Rus' caftan, Svita (Kievan Rus, IX-XI c.)
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Svita is a colloquial name for a half-cut caftan fastened with buttons. It was popular in the territory of Kievan Rus and Bulgaria.
Its typeface is based on many iconographic sources: "Menologium Basil II" (scenes of murdering Byzantines by Bulgarians), depiction of the prince's entourage from "Izborniki Sviatoslav", as well as the chronicle of Jan Skylitzes and later (including the depiction of the murder of Boris and Gleb from the 14th century In).
Its use is also confirmed by archaeological finds, such as the arrangement of bumps in graves, e.g. in Gniezdów, Pskov and Czernichów.
The most important element of this caftan is the fabric.
We use exclusively hand-woven wool textiles in a 2/2 twill weave, produced using traditional techniques. All fabrics are plant-dyed, resulting in natural, historically plausible colors consistent with early medieval dyeing practices. The twill weave provides strength, flexibility, and excellent thermal properties while remaining fully appropriate for early medieval reconstructions.
Our work combines archaeological evidence with iconographic sources—manuscript illustrations, reliefs, and early medieval visual representations—allowing us to create garments that are both source-based and functional. The caftan can be worn as a standalone outer garment or as a base layer under cloaks, coats, or mail.
Key Features
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Early medieval rus half-cut caftan fastened with buttons
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Based on iconographic sources and archaeological finds
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Fabric: 100% wool
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Weave: hand-woven 2/2 twill
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Dyeing: natural plant dyes
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Simple, non-decorative, historically accurate cut
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Suitable for reenactment, living history, and educational use
Sizing
Please select the appropriate size according to the size chart below.
We add the necessary ease to all measurements to ensure the garment can be worn comfortably and in accordance with historical authenticity.
If your measurements differ from those listed below, please send us a message with your exact measurements, and we will adjust the garment accordingly.
| Size | EU | Chest | Waist | Sleeve Length (from shoulder) | Wrist Circumference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 46 | 92–96 cm | 80–84 cm | 60–62 cm | 17–18 cm |
| M | 48 | 96–100 cm | 84–88 cm | 61–63 cm | 18–19 cm |
| L | 50 | 100–104 cm | 88–92 cm | 62–64 cm | 19–20 cm |
| XL | 52 | 104–110 cm | 92–98 cm | 63–65 cm | 20–21 cm |
| XXL | 54 | 110–116 cm | 98–104 cm | 64–66 cm | 21–22 cm |
Measurements are body measurements, not garment measurements.
Ordering & Production Time
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This is a made-to-order garment.
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The standard production time is up to 2 months.
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An express order option is available:
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production time: up to 7 days
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+25% surcharge added to the base price
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Historical Use
This caftan is intended for:
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Early medieval reenactment
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Rus and slavs contexts
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Living history and educational displays
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Camp and combat use
No decorative or anachronistic elements are added. This garment is designed for reenactors who value authentic materials, documented cuts, and historically consistent craftsmanship over costume aesthetics.
