the difference between Ao Dai and Cheongsam/Qipao

A while ago I was asked about the construction of the Vietnamese Ao Dai and Chinese Cheongsam/Qipao. I had a few dresses at my disposal and figured it would be fun to do a compare and contrast. Due to the relatively small collection, I was only able to photograph a few samples (all tailored circa 2000s, except one I'm sure…). This basically just covers the “classic” tailoring styles of Ao Dai and Cheongsam/Qipao... which may or may not be followed by the latest fashion trends. 

NOTE: For simplicity’s sake, I primarily used the word Cheongsam (Cantonese) instead of Qípáo (Mandarin) because its wider use as an English loanword. 

I’m not a tailor or have any sewing ability whatsoever so please don’t ask me about patterns, darts, etc.