Oriental Dresses

In the Orient, women pay particular attention to both their manner of dress and their behavior. Oriental dresses, like many other Oriental traditions, are geared towards perfection. The slightest imperfection, in the Orient, is spotted immediately and considered intolerable. Thus, the construction and fit of the dress is held to the highest standards. Rarely will you find Oriental dresses with so much as a loose thread. Materials used in the construction are of the finest quality, and many Oriental dresses today are still hand made. There's a dress for every size and shape, and come in almost all colors.

An Oriental dress has a distinctive cut and style. The traditional dress is ankle length, although some fashions of today are cut just below the knee. The rest of the style has remained constant, with few, if any changes. Oriental dresses have a military jacket style fold, that extends all the way down to the hemline. A large panel crosses the bust, with a sharp, square line that ends right before the shoulder. The sleeves are known today as cap sleeves, so named for the half-moon shaped covering, or “capping” of the shoulder. The most distinct and unusual feature of Oriental dresses is the collar. Known as a “Mandarin” collar, it stands straight up, wrapping partially around the wearers neck.

Materials used to construct this uniquely cut attire are limited. Traditionally, high quality silk and satin fabrics are used for this dress, which is then embellished with embroidery. With the shiny appearance of satin fabric, the shape of the female form is accentuated further. Because of this, satin dresses are only suited to those of a very slim figure. Otherwise, the material may scrunch and bunch in unattractive ways around the stomach, hips, and bust line. On the other hand, silk is an especially forgiving material. Conforming to the body's natural shape, bunching is impossible due to the slippery nature of the fabric.

Aside from the fabric, embroidery is also a well known part of the O style of Oriental dresses. Usually hand sewn, the embroidery is made from silk thread of matching or contrasting color. Floral prints are the most popular, widely used on Oriental dresses. The designs are vine-like, snaking around the front and back of the dress. For the most flattering effect on the face, the embroidery usually climbs up the shoulder and makes its way across the neckline. Although some Oriental dresses are plain,without embroidery,these are less common.

Like oriental cultural traditions, attention is paid to every minute detail, from a single thread out of place to the overall fit. With the elements of unique cut, satin or silk fabrics, and rich embroidery, the Oriental dress has earned it's place in the history books as one of the longest lasting styles worn.

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