Balaclava, the trend that raised debate on prejudice and racism

Do you know what a balaclava is? It is a kind of hat that reaches the neck and chin. Some models cover the hair and face, leaving only the eyes out, being compared to a “ninja cap”. The fashionista trend started in the northern hemisphere, but has also gained visibility in Brazil.

Historically, more than just a hype accessory, which has been attracting interest from big and famous brands, the balaclava is associated with military use. In fact, its name comes from a Ukrainian city where there was a confrontation in the Crimean War.

In addition, this cap was worn by pro-Russian separatist protesters in Eastern Europe, which marked people’s memory as something that denotes threat.

Relevant brands in the fashion world, such as Givenchy, Miu Miu and Moschino took the balaclava to the catwalks, even reaching New York Fashion Week. And this was reflected in the sudden increase in searches for this piece, whether for purchase or ideas to insert it into looks.

Another point is that, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the piece took on new meanings, starting to be used to better protect the face. It is also used to compose winter looks. An example of this is that it has become a piece used by influencers and famous internationally, such as Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian and Billie Eilish.

Why did the balaclava generate debate about prejudice and racism?

Starting with Brazil, former BBB and presenter João Luiz Pedrosa mentioned on Twitter that the use of balaclava is a white privilege.

Balaclava people are something that only white people can wear on the street, right?

— João Luiz 💉🌎 (@joaoluizpedrosa) February 10, 2022

One follower responded by saying, “Being black, I don’t have the confidence to wear something like this in public.” While another follower highlighted: “If you confuse with a lunch box with weapons, imagine with a balaclava”.

The piece has also generated debates when compared to the hijab, worn by Muslim women. The tiktoker Tayah, who practices Islam, questioned the use of the piece as a trend, arguing that wearing a hijab is “a torture process, which everyone hates and which they do for God”. See more details at:

@subwaytattoo 🙂 #balaclava ♬ original sound – Tayah

Would you use the piece as an accessory betting on the trend or do you prefer to think of other possibilities to assemble your winter looks, without falling into controversy?