Different countries have different dress codes. But the same point is that you should wear suitably. As we know, the westerners are particular about clothes wearing. On different occasions, they wear different clothes. These occasions can be specified and include wedding, party, church, holyday, business, office and recreation and so on.
However, still some people hope to be special. For instance, when they are asked to wear black tie, they wear a pair of slippers; when they are invited to barbeque in the open air, they wear a swallow-tailed coat. Anyway, dress code is just dress code but not everybody use the same one.
Similarly, Chinese people pay much attention to their suit. As China is a very traditional oriental nation, it attaches much importance on etiquettes. Take dress wearing for an example. They think to respect others and esteem themselves, they should wear decent dress. So, it's infrequent to see Chinese girls in the very low dress in public. Wearing like that is a great challenge for them indeed.
As a foreign tourist who is getting around the coastal cities of China, you will seldom see bikini girls on the seashore. In many aspects, the easterners are more conservative than the westerners. Therefore, if you are a western lady, you are suggested to wear kind of conservative swimming dress. Otherwise, you will become a very eye-catching icon among the people.
During the traditional festivals like the Spring Festival, Chinese people like dressing them up to join the banquet. Mid-aged woman like to wear cheong-sam or skirt; man usually wear a suit. Indecent dress can make your dignity lost. Compared with senior people, youngsters would like to dress themselves semiformally even when they are on the banquet. Fortunately, the seniors are always very kind to forgive the juniors.
In addition, Chinese people like red color very much. At festivals or great ceremonies, they prefer to wear red clothing. Even if some people don’t like red, they also choose brightly-colored clothes. In their mind, red symbolizes luck and fortune; only bright colors can match the atmosphere of festivals. If you travel to China or visit your Chinese relatives during the Spring Festival, please prepare some brightly-colored coat in advance. This is so-called ' When in Rome, do as Romans do.'
If you are going to visit a Chinese family, please don't worry about your clothing. Although Chinese people value various etiquettes, they are not very fussy about their guests' clothes. As long as you don't wear too weird or body-revealed, it will be fine. Plain clothes are also acceptable.
When you're arranged to go on a package tour, you'd better prepare one formal dress at least, as sometimes the travel agency will arrange formal dinners, concerts or operas for you. If you look too unkempt due to your coat, you may not be allowed to enter in. For instance, if you come to Xian, China, you will have a chance to try the Dumpling Banquet and watch the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. On these occasions, please dress yourself formally.
Useful Resource:
Chinese clothing shops: offers high quality Chinese dress, Chinese clothing, Chinese wedding and prom dress as well as cheongsam online.
China Apparel: one of China's leading e-commerce companies.
Q & A on Dress Code
1.
Jan. 16,2010 17:54 Reply
Ms.Kirsten(SG) said:
I will be going to Shanghai in the coming end mar to mid apr (3wks) for University program. As i have not been to china before, i really dont now what type of clothing i should prepare to bring.
2.
Jan. 8,2010 07:25 Reply
Mr.Wesley(USA) said:
Good Morning,
I am traveling to Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai next week on business travel. All meetings are with customers for standard business meetings. Is it customary to wear a suit for each meeting each day or will a button down shirt and slacks suffice?
Thanks.
3.
Nov. 2,2009 07:14 Reply
Mrs.Hickman(Geermany) said:
I'm a lawyer and will see clients in Beijing in November. Now it is very cold in Beijing. How do I dress appropriately and still be warm. Will a warm overcoat be acceptable or must it be a formal coat? Will boots be acceptable or must I wear formal court shoes with heel? What about slipping on the ice?
Please help.. Must I wear a suit or can I wear a slack/pant-suit?
Nov. 3,2009 20:46
Mr.rita(cn) replied:
Hi, Beijing had its first snow on Nov.1st. Thus it is cold now. My suggestions is to wear your formal court suit and with a warm coat outside. There must be airconditioner in the hourse you worked, so just put off the coat when you are indoor.
4.
Oct. 22,2009 15:31 Reply
Mr.Charles(usa) said:
Hello,
Where can I order a swallow-tailed coat, and maybe a flag robe too, in China? I'll be there on holyday next month. Hope the taylor shops have stuff speaking Engrish.
Charles!
Oct. 24,2009 20:40
Mr.tina(singapore) replied:
I think there are a lot of shops who offer this service, you can have a look when you arrive china.
5.
Sep. 19,2009 22:00 Reply
Mrs.rebecca cummings(USA) said:
We are attending a evening wedding in China. Could you please suggest what my husband and I should wear?
Oct. 24,2009 20:39
Mr.jill(usa) replied:
you can wear dress and your husband can wear a suit!