Vyshyvanka Shirt by the Kyiv Independent × Gaptuvalnya

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Vyshyvanka Shirt by the Kyiv Independent × Gaptuvalnya

£224.00 GBP

Size

Limited edition — 100 pieces only

72 already reserved out of 100

28 items remaining

Size guide

Disclaimer: Product measurements may vary by up to 2" (5 cm).

SIZE	NECK	SLEEVE LENGTH	CHEST	BOTTOM WIDTH
S-M	42 cm / 16½ in	65 cm / 25½ in	116 cm / 45.7 in	55 cm / 21⅝ in
L-XL	45 cm / 17¾ in	66 cm / 26 in	124 cm / 48.8 in	62 cm / 24½ in

All 14 Vyshyvanka Shirt by the Kyiv Independent × Gaptuvalnya: S-M items are already added to cart!

This is a vyshyvanka — a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt that sits at the very heart of Ukrainian identity.

For centuries, the vyshyvanka has been a way for Ukrainians to express their identity. Symbols of the region they came from, the values that mattered to them — all of it was embroidered onto a shirt, by one generation after another. The vyshyvanka is our living heritage — it represents our very identity, an identity we want not only to defend as this war continues, but also to evolve and bring to the whole world, so more people can appreciate our culture and traditions.

To share this living heritage, we have created our first vyshyvanka, in collaboration with Gaptuvalnya — one of Ukraine's most respected embroidery brands, whose pieces have been worn by Ukraine's First Lady.

We have reimagined traditional floral motifs from the area and used Kyiv's historic blue tones — which naturally mirror our own brand colors — to produce this embroidered piece with a contemporary unisex silhouette.

Whenever we put on a vyshyvanka, we feel a deep, rooted connection to Ukraine. We hope you experience that same connection when you wear it, whether on a normal day or a special occasion.

Limited to 100 pieces. Made in Kyiv, Ukraine.

This is a pre-order. Shipping starts July 10, 2026.
Please note that this product is shipped from Ukraine; VAT/customs fees may apply.

Pictured here: Deputy chief editor Oleksiy Sorokin, wearing the vyshyvanka

Members of the Kyiv Independent community get 15% off site-wide. Join our community here.

By purchasing this product, you directly support our independent journalism.

Product Details & Care Instructions

100% linen — breathable, quick-drying, and comfortable in warm weather
Cross-stitch embroidery on collar, cuffs, and chest
Unisex, straight relaxed fit — designed for everyday and formal wear
Stand collar with front slit and button fastening on cuffs
Made in Kyiv, Ukraine

Care Instructions

Professional dry cleaning. Do not wash. Do not bleach.
Iron using a low linen setting.
Place a cloth over the embroidery when ironing.
Fold to store in a cool, dry place.

Shipping info

Please note that since the vyshyvanka is shipped from Ukraine, shipping is more expensive than for other items in our store. Shipping is handled with care by Nova Post, Ukraine's largest private delivery company.

Many countries apply VAT on international shipments from Ukraine. VAT rates vary by country.

Click here to see the list of VAT rates for various countries.

Delivery times:

Ukraine: 2 business days
EU & UK: 3-11 business days
US & Canada: 7-11 business days
Other countries: 5-21 business days

Limited edition. Only 100 pieces available.

Story behind the collaboration

A vyshyvanka is a Ukrainian embroidered shirt or dress. Vyshyvankas are said to have existed in Ukraine since the fifth century, and, since then, they have become a symbol of who you are and where you come from — nothing says more about you than the vyshyvanka you are wearing.

Naturally, it was only a matter of time before the Kyiv Independent created its own. Now, our readers can show their support for our independent reporting from Ukraine by wearing their own vyshyvankas created in Kyiv.

A project this big could only come alive through collaboration with an experienced and respected embroidery brand. We chose Gaptuvalnya — a well-known, high-quality embroidery brand in Ukraine, whose designs have been spotted repeatedly on Ukraine's First Lady — to help bring it to life.

In designing our vyshyvanka, we wanted to create a pattern that combines traditional Ukrainian motifs with the Kyiv Independent's own visual identity, incorporating symbols that feel especially meaningful to us.

The symbolism in our design

Every element of the embroidery was chosen with intention. Here is what we've included in the pattern:

Floral motifs — flowers and botanical forms have long symbolized life, prosperity, and continuity in Ukrainian embroidery.

Flowing vines — the winding stems connecting each motif represent movement, ritual, and the idea that tradition is never static but always evolving.

Winding river — this symbol, also called "bezkinechnyk," was popular in what is now Ukraine more than 20,000 years ago. It represents eternal life, flowing harmoniously.

Historic blue — blue represents peace, harmony, and depth. Historically, indigo — the dye behind this color — traveled to Ukraine via trade routes from India, and is thought to bring peace of mind and protect against disease.

All the wavy patterns in our modern design symbolize the life and movement of Kyiv, an ancient city that has been evolving for centuries despite wars and disasters, and remains the beating heart of Ukraine.

Nevertheless, symbols — like the culture they carry — are never fixed. Their meanings shift, layer, and evolve with every generation that inherits them.

Now, it's your turn. Make them your own.