Worth finding
Custom-Tailored Qipao (旗袍定制)
The definitive Shanghai-only purchase: a qipao made to your measurements by a local tailor — the city's signature garment.
Should you buy it?
Good for
- Women wanting a one-of-a-kind garment with a real Shanghai story
- Special-occasion buyers (weddings, galas, cultural events)
- Travelers staying 4+ days — tailoring needs time and a fitting
Not for
- Rushed itineraries — a proper qipao needs days and at least one fitting
- Bargain hunters — real silk and handwork cost real money
Why it is worth considering
The qipao (旗袍) is Shanghai's signature garment, and having one tailored to your measurements is the single most Shanghai-only shopping experience on this list. The process: choose a fabric (silk, brocade, velvet), get measured, pick details (collar height, slit length, buttons), and return for a fitting. Good tailors need several days, so plan this early in your trip.
Prices are not verified here — they vary enormously by fabric and workmanship. Agree the total price (fabric + tailoring + alterations) in writing before the first cut.
Price
Price varies — check in store
We have not verified a current price for this item.
Before you buy, check
- Agree the TOTAL price in writing before measuring: fabric + tailoring + linings + alterations
- Choose fabric first, then design — the fabric grade drives most of the cost
- Insist on at least one fitting before final stitching
- Bring the shoes and undergarments you'll wear with it to the fitting
- Ask about the pickup date and a backup contact in case of delays
Good to know
- A tailored qipao is delicate — request a garment bag and pack it in your carry-on
Sources
- Best Things to Buy in Shanghai 2025: Top 10 Souvenir Picks — Travel of China (checked 2026-10-10)
Recommendation checked 2026-10-10.