telnyashka

The Russian telnyashka is a white undershirt that is horizontally striped in various colors and which may be sleeveless or not. It was originally adopted by the Imperial Russian Navy in the 19th century and spread to other Soviet units during and after the Second World War. This iconic uniform garment continues to be worn today, particularly by the Navy, the Airborne Troops (VDV) and the Naval Infantry.

The color of the horizontal stripes traditionally signify different troops:

  • Dark blue - Navy
  • Black - Naval Infantry
  • Light blue - VDV paratroopers
  • Light green - Border Troops

This tag implicates striped_shirt (learn more).

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