Transformed Military Attire to Formal Wear: The Impact of War on Zelenskyy's Fashion Choices - Military uniform to business attire: War transitions Selensky's wardrobe.
Zelensky's Military-Inspired Fashion: A Symbol of Resistance
In the midst of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has adopted a unique fashion style that has become a powerful symbol of resistance. Instead of donning traditional political suits, Zelensky has opted for military-inspired casual clothing, such as olive drab or dark green T-shirts, combat-style attire, and even army pants and combat boots [2].
This fashion choice has served as a stark contrast to conventional political dress, visually underscoring Zelensky's solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers and the nation’s defense efforts. By choosing to wear military-style clothing, Zelensky communicates resilience, practicality, and unity with the armed forces, aligning his image with the spirit of national defiance and perseverance against Russian aggression [2].
At the war’s outset and throughout the conflict, Zelensky has frequently appeared in simple, utilitarian clothing resembling military fatigues. This decision highlights his frontline role as a wartime leader rather than a standard politician. On the day Russia attacked Ukraine, Zelensky stopped wearing a suit and started wearing military clothing [1].
Zelensky is not a fashion enthusiast, but he understands the power of strong visual messages. He has been seen wearing olive-green t-shirts, sweaters, army pants, and combat boots, making the war very real to the people [1].
During official visits, Zelensky's clothing choices are influenced by the war. He avoided wearing a tie and a pristine white shirt, instead opting for casual, military-style attire. This choice of clothing is a symbol of solidarity with his soldiers and the Ukrainian people [1].
However, not everyone has appreciated Zelensky's fashion choices. During a visit to Washington in early 2025, US media considered his military attire disrespectful and an insult [1]. On his second visit to Washington, Zelensky wore a black suit, which was interpreted as a sign of backing down before Donald Trump by many [1].
Zelensky did wear a simple black suit tailored for him by Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov for the funeral of Pope Francis. He also wore this suit during a second visit to Washington [1]. Viktor Anisimov, a Ukrainian designer, tailored the suit for Zelensky.
Despite the controversy surrounding his fashion choices, Zelensky remains steadfast in his commitment to using his clothing as a form of non-verbal communication. In an interview with "Der Spiegel", Zelensky stated that he will likely continue to avoid a tie and a pristine white shirt until the war is over [1].
Zelensky was last seen in a suit on February 24, 2022, the day Russia attacked Ukraine. Since then, he has consistently chosen military-style clothing to symbolise resistance, solidarity with Ukrainian troops, and defiance against the invasion [1][2]. This fashion progression has not been a simple stylistic change but a conscious embodiment of leadership under siege—eschewing traditional formal wear for military-style practicality to symbolise resistance, solidarity with Ukrainian troops, and defiance against the invasion [1][2].
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