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Unit 2: CLOTHING | *LISTEN AND READ:

For centuries, poets, writers and musicians have mentioned the ao dai in poems, novels and songs. The ao dai is the traditional dress of Vietnamese women. It consists of a long silk tunic that is slit on the sides and worn over loose pants. Traditionally, it was frequently worn by both men and women. The design and material used for men were different from those used for women. Nowadays, women usually wear it, especially on special occasions. However, many Vietnamese women today often prefer to wear modern clothing at work, because it is more convenient.

Now fashion designers want to change the traditional ao dai. Some have printed lines of poetry on the ao dai, so they look modern and very fashionable. Other designers have taken inspiration from Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. They have visited villages and studied traditional designs and symbols, such as suns, stars, crosses, and stripes. They have added these patterns to the ao dai, so Vietnamese women can continue to wear the unique dress, which is now both traditional and fashionable.