Russian Hats

Russian fur flap hats are also known as Ushanka hats. A Ushanka is a Russian fur hat with ear flaps that can be tied up to the crown of the hat, or tied at the chin to protect the ears from the cold. In the English-speaking world, it is sometimes referred to as a shapka. However, this usage is not accurate, but is rather a Russian language word meaning simply 'hat'. Ushanka literally translates as ear flaps hat.

Though ushanka hats are a distinctly Russian hat, indeed, the stereotypical Russian is seen to wear one, the wearing of fur hats of similar design is common throughout China, North Korea, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. It is possible that Russians adopted this design from Mongols during the Middle Age Mongol invasion of Russia.