Qipao come in a variety of exquisite designs. Photos: Courtesy of Andrew Rowat

With roots in 17th century China, the qipao is an elegant women's garment that's enjoying a revival today. It has a high collar and a tightly fitting cut, with slits at either side of the skirt. Intrigued by its surging popularity, people are flocking to the internet and the shops of Shanghai to see what the hype is about. If you know where to look, you can find a qipao to accommodate all budgets and tastes.

The royal treatment

There is a growing trend to order qipao online where you can choose the color, collar, fabric and length. Each design has a detailed description with an illustration, which makes it easy to choose your favorite one. You can also find different shapes and lengths of qipao, such as qipao with short sleeves, long sleeves, ankle-length, knee-length or even mini skirt-length.

Once you've confirmed your order online, a tailor contacts you to set up an in-store consultation and measuring session. In the store, you can see the same fabrics that are displayed online. After sampling, measuring and finalizing your design, the tailor will make the qipao of your choosing.

One such tailor is Shanghai native Jane Zhu, who first tried on her mother's wedding qipao at the age of seven.

"It's a shame more Westerners haven't discovered qipao," Zhu said. "These dresses look fabulous on any lady."

If you are ordering from another country or your schedule is full and you can't get to a store for a fitting session, you can order a standard-fitted qipao or provide the measurements yourself to the tailor. The price for a quality tailored qipao ranges from 5,500 yuan ($806) to 12,000 yuan ($1,758).

The master's touch

There are many designer boutiques and costume shops on Changle Road that specialize in qipao designs. You can buy qipao that are ready to wear directly from the shop. However, most people prefer to get their qipao tailored.

Hanyi is one well known qipao store on Changle Road. Hanyi is the workshop of a ninety-two year old tailor named Zhu Hongsheng. A well known master among local qipao enthusiasts, Zhu told the Global Times, "I began making qipao as a trainee when I was sixteen years old and finished my apprenticeship six years later. I've been making qipao ever since." Zhu made the qipao worn by Maggie Cheung in the movie In the Mood for Love. Simple styled qipao from Hanyi range in price from 800 yuan ($117) to 1600 yuan ($234). Normally, the process of having a custom-made qipao takes two weeks. However, it can take as long as half a year with a sophisticated enough design.

Due to old age, qipao master Zhu only does measurements for custom made designs. "My handcraft is still as good as it used to be," Zhu said. "It has always been good. I think I was born with a gift that I didn't realize I had until I was sixteen and picked up my first skirt."

Bottom dollar

For those without the budget to shop at a boutique as renowned as Hanyi, buying a qipao is still within reach. If you have a small budget, South Bund Fabric Market is your best choice. Here you can purchase a qipao for as little as 150 yuan ($22). The process usually requires two visits: one for fitting and another for alterations. And if you are in a hurry, next day pickup is available for an extra fee.