Photos of Ukrainian traditional attire

If you're curious about how the traditional Ukrainian clothing looks like, here you are some photos. At our Pinterest account (https://www.pinterest.com/Folk_costumes) you can find many photos of Ukrainian national attire of various regions. Enjoy!

I've fixed the link. You are welcome to see our pinterest boards with the photos of Ukrainian traditional outfits and national costumes from different other countries).

Women’s folk costume from Verkhovyna district, Ivano-Frankivsk region (Hutsul region, western part of the country). The outfit consists of an embroidered shirt, a skirt-like garment called “zapaska”(consists of 2 woven aprons, one at the front and one at the back), a fabric belt called “kraika”, a kerchief, a sleeveless fur vest called “keptar”, a woolen coat called “serdak”, a woven bag called “dz’obnia”, and several necklaces.

Ukrainian female costumes from Carpathian and Ciscarpathian regions (western part of Ukraine).

The one on the left is from Kosiv district, Ivano-Frankivsk region. It consists of a long embroidered shirt, a skirt-like garment called “zapaska”, a woven belt called “kraika”, a sleeveless vest made from sheepskin and called “keptar”, a headdress that includes a long rectangular piece of cotton cloth called “namitka” and a kerchief tied under the chin, a short woolen outerwear called “hunia”, and necklaces.

The one on the right is from Horodenka district, Ivano-Frankivsk region. It consists of a long embroidered shirt, a skirt-like garment called “zapaska” and another one called “horbatka”, two woven belts called “kraika” (a narrow one and a wide one), a sleeveless vest made from sheepskin and called “keptar”, a headdress – rectangular piece of cotton cloth called “namitka”, a short woolen coat called “serdak”, and necklaces.

Female folk costume from Polissia area (Northern Ukraine). It consists of an embroidered shirt, a long woven skirt, an apron, a woven belt called “kraika”, a bright kerchief, and necklaces. Red is the favorite color of this Ukrainian region – locals often embroider with red threads.

Women’s folk dress from Olevsk district, Zhytomyr region of Ukraine (northern part of the country; the area is called “Polissia” - woodland). The outfit consists of a long embroidered shirt (in this area, it is called “chekhlyk”), a long woven skirt called “litnyk”, an apron decorated with embroidery and ruffles, a colorful fabric belt, a bodice called “stanik”, a kerchief with a coif underneath, and a coral necklace.

Female winter clothing from Ovruch district, Zhytomyr region of Ukraine (northern part of the country, so called “Polissia” area or woodland). Polissia is a region of dense forests and swamps, that’s why the clothing traditions here are a little bit extraordinary.
The outfit consists of a long embroidered shirt called “chekhlyk”, a woven skirt called “litnyk”, a woven apron (carpet weaving technique is used to make it), a woolen coat called “svyta”, a fabric belt called “kraika”, a necklace, and a headdress (includes a coif and a piece called “namitka” – long rectangular piece of cloth wrapped around the head). During harsh winter weather, women wore a second skirt, another warm woven apron, and one more fabric belt.
As for footwear, leather boots were used in winter, but not everyone could afford them, so women often used puttees and bast shoes. During cold weather, the puttees reached above the knee to cover as much skin as possible. Though, they were not comfy at all because the fabric wasn’t stretchy and hugged the leg too tightly. A person could use such puttees only for a couple of hours or even less.

Women’s vintage costume from Narodychi district, Zhytomyr region of Ukraine (northern part of the country). The outfit consists from a long embroidered shirt, a skirt called “litnyk”, an apron, a long fabric sash, a coral necklace, and a kerchief.

Ukrainian female costume from Poltava region (central part of the country). It consists of an embroidered shirt, a skirt-like garment called “plakhta”, a woven apron called “zapaska”, a fabric belt with ornate pom-poms, a small purse attached to the waist, a coral necklace, and a kerchief.

