Ao Dai

Ao Dai is the national/traditional costume of Vietnam for Vietnamese women.

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Overview

Ao Dai (Áo Dài) is the national costume of Vietnam for women. Vietnamese wear Ao Dai for formal occasions, at school or for work. The male counterpart to the ao dai is called an ao gam. The ao dai is found in every part of Vietnam, and in overseas Vietnamese communities. The prefix "Ao" classifies the item as clothing. "Dai" means "long." Once condemned as decadent by the country's rulers, the dress became popular again in the 1990s.

A modern ao dai 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 ao dai is reasonable, but may be expensive depending on the choice of fabric and the dressmaker. Because of the light transparent fabrics, people who wear Ao Dai should wear light underwear.