- A breathtaking bridal fusion garment that marries the structured, high-collared elegance of a traditional Vietnamese long tunic (Áo Dài) with a contemporary, ethereal sheer-tulle "floating" pant silhouette beneath the iconic side slits.
- Suitable Fabrics: Silk brocade, heavy silk satin, or stretch-infused traditional silk for the structured bodice and tunic panels; feather-light sheer illusion tulle, organza, and charmeuse for the floating wide-leg trousers.
- Standard Body Measurements (Reference Size): Bust 84 cm, Waist 66 cm, Hip 92 cm, Shoulder to Waist 40 cm, Total Tunic Length 125 cm, Pant Length 102 cm.
Pattern Drafting, Linings, & Seam Allowances
- Standard Allowances: 1.5 cm for side and shoulder seams; 2 cm for the centre-back zipper opening; 3 cm for tunic and trouser hems.
- Front & Back Bodice & Tunic Panels:
- Draft a high-collared, form-fitting Áo Dài sloper with built-in side-seam panels extending downward past the hip line.
- Shape a Mandarin collar band (3 cm height) and carefully curve the upper chest and back princess seams to ensure a snug, structured contour.
- Draft high side slits starting precisely at the natural waistline or hip bone to allow the sheer trousers to peek through dramatically.
- Front & Back Trousers (The "Floating" Pant):
- Draft a wide-leg, fluid trouser block with an elasticised or fitted waistband hidden beneath the tunic overlay.
- Use voluminous, multi-layered sheer tulle over a slim silk charmeuse short-lining to create the floating, cloud-like effect under the tunic's open side panels.
- Lining: Use a lightweight, breathable stretch-silk lining for the main tunic body to ensure comfort while maintaining exterior structure.
Construction Instructions & Methods
- Collar & Neckline Assembly: Construct the Mandarin collar with lightweight interfacing, and attach it cleanly to the neckline using an enclosed bias finish.
- Side Slit Precision: Carefully clip the side seams at the marked waist/hip pivot point, turning under the raw edges of the long front and back panels to form crisp, narrow rolled hems along the high slits.
- Pant Construction: Assemble the sheer tulle wide-leg trousers, attaching the inner charmeuse mini-lining first, then gathering the voluminous tulle layers neatly at the waistband.
- Zipper & Closures: Install an invisible zipper along the centre-back seam of the tunic for a seamless closure.
- Final Hemming: Evenly level the asymmetrical tunic hem and wide-leg trousers, pressing with a silk-safe iron setting.
General Sewing Tips
- Needle & Thread: Use a Microtex needle (size 70/10) for dense brocade or silk satin, and an extra-fine needle (size 60/8) when working with delicate illusion tulle.
- Slit Stabilisation: Apply lightweight fusible stay-tape to the high-slit pivot points on the tunic to prevent tearing or stretching out of shape during movement.
