Áo dài

The áo dài, worn above, is the Vietnamese national costume. Once condemned as decadent by the country's rulers, the dress became popular again in the 1990s.

The áo dài is the national costume of Vietnam for women. Vietnamese wear áo dài for formal occasions, at school or for work. The traditional partner to the áo dài for men is called an áo gấm. The áo dài is found in every part of Vietnam, and in overseas Vietnamese communities.

A modern áo dài has two parts, a high collared long dress, and pants that stop at the ankles. Costume and evening-gown áo dài may have colorful designs with flowers, birds, and pictures.

The price of an evening gown áo dài is reasonable, but may be expensive depending on the choice of fabric and the dressmaker. Because of the light transparent fabrics, people who wear áo dài should wear light underwear.

Other websites

• Áo Dài Gallery
• Vietnamese Traditional Costumes and Fashion
• Vietnamese Traditional Áo Dài for Tet
• Viettouch Áo Dài Vietnam