A traditional wedding is the best way to infuse your country’s culture and customs into your modern-day nuptials. One of the most important aspects you need to be mindful of when preparing for your wedding, is proper wedding attire.

Wedding attire, just like wedding practices, differs from culture to culture. In Vietnam, stunning brides prefer the scarlet áo dài for their big day.

The Ao Dai:

The term “áo dài” literally translates to “long tunic” or “long dress.” It is probably the most popular garment of the numerous traditional Vietnamese costumes available. Aside from being the popular clothing choice of the Vietnamese, it also happens to be the country’s national costume.

Contrary to popular belief, women are not the only ones who wear the áo dài. Male versions of the áo dài include the silk áo gâm for the country’s noblemen, and the cotton áo for commoners. áo dài is pronounced “ao zai” in northern Vietnam, and “ao vai” in the south.

Contemporary versions of the áo dài are usually form-fitting, full-length dresses that are worn over either white or black loose trousers. The áo dài is characterized by the numerous splits on the dress, located at the back panel and the front panel of the garment, extending from the waist down.

One thing that’s noticeable about the áo dài design is that it seems to be shortening gradually. A number of áo dàis today are noticeably shorter than their original versions, most of them ending just below the wearer’s knees. You will also find that today’s áo dài have different neckline styles, shoulder designs and sleeve styles, providing fashionable alternatives for Vietnamese women.

Although the áo dài wasn’t created to be a provocative garment, the most popular style of this traditional Vietnamese clothing includes a tight-fitting bodice that outlines the woman’s bust and curves to perfection. Thin fabrics and sometimes even see-through cloths are used to create the sexy versions of the Vietnamese national costume.

Schools in Vietnam today use the white áo dài as their standard female uniform for all the students. áo dàis are also worn by flight attendants and the female staff of various Vietnamese corporations.

Ai dao students

Ao Dai Men

The men’s áo dài on the other hand, is noticeably less form-fitting than the women’s áo dài. The garment is also markedly shorter, extending only to the wearer’s knee. Traditionally, only royalty and the country’s noblemen were allowed to wear the purple áo dài. Commoners were restricted to wearing blue, to show their lower rank.

The Wedding Ao Dai:

Today, most people are familiar with the popular Vietnamese royal costume from the Nguyen dynasty called the áo mệnh phụ. It is a lot more colorful and festive in decoration compared to the regular áo dài

It has a long and flowing outer robe with huge, wide sleeves and is worn by royal females of the Nguyen dynasty for public appearances.

In the last few years, the áo mệnh phụ has been the standard costume worn by lovely Vietnamese brides. The áo mệnh phụ is often accompanied by the silk brocade, crown-like headgear called the khăn đóng.

Although the áo mệnh phụ’s popularity waned for a time because of its extravagant appearance, this costume has returned with a vengeance for both the Vietnamese locals and the members of Vietnam communities overseas.

History of the Ao Dai:

The áo dài’s history can be traced back to the early 1700’s, when Vietnamese clothing was greatly influenced by the imperial Chinese garment during the Qing dynasty called the qipao.

Compared to the qipao, the áo dài is a bit looser, with a wide and flowing skirt. Another distinct difference between the two garments includes the length of the áo dài’s slits. Unlike the qipao, the áo dài had slits that extended to the wearer’s waist, showing a part of the wearer’s sides.

Since its inception, the áo dài has had numerous alterations and modifications designed to make the outfit more appealing and practical for the succeeding Vietnamese generations. Today, shorter, more revealing and more form-fitting versions of the áo dài are available to Vietnamese women.

Cultural Significance of the Ao Dai:

In the last few decades, the áo dài’s practical and stylish design has managed to influence world-famous fashion designers like Ralph Lauren and Chanel. These renowned fashion designers have created numerous collections of modified áo dàis.

The year 2007 marked another resurgence of interest in this decadent and beautiful garment. The Vietnamese film called “The White Silk Dress” managed to attain worldwide fame. The film centered on a white silk áo dài that was passed on from a mother who was part of a poverty-stricken family to her daughters. Huge emphasis was placed on the cultural significance of the áo dài in the Vietnamese culture and how the garment symbolized the strength of women in Vietnam.

To foreigners and Vietnamese locals alike, the áo dài has a special place in Vietnamese culture. The garment has always been representative of the beauty and the grace of Vietnamese women. Timeless and absolutely elegant, the áo dài remains the dress of choice for Vietnamese men and women for social and formal events.

There has been much poetry, music and literature created by Vietnamese artists that praises the classic beauty of the áo dài. To the Vietnamese, the áo dài is not just a garment, it is representative of the unbreakable spirit and grace of the Vietnamese people.

Check out the glamorous ao dai fashion show below

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