Crimea, I Love This Place

[Gator]

I just found out another UW I know is in town aswell and wants to meet up. So my style of clothing is not a problem. I wear what I want to wear, and if others don't like it, well thats their problem, not mine.
 

Above all else, be yourself.      
 

I will leave it there, see who knows what "Fat Face" is.

I did not know this line of designer clothing.  I also did not know the significance of sucking on a Werther's.      UK and the USA - we have our differences.   

[Gator]

Onassis had Maria Callas and Jackie dressing him, Gator. 

My attempt at facetious humor - the ugly Onassis had a fine yacht with lavish parties, and in contrast the handsome Handycam is shown riding a small fishing boat to collect cockles and mussels for fishmongers. 
 

One only wears a yachting uniform if one can afford a yacht.

   
 
Ditto.

[Gator]

Yes, Rubicon, I am old. 

From my perspective you are young.
 
 
 
 

Still, in the same age range as most of the guys chasing twenty somethings here, though. 

Touche
 

And, I'm still pretty flexible.

Yoga I presume.


 

[Vinnvinny]

Man, you guys will argue about anything!

No we don't!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[Handycam72]

Some more pics.

[Boethius]

Read Patagonie's thread, Handycam.
 
Most Ukrainians would not tell you if you were dressed inappropriately, just as I'm sure, no polite Brit would tell you, either.
 

[Handycam72]

Read Patagonie's thread, Handycam.
 
Most Ukrainians would not tell you if you were dressed inappropriately, just as I'm sure, no polite Brit would tell you, either.

Your right, a polite Brit, who I only just met would probably be polite, on the other hand a Brit I had known a while, would tell me what they thought. Just like my Ukrinian friends, who I have known a while, both here and when they came over to the UK and to add we are all in our 30s. They can be just as direct as my long time UK friends, in some cases even more so.
 
Boethius I have to say this, not everyone sees the world the same as you. What you and your circle of friends/associates, call them what you will, might see as inappropriate attire, others will see as ok. We are all different and unique in our own special way and we mix with those who think and see the world the same as ourselves. But I will be sure to inform all the local guys here who are in pretty much in the same attire and around my age that they are all dressed inappropriately, it could take a very long time, there is alot of them.
 
The light beige knee length trousers with the waist line at my rib cage together with the brightly coloured polo shirt, essential money belt at the front, longish beige socks, loafers/trainers and baseball cap just ain't my style. 
 
To add, I have been out this evening with friends to test the theory, in what some would call more appropriate attire to a nice sea front restaurant. French Connection Jeans (No Holes) a nicely pressed Tommy Hillfiger shirt and some clean white trainers, but sadly no wrist watch, I ain't got one, in fact not had one for about 8 years. Friends tried to talk me out of it, said I would stand out and be too hot. Guess what, I stood out and was too hot. Nearly everyone was in shorts, printed t-shirts and trainers/sandels, oh yes and some had no socks on, god help those poor people. 
 
 
 

[Hammer2722]

Your right, a polite Brit, who I only just met would probably be polite, on the other hand a Brit I had known a while, would tell me what they thought. Just like my Ukrinian friends, who I have known a while, both here and when they came over to the UK and to add we are all in our 30s. They can be just as direct as my long time UK friends, in some cases even more so.
 
Boethius I have to say this, not everyone sees the world the same as you. What you and your circle of friends/associates, call them what you will, might see as inappropriate attire, others will see as ok. We are all different and unique in our own special way and we mix with those who think and see the world the same as ourselves. But I will be sure to inform all the local guys here who are in pretty much in the same attire and around my age that they are all dressed inappropriately, it could take a very long time, there is alot of them.
 
The light beige knee length trousers with the waist line at my rib cage together with the brightly coloured polo shirt, essential money belt at the front, longish beige socks, loafers/trainers and baseball cap just ain't my style. 
 
To add, I have been out this evening with friends to test the theory, in what some would call more appropriate attire to a nice sea front restaurant. French Connection Jeans (No Holes) a nicely pressed Tommy Hillfiger shirt and some clean white trainers, but sadly no wrist watch, I ain't got one, in fact not had one for about 8 years. Friends tried to talk me out of it, said I would stand out and be too hot. Guess what, I stood out and was too hot. Nearly everyone was in shorts, printed t-shirts and trainers/sandels, oh yes and some had no socks on, god help those poor people.

Nicely said!!!!! 

[Rubicon]

Your right, a polite Brit, who I only just met would probably be polite, on the other hand a Brit I had known a while, would tell me what they thought. Just like my Ukrinian friends, who I have known a while, both here and when they came over to the UK and to add we are all in our 30s. They can be just as direct as my long time UK friends, in some cases even more so.
 
