Balaclavas: Face scarf or criminal symbol?
It was created for a much-needed purpose, but many would rather face the cold than wear a balaclava.
Society has long—and shamefully—associated the balaclava with crime.
Sadly, it is a fashion foe in that regard. However, many have tried to change the narrative.
The history of the balaclava is fascinating, mainly because few people know why it was initially created.
No, it was not created just for criminals to hide their identities, although many have long believed that.
While face protection has existed for centuries, none were in the knitted form.
"To help British soldiers face the biting cold of Crimea, small makers and loved ones back home hand-knit headdresses that were sent out to the front." (Heddels)
According to an article in Heddels, "The term 'balaclava' was coined after the Battle of Balaclava, a key skirmish in the Crimean War fought on 25th October 1854.
While balaclavas were not worn during the Battle of Balaclava, Balaklava became an allied outpost after their victory. British troops would have been stationed there through the winter, wearing their knitted face coverings to keep warm."
When all is said and done, the stereotype surrounding the use of a balaclava is that of a rogue, criminal, or thief.
The fashion industry still has hope.
In a video posted to TikTok, a content creator poked fun at wearing a balaclava these days.
He found them retailing for R59,99 at a Pep store and immediately joked that it could change a person's financial situation.
Watch the video below, courtesy of TikTok.
@thapelojovis1 Simple as that 😬#foryoupage #fyp #trendingnow #comedyvideo #videoviral #thapelojovis1 #verifyme #verifymetiktok #satiktok🇿🇦 #trendingvideo ♬ son original - africanboy900
Many people joined in the conversation and shared funny comments.
One person called it a "financial breakthrough."
Another said, "You can get free meals for 25 years."
One person issued a warning and said, "You want to book yourself a very secure apartment with lots of guys with similar interests."
It's safe to say that this is a fashion no-no; many would rather face the cold than wear a balaclava.
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