Ukrainian national dress for men is not only a museum piece recalling historical facts but a story of the past and a spiritual heritage. So modern pieces can be stylish and carry notes of the past at once — a traditional ornament or another pattern, for instance. If you would like to try on a shirt like a true Cossack's, do visit the «Vyshyvanochka» online store. Our range holds a men's collection of national dress in a new, more modern form.

The Ukrainian costume: a little history

Ukrainian national dress for men was above all comfortable, so a man could work in it. It was sewn from linen and cotton, as these materials were the most hard-wearing and easy and affordable to obtain. Ukrainians wore shirts with a pazushka — a small opening at the neck, embroidered with patterns — and trousers. Traditionally the embroidery was black or red. The shirt was always tucked into cotton trousers.

Vyshyvankas had a small collar. Some cuts had a turn-down neckline or none at all. Such clothing was fastened with buttons or cords.

The trousers were sharovary. The wider they were, the better. The widest sharovary belonged to the Cossacks, so they could ride and fight comfortably. The cotton fabric they were sewn from was waxed so it would soak up less rain. Several panels were sewn between the legs — the matnia. Narrow cuts of trousers were sewn too; they were called hashchi or nohavytsi. They were worn by people in the southern and western regions, while sharovary were popular in central and eastern Ukraine. At the waist, sharovary and hashchi were drawn in with a cord.

Ukrainians were also very fond of decoration: embroidery on the shirt and on the sash was a must. The belt was regarded as a symbol of manhood, so it was decorated with patterns and ornaments; there were knitted ones too. In this way a man showed his standing and his wealth. The finer the belt, the more respected and well-off its owner.

Modern clothing with a historical note: keeping traditions alive

Ukrainian national clothing for men is not only a museum piece. You can support the traditions of your people and look fashionable and stylish at the same time. So we suggest taking a look at our vyshyvankas. A shirt like this looks smart; it can be worn with jeans or even with a business suit. They come with short sleeves or, for a warmer option, with long ones.

Modern vyshyvankas are sewn from natural fabrics, because you should be as comfortable as possible in this clothing. So the shirts from the maker «Vyshyvanochka» are made from quality material that feels good against the body and lets the skin breathe. That applies especially to the summer collection.

One more offering that men will like is knitted jumpers. There are summer and mid-season versions. They are made from a dense fabric that lets the skin breathe and does not overheat even in hot weather. Modern clothing like this looks unusual and very stylish. You will feel like a true Cossack among the concrete jungle. The piece is decorated with national embroidery too. The design adds brightness to your everyday look. A jumper like this can be worn with youthful jeans or with elegant trousers and a blazer.

You can choose a piece from stock or place an individual order. Our seamstresses will then sew you exactly the vyshyvanka you want. The embroidery may decorate the collar or the cuffs. It may be patterns or a restrained ornament. Traditionally the thread comes in these colours: red, black, white and light blue. Beads may be used as well if you want a smart shirt for a special occasion.

The Vyshyvanochka store: stylish vyshyvankas for every taste

Our store started work in 2013. It all began with a small workshop where shirts were sewn. Now our range is much wider. The men's collection currently holds a great many cuts for every taste, and we take orders for made-to-measure tailoring too.

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We keep Ukrainian traditions alive, but we do it in a modern, fashionable way. Our site also holds elements of the national costume, so performing groups, for whom historical accuracy matters, become our customers too. All our clothing and accessories are made from quality materials and fabrics, so they will serve you for many years.

You can place an order in a single click. Our consultants will help you find the right size if you are unsure. We will deliver your purchase to any point in Ukraine by postal services. Details are on our site.