3 Must-Have Summer T-Shirts by Ukrainian Brands that deliver to the US

August 23, 2024

Minimal, classic, edgy – 3 words I used to describe my style in 2021. Still very applicable today, the list is missing one key 4th: COMFORTABLE. Not sure if this comes from experience of traveling and dressing just for a photo or past purchasing mistakes, but in 2024 I’m absolutely and irrevocably done wearing items that aren’t 100% comfortable physically and also emotionally. What do I mean by that? You know… the feeling of wearing something that might look great but you just don’t feel like yourself. Done with that. I haven’t purchased anything outside of my style brackets for years now but those 2017 fast fashion memories in Murano still linger. A staple piece of my uncompromisingly comfortable wardrobe of today is – T-shirts. Minimal? Classic? Edgy? You can find one for each vibe or all 3 in one. I’ve been investing more into T-shirts for my summer wardrobe as of lately and building a capsule to fit any occasion. Of course, on this blog we discover, support and shop Ukrainian brands right now more than ever, so I found 3 amazing T-shirts by Ukrainian brands that can ship to your North American (or European) door today.

WOMEN'S MILK T-SHIRT HALYA CARRIES WATER

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MILK WOMEN'S T-SHIRT

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MILK UNISEX T-SHIRT "SKRIABIN"

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MILK "KYIV LOVER" T-SHIRT

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Jul

What’s… “Halya”!? – I could read on almost every Italian passerby’s face. And what is she carrying!? I loved the idea of wearing this T-shirt by a brand Jul in Europe in Murano where I would imagine very few Ukrainians are located at any given time. “Halya Carries Water” is a direct lyric translation from a very famous Ukrainian folk song. Side note: Googling this lyric just now to give more context here, the first result is something about a russian samovar song…!? Ok no. I’m here to confirm russia has nothing to do with this quote, song…or anything Ukrainian for that matter. Back to the T-shirt: it is by a Ukrainian brand Jul, quickly gaining popularity online and on socials. The quality is incredible, items feel like luxury fashion and the investment, slightly on the pricier side, is justified. The brand sells a variety of T-shirt designs and styles, with plenty to choose from to fit your unique style. Note: I purchased a medium men’s T-shirt for this post and it fit exactly how I imagined, so don’t feel pigeonholed into a specific style or gender for Jul T-shirts.

White oversized T-shirt

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Black oversized T-shirt

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Women's T-shirt white

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White T-shirt

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Balcony Garment

That gold wheat necklace I have in most of my latest posts? That’s by Balcony. You know what else Balcony has plenty of? Yup – T-shirts. Doing a quick search, I see Balcony offering a range of basic white tops, graphic print tees and some Ukrainian patriotic options. I didn’t order a T-shirt from Balcony, but I did purchase two button down / shorts summer sets and can speak on quality – amazing! Both sets already through 2 washes, the fabric doesn’t lose shape, shrink and the garments look brand new. Not just T-shirts, but clothes by Balcony in general are extremely comfortable. These are your stylish pjs that you can wear out. It’s the basic oversized shirts matching everything. It’s the perfect-length shorts that are your saving grace in 100 degree summer days. But back to comfy tees – Balcony is your reliable go-to for a minimalist summer capsule.

On this blog, we talk about ethical fashion, brands and trends transforming the industry and we also support Ukraine – quick break to donate $5!

Organization supporting my hometown! Providing tactical first aid kits, drones, border observation, supplies and help for wounded.

Continuously provides Ukrainian Defense Forces with drones, primarily of the FPV type + promotes the development of unmanned technologies.

NGO dedicated to strengthening the country’s defense forces through equipment, training, analytics, and veteran support.

Delivers critical aid to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians by equipping frontline units and supporting with supplies, coordination, and care.

Delivers essential aid to Ukraine’s military, civilians, and animals through a trusted grassroots volunteer network with deep roots and rapid response capability.

Helps rescue, feed, and shelter animals affected by the war in Ukraine, from frontline pets to abandoned zoo and farm animals.

The Lace

I’m doing a separate dedicated post to this Ukrainian brand because WOW. The price + quality reminds me of the good old days of early 2000s when fashion wasn’t fast and low price didn’t mean a compromise on quality. The Lace, entirely made in Ukraine, which already gives purpose to your purchase and garment, creates high quality pieces for an affordable price tag. T-shirts offered by the brand range from oversized solids to classic prints and “old money” styles. I would say the overall Lace aesthetic is clean, minimal, simple but powerful. The T-shirt I wore in Murano by the brand (also the shorts are from The Lace as well) is the perfect example of versatility with its classic stripe print but a bit of edginess with a pop of color. Check out their website for some incredible T-shirts for any occasion. One important note: items tend to run small. I purchased large and sometimes extra large sizes for items, which honestly shouldn’t be the largest size the brand produces. Extra large here is comparative to a size 6 – needless to say, not inclusive. If you want an oversized T-shirt style, you absolutely have to purchase 2-3 sizes over your size and I’m not even sure that’s enough to give that oversized look. Quality – check, beautiful styles – check, customer service and overall shopping experience – check, inclusive sizes – not so much.