Throughout the 20th century, there
has been numerous changes in
the design of Ao dai: from floral to
checkered patterns, the use of trans-
parent fabric, variations in the neck
collar (between boat and mandarin
style), the shortening of the gown’s
length and different colors of the
loose pants. The modern Ao dai we
see today is tight-fitting, which ac-
centuates and flatters the women’s
curves. Therefore, Ao dai is interest-
ingly considered to cover everything,
but hide nothing, especially when it
is made of thin or see-through fabric.
Unlike many other traditional cos-
tumes, Ao dai still remained popular
and influencial in the modern day
Vietnamese culture. Although Ao dai
is no longer worn by m en, nor do
women on a daily basis, in special
occasions, they are still used widely.
Ao dai is still women favorite dress
in traditional festivities or occasions
such as Tet, wedding or graduation.
In some high schools and universities
in Vietnam, the white ao dai is con-
sidered school uniform for female
students.
The beauty of Vietnamese women is
honoured thanks to Ao dai, so it is
hard to think of any outfit better-suit-
ed the Vietnamese than Ao dai itself.
Ao dai, therefore, is an ideal souvenir
for foreign tourists upon leaving Viet-
nam, to remind them of a beautiful
country that they have been to.
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