Soviet Telnyashka Tanktop

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

• Made In Ukraine 
• 100% Cotton "Summer Weight" fabric
• Sleeveless "Tanktop" Version
  
• Wash Cold, Hang Dry