🎞️ 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."
🎀 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!
❄️ 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 | For centuries, hats featuring earflaps have been worn in the Balkans and Northeastern Italy. Comparable styles can also be found in Nordic and Eurasian nations. The Ushanka, characterized by its round crown, evolved from a Slavic hat known as the “Treukh,” which dates back to the 17th century. In 1917, the Ushanka was further redesigned with influences from the “Norvezhka,” a type of hat sported by Norwegian Arctic explorers. The key distinction was the incorporation of extended ear flaps.
🐑 MATERIAL | The Ushanka is a Slavic fur winter hat with ear flaps. It is generally made from sheepskin, rabbit or muskrat fur. The ear flaps can be lowered and tied around the chin to protect the ears, jaw and lower chin from the elements. The flaps can also be tied behind the head, or “ski-style.” Ski-style offers less protection from the cold, but offers better visibility and movement. The thick fur that the Ushanka is made of can also help reduce blunt force impact to the head.