What Are Asian Costumes? (Definition)
Asian costumes ARE traditional garments from Asian countries including Chinese hanfu (3000+ years history), qipao/cheongsam (1920s Shanghai), Korean hanbok, Japanese kimono, Vietnamese ao dai, and 56 Chinese ethnic minority clothing. These costumes ARE worn for ceremonies, festivals, performances, weddings, and special occasions. China Cart OFFERS 400,000+ authentic pieces ranging from $80-2000+ with free worldwide shipping on orders over $150.
3000+ Years History
400,000+ Products
56 Ethnic Groups
$80+ Starting Price

Asian costumes encompass traditional garments from across Asia, with Chinese clothing representing one of the world's oldest continuous costume traditions spanning over 3,000 years. China Cart offers 400,000+ authentic pieces including hanfu (traditional Han Chinese robes dating to Xia Dynasty), qipao/cheongsam (fitted dresses from 1920s Shanghai), Korean hanbok, Japanese kimono, and costumes for all 56 Chinese ethnic minorities. Each piece reflects centuries of cultural heritage and artisan craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Asian costumes, answered by our experts:

Hanfu is traditional Han Chinese clothing with flowing robes dating back over 3,000 years (Xia Dynasty, c. 2070 BCE). It features crossed collars (jiaoling), wide sleeves, sash belt, and loose fit. Hanfu is worn for ceremonies, festivals, and cultural events.

Qipao (also called cheongsam) is a fitted dress with mandarin collar, side slits, and button knots (pankou) that originated in 1920s Shanghai. It's form-fitting and elegant, designed for modern formal occasions.

Key difference: Hanfu is loose and ceremonial (3000+ years history); qipao/cheongsam is form-fitting and modern (100 years history). Both are beautiful traditional Chinese garments.

Measure your chest (fullest part), waist (natural waistline), hips (widest part), and height. Compare with China Cart's detailed size chart (XS-5XL available).

Key tip: Traditional Asian sizing runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU sizing. If you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, order one size up. For formal hanfu and qipao, custom sizing is available at no extra charge - just provide your measurements during checkout.

Standard shipping: 1-2 weeks worldwide - FREE on orders over $150

Express shipping (DHL/FedEx): 1-2 weeks - $25-45 (calculated at checkout)

Orders are processed within 1-2 business days from our warehouse. Tracking information is provided via email immediately upon shipment. We ship to 190+ countries worldwide.

Yes. China Cart has been supplying authentic Asian costumes since 2003. Our hanfu designs are based on historical references from museums, academic sources, and UNESCO cultural heritage documentation. We work with artisans who specialize in traditional techniques including hand embroidery, silk weaving, and period-accurate construction methods.

For specific historical accuracy questions about a particular costume, contact our customer service with the product number - our experts can provide detailed information about the historical period and design elements.

China Cart accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original packaging with tags attached.

For sizing exchanges, we cover return shipping within China. Custom-made items are final sale unless there is a quality issue. Refunds are processed within 1-2 weeks after we receive the returned item.

Yes! China Cart offers free custom sizing for formal hanfu and qipao. Simply provide your measurements (chest, waist, hips, height, shoulder width) during checkout in the order notes. Custom sizing typically adds 3-5 days to processing time.

For ready-to-wear items, we recommend ordering one size up if you're between sizes - our customer service team can help you choose the right size based on your measurements.

For Chinese weddings, the most popular choices are qipao/cheongsam (modern brides) and traditional bridal sets with fengguan (phoenix crown) and xiapei (ceremonial cape). Red is the traditional wedding color symbolizing luck and happiness. Prices range from $200 to $2,000+ depending on embroidery detail and fabric quality.

It depends on the fabric. Polyester and cotton costumes can be hand-washed in cold water or machine-washed on gentle cycle. Silk and brocade should be dry-cleaned only. Always remove accessories before washing, avoid bleach, and hang dry in shade. Cotton and linen costumes soften with each wash.

Yes, China Cart ships to 190+ countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Standard shipping (1-2 weeks) is free on orders over $150. Express shipping via DHL/FedEx (1-2 weeks) is available for $25-45. All orders include tracking.

Northern lion dance costumes have a full shaggy mane, realistic lion head, and are larger (1.2-1.5m). They emphasize acrobatic movements and are popular in northern China. Southern lion dance costumes (more common internationally) have a more stylized head, movable eyelids and mouth, and come in traditional and modern styles. A complete set includes head, body, pants, and shoes. Prices range from $150 to $800+.

