Áo dài Việt Nam

There are many things traditional to Vietnam yet deeply impress people from all over the world. Ao dai is one of them

The exact origin of Ao dai is still controversial. Ao dai is thought to be influenced by theimperial Chinese garb of the Qing Dynasty, known as Cheongsam. It is a fitted, full-length dress worn over black or white loose-fitting trousers. Unlike Cheongsam, however,Ao dai is split all the way from the waist down, contouring the pants. In 1744, theNguyen Dynasty required that both men and women should wear both pants and gown,though not until 1930 that Ao dai takes a similar shape to what it is right now.Ao dai has experienced many modifications since its original version.

Ao tu than, whichhad been worn by Vietnamese women centuries before the Ao dai evolved into the five-paneled dress which is known as the closest form to the Ao dai.

The older version of Aodai then has five flaps: two in the back, two in the front and one under the front lap. Aodai, however, is more tight fitted and has higher collar without a bodice underneath.

Throughout the 20th century, there has been numerous changes in the design of Ao dai:from floral to checkered patterns, the use of transparent fabric, variations in the neckcollar (between boat and mandarin style), the shortening of the gown's length anddifferent colors of the loose pants. The modern Ao dai we see today is tight-fitting, whichaccentuates and flatters the women's curves.

Therefore, Ao dai is interestingly consideredto cover everything, but hide nothing, especially when it is made of thin or see-throughfabric.Unlike many other traditional costumes, Ao dai still remained popular and influential inthe modern day Vietnamese culture. Although Ao dai is no longer worn by men, nor dowomen on a daily basis, in special occasions, they are still used widely.

Ao dai is stillwomen favorite dress in traditional festivities or occasions such as Tet, wedding orgraduation. In some high schools and universities in Vietnam, the white ao dai isconsidered school uniform for female students.

The beauty of Vietnamese women is honoured thanks to Ao dai, so it is hard to think ofany outfit better-suited the Vietnamese than Ao dai itself. Ao dai, therefore, is an idealsouvenir for foreign tourists upon leaving Vietnam, to remind them of a beautiful countrythat they have been to