Traditional Ukrainian Costumes

Ukraine is the home for several different ethnic groups including Russians, Romanians, Belorussians, Crimean Tatars, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Poles, Jews, and Armenians. The most common traditional costumes that we usually see in Ukrainian folk dances and visual art include the different elements of its diverse population.

It is important to note that traditional folk costumes differ across regions. For example, in the North where the climate is relatively harsher, we find more monochromic or bicolor combinations on warm, yet somewhat modestly styled clothing. The most common decorative colors that are found on Northern embroidery are black, white and red. According to Maria Sibirtseva’s travel blogs to Ukraine, “Black and red threads symbolized the wisdom and courage of generations, while red and white embroidery signified purity and happiness.” This simplistic, restrained pattern is most commonly found in Pollisa — a historical regions stretching from the north to the central flat land. Such brilliant design demonstrates the northerner’s appreciation for a harmonious lifestyle.

As for the mountainous region in the west, the flamboyant Hungarian and Polish elements are displayed in the most daring forms: complex geometrical patterns are brought to life by the most skillful seamstresses. However, for the people with the upmost passion for decors, embroidered patterns are not enough. On top of those, colored beads, silver or gold elements were added for extra glitter. Such rich, colorful embroideries are most prevalent in the Carpathian region, and the Hutsuls practice this art to perfection.

Sharing its border with Russia, the traditional costumes of the east combined both local elements and the ancient Slavic and Russian influence. Therefore, shirts are featured with narrow sleeves and modest decoration on the cuff. A balance of colors is shown with the combination of bright-colored ribbons and dull-colored (such as grey) fringes. A repeated usage of ribbons and laces creates a fractured beauty, since most ornamental elements are brocade or cotton velvet, which trap complex patterns in the most simplistic material.

Clothings in the southern regions are featured with more elaborate details such as bright-colored embroiders on the shirt’s open neck and heavy applications of jewelry. Floral ornamentation such as Malva flowers and grape vines are also quite frequently used. Such peculiar patterns of clothing represent the ethnocultural interaction between Ukrainians and Moldovans.

The Poltava region in central Ukraine stands out with their plain embroidery and intertwining black and red patterns. Compared with its counterparts from others parts of this country, the ornamental pattern here is less zoomorphic and more geometric. Over the course of 1600’s to 1900’s, women’s clothing has evolved from minimalistic blue-and-white patterns to ones with more complex decorations.

The rich ornamental cultural of Ukraine celebrates its cultural nature and the harmonious coexistence of its ethnic groups!