Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has become well-known for his consistent choice of combat-style clothing: cargo pants, boots, sweatshirts, and polos decorated with Ukrainian national symbols. This stark departure from the traditional suit-and-tie attire worn by other world leaders is not a matter of personal preference but a powerful political message.
Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Zelenskyy has made it clear that his clothing represents solidarity with the Ukrainian military and citizens enduring the war. His decision to stay in military gear is a visual statement that he is part of the ongoing struggle, not removed from the harsh realities of the frontlines.
Fashion experts like Elvira Gasanova, the designer behind some of Zelenskyy’s key looks, suggest that the president’s choice to avoid the conventional political attire is a symbolic refusal to return to normalcy—something that the war does not allow. For Zelenskyy, donning a suit would signify a shift toward ordinary diplomacy, something that doesn’t align with Ukraine’s current state of emergency.
The Ukrainian leader’s attire has occasionally stirred controversy on the world stage. In one memorable exchange at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump sarcastically commented on Zelenskyy’s informal look. This moment escalated tensions and resulted in Trump freezing U.S. aid to Ukraine. Zelenskyy, however, responded firmly, stating that he would wear a suit only after the war ends.
Critics argue that Zelenskyy’s refusal to conform to dress codes symbolizes his commitment to Ukraine’s struggle, which continues to captivate global attention. His choice stands as a defiant rejection of old-world political norms, refusing to prioritize appearance over the pressing realities of war. Even world leaders like Vladimir Putin have adopted a similar look during visits to Russian troops, signaling that Zelenskyy’s wartime wardrobe has made its mark.
In a world where clothing is often about signaling power, Zelenskyy’s choice to wear combat gear shows that, for him, the battle is far from over. His message is clear: Ukraine is at war, and he stands with his people, no matter the cost.