Boethius I have to say this, not everyone sees the world the same as you. What you and your circle of friends/associates, call them what you will, might see as inappropriate attire, others will see as ok. We are all different and unique in our own special way and we mix with those who think and see the world the same as ourselves. But I will be sure to inform all the local guys here who are in pretty much in the same attire and around my age that they are all dressed inappropriately, it could take a very long time, there is alot of them.
 
The light beige knee length trousers with the waist line at my rib cage together with the brightly coloured polo shirt, essential money belt at the front, longish beige socks, loafers/trainers and baseball cap just ain't my style. 
 
To add, I have been out this evening with friends to test the theory, in what some would call more appropriate attire to a nice sea front restaurant. French Connection Jeans (No Holes) a nicely pressed Tommy Hillfiger shirt and some clean white trainers, but sadly no wrist watch, I ain't got one, in fact not had one for about 8 years. Friends tried to talk me out of it, said I would stand out and be too hot. Guess what, I stood out and was too hot. Nearly everyone was in shorts, printed t-shirts and trainers/sandels, oh yes and some had no socks on, god help those poor people.

Well done mate.  Keep up the photos if you can, I really enjoy them as I have not had the good fortune to visit Sevastapol YET.  It's definitely in my top five places I want to still see in Ukraine.

[Rubicon]

Groovy Baby!!
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[svetlana1990]

Hello.  I am a Ukrainian student who has been reading your forum.  I am studying at U of A in Canada.  Sorry to say but Boethius is right.  Handycam people will tell you look great but will laugh at you as the hick.  If man I was dating was dressed like you after I spent my last moneys to buy knock out clothes I would be upset.  I would be embarrased to show you to my friends in the way you are dressed in your photo.

I think you guys do not understand Ukrainian mentality and pride.

[Rubicon]

Hello.  I am a Ukrainian student who has been reading your forum.  I am studying at U of A in Canada.  Sorry to say but Boethius is right.  Handycam people will tell you look great but will laugh at you as the hick.  If man I was dating was dressed like you after I spent my last moneys to buy knock out clothes I would be upset.  I would be embarrased to show you to my friends in the way you are dressed in your photo.

I think you guys do not understand Ukrainian mentality and pride.

That's why he is not going to be dating you.  There are plenty of people in Ukraine who do dress casual, especially in the hot summer months while on vacation.  There are more and more women in Ukraine who enjoy casual dressing style during hot summer months boating or near the beach or whatever, so it's not a problem for guys like us to attract ones who share our values of being who we are, and not trying to pretend we are the Yacht captain or the Mayor of the city or whatever. 

[Boethius]

Geez, a nice welcome to a new poster.  And you know better than a Ukrainian woman what Ukrainians think, to boot.
 
Welcome, Svetlana.  What are you studying? 

[Vinnvinny]

Hello.  I am a Ukrainian student who has been reading your forum.  I am studying at U of A in Canada.  Sorry to say but Boethius is right.  Handycam people will tell you look great but will laugh at you as the hick.  If man I was dating was dressed like you after I spent my last moneys to buy knock out clothes I would be upset.  I would be embarrased to show you to my friends in the way you are dressed in your photo.

I think you guys do not understand Ukrainian mentality and pride.

Hello Svetlana.


You were prompted to register and post within 4 minutes because of a white t-shirt with a red silhouette motif?


Boethius reckons men past their early 20's should only wear plain t-shirts. What is your view on say a t-shirt with a slightly contrasting collar or sleeve edge? Would that upset you too?

[Rubicon]

Hello.  I am a Ukrainian student who has been reading your forum.  I am studying at U of A in Canada.  Sorry to say but Boethius is right.  Handycam people will tell you look great but will laugh at you as the hick.  If man I was dating was dressed like you after I spent my last moneys to buy knock out clothes I would be upset.  I would be embarrased to show you to my friends in the way you are dressed in your photo.

I think you guys do not understand Ukrainian mentality and pride.

Svetlana,

I am sorry that I did not give you a proper welcome to the forum, please accept my apology.  I did not look to see that it was your first post. 

I agree with you that there are some ladies who expect their men to dress up more often, it's just that that situation is not for me and other younger westerners.  I was born and grew up in California in shorts t-shirts and flip flops.  Like a lot of Americans we do not give so much importance to facades of dressing up all of the time.  Many American billionaires such as Mark Zucerkburg of Facebook et al wear jeans and T-shirts to work and around town.  We think that what's inside matters more. 

I actually dress up more often for special events then most of my friends.  In fact if you dress up in the USA a lot of people think you are a square.

So to each his own.  To thine own self be true.  There is somebody for everybody.

