Ushanka

A ushanka with ear flaps up

A ushanka (уша́нка) is a Russian fur cap with ear flaps that can be tied up to the crown of the cap, which is often made of fur, or tied at the chin to protect the ears from the cold.

Though ushankas are a distinctly Russian hat, indeed, the stereotypical Russian is seen to wear one, the wearing of fur caps of similar design is common throughout China, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

It is not considered masculine among Russian men to wear the ear flaps down, though a stereotypical dustman is usually portrayed wearing his ushanka with flaps untied, one pointing down and one up.