Black Muskrat Fur & Suede Russian Ushanka Hat

The Russian ushanka (уша́нка) originated in the Russian Army as a fur cap with ear flaps that can be tied up to the crown of the cap, or tied at the chin to protect the ears from the cold. Ushanka means "ear-flaps hat", from "ushi" (у́ши), "ears" in Russian. They are usually distinguished by their flat tops and long ear flaps.

These Fur Russian hats have become more and more popular all over the world and are now very recognizable and fashionable. Although identified with Russians, they are also a part of winter uniforms for military and police in other cold climates, such as Finland and Canada.

Like beaver and mink, muskrat has a very velvety soft feel to it. It is however longer than mink fur and shorter than beaver fur. Muskrat fur is generally used in fur hats and not so much in fur jackets and clothing because of how small the pelts are and how many pelts are needed to create a jacket. Muskrat fur is very warm due to its thick soft underlayer and long guard hairs, making their pelts very useful for warm clothing.