A famous Moscow atelier has recreated an iconic shirt initiated by Emperor Nicholas II in 1913. The shirt designed by Levelsuit, feature the Imperial Russian Coat-of-Arms embroidered on the left pocket. The white shirt is almost identical to the one worn by the Tsar in early 20th century photographs.

In 1913, on the initiative of Emperor Nicholas II, a sports uniform for the Russian Imperial Army was created. The idea was thoroughly researched, in which designs were developed for different sports: gymnastics, fencing, athletics, yachting, cross-country skiing and tennis.

PHOTO: Emperor Nicholas II (with his daughter Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna), wearing the shirt during a tennis match at Livadia, in the Spring of 1914

It was the imperial uniform for tennis players that served as the prototype for Levelsuit’s new shirt.

This consisted of a white tennis shirt made of thin linen, soft cuffs and small, flat mother-of-pearl buttons. In the middle of the chest there is a slit with a bow fold and three pleats on the sides. The embroidered coat of arms was similar to that of yachtsmen’s shirts, on the left side of the chest. The shirt was worn with white flannel or cloth trousers, and a tricolor belt. The uniform turned out to be so comfortable and stylish, that it was regularly worn by the Emperor himself, who was an excellent and enthusiastic tennis player.

Levelsuit’s new design is almost an exact copy of the shirt worn by the Imperial Tennis Team and by the Tsar. The shirts, which are available in white or black, are currently only available in Russia.

Unfortunately, for those of us in the West, it is currently not possible to order one of these shirts, due to the economic sanctions against the Russian Federation. Both MasterCard and Visa have suspended operations in Russia, making it impossible to order any goods online for the foreseeable future.

© Paul Gilbert. 16 December 2024