Women’s vintage costume from Volyn’ region of Ukraine, Volodymyr-Volynskyi district. It is an outfit of a newly married woman (after she gave birth to her first child, the attire changed a bit) It consists of an embroidered shirt, a woven skirt called “litnyk”, a woven apron called “zapaska”, a woden belt called “kraika”, a glass-beaded necklace, a kerchief, and a short woolen jacket called “kabat”.

Female vintage costume from Baranivka district, Zhytomyr region of Ukraine (north-western part of the country). The outfit consists of a long embroidered shirt, a wide and long woven skirt called “litnyk”, an apron, a narrow woven belt called “kraika”, a headdress (consists of a coif and two kerchiefs), and fake coral necklace.
The headdress is among the most interesting parts of the outfit. The coif underneath serves to hold the hair in place. And Ukrainian women traditionally wore long hair. Married females braided their hair and created kind of a crown around the head. The coif was worn over that crown of hair.
On top of the coif, this costume has an unusual kerchief. It is rectangular rather than square, and has patterned ends. When it is put on the head, the kerchief forms a dovetail shape.
The second kerchief often was a sign of wealth. It was tied under the chin. This particular one is made from silk and patterned – expensive kerchief.

Traditional attire of an older woman from Baranivka district, Zhytomyr region of Ukraine (north-western part of the country). The outfit consists of a long embroidered shirt, a skirt in dark colors called “litnyk”, an apron, a narrow woven belt called “kraika”, a richly embroidered bonnet called “ochipok”, and a headdress called “namitka”. No jewelry because old women seldom wore jewelry pieces.

The headset is the most interesting thing in this outfit. The bonnet is very beautiful and opulent. It serves to keep the hair hidden and out of the way. The piece called “namitka” is a long rectangular cloth with decorated edges (in this case, the pattern is woven into the fabric; it can also be embroidered). There are many various way of draping the namitka. In this costume, it is tied so that the pattern on the bonnet is visible.

Female folk dress from Pereyaslav district, Kyiv region of Ukraine (central part of the country). This is the costume of a married woman. The outfit consists of a long embroidered shirt, so-called winged plakhta (a wrap-around skirt), an apron called “zapaska”, a woven belt, a sleeveless jacket called “kersetka”, a headdress called “ochipok” (in this case, it is a piece of silk cloth wrapped around a hard frame and sewn), and jewels (many rows of coral necklaces and a metal adornment called “dukach” on a ribbon).

Female national costume from Pryluky district, Chernihiv region of Ukraine (northern part of the country). The outfit consists of a long embroidered shirt, a wrap-around skirt called “winged plakhta”, an apron called “zapaska” made from gold-cloth, a woven fabric belt, coral necklaces, metal jewels (a cross and a “dukach”), and a headdress.

In the photos, you can see 2 different headdresses with this costume. The first one is colorful; it is used by unmarried girls; it is called “lopatushka” and is made from ribbons. The second one is used by married women; it consists of a bonnet called “ochipok” and a silk kerchief that is tied like a headband around the bonnet.

Women’s traditional attire from Romny district, Sumy region of Ukraine (northeastern part of the country). It consists of a long embroidered shirt, a wrap-around skirt called “plakhta”, an apron called “zapaska”, a woven belt called “kraika”, a sleeveless jacket called “korsetka”, many rows of coral necklaces and a silver cross, and a headpiece that includes a bonnet and a kerchief.

The bonnet is called “horned ochipok” because it has a bulge at the front that symbolizes a horn. Such stylized horns are sometimes seen in vintage Ukrainian costumes (though, they’re rare) and they symbolize fertility.

Zapaska, Ukrainian folk apron, is usually hand-woven – the pattern is woven into the fabric. But this particular one is a modern reconstruction, and it is embroidered.

Chumak’s attire (chumak is a man who delivered and traded salt in Europe in the 17th-20th century) from Sumy region of Ukraine (northern part of the country). The beginning of the 20th century.
The costume includes a warm woolen coat, high leather boots, and a so-called “karakul” hat. These pieces helped chumak to endure harsh weather conditions during his trip.

