Since early August, the excitement for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (19/8/1945-19/8/2025) and National Day on 2/9 has filled fashion stores, online brands, and e-commerce platforms. T-shirts, caps, scarves, backpacks, tote bags, and keychains featuring the national flag are everywhere. Affordable designs range from 50,000 to 150,000 VND. Higher-quality t-shirts and ao dai are selling for 350,000 to 450,000 VND.

Patriotic designs like ao dai, scarves, and t-shirts for all ages went on sale in late July. Photo: Econice, Bui Quy, Cities Boys

Patriotic designs like ao dai, scarves, and t-shirts for all ages went on sale in late July. Photo: Econice, Bui Quy, Cities Boys

Many handcrafted collections with detailed designs and prints show that some local brands see this as a sustainable, long-term market. The patterns, styles, materials, and presentation are diverse and creative.

The "Toi Gioi" (I am Capable) project by a group of people with disabilities in Hanoi has gained support for its leather goods, including bags, glasses cases, keychains, and phone cases, created for the celebration. Another brand launched an ao dai collection featuring lotus flowers, bronze drums, and five-pointed stars in red and white. The high-quality material makes them suitable for formal occasions, not just short-term souvenirs.

Thuy Huong paired a flag-shaped hair tie with a "Vietnam National Day" t-shirt at the "To Quoc Trong Tim" (Fatherland in My Heart) event on 10/8. She chose a t-shirt and scarf with "Vietnam" printed on them for the "Duoi Co Vinh Quang" (Under the Glorious Flag) event at Ba Dinh Square on 9/8. Photo: Provided by the individual

Thuy Huong paired a flag-shaped hair tie with a "Vietnam National Day" t-shirt at the "To Quoc Trong Tim" (Fatherland in My Heart) event on 10/8. She chose a t-shirt and scarf with "Vietnam" printed on them for the "Duoi Co Vinh Quang" (Under the Glorious Flag) event at Ba Dinh Square on 9/8. Photo: Provided by the individual

Most people are drawn to items with slogans like "Independence, Freedom, Happiness", "Vietnam", "If you don't love your country, who will you love?", and "I love Vietnam". Besides the familiar red shirt with a yellow star, some young people designed shirts inspired by Sao Vang balm, a popular ointment in northern Vietnam since the early 1970s.

Many people pair red flag t-shirts with jeans, white sneakers, and tote bags adorned with stickers, taking photos individually or in groups. Compared to previous years, the clothing goes beyond cheap prints, incorporating embroidery, hand-stitching, and stylized 3D printing for more appealing products.

Since late July, 46-year-old Thuy Huong from Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, has been buying items on TikTok for under 150,000 VND to attend "national concerts" and take photos with friends and family. "I bought three oversized t-shirts, which I pair with platform shoes, a cap, and sunglasses. Wearing them makes me happy, proud, and deeply moved, reminding me of the sacrifices and unity that led to our country's independence and freedom," she said. Huong added that these outfits can be worn multiple times, creating new looks with different combinations.

Young people take photos to commemorate the 80th National Day. Video: Huyendieu, Jellyfotos

Recognizing the high demand for stylish outfits for photo opportunities, many businesses have focused on producing these items since early July. Some online shops report that customers are ordering combos as gifts and adding custom logos for souvenirs.

Thu Trang, 27, owner of an online clothing store, said, "In recent years, themed items have sold very well. Ao dai for Tet, red shirts with yellow stars for special holidays or tourist season. Usually, customers buy for their entire group, so they sell out quickly. Selling 50 shirts a day is normal."

The red flag with a yellow star is featured on phone cases, bags, and keychains made by people with disabilities from the "Toi Gioi" project, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. Photo: Toi Gioi

The red flag with a yellow star is featured on phone cases, bags, and keychains made by people with disabilities from the "Toi Gioi" project, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. Photo: Toi Gioi

Despite the high demand, prices remain reasonable, fitting the current economic climate. Besides selling, many places rent ao dai and t-shirts for 30,000 to 130,000 VND, including free accessories like hand-held flags, conical hats, scarves, pith helmets, and paper fans.

Hoang Long, owner of a shop in the Old Quarter, said, "It takes months to plan, source affordable materials and sewing workshops, and mass-produce items at reasonable prices. We must balance meeting customer demands with good after-sales service to compete in today's market."

Y Ly