Bellyband - an undergarment covering chest and abdomen

No one is sure of its origins, although it may have originated from China, since a similar garment, called tù dōu (Chinese: 肚兜), existed in ancient China. The áo yếm has always existed as an essential part of the áo tứ thân costume worn by northern Vietnamese women, which itself has existed since at least the 12th century. Unlike other Vietnamese costumes in feudalistic Vietnam that helped to segregate the classes, áo yếm were worn as an undergarment by Vietnamese women of all walks of life, from peasant women toiling in the fields to imperial consorts.

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