Summary Background Little is known about factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of patients with vitiligo, and previous studies have shown conflicting results. Objectives To explore the QoL of patients with vitiligo and to identify factors affecting QoL. Methods A nationwide questionnaire‐based study was conducted with 1123 patients with vitiligo recruited from 21 hospitals in Korea from July 2015 to June 2016. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire for demographic information and the Skindex‐29 instrument. Mild or severely impaired QoL in patients with vitiligo was assessed according to each domain (symptoms, functioning and emotions) of Skindex‐29. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with QoL. Results Of the enrolled participants, 609 were male and 514 female, with a mean age of 49·8 years (range 20–84). The median duration of disease was 3·0 years (range 0–60). Using multivariate logistic regression modelling, the involvement of visible body parts and a larger affected body surface area were consistently associated with QoL impairment in all three domains of Skindex‐29. Additionally, the QoL of patients aged 20–59 years, who potentially had a more active social life than older patients, was associated with functional impairment. Furthermore, a higher educational background was associated with emotional impairment. Conclusions A multitude of factors significantly influence the QoL of patients with vitiligo. A better appreciation of these factors would help the management of these patients. What's already known about this topic? Quality of life is highly impaired in patients with vitiligo. What does this study add? The involvement of visible body parts and a larger affected body surface area were consistently associated with impaired symptoms, functioning and emotions. Vitiligo with nonvisible lesions also considerably compromises quality of life; vitiligo should not be regarded as a cosmetic problem. Patients aged 20–59 years experienced significant functional impairment, and those with a higher educational background had more impairment in their emotions. Linked Comment: Ezzedine and Eleftheriadou. Br J Dermatol 2018; 178:28–29. Plain language summary available online Respond to this article