H’Mong Ethnic Group

Since migrating from China in the 19th century, the H’Mong have grown to become one of the largest, and most underprivileged, of the ethnic groups in Vietnam. They fall into various sub-classifications, including Black, White, Red, Green and Flower, each of which bears their own subtle variation on traditional dress. One of the easies to recognize are the Black H'Mong, who wear indigo dyed linen clothing (which practically gives off a metallic shine) with women typically wearing skirts, aprons, wrap-on leggings and a cylindrical hat. The flower H’Mong men wear dark black and blue. The women wear slightly more elaborate outfits than the Black H’Mong, usually with a paid wool headdress. H’Mong women typically wear large silver necklaces and clusters of several bracelets and earrings.