Festive women’s attire from Liubeshiv district, Volyn’ region of Ukraine. This area is called “Polissia”. The outfit includes a knee-length embroidered shirt, a woven skirt called “litnyk”, an apron, a woven belt called “kraika”, several rows of glass necklace (fake corals), a headdress that consists of a coif and a so-called “namitka” (long rectangular piece of cloth with embroidered edges), and a woolen outer garment called “svyta”.

Festive female folk costume with woven adornments only. There is no embroidery on these garments – all the patterns are woven into the fabric. This attire is from Ratniv district, Volyn’ region of Ukraine. It consists of a short shirt, a skirt called “litnyk”, an apron, a woven belt called “kraika”, jewelry (fake corals – glass-beaded necklace), and a headdress that includes a wooden headband (serves as a carcass) and a piece of cloth called “namitka”.

Traditional outfit of a matchmaker at weddings
This particular attire is from Ratniv district, Volyn’ region of Ukraine.
The clothing set consists of a shirt, a skirt, an apron, glass-beaded necklaces (such beads often were made from clear glass and silver-plated inside), and a fancy headdress (consists of a wooden headband – serves as a carcass; a long rectangular piece of cloth called “namitka”; a bright fabric band made from colorful ribbons sewn together and adorned with beads; and 2 bunches of rooster feathers – serve as a decoration).
All of these clothing pieces are embellished with applique, rather than embroidery or weaving. So, it is easier to make such a costume than a traditional Ukrainian embroidered outfit.

Male traditional clothing from Rivne region of Ukraine (north-western part of the country). The end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century

Ukrainian folk clothing of a married couple. Cherkasy region (Central Ukraine), the mid-19th century.
Male outfit consists of an embroidered shirt, linen trousers, a woven belt, a hat, and an outer garment called “svyta”.
Female attire consists of an embroidered shirt, a wide skirt, a fabric belt, a kind of a long vest called “gorset”, many rows of glass-beaded necklace, a bonnet called “ochipok”, and a large kerchief.

Traditional wedding clothing of a Ukrainian couple. Zolotonosha district, Cherkasy region (central Ukraine), appr. the mid-19th century.
The man’s attire consists of an embroidered shirt, baggy trousers, a wide fabric belt, leather boots, a sheepskin hat, and an outerwear called “chumarka”.
The woman’s outfit consists of an embroidered shirt, a wrap-around skirt-like garment called “plakhta”, a woven apron called “zapaska”, a woven belt called “kraika”, a vest-like garment called “kersetka”, a jewelry set (many rows of glass-beaded necklace with metal decorations and a “dukach” – silver coin in a pretty setting), and a headdress.
Her headdress is made for a bride; it has several layers. It includes a large wreath made of artificial flowers, yarn balls, glass beads, and gold threads (this wreath isn’t authentic, it is a reconstruction), many various ribbons, a headpiece called “lopatushka” (sort of a headband made from silk ribbons sewn together), and a small silk kerchief tied like a headband.
Ukrainian traditional clothes – especially female – usually were multilayered, and each previous layer should peek from under the next.

Two women’s folk outfits from Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, appr. the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century. You can see the traditional for this area embroidery patterns.
The costume on the left consists of an embroidered shirt, a wide skirt, and a wide woven sash. The attire on the right consists of an embroidered shirt, a wrap-around skirt called “plakhta”, and a woven sash.

Women’s festive clothing from Baraniv district, Zhytomyr region of Ukraine, the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century. The outfit consists of a long embroidered shirt, a woven skirt called “litnyk”, a woven apron called “zapaska”, and a woven belt called “kraika”.

Ukrainian women’s folk costume from Vinnytsia region (central Ukraine), the 19th – beginning of the 20th century. The outfit consists of an embroidered shirt (black embroidery is typical for this area), a long and wide skirt with velvet insert, and a hand-woven belt that looks pretty coarse but cute.

