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what to wear in kiev?
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Posted by: Pin Boy

i'm off to kiev in less than two weeks for 13 days. meeting women through an agency.

of course i have dress clothes for going out in the evening, but i'm wondering what to wear for daytime when out and about seeing the sights and having lunch. plan on bringing two pair of shoes: black dress shoes and i bought some all black new balance sneakers that won't stick out like a pair of colored or white running/tennis shoes would.

1 - should i bring a sportcoat for the evening? should i bring a tie.

2 - what to wear during the day? should i stick with khakis/dress pants the whole time or can i wear some nice jeans?

3 - would there ever be a time when shorts can be worn in public? i have been to odessa in the summer on two different occasions. don't think i wore shorts outside at all, but wondering if some pleated shorts would be okay under any circumstances. certainly would not wear then for a first meeting

thanks,

pin boy

Posted by: Spakoyna

Jeans and Black Tennis shoes are fine...I wore them during most daily excursions. Things might have changed...the only time I wore shorts in the FSU was at the dacha. The tie is optional....Only time I wore one was to the ballet and one evening for dinner just because we wanted to dress up!

I don't think I would where jeans to the Monastary if you are going, Most times the ladies have to where a skirt and a veil(Don't know the particulars but the day we went women didn't have to).

Posted by: markgm

I found the people in Kiev wear almost the same as in the western areas of the world, jeans, t-shirts, polo shirts, suits & ties, buisness shirts, sandshoes dress shoes.
Have not seen anyone there with shorts on though

Posted by: EasyTarget

I visited in June.
Only saw 2 people wearing shorts. My Aloha shirts were fine. I just wore Aloha shirts with jeans. Sneakers are really common place, unless you are over 40. Polo shirts are a good option for daytime activities.

Jacket and tie, during the summer might be too much.

Posted by: Jill

Quote:

Have not seen anyone there with shorts on though

I suppose it is less common, although not unheard of (my husband has always worn shorts in hot weather).

Posted by: ConnerVT

Don't believe all those folks who say you need to wear dark colors all the time. It's summer! White is certainly acceptable.

Posted by: Pin Boy

you sure that picture was taken in russia? i think i saw that guy at wal-mart yesterday?

thanks for the replies everyone!

pb

Posted by: BradIL

Any decisions on this PB? Going with your original thoughts on dress code?

Posted by: jpierce55

Kiev's clothing seemed very similar to ours, but just like Russia I seen leather shoes and not tennis shoes. I have been told from those who live in Europe that the easiest way to identify an American is by the shoes.

This is Kiev last year during early August:

Posted by: tonton

Pin Boy -

Do not worry about clothing in Kiev during Summer - I was there 3 weeks ago with my Siberian RW visiting members of her family. It is much the same as us in hot weather - it was around 30C during my time there - guys in shorts, thongs, T-shirts everywhere. Women of course in short-skirts. I was over dressed in jeans and leather shoes.

Pack your luggage to be comfortable.

Posted by: Pin Boy

thanks ton. i am so used to wearing shorts all summer. as a teacher there are entire summers where i have not worn long pants from the last day of school until the first.

pb

Posted by: zaniac

Although I went to Kiev in the winter, I didn't find them dressing much differently to what people in UK dress like. I wore denim, standard coat etc. I think personally I would still consider staying away from any clothing with English words all over it. Summerwise, if you don't wear shorts I'd consider a short sleeve casual shirts, polo-neck shirts or T-shirts.

Do people wear sports jackets in eastern europe? I thought that was a western thing, I could be wrong though

Posted by: Jutman

Instead of shorts, try use 'knickers', with textile covering the knees.

sorry, my lack of correct english word.

Posted by: j_c

Pinboy

I say wear what makes you comfortable.

Yes you may stand out in the crowd, but hey your a tourist!!

When I'm walking around the streets in the Uk , you can normally tell the tourists by the clothing they wear , so whats the issue?

Most important is to make you feel at ease with yourself so it one less thing to think about on your first meet!!

Regards

JC

Posted by: zumanity

Take all your dressy clothes, you'll blend in very well

Posted by: Raspberry

After my lugagge was stolen at Borispol airport, I did not have many clothes left. One of the things I did is buy some "shorts", which indeed went over the knee.

Took a bit of getting used to, as my shorts are usually about four inches ABOVE the knee. But you know what....two things.......it was about the only clothing item I bought in Ukraine that actually fit right....plus I also fit right in, as many other guys were also wearing them.....

Posted by: skinsfan

IMO dress how you are comfortable...i don't care where i am...in the summer i will wear shorts.....i wore shorts all over the Ukraine and Russia. now shoes are another issue....don't wear your nasty gym shoes....your shoes must look new and clean...it is a no-no to have nasty beat-up shoes on the street.....

Posted by: zumanity

don't get too comfortable in your clothes or they will spot you at once.

casual but stylish is the best.

Posted by: broncosfan

There are alot of adidas stores. If you are to dress light or in sports wear, try that. I saw many people wearing adidas in June, but it was also soccer season and I was in a part of town with many college students. It is what I wore. I also was dressed to warm one day and bought a ripcurl shirt while I was there. The gal I was with liked that shirt more than the dress shirts I was wearing.

Posted by: bleushkva

No personal attacks bleu. You know the rules.