Beauty

Discover and explore the beauty of Vietnamese fashion throughout the ages.

Below, we can observe the evolution of Vietnamese clothing throughout different periods, clearly showcasing the distinct characteristics of each era. We can appreciate the significance and beauty of Vietnamese attire in every time period.

Administrator

1 February, 2024

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Understanding the evolution of clothing throughout different periods not only helps us to grasp the culture and history of our country, but also helps us to understand ourselves better and appreciate the traditional values of our nation.

Hung Vuong Dynasty (2000 BC – 200 AD)

Vietnamese clothing during the Hung Vuong Dynasty was diverse and rich in different styles and materials. People often used silk, coarse fabric, leather, and other types of linen to make clothes. Women usually wore ao dai, combined with a headscarf. Men often wore ao dai or silk ao, combined with pants and leather shoes.

Hung Vuong Dynasty (2000 BC – 200 AD)

Although there have been changes in Vietnamese clothing over time, the fashion style of the Hung Vuong Dynasty is still popular and reenacted in current festivals and artistic performances.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Ly Dynasty (11th-13th Century)

During the Ly Dynasty, the clothing of the Vietnamese people became more popular and uniform, along with diversity in design. Women often wore wide-sleeved ao dai, combined with flared skirts, and their hair was tied in a bun at the back. Men often wore ao dai or coats, combined with long pants.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Ly Dynasty (11th-13th Century)

During this period, the clothing of the state officials was clearly defined with different colors, materials, and styles. High-ranking officials often wore red ao dai, intricately embroidered with flowers, combined with traditional palm-leaf hats. The clothing of the Ly Dynasty shaped the fashion style of Vietnam and had a great influence on later periods.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Tran Dynasty (13th-15th Century)

During the Tran Dynasty, Vietnamese clothing reflected a delicate and elegant beauty. The ao dai was long, reaching the ankles, made of thin, white fabric, with uneven frills at the collar, sleeves, and skirt edges. Wide-legged pants were tightly tied at the ankles, combined with plain leather shoes. Especially during the Tran Dynasty, there were accessories in the form of V-shaped belts to hold the pants. These costumes displayed the elegance and sophistication of the Vietnamese people.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Tran Dynasty (13th-15th Century)

In the Le Dynasty, clothing underwent changes, becoming more diverse and complex. Women often wore thin ao dai with intricate patterns, beads, combined with short skirts and high heels. Men preferred wearing silk ao, shorts or wide-legged pants, and multi-colored stockings. Particularly, officials often wore beautiful and fresh costumes with rich patterns.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Le Dynasty (15th-16th Century)

During the Le Dynasty, Vietnamese clothing continued to evolve and develop. Women often wore long ao dai, with fabric-decorated sleeves and intricate patterns. Long dresses reached the ankles, combined with high-heeled shoes, creating a charming beauty.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Le Dynasty (15th-16th Century)

Men preferred wearing silk ao, shorts, undershirts, stockings, and shoes. Costumes of high-ranking officials were even more emphasized, with various beautiful patterns. However, the Le Dynasty was also a relatively long period in Vietnamese history, with many wars and struggles against foreign invasion.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Mac Dynasty (16th Century)

Vietnamese clothing through different periods witnessed significant development and changes in both style and material. In the Mac Dynasty (1545-1592), people’s clothing was clearly divided based on social class and status.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Mac Dynasty (16th Century)

People commonly wore black or green ao dai, while the nobility wore luxurious costumes with multiple layers and high-quality materials such as silk, silver, and gold. Particularly, during the Mac Dynasty, Chinese culture also influenced Vietnamese clothing, especially for those in high positions.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Post-Le Dynasty (17th-18th Century)

The Post-Le dynasty (1527-1788) marked a major period in the history of Vietnamese clothing before Vietnam was colonized by the French. The clothing of this period was divided into two types: court clothing and ordinary people’s clothing.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Post-Le Dynasty (17th-18th Century)

Court clothing of the Nguyen Dynasty was designed with elegance, sophistication, and diversity. These costumes were often made of fabrics such as silk, cotton, and taffeta, with various patterns and designs. On the other hand, ordinary people’s clothing had simpler designs, often made of more common fabrics such as cotton and linen.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Tay Son Dynasty (18th Century)

During the Tay Son period, Vietnamese clothing experienced significant development. This period is considered an independent period in Vietnamese history. Familiar costumes such as ao dai, four-part robes (ao tu than), silk ao, and ba ba shirts appeared and became popular. These costumes were often made of fabrics such as silk, cotton, and silk, with various colors and bright patterns.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Tay Son Dynasty (18th Century)

Ao dai is the most popular costume during this period. It is the traditional Vietnamese robe with a simple design, long to the ankles, made of fabrics such as silk, satin, and cotton. As for the four-part robes and silk ao, they were used for the royal family, nobility, monks, and priests. The ba ba shirt with a simple design and ease of movement was also popular during this period.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Nguyen Dynasty (19th Century)

The Nguyen Dynasty marked the final stage in the history of Vietnamese clothing before Vietnam was colonized by the French. The clothing of this period was often divided into two types: court clothing and ordinary people’s clothing.

Vietnamese Clothing through Dynasties – Nguyen Dynasty (19th Century)

The court clothing of the Nguyen Dynasty was designed with elegance, sophistication, and diversity. These costumes were often made of fabrics such as silk, cotton, and silk, with various patterns and designs. Meanwhile, ordinary people’s clothing had simpler designs and was often made of more common fabrics such as cotton and linen.