There are as many different versions of Lahu traditional clothes as there are sub-groups of Lahu.

As the name suggests, the clothes worn by the black Lahu are predominantly black, edged with red and yellow embroidery. The women wear a narrow skirt under a waist length shirt that is also decorated with silver jewellery and beads.

The shirts worn by red Lahu women are more colourful, with strong bands of red, and sometimes blue material, as well as embroidery.

The Lahu Haega wear the most distinctive costume of the Lahu people. Their shirts are made from black, blue and red material, with a diagonal cream stripe across the front.

Other Lahu groups have incorporated Nothern Thai shirts and sarongs into their traditional costumes.