Vietnam is the homeland of 54 ethnic groups. Each of the groups owns its unique cultural and traditional features that differentiate it from others. The very first thing that helps you distinguish among minority groups is their dress. The traditional dress of long-dressed Dzao is so special that you can recognize right from the first time you see. It is simple but special.

“Dzao áo dài” people (long-dressed Dzao people) are mainly living in Ha Giang, the Northern province of Vietnam. The name itself states the type of clothes they wear, which is the long-tail coat. Both men and women wear the long dress, but one of the men is quite shorter. The dress is often in black or dark navy blue.

Like Ao dai of Kinh people, the dress has two parts which are the two ankle-length panels with long-sleeved tunic and pants worn inside. The panels are buttoned at the right ribs. People wear a red belt around their waist to support the pants which are not elastic and often loose. Long-dressed Dzao women usually carry a tiny bag that contains necessary things like money. For easier movement, they usually fold two panels onto the belt and so do the leg opening parts.

The costume of long-dressed Dzao people will look more gorgeous and charming when it goes with lighting accessories such as necklace, bracelets, earrings, and rings.

Each family has an antique sewing machine and women are the ones who sew these traditional costumes for their family. In their perception, women must know how to embroider since they were small. The image of their mothers sitting at the door and weaving birds and flowers becomes familiar to young girls. A man may base on sewing skills of girls to choose his wife.

The dress is simple but it shows skillful hands of long-dressed Dzao people. The technique is passed down from generation to generation. When those girls have their own family, they will teach their beloved kids how to make the traditional dress

Nowadays, despite the convenience of T-shirts and jeans, the traditional dress is still a crucial part in long-dressed Dzao people’s spiritual life. Though putting on the dress is quite hot, Dzao people wear it very often in their daily life and at special and sacred events. The traditional dress is worn when they go to the fields to do farming works, when they go to the local market held on every Thursday and when they attend weddings, festivals,…

Generally, the long dress of Dzao people is simply beautiful and unique. It is an outfit to put on every day and also a present revealing the rich culture of the group.

Nguyen T. Thao