What is lao traditional clothing?

Traditional clothing in Lao is called ‘sinh’. It is a wrap-around skirt, made out of silk or cotton, and is worn by women. The sinh is usually adorned with intricate embroidery, in various colors and patterns. The embroidery is done by hand, and some designs can take weeks or even months to complete.

The sinh is not just a piece of clothing, but a cultural symbol. The way it is worn, the patterns and colors used, and the type of embroidery all communicate something about the wearer's social status, age and ethnicity.

Another traditional garment in Lao is the ‘pha sin’, a long, rectangular cloth that is draped over one shoulder and wrapped around the waist. This is worn by both men and women and is often used for ceremonial purposes, such as weddings and religious festivals.

Men's traditional clothing includes the ‘salong’, a short-sleeved shirt, and ‘pakama’, a type of pant that is wrapped around the waist and legs.

In recent years, modern clothing styles have become more popular in cities and urban areas in Laos, but traditional clothing continues to be worn for special occasions and to celebrate culture and heritage.