Many Lao women still wear traditional skirts (sinhs) every day, but modern fashion trends are pushing producers to develop their sinh and blouse patterns to attract young people and respond to their needs.

Increasing demand from local women and visitors has allowed some families, skilled in weaving sinhs, to send their products, or move their family, to Vientiane where they can work full-time as weavers and improve their living conditions. The modern silk sinh and blouse styles have developed as a mix of elements from various regions across the country, helping to modernize the designs.

President of Lao Women's Business Association, Ms Chanthao Pathammavong said in the past Lao women wove textiles and sinhs primarily for use within their families. Now they are focusing more on markets and improving their designs to meet domestic market demands.

Women from different ethnic groups now weave many different types of patterns using a variety of techniques and are learning to use colors that are most in demand. In the past, sinhs were highly valued in Laos, probably more than any other handicraft product, providing women with a basic need – clothing.

Ms Chanthao argued that today's newer technology and wider advertising has allowed modern clothing industries to more easily attract the public, leading to a decline in traditional weaving. At present, if sinh weavers don't adjust their patterns and colors to look more modern, they may find it difficult to attract young women, which may lead to a decline in the prevalence of sinhs worn for traditional events. This has a negative impact on weavers' income and may even lead to unemployment, but makes it especially difficult to preserve this valued Lao tradition. Though modern sinh patterns may revive interest in wearing the skirts, even outside the country, they should remain appropriate and adhere to their traditional propriety.

Today, Lao traditional skirts have developed more than most other handicrafts and have become famous among tourists who buy them as gifts for friends and relatives. Interest in the delicate and beautiful patterns of Lao sinhs expands to Thailand, Cambodia and Japan , demonstrating the potential for overseas exports.

Ms Chanthao explained that if we want to see foreigners wearing sinhs, the answer is simple. Lao women can help preserve tradition and culture, while ensuring employment of weavers, by continuing to weave and wear sinhs.

A weaver in Simeuang village, Ms Latsame Phathomma, expressed her view that it is presently necessary to adjust sinh styles to fit into modern fashions in order to keep the art of hand-weaving alive. Though the look and style may evolve, the integrity and standards of the product should remain. For example a sinh consists of 3 different parts, the hua sinh (waistband), pheun sinh (body, main part) and the tdin sinh (hem). Weavings with different designs and colours come from each portion of the country and reflect the culture, social relationships and beliefs from community to community and region to region. "

 Vientianetimes