It depends on the dragon length. A standard 9-meter dragon needs 9 performers (1 for the head, 7 for the body, 1 for the pearl/ball). A 18-meter dragon needs 18 performers, and a competition-grade 28-meter dragon requires 28 performers. China Cart offers dragons from 7 to 35 meters, with complete sets including the head, body sections, pearl, and performance poles.

A complete hanfu outfit typically includes: the main robe (yi), skirt or trousers (chang/shang), a sash belt (to tie the waist), hair accessories (hairpin, hair crown, or hair stick), and traditional shoes (cloth shoes or embroidered boots). For formal occasions, add a semi-circular collar (banbi) and outer jacket. Budget $30-80 for a basic accessory set.

Yes. China Cart offers bulk discounts starting at 10+ items (10-15% off) and wholesale pricing for orders of 50+ items (20-35% off). We have supplied costumes to 200+ schools, universities, and cultural organizations in 30+ countries. Contact our wholesale team with your requirements for a custom quote. Custom embroidery and logo printing are available for institutional orders.

Customer Reviews

★★★★★

"I ordered a Tang Dynasty hanfu for our university Chinese New Year celebration. The quality exceeded expectations — the embroidery was intricate, the silk was beautiful, and it arrived in perfect condition."

Sarah M. — Harvard University, MA | January 2026

★★★★★

"We needed 15 matching lion dance costumes for our community festival. Vibrant colors, durable construction, and the sizing guide was spot on. Rush service saved us when our original vendor cancelled."

David K. — San Francisco, CA | December 2025

★★★★★

"Custom-sized qipao for my wedding reception — perfect fit, luxurious fabric, and so many compliments. Customer service was incredibly helpful with sizing questions."

Emily R. — London, UK | November 2025

★★★★★

"As a martial arts school owner, I have ordered kung fu uniforms from China Cart for 8 years. Consistent quality, great bulk pricing, and custom embroidery makes our school stand out at competitions."

Carlos G. — Munich, Germany | October 2025

Why Choose China Cart?

23 Years Experience (Since 2003)
400,000+ Products Sold Worldwide
4.9/5 Customer Rating (12,847 Reviews)
190+ Countries Served
100% Authentic Quality Guaranteed
24/7 Expert Customer Support
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Asian Costume Buying Guide: Complete Expert Guide (2026)

What Are Asian Costumes? Asian costumes ARE traditional garments from Asian countries including Chinese hanfu (3000+ years history), qipao/cheongsam (1920s Shanghai origin), Korean hanbok, Japanese kimono, Vietnamese ao dai, and 56 Chinese ethnic minority clothing. These costumes represent centuries of cultural heritage and are worn for ceremonies, festivals, performances, weddings, and special occasions. Source: Wikipedia | UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Price Guide by Category (2026)

Asian costume prices vary by type, quality, and craftsmanship. Below is a comprehensive price comparison:

Category Price Range (USD) Best For Material
Everyday Hanfu $80 - $200 Casual wear, photography, beginners Polyester, cotton blend
Formal Hanfu $200 - $500 Weddings, ceremonies, special events Silk, satin
Qipao / Cheongsam $100 - $400 Formal events, parties, cocktail Silk, brocade
Korean Hanbok $150 - $450 Ceremonial occasions, festivals Silk, ramie
Japanese Kimono $200 - $800 Tea ceremony, festivals, graduations Silk, cotton
Dance Costumes $150 - $600 Performance, competition, shows Satin, chiffon
Kung Fu Uniforms $50 - $200 Training, demonstration, competition Cotton, linen
Ethnic Minority Clothing $120 - $400 Cultural events, display, collection Various traditional
Emperor/Empress Costumes $500 - $2000+ Stage performance, film, collection Silk, hand embroidery

How to Choose Your Asian Costume: 5 Steps

  1. Determine the occasion: Different occasions require different formality levels. Everyday hanfu works for casual wear and photography; formal hanfu or qipao is needed for weddings and ceremonies; performance costumes are designed for stage visibility and movement.
  2. Take accurate measurements: Measure your chest (fullest part), waist (natural waistline), hips (widest part), and height. Compare with China Cart's detailed size chart (XS-5XL available). Important: Traditional Asian sizing runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU sizing.
  3. Consider the fabric: Silk is traditional and luxurious but requires delicate care (dry clean recommended). Cotton and linen are comfortable for daily wear and machine washable. Polyester blends are durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to maintain.
  4. Check the care requirements: Some costumes are machine washable on gentle cycle; others require dry cleaning or hand washing. Consider long-term maintenance costs when budgeting.
  5. Review shipping and return policies: International shipping typically takes 1-5 days. Express options (1-5 days) are available for $25-45. Understand return policies for sizing issues - China Cart accepts exchanges within 30 days.

