Lifestyle

Black Mong Apparel: Elevate Your Style with Timeless Elegance

The Mong ethnic minority is divided into four distinct branches: White Mong, Indigo Mong, Black Mong, and Flower Mong, each identifiable by their unique traditional attire.

Administrator

16 October, 2025

The Black Mong ethnic group in Thuy Hung commune, Thach An district, Cao Bang province, boasts a distinctive attire that, while less vibrant than other Mong branches, exudes elegance and sophistication.

A traditional Black Mong ensemble comprises a headscarf, shirt, bra, skirt, waist belt, and leggings, all crafted from indigo-dyed fabric. The shirt features side slits and a circular collar, with overlapping front flaps secured by a cloth belt instead of buttons. The shirt’s hem, sleeves, and leggings are adorned with colorful fabric or intricate embroidery.

Black Mong women wear a bra beneath a low-cut shirt, its collar embellished with exquisite embroidery. The leggings, long strips of black fabric wrapped around the calves, are fastened with embroidered laces at the ends. Their pleated, knee-length black skirts resemble those of the White Mong.

Duong Thi Noong, a resident of Ka Lieng hamlet, recalls that traditionally, creating a complete outfit by hand—from spinning and weaving to dyeing and embroidering—took three to four months. “It was a laborious process,” she explains. “Now, we purchase fabric from the market and use sewing machines, completing a set in about 10 days. We opt for lighter fabric in summer and thicker material for winter.”

Black Mong women’s costumes feature geometric patterns—spirals, squares, rectangles, diamonds, and triangles—interwoven with cross-stitch and floral motifs. They accessorize with necklaces, silver brooches, and other traditional jewelry.

For everyday activities, the Mong in Thach An district favor simple, comfortable attire. However, for significant community and family events, they proudly don their traditional costumes.

“Historically, a Mong girl would prepare three sets of clothing before marriage,” shares Duong Thi Noong. “Today, traditional attire is reserved for special occasions like weddings, gatherings, and National Great Unity Day. Children wear these outfits for school celebrations, often purchased from my shop.”

Ha Van Thien, head of Ka Lieng hamlet, notes a growing awareness of cultural preservation in recent years, with more people wearing traditional clothing during special events.

Thach An district has initiated programs to bolster the local economy while safeguarding ethnic heritage.

“I urge authorities at all levels to implement policies and allocate resources to preserve Mong culture,” emphasizes Dinh Van Huu, Chairman of the Thuy Hung commune People’s Committee.