The President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zelanski again gave up the traditional suit during the Monday meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House. Instead, he decided on a black elegant military -style set.
Zelanski costume designer: The president is currently in a situation where every detail counts
The choice of this outfit, which Politico informed for the first time, reflects the efforts of the President of Ukraine to maintain a balance between national and diplomatic requirements.
The President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zelnski during a visit to the White House, Washington, USA, August 18, 2025.
“I like it!” Donald Trump exclaimed, welcoming Zelanski and pointing to the black outfit of the President of Ukraine, who was much more formal than his usual military wardrobe. “It's the best I have,” Zelanski answered with a smile.
The President of Ukraine, who since the Kremlin's full invasion on his country has been publicly bearing sweatshirts in military colors, polo shirts and military -style costumes over three years ago, was previously criticized by some Republicans supporting the magician for the fact that he did not dress properly for meeting the US president.
– this time the president [Zełenski] He is dressed in a suit, but the style remains military, with the same symbolism: she is the head of the state that is at war – said Elwira Gasanów, a Ukrainian businesswoman and designer of the brand Damirli, who creates one of the characteristic Zelanski costumes.
– At the same time, it should be emphasized that Wołodymyr Zelanski personally decides what to wear – she added. – The president is currently in a situation where every detail counts – his appearance, mood, emotions. That is why, as the leader of Ukraine, he chooses an image that suits his role and moment best – she explained.
Praise and criticism of the clothing elections of Zelanski
Zelanski's fashion elections, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian armed forces and war destroyed by the country, met with both praise and criticism. When in February he visited the White House in a black polo with the coat of arms of Ukraine, Trump greeted him with a sarcastic joke: “But you've done it today.”
One of the reporters also criticized Zelanski during the full tension of the meeting with Trump in the oval office. “Why are you not wearing a suit? You are at the highest level meeting in this country and refuse to wear a suit” – asked Brian Glenn from the friendly magician of the Real America's Voice television station [ang. Głos prawdziwej Ameryki].
“After the war, I will put on a costume, yes. Maybe something similar to the Lord, yes, maybe something better,” said Zelanski. (In Ukrainian the word “suit” can be translated as a “costume”).
This time the same reporter also decided to compliment the Ukrainian leader. As he said, Zelanski “looks great” and apologized for the harsh words he attacked him during a February visit to the White House. The President of Ukraine reacted with a smile and a joke towards Glenn: “I remember him. He is wearing the same suit as then. I changed, he did not” – he said, which caused a loud laughter in the oval office.
According to the Financial Times, Zelnski promised in 2022 that he would not return to carrying a suit and tie and shaving beard until Ukraine won war.
