Did you know that Áo dài is still listed as "Aodai" in the dictionary? There is no suitable word to translate it. This truly reflects the national tradition behind this type of clothing in Vietnam. No matter how many times the Áo Dài has been changed in style and form, this traditional Vietnamese garment retains its unique charm, completely different from other types of clothing. Some people think the Áo Dài is similar to the Shanghai dress (cheongsam). They overlook the fact that the Mandarin dress has existed since the 1920s, while the Áo Dài was created much earlier. This means the Áo Dài is Vietnam's special traditional dress. In the 18th century, long dresses were still favored by Vietnamese women. However, in 1744, under the Nguyễn dynasty, Lord Vũ Vương—an official governing the northern part of Central Vietnam—proposed a change in clothing for both men and women, with a set of pants and a front-buttoned tunic. This seemed to lead to the revolution of a new outfit called "Áo dài" when it was first introduced in a fashion show in the 1950s. Two Vietnamese tailors, Trần Kim Dung and another, created a new raglan sleeve and clothing with a diagonal seam running from the neckline to the armpit. 
How to make an Áo Dài? Vietnamese people are always proud that it is perfect for highlighting the graceful curves of a woman's body. From the collar to the waistline, the Áo Dài offers the wearer comfort in both wearing and moving. The pants, which extend past the heels, are a great match with the Áo Dài's tunic. Synthetic fabric or silk are popular choices for making Áo Dài due to their cool and quick-drying properties. Today, there are several changes to provide a fresh look to the traditional garment. The flaps are shortened to just below the knee; the collar is absent in some variations. A wide range of colors is an added point to make the Áo Dài suitable for people of all ages. It is no longer tied to age for color choices as before. Nowadays, some women prefer to combine the original Áo Dài with jeans or khaki pants. 
When to wear an Áo Dài? For a long time, the Áo Dài has become a national symbol of Vietnam. Although people do not wear it as often as they once did, you can easily spot a high school student or a receptionist in an Áo Dài. Generally, the Vietnamese Áo Dài is worn on special occasions such as graduations, weddings, national holidays, etc. Depending on each event, the style and design of the Áo Dài range from simple to luxurious. 
For example, Vietnamese students who are slightly taller prefer to wear a pure white or light blue, simple Áo Dài, while brides tend to choose Áo Dài with delicate patterns that provide a lovely and luxurious look for their wedding photos. In the past, the Áo Dài was worn by both men and women. Today, Vietnamese men only choose the Áo Dài for certain formal occasions like weddings or wedding ceremonies. 
The Áo Dài in International Eyes The Áo Dài is always honored at festivals worldwide or in competitions such as Miss World, Miss Earth, or the APEC international conference hosted in Vietnam... It is also chosen as the main attire for some festivals of the Vietnamese community around the world. In some events related to Vietnam, many foreign artists have decided to wear the Áo Dài as a gesture to show their respect and friendliness toward Vietnam. 