Áo dài

The áo dài is Vietnam’s national dress. It consists of a long, fitted tunic worn over loose-fitting trousers. The tunic resembles the Chinese qipao, with a fitted bodice, a cinched waist and side slits extending from the waist downward. The front and back panels flow gracefully with the wearer’s movements. Women typically wear the tunic over high-waisted, wide-legged trousers in white or a color that complements the tunic.

Once associated primarily with the elite, the áo dài is now worn by Vietnamese women of all ages and social backgrounds. It can be seen on festive occasions, at temple fairs and in everyday life. For international visitors, it has become an enduring symbol of Vietnamese culture.