Choosing an ao dai to wear for Tet

In recent years, wearing the traditional Vietnamese ao dai dress during Tet (Lunar New Year) has become a popular trend, especially among young people. Many people not only wear ao dai for Tet photos but also choose this attire for visiting temples, exchanging New Year greetings, or attending parties and cultural performances to welcome the new year.

Traditional Vietnamese dresses for Tet (Lunar New Year) are on display at Khanh Linh Shop.

According to business sources, the market for Tet (Lunar New Year) ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) this year started earlier than in previous years. Beginning with Christmas and New Year's Day, many shops imported ao dai to serve the photo-taking needs of people in Can Tho City. However, the Tet ao dai market has only really heated up in the last 10 days or so.

Ms. Phan Thi Hong Van, owner of Khanh Linh Shop on 3rd of February Street, Tan An Ward, Can Tho City, said: "Companies and agencies buy ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) to give to employees at the end of the year; young people wear ao dai for Tet (Lunar New Year) photo shoots; and children buy them for school performances, fashion shows , and spring festivals. This year's Tet ao dai market has seen a diversity of segments and prices suitable for many customer groups. Among them, loose-fitting ao dai in bright colors are the best-selling models. Besides women's ao dai, men's ao dai, couple ao dai, and family ao dai are also popular choices."

In Can Tho City, people can easily find their ideal ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) through both offline channels (markets, shops, supermarkets, shopping malls, etc.) and online via e-commerce platforms and social media, all of which are very active. Ao dai sold on the market today are divided into two types: traditional ao dai and modern ao dai. Both types have versions suitable for men, women, and children. While traditional ao dai have a moderately high collar, fitted sleeves and body, long skirts, and wide trousers, modern ao dai are designed like a dress or have a loose fit, allowing the wearer to comfortably express their personality.

This year's Tet (Lunar New Year) ao dai market features a diverse range of fabrics such as silk, satin, velvet, chiffon, brocade, lace, and more. Each fabric possesses unique advantages to ensure comfort and suitability for various occasions. The trend for Tet ao dai in 2026 leans towards a harmonious blend of tradition and practicality. Designs are more restrained in detail, focusing on the silhouette, material, and feel when worn. Instead of embroidery, painting, beading, or embellishments, this year's Tet ao dai favor simplicity or subtle floral embroidery. Colors like red, yellow, pink, turquoise, and ivory are popular choices due to their suitability for the Tet atmosphere and their versatility.

Nguyen Tran Thanh Nhi, a tourism student at Tay Do University, shared: "The diversity in styles, colors, and materials makes this year's Tet ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) both modern and traditional, while also embodying rich cultural heritage. This is my first year taking Tet photos, and I decided to choose a traditional ao dai to capture memorable images of the spring season."

Meanwhile, Ms. Doan Thi My Nhung from Cai Rang ward, Can Tho city, chose to buy an ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) on Facebook. “Learning from last year, this year I placed my order very early to have time to compare prices, read reviews and comments about the product. If it's too close to Tet, the price will be high, sizes will be out of stock, and I'm afraid of late delivery and difficulty returning or exchanging if it doesn't fit. Besides the ao dai, I also chose accessories like a chain and a basket made of water hyacinth to add more flair when taking photos,” Ms. Doan Thi My Nhung said.

In terms of price, the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) currently sold has a wide range of prices, from mid-range to high-end, to suit the financial capabilities of all customers. Affordable ao dai suitable for photoshoots and casual outings cost from a few hundred thousand dong, while custom-made, high-quality designs can cost up to several million dong per set. Accessories (headpieces, necklaces, baskets, conical hats, fans, etc.) range in price from a few tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand dong per item.

It's evident that in recent years, instead of being busy and devoting all their attention to Tet preparations, many people have chosen to "relax," viewing Tet as an opportunity to rest, enjoy themselves, and recharge for the new year. Wearing traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) while sipping coffee and taking photos at cafes; "checking in" with friends and family at parks, cultural and historical sites; or attending year-end parties and gatherings are considered by many as opportunities to preserve memories, maintain traditional culture, and relax during the spring season.

According to business sources, the price of ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) this year has not increased compared to last year. Ao dai always has a special appeal, so the demand for buying ao dai for Tet (Lunar New Year) continues to rise, and the market will become even more vibrant in the coming days.

Text and photos: MY THANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/chon-ao-dai-dien-tet-a198388.html