Balaclava: what is it, what to wear with and how to choose?

Not so long ago, the balaclava was popular only among skiers and snowboarders. However, last year this item of clothing became a fashion trend of the autumn-winter season. A few years before the premiere on the catwalk, clothing designers tried to put a balaclava in a common wardrobe, however, this idea was unsuccessful. But in 2018, the situation has fundamentally changed. This unusual headdress has become an adornment of classic and casual outfits.

Most people believe that balaclava is an integral attribute of bandits. However, skiers and snowboarders confidently state that without this headgear they cannot train and compete. Also Balaclavas put on by hikers, cyclists and even bikers. This kind of hat can be worn in winter and summer.

Based on the information presented, it becomes clear that a headdress is called a balaclava, having the shape of a stocking, which is worn directly under the helmet. On the front of this wardrobe item there are slots for the eyes, nose and mouth.

The uniqueness of the balaclava lies in the way it is worn. For example, by the principle of a hat, scarf or mask.

History cannot provide accurate facts of the origin of the balaclava. But according to legend, this wardrobe item was invented by the British during the Crimean War. Pampered foreigners pulled various things over their heads, so they saved themselves from the cold.Today, this element of the wardrobe is very popular among skiers and motorcyclists.

Skiers, snowboarders and bikers have long recognized the benefits of balaclava. But lovers of hunting and fishing relatively recently revealed the advantages of this headgear. Balaclavas keep heat perfectly, which is important for snowboarders. Rushing through the snowy expanses of the mountainous terrain, the athlete is maximally protected from snow falling under the helmet and cold wind. For the same reasons, balaclava is used by skiers, however, they call this element of equipment a ski mask.

Bikers began to use balaclava relatively recently. This part of the motorcycle paraphernalia protects its owner from excess moisture. The fabric mask absorbs emerging sweat. However, after severe wetting, the mask must be changed to dry. Otherwise, the continuation of high-speed movement, accompanied by gusts of wind, can be harmful to health.

Today, balaclava has become a fashionable element of the wardrobe. They can be worn on the street, worn at special occasions. However, in a city with balaclavas on their heads, small children are more common. In children's models, designers leave the whole face open, and not just the eye area.

Today, there are several types of balaclava, which can be found not only in sports stores, but also in fashion boutiques. They have different shapes, sizes, designs. Divided into female and male models.

The most common type of headgear presented, which can be purchased at any sports store. These models are designed as a wide scarf that can be pulled over your head. In simple words, while the athlete is warm, he can wear a balaclava scarf around his neck. But as soon as the wind rises or the air temperature becomes low, just grab the edge of an impromptu scarf, pull it on your face and fix it so that it does not move down.

Most often, this kind of headgear is made of cotton or fleece, which guarantee maximum warmth and comfort to its owner. A distinctive feature of these models of balaclava is the lack of dimension. The fabric used for sewing easily stretches, due to which it is ideal for people with any shape of the head. The primary models did not have any design, but after some time various images began to be applied to them. Today, 3D images are applied to such scarves.

Young people most often choose cotton balaclava. They perfectly hold the design print. However, during activity, this tissue gets wet very quickly. A few exhalations are enough for the mask in the mouth to become wet.

This model has an unusual design. It has a triangular shape, where one corner covers the neck, and the other two are fixed with Velcro. The style of such models has several parts. An insert in the neck protects the scarf. The second element of the scarf covers the nose. To breathe easily, the second part of the scarf is made of light breathable material.

The balaclava scarf is in great demand among young riders. It is easy to put on, it is comfortable to wear. If necessary, you can lower it to the neck or remove it altogether.

The only drawback of this wardrobe item is the quick wetting of the fabric. After several hours of wearing, the headscarf becomes wet.And with a snug fit to the face, the owner of the mask feels cold with the accompanying discomfort. To dry such a scarf, one has to look for a radiator or battery, although the material of this variety of balaclava dries in no more than 10 minutes.

This kind of headgear is similar to the masks of riot police, firefighters and tankers. It is these models that are familiar to the militants in society. In them, bandits put on a hat in the form of a stocking with slits for the eyes, nose and mouth. On ski slopes, athletes use a slightly different mask design, namely with a single slot for the face. but depending on weather conditions, the athlete independently decides to what level it is worth opening his face.

For sewing balaclava masks use any materials, for example, acrylic, cotton, wool, synthetics or fleece. However, acrylic, cotton and wool patterns are not worth choosing. Firstly, they quickly absorb moisture, which makes them very wet. Secondly, they dry very slowly. Choosing such a mask care must be taken that the tissue in the nose is breathable.

This wardrobe element has many design features. Some options are designed to be worn in warm weather, others are made for winter cold. Some models have a low cost, others a higher price. However, do not expect that budget masks will be able to protect its owner from the weather.

The most interesting variety of balaclava, able to solve many serious problems. In appearance, this headpiece is a mask with a slot in the eye area. In the manufacture of this type of balaclava, neoprene is used - a foam material that can independently maintain its shape. With the help of this wardrobe item, each athlete hides his face as much as possible from bad weather conditions.

Neoprene is used to partially mask the face. A soft fabric material is used to close the neck.

Neoprene masks make special ventilation slots that prevent wind blowing. However, talking in such ammunition and breathing is very easy. The only drawback of neoprene balaclava is the lack of beauty. However, to conquer steep slopes, one does not have to think about the attractiveness of appearance.

Budget balaclava is made from simple fabrics, such as fleece, acrylic or cotton. But more expensive models are already made of synthetics and neoprene. However, combined masks are considered the best options. The part covering the neck is made of dense and warm material, and breathable and quick-drying fabrics are used in the face area.

For the fair sex, knitted patterns are offered that can be worn as a scarf.

In the recent past, when balaclavas were in demand only by athletes, their color scheme did not have a wide variety. Mostly only dark shades were present. Bright comforters were sewn exclusively to order.

Today, fashion designers are ready to offer consumers balaclava of bright colors, pale and dark shades. Here are just men still opting for a dark palette of colors. And the fair sex choose light colors, namely white, beige or cream.

The process of finding clothes that blend perfectly with a balaclava can take several hours. And in order not to waste your precious time, it is worth getting acquainted with the tips of fashionable stylists. Balaclava successfully harmonizes with a coat of any style. What can not be said about fur coats. The main thing is to get into color.

A sheepskin coat, on the contrary, will be an ideal option for creating a bow with a balaclava. But the best combination is a print balaclava coupled with a jacket and a military-style raincoat. Such bows look extremely bold and stylish.

During the purchase process, you must consider the material and quality of the cut of the product. After all, this is not an ordinary hat. She covers her head completely, leaving only part of her face free. It is necessary to select a balaclava for specific purposes. For example, winter models will protect the athlete when snowboarding, and the summer version will help the cyclist on dusty tracks. But for children it is better to choose knitted balaclava with an interesting print. They are soft, warm, comfortable, easily protect the baby from the cold.

A balaclava scarf on men looks very impressive.

Balaclava-kerchief is ideal for the fair sex. With this accessory, girls can create the most unusual bows.

A bright print balaclava mask successfully combines with everyday style.

The neoprene version is suitable for any snowboarder costume.

You can find out how to sew a hat on a balaclava with your own hands below.