Measuring for Ao Dai: Do Ao Dai

Here are two links to brief instructions on how to measure for ao dai (do ao dai):

courtesy of Ao Dai Cham Khanh. (This site is from a very popular higher end chain in Viet Nam, so the site is all in Vietnamese.)

courtesy of Ao Dai Vinh (this is my preferred site since they show pictures and instructions for how to measure; instructions also available in Vietnamese.)

From past experience, I've seen that each tailor measures slightly differently, but it's always best to talk to a tailor who has done this multiple times before. The best tailor is someone who will not only measure accurately, but who is familiar with you and who can use imagination in creating the designs for you. Ideally, your tailor will know how you move, where you typically put stress or pressure on the tunic, and he/she can recommend  modernized techniques that update the look. (For example, I LOVED it when they put zippers on the tunic instead of buttons!)

My recommendation is to find a customer/client who has been pleased with how his/her tailor has made the ao dai fit his/her frame, and ask that person about his/her tailor. Talk through the process. Don't just measure the basics as if you were going to make a traditional ao dai (ao dai truyen thong), because who knows, you might be inspired to wear something different!  (And, think creatively... don't limit yourself to a high neck (co cao) or a "co thuyen", or a regular sleeve length versus a 3/4 sleeve length. I've seen some women wear amazing designs!)

There are a gazillion and one different designs and styles. You can go modern, traditional, contemporary, whatever you like. Long sleeves, capped sleeves, sleeveless, straps, strapless, 3/4 sleeves, slitted sleeves, flared sleeves, you name it. And the collars... sheesh. Whatever you want. The last I heard was that "3 phan" is the new preferred height for the collars, unless you want to go crew neck, or v-neck, etc. 

Last reminder:  When measuring, wear the bra you intend to wear with the ao dai, and wear shoes that are of the same height as the pair you intend to wear with the ao dai because that affects the length of your pants.