Ushanka Hats
Fur ushanka hats handmade in Ukraine — mink, fox, raccoon, karakul and sheepskin, with ear flaps that tie up, hang down or fasten under the chin. Classic and modern styles for men and women, plus youth sizes, in 55–62 cm.
What Is an Ushanka?
An ushanka is a winter fur hat with a rounded crown and ear flaps that you control. It exists because it works: one hat that adjusts to the weather instead of making you switch hats every time the temperature drops.
We make every ushanka by hand from farm-raised fur. The flaps are reinforced where they're tied most often, the crown keeps its shape, and the lining is chosen for comfort over a full day outside.
Three Ways to Wear the Ear Flaps
Flaps tied up on top — the city look. The flaps fold against the crown and the ushanka looks like a neat, structured fur hat. For days around -10°C with little wind.
Flaps down, loose — ears and cheeks covered, chin free. The everyday setting for -10°C to -20°C or a windy walk.
Flaps tied under the chin — full coverage for serious cold below -20°C, long hours outside or strong wind. This is what the ushanka was designed for.
One hat, three levels of protection — that's the reason no other winter hat has replaced it.
Ushanka Styles: Classic, Modern, Youth
Classic ushanka — a taller crown and full, visible flaps. The traditional silhouette; looks best with long coats and sheepskin jackets.
Modern ushanka — a lower crown and cleaner lines, the same warmth. Made for the city: works with a parka or a wool coat and looks like a regular fur hat with the flaps up.
Bomber and trapper-cut ushanka — longer flaps that wrap the cheeks and neck, often with a leather, suede or sheepskin outer. The most coverage for long hours outside.
Youth ushanka — scaled down for teenagers: a narrower, lower crown and smaller flaps, so it doesn't look oversized. Natural raccoon, black, grey and two-tone colors.
Mink, Fox, Raccoon, Karakul or Sheepskin
Mink ushanka — light, dense and soft, the best warmth for its weight. Comfortable from about -15°C to -25°C with the flaps down. With basic care a mink ushanka lasts 15–20 years. Black, brown, pastel, white and two-tone; some styles combine mink with leather or suede.
Fox ushanka — longer guard hair and a fuller, more voluminous look. As warm as mink, slightly heavier, very good in wind, and every pelt has its own natural color variation.
Raccoon ushanka — the heaviest and most rugged, with long, thick fur in natural grey-brown tones. A favorite for long hours outdoors.
Karakul (astrakhan) ushanka — tightly curled lamb fur with a smooth, wavy surface. Strong wind resistance and a more formal look; it pairs naturally with a long wool overcoat. Grey and black.
Sheepskin ushanka — sheepskin outer with shearling inside, often in an aviator or trapper cut with long flaps. The most practical choice for heavy outdoor use and wet snow, with almost no special care.
Comparing all our furs, not just ushankas? See all fur hats.
Colors
Black — goes with everything, formal or casual. Brown and pastel — warmer and softer, great with tweed, camel and sheepskin. Grey — a modern neutral; grey raccoon and grey karakul have the most texture. White and cream — striking and festive, but needs more care. Two-tone — a black crown with light flaps or the reverse; the most contemporary look and popular with younger buyers.
Ushanka Size Guide
Measure with a soft tape just above the ears and across the widest part of the forehead. If you're between sizes, take the larger one.
| Head circumference | US hat size | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|
| 55 cm (21.7") | 6⅞ | Small adults, teenagers |
| 56–57 cm (22–22.4") | 7 – 7⅛ | Most women |
| 58–59 cm (22.8–23.2") | 7¼ – 7⅜ | Most men |
| 60–61 cm (23.6–24") | 7½ – 7⅝ | Larger heads |
| 62 cm (24.4") | 7¾ | Large heads |
Sizing is by head size, not gender — a woman with a 58 cm head wears the same size as a man with a 58 cm head. Full guide: hat size guide.
How to Wear an Ushanka
City and office — a modern ushanka in black or grey mink, or a karakul ushanka, flaps up, with a long wool coat. Everyday — any style with a parka or down jacket, flaps up or loose. Outdoors — a raccoon, fox or sheepskin ushanka with the flaps tied under the chin, with a sheepskin or down coat. Teenagers — a youth ushanka in raccoon, grey or two-tone with a casual winter jacket.
Ushanka vs Other Winter Hats
Ushanka vs trapper — a trapper is looser, often with a sheepskin or leather outer and fixed flaps. The ushanka has a neater crown and flaps you can tie three ways.
Ushanka vs bomber — a bomber is usually sheepskin with long flaps that wrap the face and neck; maximum coverage, less refined. The ushanka is lighter and works in the city as well as outdoors.
Ushanka vs beanie — a beanie is fine for mild winters. Below -10°C or in wind, it can't protect the ears the way a fur ushanka can.
Looking for men's aviators, trappers and fur caps too? See men's fur hats. For women: women's fur hats and fur hoods.
Ushanka — Questions
How do I tie the ear flaps on an ushanka?
For the city, lift both flaps and tie the cords on top of the crown. In colder weather, untie them and let the flaps hang over your ears. In serious cold or wind, bring the flaps down and tie the cords under your chin. It takes a few seconds and you can change it on the go.
Can I wear an ushanka with the flaps up in the city without looking unusual?
Yes. With the flaps tied up, an ushanka looks like a neat, structured fur hat — most people won't notice the flaps at all. A modern mink ushanka or a karakul ushanka in black or grey looks especially clean this way.
What temperature can a mink ushanka handle?
With the flaps tied down and a proper winter coat, a mink ushanka is comfortable to about -25°C. Below -30°C, add a neck gaiter or scarf to cover the lower face.
Which ushanka fur should I choose — mink, fox, raccoon, karakul or sheepskin?
Mink for a light, warm everyday ushanka that lasts for years. Fox for more volume and a bolder look. Raccoon for a heavier, rugged hat for long hours outdoors. Karakul for a formal look with a wool overcoat. Sheepskin for heavy outdoor use and wet snow.
What is a karakul (astrakhan) ushanka?
It's an ushanka made from karakul — tightly curled lamb fur, also called astrakhan. The surface is smooth and wavy rather than fluffy, it blocks wind well and looks more formal than mink or raccoon. It suits a long wool overcoat or a business winter look.
What's the difference between a classic and a modern ushanka?
A classic ushanka has a taller crown and fuller flaps — the traditional look. A modern ushanka has a lower crown and cleaner lines, made for the city. Both give the same warmth.
Is there an ushanka for women?
Yes. Ushankas are sized by head circumference, so a woman simply chooses her size — most women wear 56–57 cm. Mink in brown, white or two-tone, or a fox ushanka, tends to suit women best.
Is an ushanka a good gift?
Yes — it's practical, it lasts for years and most people have never owned a real one. A black mink ushanka is the safest choice. If you don't know the size, measure a hat they already wear, or message us and we'll help.