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Posts from Heddels for 12/15/2023
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By James on Dec 14, 2023 12:01 am
One may associate balaclavas with bank robbers, but many folks out there just want to keep their faces protected from the cold, and the balaclava is the best — and comfiest — way to do just that.
Born out of wartime necessity in the 19th century and remaining relatively unchanged to this day, the balaclava is a notorious winter accessory that covers large portions of the face with a soft material, keeping you warm, toasty, and anonymous.
But where did the balaclava come from? What’s with the name? And why have they had such a surge in fashion popularity in recent years? We’ll be exploring all of that and more in this one-stop guide on balaclavas, as well as pointing you in the direction of some well-made balaclavas that you’ll want to use forever.
What is a Balaclava?
Fujito Balaclavas via Namu Shop.
Also known as a ski mask, a balaclava is a piece of headgear that covers part of the face as well as the head, typically leaving only the eyes unprotected. Balaclavas come in different forms that prioritize protecting or exposing different parts of the face, but the function of a balaclava is always to keep the head, face, and neck warm and protected from frost and chill.
Styles of Balaclava
3 Hole
Image via Wikipedia.
The most recognizable form of balaclava, made famous by the SAS. in the 1980s. This style has 2 separate holes for the eyes and one for the mouth.
2 Hole
2 hole balaclavas simply have 2 holes for the eyes.
1 Hole
J.L.-A.L. Balaclava, available for $84 from This Thing of Ours.
1 hole balaclavas have 1 opening which is either for the eye or a larger part of the face along with the eyes, sometimes the eyes, nose, and mouth. While they cover less of the face, they still cover the cheeks and forehead, as well as the rest of the head and neck,
History of the Balaclava
‘Crimean War Winter Clothing for the British Troops’ is an 1854 illustration by an unknown artist. Image via Fine Art America.
Face protection has been around for centuries, but not in the knitted form that premiered in the Crimean War of the late 19th century.
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