Looking in from outside

Shanghai has China's most henpecked husbands?

Armpit hair here to stay

"Agree, but it's partly due to certain factors that Chinese men can control. For example, a lot more Chinese men smoke, which is bad for health. They also drink, which leads to a beer belly. Most Chinese men who live in the cities lead a more sedentary lifestyle and many do not exercise so they are not in good shape."

Zhang Xuwen, 28, female, programmer, Singapore.

"I agree, but that isn't just in China. I'm less judgmental of men's fashion than women's fashion. People judge women more on appearance everywhere. Chinese women are becoming better educated faster than men, and I think demand for fashion comes from women who want to show off their status."

Christina Jenq, 31, female, academic, US.

"No, Chinese men do pay attention to their appearance, perhaps just on a different benchmark from foreign cultures. Chinese men dress casually because there's no real need to get all dressed up. A lot of service venues in China do not impose a strict dress-code, and will not reject entrance or service to an inappropriately attired patron. At some of the 'to see and be seen' clubs here, or even at hotel wedding events, it is common to spot Chinese men wearing, say, an old T-shirt, shorts or crumpled chinos, sandals and maybe carry a 'man purse'."

Marjory Loh, 31, female, marketing director, Singapore.

"I have to agree. In the workplace, women are more exposed to Western fashion standards and more women interact with Westerners. Chinese women may be learning English at faster rates, learning and adopting Western culture and fashion. Many of our Chinese male clients don't look the part given their powerful positions.

Jonathan Zee, 30, male, architect, US.

"Agree. My Chinese female friends will comment that I am very fashionable, then complain about Chinese guys, and I don't even think I am that fashionable."

Gerry Carranza, 30s, male, process manager, Philippines.

— Judith Huang