The charm of Vietnamese silk

The charm of Vietnamese silk

Vietnamese silk has been finding its way abroad since the 15th century.

Besides being very popular at home, in modern times most foreign travelers like to take home at least a few yards of cloth with them.

Perhaps Chinese, Japanese and Italian silk have a reputation for perfection, but Vietnamese silk can boast an unbleached and natural look that creates a distinctive charm.

The fine, lustrous fiber composed mainly of fibroin, is airy and cool in the heat yet also sufficient for the cooler weather, and these days is used for everything including ao dai, dresses, men suits, handbags, hats and even sandals and slippers.

Silk also makes excellent curtains, sheets, and covers for lamps and lanterns.

Bao Loc municipality in the Central Highlands province of Lam Donghas, over the past decades, becomes the heart of Vietnam sericulture industry.

The 2-9 Textile, Garment and Silk Company at 56 Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Bao Loc supplies a wide a few dollars to more than US$10 per meter.

The company fabric comes in shades of violet, red, purple, yellow, pink, green and navy blue in designs ranging from floral to images of the moon or fans.

Silk also comes from Van Phuc Village in northern Ha Tay Province, the central Quang Nam Province and several other parts of the country.

In the middle of Ho Chi Minh City, you can find a large assortment of fabric along Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue and Le Thanh Ton streets and inside Ben Thanh Market.

Khai Silk on Dong Khoi Street, District 1 is among the more popular and has possibly the most diverse stock.

They take individual orders, which can the buyer back anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of US dollars.