Simple but elegant women’s attire from Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, the beginning of the 20th century. Exhibits of Vinnytsia Regional Museum of Local History.

Folk costume from Ternopil region of Ukraine (western part of the country), the 19th century. The shirt is so ornate and beautifully embroidered. By the way, those large red symbols on the sleeves are called “spiders”. Also, you can see a beaded necklace with large silver coins as decoration. The attire is complemented with leather shoes, embellished with cutting and stamping.

Male traditional costume from western regions of Ukraine, the late 19th – early 20th century. It is a full set consisting of a long (below the knee length) embroidered shirt, trousers, a wide fabric belt, and footwear (wool leg wrappings + leather shoes called “postoly”). The outfit is in mint condition.

Ukrainian female folk costume, Western Ukraine, early 20th century. Note beautiful embroidery patterns on the shirt and woven patterns on the apron.

Traditional women’s wedding attire from Yavoriv district Lviv region of Ukraine. The costume consists of a skirt, an apron, a shirt, a jacket called “kabat”, and a headdress (that consists of a bonnet and a kerchief). The pieces are adorned with floral embroidery. Really charming!

Vintage female folk costume from Western Ukraine, the late 19th – early 20th century. Notice the odd headwrap or rather the odd way of draping it.

Ukrainian vintage folk costume from western part of the country. Note gorgeous black embroidery of the shirt and ornate leather shoes called “postoly”.

Authentic Ukrainian male attire, Chernihiv region (northern Ukraine), the late 19th – early 20th century. The ensemble consists of a linen shirt and trousers, bast shoes called “lychaky”, and a straw hat. All the pieces are handmade.

Charming folk costume from western Ukraine. All the pieces are vintage, including this beautiful shoulder bag and beaded necklace.

Authentic women’s attire from Kyiv region (central Ukraine), the late 19th century. You can see gorgeous coral necklaces of two different styles and prettily decorated embroidered shirt and apron.

Vintage folk attire from western Ukraine, Bukovyna region, the beginning of the 20th century. Looks a lot like a gypsy costume, don’t you think? That’s because this area neighbors Romania.

Vintage women’s folk attire from central Ukraine (Kyiv region, Vyshhorod district), the late 19th – early 20th century. Note this cute red lined bodice – it keeps the body warm without restricting movements.

Vintage men’s folk costume, Ukraine, the 19th century. It consists of simple linen trousers, a knee-length linen embroidered shirt, a hand-woven belt, a straw hat, and a hand-woven bag carried over one shoulder. Most of the time, men walked barefoot, they used boots only for a very special occasion (for example, their wedding) or on snowy and freezing winter days.

Ukrainian women’s folk clothing. The outfit closest to us belongs to a maiden. There is no headdress, only a ribbon for the hair. The ensemble is in light colors, with bright accents. Also, you can see many rows of necklace on the chest.

In the background, to the left, we can see an apparel of an older married woman. Note the difference? It’s darker, less eye-catching, with a kerchief on the head, and only one row of beads on the chest.

Very elegant traditional attire of married woman, Ukraine, the late 19th – early 20th century. It looks rather official and no-nonsense.

Groom’s wedding costume from Sniatyn district, Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine, the first half of the 20th century. The outfit is beautiful, embellished with embroidery, applique, yarn pompons, etc. There is a lovely embroidered ceremonial kerchief tucked at the belt.

Vintage attire of unmarried woman from Chernihiv region, northern Ukraine, the early 20th century. The dress is so modern-looking that, without the apron, it could easily be a contemporary look of some Ukrainian girl. It’s hard to believe that this costume is appr. 100 years old.

Cute married women’s national dress from central Ukraine (Cherkasy region), the late 19th – early 20th century. The coif is adorned with lovely embroidery, the shirt has beautiful whitework and openwork patterns on the sleeves, and the hand-woven belt serves as a bright accent.

Vintage Ukrainian folk women’s costume, western Ukraine, the late 19th – early 20th century. Floral embroidery on the jacket is striking. Although, practically every item of this attire looks wicked!

