旗袍 vs. 長衫:誰主沉浮? The Cheongsam vs. Qipao Throwdown: Who Wins the Battle of the Iconic Chinese Dresses?

揭開這兩種經典中國服飾間微妙卻極重要的差異 

Unveiling the Subtle (But Oh-So-Important) Distinctions Between These Regal Garments


想像這樣的場景:你正身穿最盛裝出席一個隆重的中國新年慶典。在場眾人的目光都集中在你身上,大家驚嘆不已——但等等,他們看見的是旗袍還是長衫?這兩者確實有所不同。


Picture this: you're at a fancy Chinese New Year gala, decked out in your finest traditional dress. As you glide across the room, heads turn, jaws drop - but wait, do they see a cheongsam or a qipao? Because darling, there is a difference, and you best know it.



這兩種標誌性的中國服飾看似相似,但相信我,細節決定成敗。那麼讓我們一起深入探討,解決這個歷史悠久的辯論吧——旗袍還是長衫?哪一個才是王者?


These two iconic Chinese frocks may look similar on the surface, but the devil is in the details. So, let's dive in and settle this age-old debate: Cheongsam or qipao, which one reigns supreme?



朝代的較量:旗袍與長衫的起源 

The Dynasties Strike Back: Origins of the Qipao and Cheongsam


讓我們先來上一課歷史小課堂。旗袍的根源深植於清朝,當時滿族皇室貴婦們便穿著這種筆直剪裁、高領款式。可以說它是最初的中國傳統服飾——雍容華貴,充滿傳統韻味。


Let's start with a quick history lesson (I know, I know, but bear with us here). The qipao has its roots firmly planted in the Qing dynasty when the Manchu ladies of the imperial court wore this straight-cut, high-collared number. Think of it as the OG Chinese dress—steeped in tradition and regality.


但隨著清朝的衰落和中華民國的興起,漢族女性決定為旗袍注入新的風采。於是長衫應運而生——這是一種更貼身、剪裁精緻的經典設計。這個後來者看似新晉,但很快便俘獲了每一個時尚女性的心。


But as the Qing dynasty crumbled and the Republic of China emerged, the Han Chinese ladies decided to put their spin on the qipao. Enter the cheongsam - a more fitted, tailored take on the classic design. This baby-come-lately may be a relative newcomer, but it soon became the apple of every fashionista's eye.


對決:長衫 vs. 旗袍  The Showdown: Cheongsam vs. Qipao


好了,讓我們進入正題。究竟是什麼因素將這兩種服飾區分開來?


Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What exactly sets these two dresses apart?


 

1920 年代以後流行的中國傳統女性袍服現在通常被稱為“旗袍”。然而,1980 年代前,在香港和廣東,它被普遍稱為“長衫”。由於與廣州婦女常穿的「衫」相似,此百年來,香港的女裝長袍稱為「長衫」。在香港,「長衫」和「旗袍」幾乎被劃上等號。


The traditional Chinese women's robes that became popular after the 1920s are commonly called "qipao". However, prior to the 1980s in Hong Kong and Guangdong, they were widely known as "cheongsam". The term "cheongsam" has been more widely used in Hong Kong due to the similarity to the "shang" garment traditionally worn by Guangzhou women. In Hong Kong, the "cheongsam" and "qipao" are almost equated with each other.


清代受西方文化影響,女性服飾剪裁趨於修長貼身,成為日後長衫的雛型。辛亥革命後,西方審美與自由思潮傳入,傳統女裝漸顯過時。民國初年,女學生流行簡約素雅的「上衣下裙」與「上衣下褲」,稱為「文明新裝」。


During the Qing dynasty, Western influence led to a more form-fitting, slender cut in women's robes, which became the prototype for the cheongsam. After the Xinhai Revolution, Western aesthetics and liberal ideas made traditional women's wear seem outdated. In early Republican China, female students popularized simple, refined "blouse and skirt" and "blouse and pants" styles, known as the "civilized new attire".


1920年代後期,女性化長袍在大城市流行,上海旗袍(或稱「海派旗袍」)發展成熟,融入西方元素如高領窄袖、緊腰設計、長裙身。新中國成立後,旗袍代表資產階級,曾被禁止,直到文革時期在國內幾成絕跡。


In the late 1920s, the feminized long robe, including the Shanghai "Haipai qipao" with its high collar, narrow sleeves, fitted waist, and ankle length, became popular in cities, incorporating Western elements. After the PRC was founded, the qipao was banned as representing the bourgeoisie, and nearly disappeared during the Cultural Revolution.


And the Winner Is…


啊,這個永恆的問題——在長衫 vs. 旗袍的較量中,哪一個脫穎而出?事實上,它們各有獨特的魅力和吸引力。長衫或許在當代魅力和全球知名度上佔優,但旗袍仍是中華文化中永恆、莊重的符號。



Ah, the eternal question - which one comes out on top in the cheongsam vs. qipao showdown? Well, the truth is, they both have their unique charm and appeal. The cheongsam may have the edge regarding modern-day glamour and global fame, but the qipao remains a timeless, regal symbol of Chinese culture.



歸根結底,這取決於個人喜好和場合需求。你想要展現性感魅惑,還是高貴優雅?選擇權在你手中,我的時尚女友們。但請記住,無論選擇哪一件,都要自信從容地駕馭它。畢竟,這些標誌性服飾就是要盡情展現和享受。


Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the occasion. Are you feeling like a sultry siren or a poised, elegant lady of the court? The choice is yours, my fashionable friends. Just remember - whichever you choose, own it with confidence and flair. After all, these iconic dresses were made to be celebrated and enjoyed.









Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published