Matching and family vyshyvankas for 24 August: how to create a harmonious family look
Matching and family vyshyvankas for 24 August: how to create a harmonious family look
Ukraine’s Independence Day — when the vyshyvanka becomes a family story
24 August is the day when the Ukrainian vyshyvanka steps beyond the festive wardrobe. It becomes a symbol of memory, of the unity of the generations and of belonging to one’s own culture. That is exactly why more and more Ukrainian families choose not separate shirts but matching vyshyvankas or family sets, in which every member of the family looks in keeping with the rest while keeping their own individuality.
This matters especially for celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day, for family photo sessions, christenings, weddings in national style and other important occasions. A well-chosen set of vyshyvankas helps create a whole look without everyone seeming identical.
But how do you find a set that is beautiful, comfortable and will last more than one season? Which fabrics should you choose? Is it worth buying a ready-made set, or is it better to put one together yourself? The answers to these questions will help you buy well without wasting your time.
About the author
Viacheslav TSAL, owner of the Vyshyvanochka.UA online store. Working with vyshyvankas since 2013.
This piece was prepared for the vishivano4ka.com.ua online store on the basis of modern approaches to choosing Ukrainian ethnic clothing, of my own practical experience with buyers and of publicly available sources on the traditions of Ukrainian embroidery.
What are matching and family vyshyvankas?
Matching and family vyshyvankas are collections of embroidered clothing made in a single style, palette or ornamental idea for two or more members of a family. Most often these are sets for a husband and wife, a mother and daughter, a father and son, or vyshyvankas for the whole family. This approach makes for a harmonious look on Ukraine’s Independence Day, at family celebrations or at photo sessions, without anyone losing their individuality.
How did the tradition of wearing family vyshyvankas come about?
Contrary to a widespread myth, the tradition of identical family sets is not an old folk practice. Historically every member of the family had a shirt of their own, ornamented according to regional traditions, to age and to marital status.
Modern family vyshyvankas are a rethinking of Ukrainian heritage. They bring authentic ornaments together with modern design, so that a family looks whole at festive occasions.
That is why makers now create special lines in which one composition is adapted to a women’s, a men’s and a children’s cut.
Understanding this helps you choose a vyshyvanka that is not only beautiful but right for your particular family.
Why have sets become popular precisely for Ukraine’s Independence Day?
In recent years Ukrainians have celebrated national holidays in national dress more and more often. This can be explained by the growing interest in Ukrainian culture and family traditions and by the wish to bring out one’s own identity.
Ukraine’s Independence Day has become one of the main dates when:
- families gather together;
- themed photo sessions are held;
- charity events are organised;
- festive concerts take place;
- children take part in patriotic events.
On such occasions matching vyshyvankas help create a shared look that is instantly recognisable and that sits well both in family photographs and at official celebrations.
Which sets of vyshyvankas are chosen most often?
Makers offer dozens of combinations today, but a few formats remain the most popular.
For a married couple
Classic matching vyshyvankas bring together the same palette and a similar ornament with different features of cut for the man and the woman.
For parents and children
These sets are popular:
- father + son (for example set 7961);
- mother + daughter (for example set 7918);
- mother + son (set 7362).
Sets like these keep a single style without making the looks completely identical.
For the whole family
A full set of vyshyvankas may include:
It is this format that is chosen most often for celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day and for professional family photo sessions.
A short glossary of terms
To find your bearings more easily while choosing, it is worth knowing the main concepts of Ukrainian embroidery.
- Ornament — the system of symbols and repeating elements that forms the composition of the embroidery.
- Borshchiv embroidery — a traditional technique of the Ternopil region, known for its dense black patterns.
- Poltava satin stitch — a technique of embroidering with smooth stitches, which creates a delicate relief.
- Merezhka — an openwork way of ornamenting cloth by drawing out threads and weaving the rest decoratively.
- Cross stitch — the most widespread technique of Ukrainian embroidery, in which the ornament is made of crossed stitches.
- Geometric ornament — a composition of diamonds, stars, triangles and other geometric symbols, characteristic of many regions of Ukraine.
How to choose matching vyshyvankas: 7 criteria that really matter
Most buyers begin with colour or ornament. That is natural, since the pattern is what catches the eye first. Experience shows, though, that how pleased you are with your purchase depends far more on the fabric, the cut, the right size and how well the set holds together as a whole.
To choose a vyshyvanka that will please you for years, it is worth judging it on all of these counts.
1. A single idea, not identical shirts
The best matching vyshyvankas do not copy one another exactly. They are held together by a shared idea:
- the same palette of colours;
- similar elements of ornament;
- a single style;
- the same quality of materials.
The man’s shirt may have a more restrained pattern, the woman’s a more detailed composition and the child’s a simplified motif. That is exactly what makes a family look feel complete.
2. The fabric decides how comfortable it is
Even the most beautiful ornament cannot make up for an uncomfortable material — especially if the celebration lasts all day.
When choosing, pay attention to:
- what the fabric is made of;
- the density of the cloth;
- the season it suits;
- what caring for it involves.
In our vyshyvankas we use linen, cotton and light blended fabrics made of viscose, linen, cotton, polyester and elastane in various proportions.
A useful tip
Before buying a vyshyvanka, check the recommendations for washing and pressing. That will help the piece keep its shape and the colours their depth for longer.
How do you find the right size for the whole family?
Even the best set will lose its appeal if just one shirt sits badly.
So we recommend starting not with a size chosen by eye but with up-to-date measurements of every member of the family.
Pay attention to:
- chest circumference — a required measurement for every member of the family when choosing a vyshyvanka;
- waist circumference — needed for women’s and teenagers’ dresses and vyshyvankas;
- height — the main measurement for children;
- sleeve length — if needed.
Every one of our models has a size chart attached to its product page, so do compare your measurements with that chart rather than going by the international size you are used to.
For children
Children grow fast, so many parents wonder whether to buy a vyshyvanka with room to grow. There is no universal answer. If the piece is needed for Ukraine’s Independence Day or another occasion coming up soon, it is better to go by the child’s current measurements.
Modern vyshyvankas: bringing tradition together with everyday style
The modern vyshyvanka long ago stopped being clothing for formal occasions alone. It fits easily into an everyday wardrobe, worn with jeans, classic trousers, skirts or linen trousers.
That is why modern vyshyvankas often have:
- a clean, simple cut;
- a restrained palette;
- versatile ornaments;
- natural fabrics;
- a comfortable fit.
This approach lets you wear one and the same piece not only on holidays but in everyday life.
Terms explained
Linen — a natural fabric that breathes very well and is often used for summer clothing.
Homespun cloth — a fabric that imitates traditional hand weaving and is used to give a piece an authentic look.
Cuff — the lower part of the sleeve, which completes the silhouette of the shirt.
Stand collar — an upright collar with no turn-down parts, characteristic of many models of men’s vyshyvankas.
The most common mistakes when choosing a set
Even careful buyers sometimes make mistakes that are easy to avoid.
Buying separate shirts without comparing them
In photographs they may look similar, but together they do not add up to a single look.
Going by the photograph alone
Colour on a screen can differ depending on the settings of the monitor.