Outfits both play an important and integral part of any culture and show the identities of their countries. With such a rich and diverse culture of 54 different ethnic groups, Vietnam has a vast variety of clothing styles which carry contradictory colors and vibrant patterns.

Vietnam Traditional Dress for Male

The traditional outfit for men is known as the Ao Dai which represents purity and grace of the Vietnamese. It is a long silk tunic falling to the knees with a conventional looking snug collar and is buttoned down on the left side. It is generally combined with loose pants underneath.

vietnam traditional dress for male

In the past, the color of the Ao Dai in Vietnam illustrates a man’s position in society. The King worn yellow Ao Dai embroidered with dragons to dedicate their power. High ranking officials worn purple Ao Dai and the commoners put on various shades of blue. Nowadays, it is only worn on special occasions such as weddings and Tet holiday (Lunar New Year)

Vietnam Traditional Dress For Female

The Ao Dai has a feminine version as well. It is quite similar to its masculine one, however, the female Ao Dai remains a striking difference – this silk tunic flows down to the ankles. After a period of customs practiced, Ao Dai has many unique varieties – a four-part flowing tunic had two equal front flaps that women tied together while a five-part variety consists of an extra flap on the right to secure the Ao Dai.

vietnam traditional dress vietnam ecohost

Every region around Vietnam has its own style of flowing tunic. For example, in the North, female Vietnamese wear the four-part with a long skirt (called Ao Tu Than in Vietnam). Especially, this kind of Ao Dai is usually worn with a hat made of leaves called Non Quai Thao or sometimes a scarf over the head. Now you only see Vietnamese Women in Ao Tu Than together with Non Quai Thao in traditional musical performances such as Cheo, Tuong, Quan Ho folk songs, etc. In the Central Region and the South, Ao Dai is worn like today. A long silk tunic includes 2 parts and it is worn over loose-fitting pants which are often in white, black, or colorfully dyed. From the waist, the dress splits into a front and back panel. The beauty of the Ao Dai is showed in the saying “Ao Dai covers everything but hide nothing”. In some school, Ao Dai is compulsory for their female students’ uniform on Monday.

vietnam traditional dress

The Vietnamese women also wear traditional conical hats (Non La) together with Ao Dai. These hats are made from the leaves of palm trees with a view to creating more gracefully for Vietnamese women and protecting you from the heat of the sun and the rain. The origin of the conical hats can be dated back to Hue, as a result, it is truly recommended that tourists buy them at the Hue Citadel.

Vietnamese Traditional Dress of Some Ethnic Groups

Traditional Costume of Thai

The Thai ethnic dress is so elegant and demure, which honors the beauty of the Thai girls. It comprises a plain blouse and a long skirt embroidered with motifs of the sun, flowers, and dragons. The costume is accompanied by the belts, Pieu scarfs, and a few pieces of silver jewelry, helping costumes more beautiful.

thai traditional dress

Traditional Costume of the Hmong

The Hmong people prefer to dress in a more sophisticated and colorful outfit, therefore, their traditional costume is usually made of linen with many colors highlighted with various designs. The perfect outfit consists of a black shirt, colorful skirts, leggings, and a headgear. Like other ethnic groups, they also wear silver beads and jewelry to add a sense of individuality and spirituality.

hmong traditional dress

Traditional Costume of the Cham

The traditional dress of the Cham women may not be as colorful or bright as others, however, it remains an incredible attraction. According to Cham women belief, the traditional tunic is the most sacred and beautiful clothing. The outfit includes a tight-fitting tunic shirt, a skirt having the same as the color of the shirt and a gorgeous headscarf. The prominent highlight of the clothing is that the waistband is tied across the chest and around the waist is designed with golden iridescent shades and meticulous details.

cham traditional dress

In short, Vietnamese traditional costumes remains very simple and modest but so charming. Although they have undergone a lot of change owing to western influence, they have still retained a large portion of its traditional charm and flair. The Vietnamese always take pride themselves whenever dressing their sense and culture.