[JohnDearGreen]

Hello.  I am a Ukrainian student who has been reading your forum.  I am studying at U of A in Canada.  Sorry to say but Boethius is right.  Handycam people will tell you look great but will laugh at you as the hick.  If man I was dating was dressed like you after I spent my last moneys to buy knock out clothes I would be upset.  I would be embarrased to show you to my friends in the way you are dressed in your photo.

I think you guys do not understand Ukrainian mentality and pride.

Svetlana,
Did you watch the recent Ukrainian Bachelor TV show?  Guess not, since you were in Canada.  Take a look at the end of the 1st show where Maksim is making his selections.  About 1/3 of the ladies are dressed in very casual T-shirts and shorts and jeans.  Is that the way Ukrainian ladies try to impress a handsome multi-millionaire bachelor?  Casual is normal with the under 30 crowd.

[JR]

Man, you guys will argue about anything!

NO!!!! They will argue about NOTHING!!!! Get your "things" Mr. Davey man)))
 

[mies]

No.  Just dress like a grown up.
 
Like it or not, UW do judge men by how they are dressed.  Handy seems like a good guy, and I hope he is successful.

We do.
I agree with Boethius that OP's type of t-shirt can be improved.

1) the majority of general public in Ukraine will tell you 100% the same as Boethius told you, same words. And will critic a man who dresses like that, although not into his face, more like gossiping behind his back.

2) my personal view on it: i also felt that this type of apparel looks wrong on the OP. I studied the photo several times, and tried to understand what makes me think it is wrong. Normally, I am very relaxed about outfit on vacation, and would not object a t-shirt if it looks OK. Finally, I realized that this style of clothes makes the OP look like a retired guy in Florida while in Florida (retired guys from Florida, please understand, no offense here). Someone much older than OP's age. OP's clothes make him look older than he is, and it seems to me that t-shirt makes him look shapeless - at least on this particular photo. He can look much more attractive in something else, perhaps a polo as Boethius suggested, or a different t-shirt. Handycam72, please do not take my words negatively. I fully agree with your view that you should wear what you like and in what you feel comfortable. Yet, if you were my close friend, I would advise you to change it, and would most likely go shopping with you to help pick something better. Not because of public perception, but because I think you can look better, without giving up on any comfort.

[mies]

That's why he is not going to be dating you.  There are plenty of people in Ukraine who do dress casual, especially in the hot summer months while on vacation.  There are more and more women in Ukraine who enjoy casual dressing style during hot summer months boating or near the beach or whatever, so it's not a problem for guys like us to attract ones who share our values of being who we are, and not trying to pretend we are the Yacht captain or the Mayor of the city or whatever.

Rubicon, this is the most funny reply i ever read on this forum. REALLY??? 
American men are dating FSUW women who dress CASUAL??? Try wearing shoes with 4"+ heels on stone-paved road somewhere in Kyiv or Odessa and a tight mini-skirt or mini-shorts, a tight top on a super-hot and muggy Ukrainian summer day, ! That will give you a good idea of what is CASUAL.     To say women "enjoy" it would be a huge overstatement. You are calling it "values"? Double standards i say. A man in super-comfy shapeless clothes and a girl in super uncomfy "feminine" apparel.
I have yet to see anyone posting a photo from trip report to Ukraine with a girl wearing flip-lops, shaggy knee-long shorts and a shapeless t-shirt 2 size bigger than the lady. 


 

[Gator]

Mies,
 
I hope the men inexperienced with RW are reading your insightful posts.
 

A man in super-comfy shapeless clothes......

 
There are three reasons why men dress this way:  1) comfort, 2) not caring 3) and to hide his true shape.   
 
 

....and a girl in super uncomfy "feminine" apparel.

There are three reasons why RW dress this way: 1) self-pride,  2) peer pressure, and 3)  trolling for men (in a fishing sense) using their shapely body as bait.   
 
 
 

Finally, I realized that this style of clothes makes the OP look like a retired guy in Florida while in Florida (retired guys from Florida, please understand, no offense here). Someone much older than OP's age. OP's clothes make him look older than he is, and it seems to me that t-shirt makes him look shapeless - at least on this particular photo.

I am a retired Florida man, and I take no offense.  However, I and most of my peers wear a collared shirt because of the sun.  Rednecks wear T-shirts, hence the name. 
 
 

I have yet to see anyone posting a photo from trip report to Ukraine with a girl wearing flip-lops, shaggy knee-long shorts and a shapeless t-shirt 2 size bigger than the lady. 

 

My Siberian woman is a fine looking woman and when visiting me in Florida she wears sandals, medium length shorts,  knitted collared shirts, and sans makeup.  The shorts and shirts are tight fitting however and fashionable (Lacoste).  She relishes the comfort.  In contrast, her daughter here dresses to the nines to attend university classes (wearing attire given to her by international admirers from her classes and men who are meeting her for tea after classes).  She is not intimate with them and after a while they give up, only to replaced by a new man filled with fantasies).
 