Festive traditional apparel of Ukrainian married woman, the late 19th – early 20th century. Her wrap-around skirt “plakhta” with pompons at the bottom is especially cute. And her sleeveless outerwear is called “kersetka” – it’s embellished with beautiful velvet applique.

Festive Ukrainian female attire, the late 19th – early 20th century. This is a married woman’s folk costume. Note the beautiful embroidered apron with floral needlework.

Male and female authentic costumes from north-western Ukraine. These outfits are adorned with bright-red embroidery. Married women wore wimples called “namitka”. And the traditional footwear of this area were bast shoes.

Ukrainian men’s and women’s traditional attire from Vinnytsia region, west-central Ukraine, the late 19th – early 20th century. Dark colors of embroidery are pretty typical for this part of the country.

Vintage Ukrainian peasant woman’s attire. It’s a married lady’s costume. Note her necklace – it’s not silver but a glass-beaded necklace made from very delicate and fragile beads.

Vintage Ukrainian outfit of young maiden, the late 19th – early 20th century. From ethnic fashion show.

Lovely men’s traditional attire from western Ukraine, the late 19th – early 20th century. The shirt is long and beautifully embroidered, complemented with a wide hand-woven belt. And a straw hat adds a nice touch.

Festive traditional outfits of married couple from central Ukraine, the late 19th – early 20th century. This is peasant clothing but the needlework is so skillful.

Rather simple and humble-looking Ukrainian traditional attire. The shirt looks not very colorful but, actually, it’s skillfully made (unfortunately, we have no closer photo of embroidery). This outfit probably belonged to a middle-aged woman because there are few embellishments and vivid colors. Only the woven belt is colorful. The kerchief is bright but without any prints. Anyway, the folk costume looks elegant.

Authentic outfit of a married woman from Novohrad-Volynskyi district, Zhytomyr region (northern part of Ukraine). You can see a lot of floral embroidery patterns on the garments and cute ruffles on the apron.

Gorgeous ornate Ukrainian traditional clothing. The wreaths are so lush and huge!

Beauty of Ukrainian traditional women’s attire. Their shirts are embroidered with Ukrainian traditional needlework. And look at their wonderful wreaths – such headdresses were and sometimes still are worn by Ukrainian brides on the wedding day.

Vintage traditional clothing of married couple from Myrhorod district, Poltava region (central Ukraine). The women’s sleeveless outerwear (called “kersetka”) in this district has a distinctive appliquéd pattern typical only for this area.

Women’s clothing of an unmarried woman from Khmelnytsky region, western Ukraine. The shirt is embroidered with bright-blue threads (expensive indigo dyed threads) which is rather rare for Ukraine.

Traditional outfits of unmarried man and woman from Bukovyna area, Chernivtsi region, western Ukraine. The typical feature of western Ukrainian attire is a sleeveless sheepskin vest called “keptar”.

Vintage outfit of a woman from Baturyn district, Chernihiv region, northern Ukraine, the early 20th century. The woman is wearing a long embroidered shirt, a jacket, and a skirt. During the beginning of the 20th century, Ukrainians started to give up wearing the folk clothing, but embroidered shirts were still used as underwear.

Old postcard depicting Ukrainian maidens in traditional apparel. One has a lovely floral wreath on her head.

Elegant Ukrainian traditional outfit of married woman, the late 19th – early 20th century. Looks so feminine attractive

Ukrainian vintage folk attire for a married woman (on the left) and a young maiden (on the right). Central Ukraine, Cherkasy region, the late 19th – early 20th century. The sleeves of their shirts are beautifully embroidered.

Vintage women’s festive attire from Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine, Kolomyia district, the late 19th – early 20th century. This costume is rather bright and elegant, with beautiful details.

Women’s festive outfit from Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine, Novomoskovsk district, the early 20th century. She’s got a cute wreath and is belted with a ceremonial hand-woven towel, so this might be a bride or a bridesmaid.