The Soviet Afghan War was a conflict that lasted a decade between 1979 and 1989. A product of the Cold War, this Soviet war in Afghanistan was a prelude to the ongoing conflict that plagues the area.

During this war, the Soviet Union was forced to modernize its wardrobe, as Afghanistan’s extreme climate called for adaptable and modular uniforms. The M88 (Afghanka) uniform was a product of this modernization.

An important part of that uniform is the headgear seen here.This “hat” is a more complicated and multifunctional version of the classic winter cap with ear flaps. It features detachable flaps, an adjusting bottom strap, a hole for the gas mask filter/tube, 2 rows of buttons to accommodate the mask, and a special visor.

The mask, mainly used in the summer months, was meant to keep soldiers cool, shaded and, when necessary, protected from chemical weapons.

Size: 58cm head circumference

Colour: beige