THE BALACLAVA CRAZE

The balaclava, arguably the most notable trend occurring right now on social media and fashion TikTok. From Pinterest to Instagram, balaclavas are becoming increasingly popular in mainstream fashion.

For those who are unfamiliar with a balaclava, it is a knit cap or hood for the neck and head. Different styles of balaclava either cover your entire face with just the eyes being the only source seen, or it will be in the style of a hood while leaving most of your face exposed. Balaclava first rose to popularity back in 1854 at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War, which is when British troops would wear them to protect their faces from the freezing cold. History aside the balaclava has been around for about 168 years and it has served as a functional headpiece accessory that everyone and their grandmother now owns.

Miu Miu fw21

Most notably the balaclava has become a trendy item for this winter season and it looks to be an incredible but functional piece that everyone needs in their wardrobe for the colder months. The balaclava style headpiece that fully covers the face while paired with oversized sunglasses, have gone from niche fashionable styles to mainstream staples that are seen throughout luxury brands and small businesses on Depop and Etsy. Brands like Raf Simmons, who has been showing the knit headwear down the runway since 2018 has proved that this functional headpiece is not just a trendy piece of item, its timeless. Most recent brands like Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2020 collection, Jacquemus Fall 2021 and most recently Balenciaga have interpreted the popular headwear accessory as it is becoming fashion’s staple item right now.

It's hard to grasp where exactly this trend came about, as seen by many people on TikTok. As the colder months have scaled upon us many people have looked out for staples to keep warm during the winter season and the balaclava has hit mainstream fashion. With the increase of opposing pandemic wardrobes, comfortability and coziness has been the go to for many people. Thus, the result of consumers wanting to be swallowed in endless headwear accessories that are not only comfortable but fashionable.

Bella Hadid in Verconiik balaclava & Brandonhurtadosandler jewellery

It's no secret luxury brands have hopped on this balaclava train and interpreted the headpiece accessory themselves with high profile celebrities like Alexa Demie, Kim Kardashian, and Bella Hadid. Fast fashion brands such as Shein have also followed suit in this trend and are selling a wide variety of knitted balaclavas and hoods on their site at very low price points. The balaca;va is an IT accessory right now, so it's not surprising seeing the demand and increase of supply for the item. Retailers like Grailed are selling luxury balaclavas at a high price point, most notably a Raf Simmons x Calvin Kelin balaclava is being sold on Grailed for $800. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of small businesses you can support and buy balaclavas at a better price point, that are fashionable and fueled by creativity.

I myself would love to purchase a balaclava for the colder months and these small brands are the few brands that I want to support and buy from. After hearing about the rave of balaclavas it’s only right I get my hands on one that is made by a small business and fueled with love and uniqueness.

Small brands you can buy balavacls from:

Courtesy of Lapiin Lapiin

Lapiin Lapiin, a Los Angeles based knitwear and sustainable brand made by Nihan (cucumberwhale on IG) creates carefully crafted and colorful knits such as balaclavas and knitted sweaters. The knits are beautifully crafted, so if you are in need of a sustainably crafted balaclava Lapiin Lapiin is the perfect place.

Courtsey of Kazclops

Kazclops is the perfect brand if you like anything that is artsy and quirky. Their items are hand made crochet and their balaclavas are to die for. In the shape of cute bunny ears, their balaclavas are a great piece for anyone who is looking for something unique and different.