Budenovka

A revolutionary hat

A Budenovka is a distinctive type of hat, an archetypal part of the Communist military uniforms of the Russian Civil War (1917-1922) and later conflicts.

Its official name was the ‘broadcloth helmet’. The name comes from the Red Army cavalry commander Semyon Budyonny and was also known as the ‘frunzenka’ after the Commissar Mikhail Frunze.

It is a soft, woollen hat that covers the ears and neck and features a peak and folded earflaps that can be buttoned under the chin and is considered a very important accessory of the Russian revolution.

The original name was Bogatyrka – the hat of a Bogatyr – mythical knights who roamed the Russian wilderness slaying dragons and defending their lands from foreign invaders. It was intended to inspire Russian troops by connecting them with these legendary heroes of Russian folklore.

Other names for Budenovka

• Bogatyrka
• Frunzenka
• Broadcloth Helmet

Famous Budenovka wearers

• Leon Trotsky
• Red Army