rush fee |
| Country | De Minimis Threshold | Typical Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $800 (duty-free below) | 0-20% above threshold |
| UK | £135 (VAT-free below) | 20% VAT + duties above |
| EU | €150 (duty-free below) | VAT 17-27% + duties above |
| Canada | CAD $20 | 5% GST + possible duties |
| Australia | AUD $1,000 (GST-free below) | 10% GST above threshold |
| Singapore | SGD $400 (GST-free below) | 9% GST above threshold |
With the rise of mass-produced imitations, here's how to ensure you're getting authentic Chinese traditional clothing:
| Check | Authentic | Mass-Produced Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | Irregular stitch density, visible thread texture | Perfectly uniform, flat, printed-looking |
| Fabric | Natural fiber (silk, cotton, linen), subtle variations | Polyester-heavy, overly shiny, plastic feel |
| Construction | French seams, hand-finished edges, lined interiors | Raw edges, single stitching, unlined |
| Buttons/Frog Closures | Hand-tied, symmetrical, firm knots | Glued, asymmetrical, loose |
| Seller History | Established since 2003, 405,000+ items, real reviews | New store, generic product photos, no reviews |
Asian sizing runs 1-2 sizes smaller. A Chinese "XL" may fit like a US "L". Always measure yourself and check the specific size chart.
That $60 qipao looks tempting, but if it's polyester chiffon, it won't drape like silk. Match fabric to occasion: silk for formal events, cotton for casual wear.
Custom tailoring takes 7-15 days plus shipping. For a wedding or performance, order at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Rush production is available but costs extra.
Social media ads offering "authentic hanfu" at impossibly low prices often deliver poor-quality imitations. Check for SSL certificates, return policies, and how long the store has been operating.
Traditional Chinese outfits often require matching accessories for the complete look — hairpins for hanfu, jade earrings for qipao, headdresses for wedding dresses. Budget an extra 10-20% for accessories.
Popular choices: Red Tang suits, qipao in auspicious colors (red, gold), children's lion dance costumes. Order by early January for delivery before Chinese New Year. Shop Chinese New Year Costumes
Essential items: Qun Kwa (bridal jacket + skirt), red bedding set, tea ceremony dress, groom's Tang suit. Custom sizing is essential — order 2-3 months before the wedding. Shop Wedding Collection
Consider the dance style: fan dance (lightweight silk), ribbon dance (flowing chiffon), water sleeve dance (organza sleeves), lion/dragon dance (sturdy performance-grade materials). Read our Dance Costume Guide
Mid-range hanfu sets ($100-200) or qipao dresses ($80-150) work well. Choose machine-washable cotton/linen for ease of care. Read our Complete Chinese Clothing Guide
Look for character-accurate details: embroidery quality, fabric weight, color matching. Anime/game costumes from our cosplay collection range from $60-400 depending on complexity.
Shopping for Asian traditional clothing? Here's how Chinese costumes compare with styles from neighboring countries:
| Feature | Chinese Hanfu | Japanese Kimono | Korean Hanbok | Vietnamese Ao Dai |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silhouette | Flowing, layered | T-shaped, straight | Full skirt, fitted top | Fitted tunic, wide pants |
| Typical Price | $50–$400+ | $100–$500+ | $80–$400+ | $60–$300+ |
| Ease of Wear | Moderate | Complex (needs help) | Easy | Easy |
| Best Occasion | Festivals, photography | Tea ceremony, formal events | Chuseok, weddings | Tet, formal events |
Learn more: Hanfu vs Kimono vs Hanbok Comparison | Complete Asian Clothing Guide | Japanese Kimono Guide | Korean Hanbok Guide
405,000+ authentic Chinese traditional costumes. Free worldwide shipping. 365-day returns. Since 2003.
Shop China-Cart.comRelated guides: Traditional Chinese Clothing Guide | Asian Clothing Guide | Dance Costume Guide | Cosplay Culture Guide
Handcrafted since 1897 - FREE worldwide shipping - 365-day returns
Handcrafted silk dresses - FREE worldwide shipping - 365-day returns