VYSHYVANKA DAY: THE MOST STYLISH DAY IN UKRAINE

Ever wished your outfit could tell a story, ward off evil, and make your grandma proud — all at the same time? Welcome to Vyshyvanka Day, where fashion meets folklore, and every thread is a declaration of pride, history, and fierce national spirit.

Celebrated every third Thursday of May (in 2025, that’s May 15), this is the day Ukrainians prove that traditional shirts can be cooler than any runway trend — and they don’t even need a designer label.

A vyshyvanka (вишиванка) is a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt. But don’t let the word “traditional” fool you — these shirts are anything but boring. Think of them as Ukraine’s ancient version of a superhero costume: beautiful, symbolic, and powerful.

Me, the author, in my favorite vyshyvanka — because stories are better when you wear them.

Each region has its own style. Some shirts look like wildflower meadows. Others are decorated with intricate geometric patterns that look like ancient codes — beautiful, mysterious, and full of meaning. People say the symbols protect the wearer, bring love, or keep away evil spirits — basically, it's fashion with magical abilities.

Simple: they wear their vyshyvankas absolutely everywhere. To work. To school. To Zoom calls. Even to walk the dog. Suddenly, your usually grumpy postman shows up in an embroidered shirt that says “I deliver letters — and national pride.”

The streets bloom with patterns, Instagram explodes with selfies, and it’s probably the only day of the year when matching outfits with strangers is socially acceptable — and even cool.

Because Vyshyvanka Day isn’t just about shirts — it’s about identity, resilience, and a little bit of rebellion. The vyshyvanka has survived wars, bans, Soviet fashion disasters, and polyester. And it's still going strong.

Wearing one is like saying:

“Yes, I look amazing — and yes, I remember where I come from.”

In today’s world, that matters more than ever.

Absolutely! Ukrainians are friendly (except when someone puts ketchup in borscht — don’t do that). If you wear a vyshyvanka or even say the word вишиванка with confidence, you’re basically family.

Try learning a few Ukrainian words, ask your local Ukrainian friend what their grandma embroidered, or just show up on May 15 looking like a folk-rock star. You’ll be greeted with smiles — and maybe some homemade varenyky.

Words to learn (and impress your Ukrainian friends):

· вишиванка (vyshyvanka) — a shirt cooler than any hoodie

· вишивка (vyshyvka) — embroidery that may or may not ward off evil

· культура (kultura) — not just for museums

· єдність (yednist’) — unity (and the vibe of Vyshyvanka Day)

· незалежність (nezalezhnist’) — independence, which Ukraine knows a thing or two about 

P.S. If you're interested in seeing wonderful Ukrainian women in beautiful embroidered shirts, take a look at our fantastic teachers here — proud, stylish, and full of Ukrainian spirit.