How To Wear Khan Dong or Other Headpieces

There are multiple styles of Vietnamese headpieces that cover a wide range of formality and event appropriateness. The styles listed on this page are: Traditional, Modern, Soft Headbands, Men's, and Grass Hats.

Traditional Ao Dai Turban/Hat (Khan Dong)

Also known as khăn đóng, khăn vấn, or khăn xếp, these originated as rolled turbans. Modern khan dong are festive, formal headwear mainly paired with traditional ao dai, used in important events such as weddings or Lunar New Year parties. These headpieces have a hard backing and come in multiple sizes and styles depending on both inner circumference and how many rings the hat has. To measure yourself for one, find the circumference in centimeters around your head from forehead to the lower back of your head.

When worn, the silhouette of a khan dong should resemble a halo. Khan dong are worn diagonally, small brim resting just above the hairline and ring extending to the lower back of the head. The design and larger half of the hat should be placed up and forwards, with the plain side turned to the back. Traditionally, the wearer should wear their hair pinned in a bun to help hold the headpiece in place. The hat itself should fit with little space on the head, but without squeezing pressure or feeling like it will fall off.

Due to their circular shape, stiff khan dong may need "breaking in" by pressing the sides of the hat hard enough to move the rings and fit a person's head. There may be a few cracking sounds, but it won't affect the headpiece visually.

We are available for custom orders for these, customizing size or design as requested.

Modernized Khan Dong

These crescent-shaped headbands are a hybrid of traditional Vietnamese headwear and modern ease. Both styles should be worn like the traditional khan dong, if smaller, but are also lighter in weight and more flexible in head sizes.

These modernized versions are semi-formal and suit any festive occasion such as weddings, parties, photo shoots, and so on.

Due to their flexibility, these come in one size.

Plush Headbands

Similar to the twisted headband, these are made of tubes of soft fabric with a spongy inner core, attached together to resemble a traditional khan dong. The adjustable ribbon in the back allows this headband to be resized unlike the rigid traditional style.

Wireframe Headbands

Fine translucent mesh fabric recreates the silhouette of a khan dong, while the wire frame allows more flexibility than a traditional headpiece without worry about creases or deformation like a plush headband.

Twisted Headband

These are the simplest and most casual options of festive Vietnamese headwear, made of two soft tubes of fabric twisted around each other. They may be plain or decorated with pearls and flowers. These are suitable for any event and ao dai style depending on level of decoration.

Like the khan dong, they should loop around the hairline to the lower back of the head. They are held in place by an adjustable ribbon in the back.

We can order these headbands with custom decorations for more formal events.

Young girls also have a simpler, unbraided option, usually a single soft tube made with pretty fabric.

Men's Headband (Khan Dong)

The equivalent of the women's khan dong. These are less extravagant and worn horizontally. It has a small brim in the bottom front like a baseball cap. The top has a band of fabric to cover the back of the head and keep the hat in place. This headpiece is suitable for both casual and high class events. 

The khan dong should fit comfortably without falling down to the ears, feeling like it will fall off, or squeezing your head. To measure yourself for one, find the circumference in centimeters around your forehead like you would measure for a hat.

Though more flexible than the womens' equivalent, these khan dong may still need "breaking in" by pressing the sides of the hat in to make it fit the shape of one's head. There may be a few cracking sounds, but it won't affect the headpiece visually.

Young boys have a similar option, as a thinner headband with less wrapped rings.

Grass Hat (Nón lá)

These are casual headwear, traditionally made to block out the sun. They can be worn at photoshoots or any outing, whether with ao dai, ao baba, or other outfits, and are made in both adult and kid sizes. An adjustable ribbon tied to the bottom of the hat holds it in place. They may be painted, decorated with stickers, or simply plain.

Please note that these are fragile and easily punctured. Ideally, grass hats should come with a detachable plastic wrap enveloping it to help protect from both rain and tearing.