Costumes

The Triangular hat made of Palm leaves is used in many countries in South East Asia but not many countries are so much associated with it as Vietnam. It’s very much used mostly by women and especially outside the big cities. The “non bai tho” gives an excellent protection against the strong sun.
It is fastened under the chin with a broad cloth which also can be drawn up to cover your mouth and nose.
The mouth cover’s main function is to protect your skin against the sun but nowadays it is also a way of protection against dust and pollution when riding motorbikes.
It seems a strong habit many places and often even nighttime after dark you can meet young girls and women wearing the cover and I wonder why…no sunshine and no pollution but still they wear it.
The traditional silk dress Ao Dai, trousers and a skirt outside with split all the way up is said to cover everything but at the same time reveal everything. Two long slits along the side allows the gown to have two free floating panels in front and at the back of the dress. It’s elegant and at the same time cool in the warm weather. Some places I’ve seen it used as school uniforms completely white but also restaurant personnel, flight crews etc are using it but mostly then with white trousers and another coloured skirt like blue or red.