Understanding the history of clothing throughout different periods not only helps us learn more about the culture and history of a country but also helps us understand ourselves and the traditional values of our people.
Hung Vuong Era (2000 BCE – 200 BCE)
Vietnamese clothing during the Hung Vuong Era was diverse and rich with various styles and materials. People often used silk, coarse fabric, leather, and various types of linen to make clothes. Women usually wore ao dai (traditional long dress), paired with a scarf. Men often wore ao dai or silk clothes, paired with pants and leather shoes.
Hung Vuong Era (2000 BCE – 200 BCE)
Although Vietnamese clothing changed over time, the fashion style of the Hung Vuong Era remains popular and is reenacted in festivals and art performances today.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Ly Dynasty (11th – 13th century)
During the Ly Dynasty, clothing became more common and widespread, with diverse designs. Women usually wore long-sleeved ao dai, paired with a wide skirt, and their hair was tied in a bun at the back. Men often wore ao dai or coats, paired with long pants.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Ly Dynasty (11th – 13th century)
During this period, the clothing of state officials was clearly defined with different colors, materials, and styles. High-ranking officials often wore red ao dai with intricate patterns, paired with a leaf hat. The clothing of the Ly Dynasty shaped the fashion style of Vietnamese clothing and had a significant influence on later periods.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Tran Dynasty (13th – 15th century)
In the Tran Dynasty, Vietnamese clothing reflected exquisite beauty and elegance. The ao dai was long to the ankles, made of thin fabric in white, with skewed frills around the neck, sleeves, and hems. Wide-legged pants were tightly tied at the ankles, paired with plain leather shoes. Especially in the Tran era, there was a V-shaped belt accessory to hold the pants. These costumes showcased the grace and elegance of the Vietnamese people.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Tran Dynasty (13th – 15th century)
In the Le era, clothing underwent changes, becoming more diverse and complex. Women often wore thin ao dai with intricate floral patterns, beads, paired with short skirts and high-heeled shoes. Men preferred silk clothes, shorts or bell-bottom pants, and socks in various colors. Particularly, court officials often wore beautiful and fresh costumes with elaborate patterns.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Le Dynasty (15th – 16th century)
In the Le Dynasty, Vietnamese clothing continued to evolve and develop. Women often wore long ao dai, with fabric decorations, intricate patterns. Long dresses reached the ankles, paired with high-heeled shoes, creating a charming beauty.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Le Dynasty (15th – 16th century)
Men preferred silk clothes, shorts, undershirts, socks, and shoes. The costumes of officials became more prominent with beautiful patterns. However, the Le era was a long period in Vietnamese history, which included many wars and struggles against foreign invasion.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Mac Dynasty (16th century)
Vietnamese clothing through the dynasties witnessed significant development and changes in both design and materials. In the Mac Dynasty (1545-1592), people’s costumes were clearly divided based on social class and status.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Mac Dynasty (16th century)
People usually wore black or green ao dai, while nobles wore elegant costumes with multiple layers and high-quality materials like silk, silver, and gold. Especially in the Mac Dynasty, Chinese culture also influenced Vietnamese costumes, especially those of the upper class.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Later Le Dynasty (17th – 18th century)
The Later Le Dynasty (1527-1788) marked a major period in the history of Vietnamese clothing before Vietnam was colonized by France. The clothing of this era was divided into court costumes and commoner costumes.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Later Le Dynasty (17th – 18th century)
Court costumes of the Later Le Dynasty were designed with luxury, sophistication, and diversity. These costumes were often made from fabrics like silk, cotton, and tussore, accompanied by various patterns and motifs. On the other hand, commoner costumes were simpler and usually made from more common fabrics such as cotton and linen.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Tay Son Dynasty (18th century)
During the Tay Son period, Vietnamese clothing experienced remarkable development. This period is considered an independent era in Vietnamese history. Familiar costumes like ao dai, ao tu than, silk clothes, and baba clothes appeared and became widely used. These costumes were often made from fabrics like silk, cotton, and tussore, with diverse colors and vibrant patterns.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Tay Son Dynasty (18th century)
Ao dai is the most common costume during this period. It is the traditional dress of Vietnam, with a simple design, long to the ankles, and made from fabrics like silk, satin, and cotton. Meanwhile, ao tu than and silk clothes were used for royalty, nobles, monks, and priests. The baba costume with a simple design and ease of movement was also popular during this period.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Nguyen Dynasty (19th century)
The Nguyen Dynasty marked the final stage in the history of Vietnamese clothing before Vietnam was occupied by French colonizers. The clothing of this period was divided into two types: court costumes and commoner costumes.
Vietnamese Clothing Through the Dynasties – Nguyen Dynasty (19th century)
Court costumes of the Nguyen Dynasty were designed with luxury, sophistication, and diversity. These costumes were often made from fabrics like silk, cotton, and tussore, accompanied by various patterns and motifs. On the other hand, commoner costumes were simpler and often made from more common fabrics like cotton and linen.
The first king in Vietnamese history to marry a Western wife, crowned twice, who is he?
He is known as the first king in history to marry a Western woman, having ascended the throne twice during his reign.
The Only Queen in 1000 Years of Vietnamese Feudal History and Her Tragic Fate
Do you know who is the only female ruler in Vietnam’s feudal history that lasted for 1000 years?
A lineage that produced 14 kings, 5 exceptional generals, defeating the Mongols 3 times: Proudly bearing this surname
The Tran Dynasty has left an indelible mark in the history of our country, shining brightly as a glorious and courageous reign. Its legacy continues to inspire future generations.
400 years of ruling, 31 kings, setting the record for the most reigns in Vietnamese history
This is a lineage with the most kings in the history of Vietnam, reigning on the golden throne for nearly 400 years.
The Thai minister who committed a grave crime by usurping the throne and later forced the king of the Ly dynasty to abdicate before hanging him is who?
After forcing a king from the Lý dynasty to abdicate in favor of his daughter, the chancellor also coerced the king into hanging himself.
