At the end of Qing Dynasty, women's life mainly followed traditional Chinese customs despite some changes influenced by social events and the western current.

By the late Qing Dynasty, foot binding had become popular among people of all social classes except among Manchu women and the poorest. Foot binding was a custom practiced on young girls beginning in the 10th century. It was initially a common practice only in the wealthiest parts of China, particularly in northern China. Young girls' feet were wrapped in tight bandages so that they could not grow and develop normally; they would, instead, break and become highly deformed, not growing past 4-6 inches. As the girl reached adulthood, her feet would remain small and dysfunctional. The small foot called Three-inch Golden Lotus was considered as a symbol of beauty and high status.

During late Qing Dynasty, costumes of women had a unique style. The upper garments and skirts for women gradually became shorter and their sleeves, wider. Upper outer garments of women reached beyond the knees. Most clothes were lake blue or pink and some were aquamarine, bright red and so on. It was popular to tailor false cuffs, generally 1-2 cuffs or 2-3 cuffs, inside sleeves at the end of the Qing Dynasty. The saddle-shaped collar became even higher as to cover the whole cheek.