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

Not so long ago, the balaclava was popular only among skiers and snowboarders. However, last year this piece of clothing became a fashion trend for the fall-winter season. Several years before the runway premiere, fashion designers tried to add balaclava to the overall wardrobe, however, this idea was unsuccessful. But in 2018 the situation changed radically. This unusual headdress has become an adornment of classic and casual outfits.

Most people believe that balaclavas are an essential attribute of bandits. However, skiers and snowboarders confidently declare that without this headgear they cannot train and compete. Also balaclavas are worn by hikers, cyclists and even bikers... This type of hat can be worn in winter and summer.

Based on the information provided, it becomes clear that a balaclava is a headgear in the form of a stocking, which is worn directly under the helmet. The front of this garment features cutouts for the eyes, nose and mouth.

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

History cannot provide exact facts about the emergence of balaclava. But according to legend, this wardrobe item was invented by the British during the Crimean War. The pampered foreigners put on different things over their heads, thanks to which they escaped the cold.Today this wardrobe item is very popular among skiers and motorcyclists.

Skiers, snowboarders and bikers have long recognized the benefits of balaclavas. But lovers of hunting and fishing have recently identified the advantages of this headgear. Balaclavas perfectly keep warm, which is important for snowboard lovers. Rushing through the snowy mountainous terrain, the athlete is maximally protected from snow under the helmet and cold winds. For the same reasons skiers use balaclavas, however, they call this piece of equipment a ski mask.

Bikers have recently started using balaclavas. This part of motorcycle paraphernalia protects its owner from excess moisture. The sheet mask absorbs perspiration. However, after getting very wet, the mask must be changed to dry... Otherwise, the continuation of high-speed movement, accompanied by gusts of wind, may be harmful to health.

Today balaclavas have become a fashionable wardrobe item. They can be worn on the street, put on for special occasions. However, in the city with balaclavas on their heads, small children are more common. In children's models, designers leave the entire face open, not just the eye area.

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

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

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

Young people most often choose cotton balaclavas. The designer print perfectly holds on them. However, this tissue gets wet very quickly during activity. A few breaths are enough to make the mask in the mouth area 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. The inset in the neck area serves as the prototype for the scarf. The second gusset element covers the nose area. To breathe easily, the second part of the scarf is made of lightweight breathable material.

The scarf balaclava is in great demand among young riders. It is easy to put on and comfortable to wear. If necessary, it can be lowered to the neck or removed altogether.

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

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

For sewing balaclava masks, any materials are used, for example, acrylic, cotton, wool, synthetics or fleece. However, you shouldn't choose acrylic, cotton and wool models. Firstly, they quickly absorb moisture, which is why they become very wet. Secondly, they dry very slowly. Choosing such a mask, care must be taken to ensure that the fabric in the area of ​​the nose is breathable.

This wardrobe item has many design features. Some options are designed to be worn in warm weather, while others are made for the winter chill. Some models have a low cost, others a higher price. However, one should not expect that budget masks will be able to protect their owner from bad weather.

The most interesting type of balaclavas that can solve many serious problems. In appearance, this headgear is a mask with a slit in the eye area. In the manufacture of this type of balaclav, 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 for partial masking in the face area. Soft fabric material is used to close the neck.

In masks, special ventilation slots are made of neoprene, which prevent the wind from blowing. However, it is very easy to speak in such ammunition and breathe. The only drawback of neoprene balaclavas is the lack of beauty. However, to conquer steep slopes, one does not have to think about the attractiveness of the appearance.

Budget balaclavas are made from simple fabrics such as fleece, acrylic, or cotton. But more expensive models are already made of synthetics and neoprene. However, combination 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 also be worn as a scarf.

In the recent past, when balaclavas were in demand only among athletes, their color range 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 balaclavas in bright colors, pale and dark shades... But men still opt for a dark color palette. And the fair sex choose light colors, namely white, beige or cream.

Finding the perfect outfit for your balaclava can take hours. And in order not to waste your precious time, you should get acquainted with the advice of fashionable stylists. Balaklava is in perfect harmony with a coat of any style. What can not be said about fur coats. The main thing here is “to get into the color”.

A sheepskin coat, on the other hand, will be the perfect option for creating a bow with a balaclava. But the best combination is a printed balaclava paired with a biker jacket or a military-style raincoat... Such bows look extremely daring and stylish.

In the buying process, it is necessary to take into account 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, the winter models will protect the rider when snowboarding, while the summer version will help the cyclist on dusty trails. But for children it is better to choose knitted balaclavas with an interesting print. They are soft, warm, cozy, and easily protect the baby from the cold.

Balaclava scarf on men looks very impressive.

The balaclava headscarf is ideal for the fair sex. With such an accessory, girls can create the most unusual bows.

Balaclava mask with a bright print is successfully combined with everyday style.

The neoprene version fits any snowboarder outfit.

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