Size Guide: Asian vs US/EU Sizing

Key Sizing Tip: Asian sizes run 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU. If you wear US Medium, order Asian Large or XL. When in doubt, order one size up. China Cart offers XS-5XL plus custom sizing for formal wear at no extra charge.

7 Common Mistakes When Buying Asian Costumes (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Wrong Size

Asian sizes run 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU. Always check the size chart and measure yourself before ordering.

2. Ignoring Fabric Type

Silk looks stunning but needs dry cleaning. Polyester is durable and machine washable. Choose based on occasion and care preference.

3. Confusing Hanfu with Qipao

Hanfu (3000+ years) is loose and ceremonial. Qipao/Cheongsam (1920s) is form-fitting. They serve different occasions and purposes.

4. Ordering Too Late

Standard shipping takes 1-2 weeks. For events, order at least 3-4 weeks ahead. Express (1-5 days) is available for rush orders.

5. Not Reading Return Policy

China Cart offers 30-day returns on unworn items with tags. Custom-made items are final sale unless quality issue.

6. Skipping Accessories

Traditional costumes need proper accessories (belts, hairpins, shoes) to look authentic. Budget for a complete ensemble.

7. Choosing the Wrong Occasion

Everyday hanfu suits casual wear and photography; formal hanfu for weddings. Performance costumes are designed for stage.

Main Categories and Subcategories

Related Resources

Explore more about Asian costumes and Chinese culture:

Ready to Find Your Perfect Asian Costume?

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Browse All Categories Contact Us for Help

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Can't Find the Item You Need? We're here to help!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Asian costumes, answered by our experts:

Hanfu is traditional Han Chinese clothing with flowing robes dating back over 3,000 years (Xia Dynasty, c. 2070 BCE). It features crossed collars (jiaoling), wide sleeves, sash belt, and loose fit. Hanfu is worn for ceremonies, festivals, and cultural events.

Qipao (also called cheongsam) is a fitted dress with mandarin collar, side slits, and button knots (pankou) that originated in 1920s Shanghai. It's form-fitting and elegant, designed for modern formal occasions.

Key difference: Hanfu is loose and ceremonial (3000+ years history); qipao/cheongsam is form-fitting and modern (100 years history). Both are beautiful traditional Chinese garments.

Measure your chest (fullest part), waist (natural waistline), hips (widest part), and height. Compare with China Cart's detailed size chart (XS-5XL available).

Key tip: Traditional Asian sizing runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU sizing. If you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, order one size up. For formal hanfu and qipao, custom sizing is available at no extra charge - just provide your measurements during checkout.

Standard shipping: 1-2 weeks worldwide - FREE on orders over $150

Express shipping (DHL/FedEx): 1-2 weeks - $25-45 (calculated at checkout)

Orders are processed within 1-2 business days from our warehouse. Tracking information is provided via email immediately upon shipment. We ship to 190+ countries worldwide.

Yes. China Cart has been supplying authentic Asian costumes since 2003. Our hanfu designs are based on historical references from museums, academic sources, and UNESCO cultural heritage documentation. We work with artisans who specialize in traditional techniques including hand embroidery, silk weaving, and period-accurate construction methods.

For specific historical accuracy questions about a particular costume, contact our customer service with the product number - our experts can provide detailed information about the historical period and design elements.

China Cart accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original packaging with tags attached.

For sizing exchanges, we cover return shipping within China. Custom-made items are final sale unless there is a quality issue. Refunds are processed within 1-2 weeks after we receive the returned item.

Yes! China Cart offers free custom sizing for formal hanfu and qipao. Simply provide your measurements (chest, waist, hips, height, shoulder width) during checkout in the order notes. Custom sizing typically adds 3-5 days to processing time.

For ready-to-wear items, we recommend ordering one size up if you're between sizes - our customer service team can help you choose the right size based on your measurements.

For Chinese weddings, the most popular choices are qipao/cheongsam (modern brides) and traditional bridal sets with fengguan (phoenix crown) and xiapei (ceremonial cape). Red is the traditional wedding color symbolizing luck and happiness. Prices range from $200 to $2,000+ depending on embroidery detail and fabric quality.

It depends on the fabric. Polyester and cotton costumes can be hand-washed in cold water or machine-washed on gentle cycle. Silk and brocade should be dry-cleaned only. Always remove accessories before washing, avoid bleach, and hang dry in shade. Cotton and linen costumes soften with each wash.