 
My personal opinion is that shapely women look their best in loose finely tailored clothing made of the best fabrics.  One can still see the silhouette of their rock hard popka brushing against the fabric of their trousers.  And flowing sun dresses with revealing bustline....especially in a convertible!!!!!!!  I could say more yet I must refrain.

[The Natural]

I find it a little sad that the way people in the west now clothe themselves is too informal and casual. Of course, it depends on what activity you're engaged in at the time, but surely there are moments when many people could dress a little smarter than they often do.
 
I used to think that the US had a more formal dress code than Europeans (west). I suppose that view was reinforced from my internship in NJ in 1996. In the place I spent 14 weeks you had to dress nice. Not overly so, but good shirt and pants and I was told that blue jeans was strictly forbidden.
 
So I'm a bit surprised to hear that the dress code as a rule is very liberal. When I read an article by the brilliant economist Bill Bonner, it reminded me of this thread. He wrote:
 
"Since we had been living in Europe for the last 15 years, we had few opportunities to attend our local church. But it once played an important role in our lives. Our family went every Sunday, and your editor was an altar boy for several years.

So, he put on his Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes - coat and tie - on Sunday morning, returning to the church he knew as a child, and took his place in a pew in the back of the church.

The first thing he noticed was that he was the only one wearing a tie...or a coat. The rest of the congregation looked as though it was ready to order foot-long hotdogs or spread out beach towels. A man who must have been 55 years old came in a pair of baggy shorts - the kind you would normally dip in soapy water and use to wash the car. Over his broad stomach he wore an olive-drab tee-shirt of the sort worn by Tennessee auto mechanics. This was a level of informality we had never before seen in an Episcopal church. Or any church, for that matter."
 
There's a time and place for dressing in different ways, I feel. I would like my girl to dress feminine like they do in FSU, but don't want to dress like a bum myself, next to her. Privately I prefer to see girls with tight-fitting clothes, at least when we're alone. But there's no reason to go overboard in the other direction either. You just don't go to the beach wearing a suit. Then a nice t-shirt and shorts do just fine. But if you take a stroll in the streets in the evening, you put on a pair of nice pants, perhaps a neutral shirt and a light jacket.

[Faux Pas]

My count is, there are 3 women who contributed to this thread and all with intimate knowledge of the perception of dress by Ukrainian women. All just offering their experience and advice to take or leave. If you want to dress to please yourself or your like minded buddies then by all means, do it. But, when you can't garner the attention of the woman you desire, remember this thread all the while enjoying your independence from expected society's fashion faux pas (no pun intended)


If you are there to find friends, continue on as you think. If you are there to find women, you may wish to consider what these 3 ladies are trying to explain. 


Handycam, this isn't directed as much at you as all those agreeing with the built for comfort mentality. I am enjoying your updates btw.

[ECOCKS]

Mountains....Molehills....


Dress the way YOU really are in order to portray to women the way you will be when you are in a long-term relationship in your own environment.


Be prepared for the consequences though. You can get away with jeans and t when you go out on a small boat with people you already know well. If you are doing your own "trolling" you might want to trim the bait and dress the lure a bit before slipping into the water.

[Kuna]

Clothing DOESN'T MAKE THE MAN - but it sure can be an indicator of who he is...

I'm not taking sides but I just scanned though photos from previous trips looking for some examples... 

I think you can be comfortable AND well presented, but most important of all is to not try to be something you are not.

Someone mentioned Pat's attention to clothing (OCD maybe) prior to his trip and let's face it...  clothes didn't land him the big fish.

Anyway... some cropped pics for your viewing pleasure:

Pic 1:  Not the average couple one might agree

Pic 2: He looks comfortable...  so does she.   

Pic 3: OMG - a printed T-Shirt, no less with a funny slogan... but then again,  his gf isn't like the girl in the first pic.

Pic 4: No,  he wasn't an American... I distinctly remember this guy because he was HUGE...  GF looks comfy though!

Pic 5:  Do we REALLY have to tuck our T-Shirts into our jeans?

Pic 6:  Man-bags are a big thing in Ukraine - apparently.


Make of it what you will...  but attire does make a difference.

[Wayne]

My wife and I bought a lot near Sevastopol in a dacha conplex. It is walking distance to the Black Sea, where there is a giant wild beach.
The OP can put aside all this discussion about what he should wear by just going to this beach--where he doesn't have to wear anything!
I understand there are several nude beaches in Crimea, and it is not a big deal.
What do the UW have to say about this?
 
Thanks for the photographs. A lot of the places we have visited. Did you take any photos of the women you visited? It would be interesting to see what they are wearing.