What is Appropriate Business Attire in China

As China's economy continues to soar, more and more Westerners go to the country to conduct business with Chinese entrepreneurs. When dealing with your Chinese business counterparts, it is important to remain aware of Chinese cultural practices and customs that may differ from the Western way of doing business. As clothes are the first thing a person sees, dressing right for the Chinese is a vital ingredient in making a good impression.

History
Following the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, international business from Europe and America was essentially ended under Mao Zedong. After Mao's death, however, Deng Xiaoping rose to power in 1978 and opened up market reforms known as "Socialism With Chinese Characteristics." Today, China is a relatively open-society with a great deal of international investment.

Setting
Like all aspects of Chinese culture, business in China has been guided by Confucian principles for the past 2,500 years. Consequently, maintaining face while preserving harmonious relationships play a large role in doing business in China. It is wise to help your Chinese colleagues maintain face by praising their merits and accomplishments, and by being gentle when giving criticism. If possible, give your Chinese colleagues the benefit of the doubt and they will likely get the hint. Gift giving is a normal part of Chinese business conduct, and should be reciprocated.

Fashion
In recent decades Chinese businesspeople have taken to western business attire. Their clothes are generally conservative and contain dull colors, as they do not appreciate appreciate clothes with loud colors or attention-grabbing gimmicks; this is definitely not the country to wear your bright-red blouse or your Metallica necktie. You should instead blend in with your Chinese counterparts' mode of dress.

Men's Attire
Since 1949 the iconic mandarin-collared Mao suit has long been associated as the staple of Chinese men's formalwear. The Mao suit has fallen out of fashion in recent years, however, and western formal attire is the norm amongst Chinese businessmen. The standard attire is conservative, subdued and doesn't beg for attention. Wearing a gray jacket, light-blue necktie and white collared shirt is a great place to start.

Women's Attire
The same rules apply for women as they do for men; conservative western attire with neutral colors. Avoid flashy jewelry, such as large earrings or necklaces, and do not wear revealing clothing, such as see-through blouses or low-cut skirts. Shoes should be low-heeled or flat, and high heels are to be avoided in business settings. A simple knee-length skirt and a blouse with a reasonably cut neckline should suffice.