The first telnyashkas appeared in the heyday of sailing ships. Initially, the stripes were colored, to be visible against white sails, unlike the traditional white and blue that we are used to now.

At the beginning of the 18th century, almost all European fleets introduced a uniform dress code. Wearing anything that was not part of the uniform was penalized.

In Russia, the habit of wearing telnyashkas started to form in 1862, and by some sources it was an elite garment only participants of far trips had the privilege to wear. The official order certifying the telnyashka as the official piece of the uniform was signed on August 19, 1874. This day can be considered the telnyashka's birthday.