At the beginning of the 20th century, a lot of men, women, and kids in Ukraine wore traditional clothes in daily life and especially for special occasions. In rural areas, handmade folk outfits were in use until the mid-1900s, while in cities and even some towns, people already switched their traditional clothes for modern industrially-made garments. Many old photos depicting people in national Ukrainian outfits (single men or women, newlyweds, and whole families) survived to this day. Their folk costumes show the regional differences in clothing tradition.
All the photos are from one of Ukrainian Facebook groups dedicated to original old photos and portraits.
Young bride and her bridesmaids in traditional costumes. Poltava region, central Ukraine, 1955. They’re belted with hand-woven ceremonial towels, as old wedding tradition dictated
Ukrainian bride and her bridesmaids in folk outfits. Ivano-Frankivsk region, western Ukraine, 1946. The bride can be differentiated by her wedding wreath with long ribbons. Note a unique skirt design typical for this area
Ukrainian maidens in lovely national costumes. Poltava region, central Ukraine, 1908. Their costumes are different but have some common features
Ukrainian family – parents (the woman is in black kerchief), their 4 daughters and 2 sons. Kherson region, southern Ukraine, 1916
Unmarried maiden in traditional festive attire. Poltava region, central Ukraine, the early 20th century
Young bride in traditional wedding attire. Kyiv region, central Ukraine, 1900-1910
Ukrainian family members of various age in folk costumes. Zhytomyr region, northern Ukraine, 1912
Ukrainian man in festive attire. Bukovyna area, western Ukraine, the early 20th century. Note his unusually-long for Ukraine embroidered shirt and sheepskin vest
Unmarried girls in traditional outfits. Poltava region, central Ukraine, the early 20th century
Ukrainian bride and groom in traditional wedding clothing. Poltava region, central Ukraine, the early 20th century. His coat and trousers are more modern, but he still is wearing a traditional embroidered shirt. Her attire is completely traditional
Young maidens in festive outfits. Poltava region, central Ukraine, the early 20th century. Their bodices are adorned with a pattern typical for certain district
Ukrainian girls in festive costumes. Ivano-Frankivsk region, western Ukraine, 1917 or a little earlier. Their skirts are a lot shorter than it was usual for other regions
Ukrainian family – mother and her 3 daughters – in folk clothes and jewelry. Cherkasy region, central Ukraine, the early 20th century. Even little girls are wearing costly jewelry
Ukrainian Hutsul married couple riding horses in traditional clothing and outerwear. Western Ukraine, the early 20th century. Their outer garments and headdresses are typical for the area
