See-through cheongsam (3)

See-through cheongsam was immensely popular during the 1930s. With abundant materials to choose from, they are fashioned with perforated and see-through synthetic fabrics and must be coupled with a slip when worn.

Short-sleeved see-through cheongsam with angular motif on lilac ground
1930s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
As the fabric bolt used to make this garment was wide enough for a full cheongsam with body and sleeves, there was no need to join pieces together. The collar, cuffs, front-flap and hem are adorned with a blue binding and a yellow piping sewn on by hand. The extremely narrow yellow piping is difficult to sew on, as it requires extraordinary skill to keep the width consistent over the entire cheongsam.
The flower buttons appear in yellow and blue, the same colour combination as the bindings and pipings. The shape of the buttons, meanwhile, matches the pointy edges of the shell fabric motif. The inside of the collar is lined with white lace, which can be replaced when stained.