Yes, China Cart ships to 190+ countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Standard shipping (1-2 weeks) is free on orders over $150. Express shipping via DHL/FedEx (1-2 weeks) is available for $25-45. All orders include tracking.

Northern lion dance costumes have a full shaggy mane, realistic lion head, and are larger (1.2-1.5m). They emphasize acrobatic movements and are popular in northern China. Southern lion dance costumes (more common internationally) have a more stylized head, movable eyelids and mouth, and come in traditional and modern styles. A complete set includes head, body, pants, and shoes. Prices range from $150 to $800+.

It depends on the dragon length. A standard 9-meter dragon needs 9 performers (1 for the head, 7 for the body, 1 for the pearl/ball). A 18-meter dragon needs 18 performers, and a competition-grade 28-meter dragon requires 28 performers. China Cart offers dragons from 7 to 35 meters, with complete sets including the head, body sections, pearl, and performance poles.

A complete hanfu outfit typically includes: the main robe (yi), skirt or trousers (chang/shang), a sash belt (to tie the waist), hair accessories (hairpin, hair crown, or hair stick), and traditional shoes (cloth shoes or embroidered boots). For formal occasions, add a semi-circular collar (banbi) and outer jacket. Budget $30-80 for a basic accessory set.

Yes. China Cart offers bulk discounts starting at 10+ items (10-15% off) and wholesale pricing for orders of 50+ items (20-35% off). We have supplied costumes to 200+ schools, universities, and cultural organizations in 30+ countries. Contact our wholesale team with your requirements for a custom quote. Custom embroidery and logo printing are available for institutional orders.

Customer Reviews

★★★★★

"I ordered a Tang Dynasty hanfu for our university Chinese New Year celebration. The quality exceeded expectations — the embroidery was intricate, the silk was beautiful, and it arrived in perfect condition."

Sarah M. — Harvard University, MA | January 2026

★★★★★

"We needed 15 matching lion dance costumes for our community festival. Vibrant colors, durable construction, and the sizing guide was spot on. Rush service saved us when our original vendor cancelled."

David K. — San Francisco, CA | December 2025

★★★★★

"Custom-sized qipao for my wedding reception — perfect fit, luxurious fabric, and so many compliments. Customer service was incredibly helpful with sizing questions."

Emily R. — London, UK | November 2025

★★★★★

"As a martial arts school owner, I have ordered kung fu uniforms from China Cart for 8 years. Consistent quality, great bulk pricing, and custom embroidery makes our school stand out at competitions."

Carlos G. — Munich, Germany | October 2025

Why Choose China Cart?

23 Years Experience (Since 2003)
400,000+ Products Sold Worldwide
4.9/5 Customer Rating (12,847 Reviews)
190+ Countries Served
100% Authentic Quality Guaranteed
24/7 Expert Customer Support

7 Common Mistakes When Buying Asian Costumes (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Wrong Size

Asian sizes run 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU. Always check the size chart and measure yourself before ordering.

2. Ignoring Fabric Type

Silk looks stunning but needs dry cleaning. Polyester is durable and machine washable. Choose based on occasion and care preference.

3. Confusing Hanfu with Qipao

Hanfu (3000+ years) is loose and ceremonial. Qipao/Cheongsam (1920s) is form-fitting. They serve different occasions and purposes.

4. Ordering Too Late

Standard shipping takes 1-2 weeks. For events, order at least 3-4 weeks ahead. Express (1-5 days) is available for rush orders.

5. Not Reading Return Policy

China Cart offers 30-day returns on unworn items with tags. Custom-made items are final sale unless quality issue.

6. Skipping Accessories

Traditional costumes need proper accessories (belts, hairpins, shoes) to look authentic. Budget for a complete ensemble.

7. Choosing the Wrong Occasion

Everyday hanfu suits casual wear and photography; formal hanfu for weddings. Performance costumes are designed for stage.

Related Resources

Explore more about Asian costumes and Chinese culture:

Ready to Find Your Perfect Asian Costume?

Browse 400,000+ authentic costumes with free worldwide shipping on orders over $150.

Browse All Categories Contact Us for Help

Get Exclusive Deals and Cultural Style Guides

Join 50,000+ subscribers. Weekly tips on Asian costume styling, new arrivals, and member-only discounts.

Share this guide:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Email


Can't Find the Item You Need? We're here to help!
Many items aren't online yet. Our expert tailors can create a custom piece for you at a great price. Describe your needs below or email us at [email protected]. We'll reply within 1-15 hours.
Your Name:
Your Email:
Describe It:

Chat
Traditional Culture Assistant
Hi, I'm Ming. Need help with our limited-edition cultural goods?