Russian caps in folk style

The history of the headdress with a flower originates from the shako - a large cylindrical military headdress that has spread in many European armies.

For the first time in the 18th century, hussars began to use it in their uniform. Over time, the shako became popular in other parts of the army, but was very tall and heavy.

Instead of such an uncomfortable headgear, a lighter and more comfortable cap was invented for working in the field and for household needs.

At the beginning of the 19th century, it was still quite large in size and consisted of:

• round bottom;
• crowns;
• band;
• vertical visor;
• chin strap.

The next stage in the development of the cap is the lowering of its height. The back side drops and the front side remains unchanged, which is why the bottom takes on an oval shape.

• The material used was varied, but always dense: cloth felt, wool, cheviot, fai. The color of the fabric was mostly dark, black, dark gray, brown. Most caps were made from dark blue or almost black cloth, which was then in vogue.
• The visors were leather, woven, made of artificial material or made of paper made of thick cardboard covered with fabric. Usually black or lacquered.
• The villager's summer cap could be made of cotton or white chamois, chandelier or alpaca in gray or trendy khaki.Such caps were mainly with a cloth visor.

• Having started his way in the army, the cap easily entered the ranks of the civilian population, being both simple and convenient.

• Unlike the caps of the military and employees, the peasant cap did not have a chin strap. On the occasion of a wedding or a holiday, a live or artificial flower was inserted into a specially left hole. Various ribbons, buttons, buckles were also used for decoration.

Today, the cap has not lost its relevance, on the contrary, it has become a bright addition to the image. If 100 years ago, the cap was considered only a male headdress, now it has become available to the female half. This opened up the opportunity for fashionistas to happily incorporate the cap into their new looks.

• The first would be to call the military style as a "favorable environment" for such a headdress as a cap. A good combination would be a military-style coat and flared trousers with a cap-cap.
• Feel free to combine a cap with clothes in grunge and rock styles.
• For a walk, you can choose a fashionable velvet coat today, a gold cap, leather skinny trousers and complement the look with a fur bag.

• For those who prefer discreet classics, there is also a worthy option - a cap plus a classic two-piece jacket and skirt.
• A black shiny coat, a knitted tunic dress and a black cap with white pearls are a spectacular “bow” for a party or an exhibition.
• The combination of a transparent dress and a jacket with a velvet cap will emphasize your sexuality in a new way.

• Printed jumpsuits can also be on the list of successful combinations with a cap.
• A cap and a leather jacket can be combined if the bottom is correctly chosen. For example, wide trousers made of thick fabric and heavy lace-up boots.
• Knitted cap looks softer, calmer, more feminine. There is only one "but": it should not be included in the ensemble, where there is already a large knitted item such as a sweater or dress. If a felt cap or drape is a poor choice for a classic-style coat, then a knitted wool cap is just the right option for him.