These silk garments represent the most popular and widely recognised Vietnamese national costume - the 'ao dai'. It consists of a long gown with a slit on both sides, worn over silk pants, and with probably Chinese- influenced designs. Usually tailor-made, the silk garments were worn on special occasions. The Kinh (Viet) people form the major ethnic Vietnamese group, originating from present-day northern Vietnam and southern China. They are officially known as Kinh to distinguish them from other ethnic groups in Vietnam.
