Fashion in Modern Vietnam

Published: July 28, 2026 · Updated: July 28, 2026

In modern Vietnam everyday wear became Western, while the áo dài is carried on as a national formal dress — at ceremonies, as a school uniform and in hospitality; the practical southern áo bà ba has also long been loved.

Overview

Through war and partition, then reunification and economic growth, dress Westernised while keeping its own symbol.

Key garments and style

Daily wear became largely Western, but the áo dài lives on as the white schoolgirl’s uniform, as ceremonial and festival dress, and in hotel and airline service. In the south, the loose two-piece áo bà ba was loved as practical wear, and in recent years Vietnamese designers and brands have grown.

Transition

Modern Vietnamese dress keeps the áo dài as its national garment for formal and festival wear within global fashion.

History of this period

Modern Vietnam 1945–present