The Lao traditional Costume (Xout Lao) is composed of different parts. The style varies between genders from regions to regions, and it often depends on the occasions. For instance, in formal settings men typically wear a white silk Nehru-Style Jacket with trousers with socks and dress shoes. Men can also optionally wear a sash (shawl) with checkered patterns on their left shoulders. Women typically wear a Sinh matching in colors with a sash (shawl) and a silk Suea Pat.
However, Laos has issued a decree that outline the details of the elements of the Lao national dress for women and men as below:
- Women:
The elements of Lao national dress by women include a blouse, sinh (skirt), sash (shawl), and shoes. The blouse, sinh (skirt), sash (shawl) must be made from cotton or silk that its material produced in Laos.
- Men:
The elements of Lao national dress by men consist of shirt of any color, trousers and shoes that should be dark in color.
- When to wear Lao National Dress:
Both women and men wear the Lao national dresses when they attend important ceremonies or official events such as official reception, wedding ceremony, Baci ceremony, Lao New Year celebration and so on.