Ushanka

Design and Materials

The defining characteristic of an ushanka is its pair of ear-covering flaps attached to a round crown. These flaps provide versatile protection as they can be fastened under the chin to shield the ears, jaw, and neck from wind and cold. Alternatively, they can be tied up to the crown of the hat or bent back and secured behind the head in a style known as ski-style, which offers better visibility. The dense fur construction offers not only insulation but also some protection against blunt impacts to the head.

Traditional ushankas are crafted from various natural furs, including sheepskin, karakul rabbit, muskrat, and mink. Mink fur ushankas are particularly valued in Arctic regions of Russia for protection against temperatures as low as minus 70 degrees Celsius. Artificial fur versions are also widely manufactured and are commonly referred to as fish fur, a term denoting the material is not from an animal. The simplest fish fur ushankas use a wool pile with a cloth substrate, with the pile exposed on the flaps.

Historical Origins and Development

Hats with fur earflaps have existed for centuries across northern cultures. In 17th-century central and northern Russia, a precursor called the treukh, meaning three-eared, was worn. The modern ushanka design from 1917 was also inspired by the Norwegian norvezhka hat used by Arctic explorers, which featured longer ear flaps. During the Russian Civil War, White Army ruler Aleksandr Kolchak introduced a similar winter hat called the kolchakovka around 1918, but it was not adopted after his defeat. The Soviet Red Army initially used the budenovka, a felt hat resembling historical helmets that provided poor cold protection. The better-equipped Finnish army used an effective ushanka-style fur hat called the turkislakki, introduced in 1936. Following this conflict, the Red Army completely redesigned its winter uniforms, replacing budenovkas with ushankas based on the Finnish example.

Military Adoption and Global Spread

After its adoption by the Red Army, the ushanka became standard issue across all Warsaw Pact armies, solidifying its association with Soviet rule. Officers typically received fur ushankas while other ranks were issued versions made with plush or fish fur. During the Second World War, German soldiers facing the harsh Russian winter, such as at the Battle of Moscow, began wearing captured ushankas as their own uniforms proved inadequate. The hat's practicality ensured its continued use in military and police forces long after the Soviet era.

In 2013, the Russian army announced an updated ushanka design with a rounder crown and small sealable openings in the flaps to accommodate modern headphones. The hat remains part of the winter uniform for the Polish armed forces and was used by East German authorities before German reunification. The Finnish Defence Forces use grey and green versions with different uniform sets, while generals may wear a distinctive white M39 model. The design spread globally to cold-weather militaries and police services.

Use in Canada and Similar Headgear

In Canada, the ushanka's functional design has been incorporated into official winter uniforms. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police uses a regulation hat made of muskrat fur that sits between an ushanka and an aviator hat in design. This hat replaced the former Canadian military fur wedge cap. Similarly, Toronto Transit Commission staff wear comparable fur hats with ear flaps during winter operations. The practical design resonates in a country familiar with severe winters, though the Canadian versions are often adapted with specific materials and styling.

Globally, several similar hats exist. Trapper hats are considered a hybrid between the aviator cap and the ushanka, combining the former's style with the latter's furriness, and are viewed as more casual. The traditional Finnish Koivistolainen is a flat-topped fur hat from the Karelian Isthmus. Other comparable designs include the Andean chullo, the deerstalker cap, and Central Asian headgear like the malahai. The Chinese People's Liberation Army's winter uniform includes a similar hat often called the Lei Feng hat after a famous propaganda image.

Cultural Significance and Modern Perception

The ushanka is inescapably associated with Russia and Soviet history, yet its story is more complex and international than often assumed. Its development was influenced by Norwegian, Finnish, and Central Asian designs. During the Second World War, British airmen assisting with Arctic convoys reportedly adopted ushankas for warmth but kept the ear flaps tied up, considering it unmanly to wear them down. In the Russian military today, how the flaps are worn remains part of the uniform code, typically decided by the unit commander.

While strongly identified with its military past, the ushanka has transitioned into civilian winter wear worldwide. As of 2026, the core design defined by its ear flaps remains in production and use. It is marketed under various names like trapper hat or aviator hat and is available in both genuine fur and synthetic materials. The hat's enduring practicality for extreme cold ensures its continued presence, from historical reenactments featuring Soviet army styles to practical winter gear for civilians in cold climates.

Manufacturing and Contemporary Market

Ushanka production continues to cater to both functional and nostalgic markets. Authentic reproduction hats, such as Soviet Army winter white ushanka hats made of genuine sheep fur with Red Star insignia, are available for collectors and historical enthusiasts. Simultaneously, affordable mass-produced versions are widely sold online and in stores. As of October 2026, new unbranded ushanka-style trapper hats made of faux fur were being advertised for sale at low price points, indicating a robust market for the style.

The hat's appeal lies in its straightforward utility. Manufacturers offer versions in colours like grey, green, blue, and black to suit different uniforms or personal style. The basic principle of a round crown with adjustable fur flaps has proven timeless. Whether as part of an official police uniform in Canada, a military issue item in Finland, or a casual winter hat, the ushanka design persists because it effectively solves the problem of protecting the head and ears from freezing temperatures.

Questions about Ushanka

What is an ushanka?

An ushanka is a Russian fur hat characterized by a round crown and ear-covering flaps. The word ushanka comes from the Russian word 'ushi,' meaning ears. The flaps can be tied up to the crown of the hat or fastened under the chin for protection from extreme cold. This practical design has been adopted by military and police forces in many cold-weather countries, including Canada.

Do Canadian police wear ushankas?

Yes, a version of the ushanka is part of official winter wear in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police uses a regulation hat made of muskrat fur that is a design between an ushanka and an aviator hat. This hat replaced the older Canadian military fur wedge cap. Similarly, staff of the Toronto Transit Commission wear similar fur hats with ear flaps during winter operations for protection against the cold.

What are ushankas made from?

Traditional ushankas are made from various natural furs such as sheepskin, rabbit, muskrat, and mink. Mink fur is particularly used for hats intended for the most severe Arctic cold. Artificial fur versions are also very common and are often referred to as fish fur, indicating the material is synthetic. The simplest synthetic versions use a wool pile on a cloth base, with the fur exposed on the ear flaps.

How should you wear an ushanka?

There are three common ways to wear an ushanka. The flaps can be fastened down under the chin for maximum protection of the ears and neck. They can be tied up to the crown when extra warmth is not needed. Alternatively, they can be bent back and tied behind the head in a ski-style, which offers less protection but much better visibility. In military contexts, the style is often dictated by uniform regulations.

Are ushankas still worn today?

Yes, ushankas are still worn today. They are a part of the winter uniform for military and police forces in Canada and other Western countries with a cold winter. The Russian army announced a new ushanka design in 2013. The hat is still used by the Polish armed forces and the Finnish Defence Forces. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police use a muskrat fur hat styled as an ushanka. This style is still used by police and military forces. Ushanka hats are widely produced for sale, as seen in listings from 2026 for winter men's Russian hats.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-10-20.