Variety of Ukrainian traditional women’s bodices and vests from different regions of Ukraine (photos)

One of the very popular traditional outer garments in Ukraine are bodices, vests, and waistcoats. Such pieces of clothing are demi-season and comfy because they don’t restrict movements but keep your body warm. For centuries, Ukrainian women wore a variety of sleeveless garments, and in different regions, they had their own local names. Here are just some of these ethnic bodices and their traditional names. All of the items are preserved in different Ukrainian folk museums.

Colorful vintage bodice with floral embroidery from Volyn’ region (western part of Ukraine), the late 19th – early 20th century

Vivid red&blue bodice called “stanik” from Olevsk district, Zhytomyr region of Ukraine (northern part of the country), the late 19th – early 20th century. It is decorated with applique

Warm sheepskin vest called “tsurkanka” or “muntian” from Bukovyna region, western part of Ukraine, the beginning of the 20th century. It is adorned with decorative fur trimming, embroidery, and applique

Very decorative Ukrainian folk vests with floral embroidery, sequins, beads, applique, etc. They’re typically made from black velvet or cotton and densely decorated

Elegant and conservative-looking velvet bodice called “kersetka” from Ukraine, the early 20th century. It is embellished with contrasting applique and 4 shiny buttons

Small sheepskin vest called “leibyk” with large amount of needlework, Borshchiv district, Ternopil region (western Ukraine), the late 19th – early 20th century. It is richly adorned with embroidery and some beading

Cute Ukrainian bodice from the beginning of the 20th century. It’s hard to tell the region but, most probably, it’s from central Ukraine. The combination of light-gray fabric and black velvet trimmings and decorations with metal buttons look stunning

Rather long and quilted bodice for cool season from Kyiv region (central Ukraine), the late 19th – early 20th century

Lovely vintage sheepskin bodice called “bunda” from Transcarpathian region of Ukraine (the most western part of the country), the early 20th century. It is very densely embellished with embroidery

Very simple woolen vest called “leibyk” with frog closures from Carpathian area, the early 20th century

Decorative sheepskin vest called “keptar” from Hutsul area, western Ukraine, the early 20th century. It is richly adorned with embroidery, applique, metal decorations, leather tassels, and even leather patch pockets