Chinese Woman's Dress: "Cheongsam"

The Cheongsam is a Chinese dress distinguished by a high neck, asymmetrical closing at the neck, close fit and side slits. The cheongsam is believed to come from the Manchu people, Manchurians who lived north of the Great Wall, who led the Qing Dynasty (1650 - 1900). The tube-shaped gown of the time was worn by both men and women.

A folk tale explains the high slits. A young fisherwoman struggling with the long length of her gown, decided to slit the sides of her dress so that she would tuck the awkward fabric in the front into her pants. At the same time, the young emperor dreamed that a lovely fisherwoman was meant to be his wife. His men found the fisherwoman and she became queen. Everyone imitated her dress with the high slits.
Source:
http://www.my-qipao.com/qipaofct_engl/qipaofc1.html