Made In Ukraine
As with many Russian icons, the Telnyashka is borrowed from someone else–originally used by Breton sailors, the iconic stripey sailor shirt spread to France and Russia, eventually becoming an icon for Soviet forces and their descendants. You’ll find telnyashkas in a myriad of colors for different units and purposes, but the most iconic is the "VDV" sky blue with white base, which we’re stocking now.
The telynashka’s alternating stripes are designed to catch eye and set its wearers apart–and it worked. German soldiers up against Soviet soldiers, referred to the telnyashka-clad soldiers as “striped death.” When combatants saw Russian forces wearing stripes, they knew they were in for a fight.
The wide neckline makes the telnyashka quick to don and doff, and legend has it that it’s designed to show off the swole, oily traps of stronk (definitely not malnourished) Soviet sailors.
The blue telnyashka is a badge of honor among VDV paratroopers, and we have to admit the contrast between the blue and white undershirt and the camo blouse is striking. Soviet uniform designers even created a different cut of the Airborne's military coat designed just to show off the telnyashka.
Whether spotted peeking out from under the Gorod top of GRU spetsnaz troops in Chechnya or adorning VDV soldiers in Paktia, the telnyashka creates a signature look without rival in the west.
Sizing
We've translated the typical RU sizing to more manageable US sizes. Since these are meant to be a base layer, they fit a bit tighter. Stick with your usual size to show off your physique, or move up in size if you want unhindered mobility.
For reference, our model wore an RU 54, but could've gone down to a RU 52 without issue. Model is 6 feet tall with a 40" chest circumference.
Specs
Soviet Telnyashka Longsleeve Shirt
Embrace your inner Slav and shout “СЛАВА УКРАИНА” from your balcony. The neighbors love it. Silky smooth cotton, and a traditional look. Easily one of my favorite base layers.
This certainly makes me want to sail the seas or maybe the other way around.
Overall a nice classic of military surplus; would recommend buying this from an awesome surplus seller in the U.S. of A. (that would be, of course, KommandoStore).
Came in perfect condition, fits well, has stripes, is a shirt, I would 100% recommend this product. However is not warm, do not sell jacket for extra rations, will regret
Very good build quality but if you're a bigger guy opt for a longer size.
The quality is just a great as the tank top version, unfortunately for me, mine has shrunk at the bottom more than I'd like after the 1st wash so my GF was quick to claim it as hers. (I believe she may have purposely shrunk this to steal it for herself)
I'm 6'1" 230lbs. Ordered a size 58 like my tank tops. Prior to the wash it fit great, slightly tight like an athletic shirt. I'll be ordering a size 60 next time.
