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Pragmatic, practical, good: why balaclavas are the real thing in winter

6.12.2022

Translation: machine translated

There are shampoos that are also conditioners and cures. Watches that are both fitness trackers and email inboxes. And hats that are both ear warmers and scarves. Enter Balaclava.

Not to be confused with the sticky-sweet delicacy called baklava. Because instead of honey-dipped puff pastry, balaclavas are preferably made of cosy knitwear that doesn't stuff our stomachs but warms our ears. And the head. And the neck. Which brings me to the crucial argument why balaclavas (besides gloves) are the only accessory you need in winter. Because they are 3 in 1.

You have to think of a lot of things when you leave the house at this time of year. Thick jacket, gloves, scarf, hat. In the worst case scenario, the latter can also get cold, so that your ears start to shiver again. So would you rather wear ear warmers than a hat? Or both? Suddenly you have a good four to five items of clothing to manoeuvre - and at least three of them to constantly take off and put on again. In, out, out, on. It's annoying.

That's why I praise the most ingenious invention since knitwear was invented: Balaclavas are ear warmers, hats and scarves all in one. They make my life a lot easier in winter and reduce the risk of getting lost. Because I can just about manage to take care of one accessory. That's why the overcoat all-rounders are also very popular with small children - or rather with their parents. So much so that now even the older ones don't want to leave the house without a balaclava.

Bild: Instagram @lucywilliams02 — Bild: Instagram @gebrueder_schmid

From the war front to the fashion bubble

So is that where the balaclavas come from? From the children's department? Far from it. Much like the trench coat, the balaclava finds its origins in the British military. As far back as the 1850s. At that time, Russia was fighting the Ottoman Empire, and France and Great Britain rushed to help. To protect themselves against the icy cold in the Crimea near the settlement of Balaklava, the British soldiers had headgear knitted with only their eyes peeping out. A pretty good idea, for which all fans of winter, motorbike and racing sports probably still feel gratitude today. Whether made of fleece, merino wool or cotton, the practical masks have been an integral part of all good sports equipment to this day.

Well, and now also a well-stocked winter wardrobe. Are you already equipped? If not, here are three of my favourites:

Hats

Woolami BEC DES ROSSES Merino Balaclava Platinium Grey

Balaclavas + Neck warmers

finkid Luola Wool

Balaclavas + Neck warmers

Eivy Mandy Fleece

Hats

Woolami BEC DES ROSSES Merino Balaclava Platinium Grey

Balaclavas + Neck warmers

finkid Luola Wool

Balaclavas + Neck warmers

Eivy Mandy Fleece

Auftaktbild: Instagram @lesfillesducoeur

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Laura Scholz

Senior Editor

Laura.Scholz@digitecgalaxus.ch

Always in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.

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Pragmatic, practical, good: why balaclavas are the real thing in winter

From the war front to the fashion bubble

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