Ushanka
Russian fur hat with ear flaps for cold protection.
The ushanka is a Russian fur hat with ear-covering flaps that can be tied up on the crown or fastened at the chin to protect the ears, jaw, and lower chin from cold. It is also traditionally worn in the Baltic region including Sweden, Finland, Norway and the entire Eastern European region. The design has been known for centuries, with the modern version inspired by Norwegian arctic explorers and influenced by Cossacks of the Kuban. It became a standard winter uniform item in the Soviet Union after the Winter War, replacing the less effective budenovka, and has since been adopted by military and police forces in Canada and other Western countries.
- field
- Headgear / Winter uniform
- nationality
- Russian
- known_for
- Fur hat with ear flaps, used in cold climates and military uniforms
- materials
- Sheepskin, karakul, rabbit, muskrat, mink, artificial fur ('fish fur')
Lore & Background
Hats with fur earflaps have been known for centuries. The design of ushanka with a perfectly round crown was developed in the 17th century when in central and northern Russia a hat with two earflaps and a backflap called treukh ('three-eared') was worn. Cossacks of the Kuban have influenced the design through interaction with peoples from Central Asia and Caucasus. Red Army soldiers instead wore the budenovka, made of felt and designed to resemble historical bogatyr helmets, which did not provide much protection from the cold. After the Winter War, the Red Army replaced budenovkas with ushankas based on the Finnish example.
Reader's Guide
The ushanka's significance lies in its evolution from a traditional Russian hat to a symbol of Soviet military identity and a practical cold-weather garment adopted worldwide. Its design, with ear flaps that can be worn down for warmth or tied up for visibility (ski-style), reflects a balance between protection and functionality. The hat's use in the Winter War highlighted the importance of proper winter gear, leading to its adoption by the Red Army and later by Warsaw Pact armies. After German reunification, it remained part of German police winter uniform. In Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police use a muskrat fur version, and similar hats are worn by the People's Liberation Army in China, where it is called 'the Lei Feng hat.' The ushanka's dense fur also offers some protection against blunt impacts to the head. Its continued use in military and police forces in cold regions, as well as in civilian fashion, demonstrates its enduring utility and cultural resonance.
Did You Know?
- The ushanka's design was influenced by the Norwegian norvezhka, a hat invented by Norwegian arctic explorers.
- During the Winter War, Finnish troops used the turkislakki M36 ushanka-style hat, while Soviet troops suffered from inadequate cold-weather gear.
- In the Russian military, the way of wearing the ushanka (up flaps, down flaps, or ski-style) is considered part of the uniform of the day and is usually decided by a unit commander at reveille.
- Artificial fur ushankas are referred to as 'fish fur' since the material is not from any real animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ushanka?
The Ushanka is a traditional Russian fur hat built with two ear-covering flaps that shield the ears, jaw, and chin from harsh winter cold. It is the most recognizable piece of headgear associated with cold-climate wear in Russia and surrounding regions.
What materials go into making an Ushanka?
Traditional versions use sheepskin, karakul, rabbit, muskrat, or mink fur, while modern mass-produced ones often rely on synthetic 'fish fur' alternatives. The choice of material largely depends on the intended climate and budget.
Why did the Soviet military switch to the Ushanka?
After the Winter War demonstrated that the older budenovka cap offered inadequate protection, the Ushanka was adopted as the standard winter headgear for Soviet troops. Its ear flaps provided superior coverage against freezing temperatures compared to the previous design.
How do you adjust the Ushanka's ear flaps?
The flaps can be tied up on top of the crown when conditions are milder or fastened under the chin for maximum warmth. This dual-position design lets the wearer regulate insulation without removing the hat entirely.
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