🎞️ POP-CULTURE | The Ushanka, as a winter hat, was an overwhelming success and soon became synonymous with Slavic culture. During the 20th century, the Ushanka came to symbolize the European Eastern Bloc. Many images & films from the era, especially during the Cold War show military personnel wearing them. Their popularity in the West was inspired by W.C. Fields’ 1933 short film, “The Fatal Glass of Beer” and Arnold Schwarzenegger sporting a gray Ushanka in 1988 action blockbuster "Red Heat."
❄️ USE | The Ushanka, its predecessors, as well as future successors are all made to serve one purpose; to keep your head and ears warm in the winter. The head is generally the most exposed part of the body in the winter, and as such adequate protection is needed to minimize heat loss. The Finnish army, Norwegian arctic explorers, and the civilian population from the Balkans to the Caucasus’ can attest to that. It's a great, traditional piece of headgear, and an ideal accessory.
📚 HISTORY | Hats with earflaps have been used for centuries in the Balkan region, and Northeastern Italy. Similar style hats have also been seen in Nordic and Eurasian countries. The Ushanka, with a perfectly round crown, was developed after a Slavic hat called the “Treukh” from the 17th century. In 1917, the Ushanka received yet another design update inspired by hats worn by Norwegian Arctic explorers called the “Norvezhka.” The main difference was the addition of longer ear flaps.
🐏 PRODUCT | The Ushanka is a winter hat from Slavic culture, typically crafted from materials like sheepskin, rabbit, or muskrat fur. Its design includes ear flaps that can be secured under the chin for protection from the weather. Alternatively, the flaps can be fastened behind the head for a different look. This style, known as "ski-style," sacrifices some warmth for improved visibility and mobility. Additionally, the thick fur used in the Ushanka can provide some impact resistance to the head.
🎀 GIFT | This traditional Slavic and Nordic inspired style hat makes a great gift for anyone. Whether it’d be a friend or family member, child or adult, male or female, or just as a gift for yourself, worry not, our Ushanka will keep your ears as toasty as the summer’s mid-day sun! Our Ushankas are made of faux fur and as such no animals were harmed to make them. They also come with a nifty military pin (which can be removed) should you intend to use it for cosplay. Looking sharp!