Our 100% accurate replication of the white cotton gymnasterka is a reproduction of the earliest forms of the Imperial Russian Army’s field blouse, issued widely to enlisted ranks in the years leading up to and during the early stages of the First World War. Originally intended as a summer-weight garment, its light cotton fabric made it well-suited for hot weather campaigns, though it quickly became impractical for field use once camouflage and concealment became critical. We offer this gymasterka in green color also. The Khaki version is described at the beginning of the page.
The Gymnasterka is made in 100% natural Indian cotton, in White/green as per your order, white fabric is bleached, and the green is mill dyed using natural pigments, the fabric in both cases is under 11 oz. wt, and only natural threads in the color of the gymnasterka is used for tailoring.
The white/green cotton gymnasterka is constructed in the classic pullover style, the white/green gymnasterka features a standing collar, a 3 button chest placket, and long sleeves with straight cuffs. The back is plain and unvented, in keeping with its simple utilitarian design. Collar tabs (petlitsy) carry branch colors such as red for artillery, light blue for infantry, and yellow for cavalry.
The white gymnasterkas were soon soon replaced in active service by khaki and green variants for better concealment, the white gymnasterka remained in use in training, ceremonial wear, and in rear-area duties during WW1. All 3 colors are available on this website. Its crisp, clean appearance became strongly associated with the image of the Imperial Russian soldier at the outbreak of the war.
Imperial Russian Army Branch of Service Colors (WW1)
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Infantry – light blue
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Artillery – red
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Cavalry (including Cossacks) – yellow
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Engineers – black
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Medical Service – white
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Transport (Train) – violet
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Gendarmerie (Military Police) – dark blue
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Administrative / Commissariat – crimson
