The shako is a tall military dress hat with a metal badge or plate, braids, and a pom-pom or feather on top. It was first worn by Hungarian hussars in the 18th century and was eventually adopted by many other armies. It is still worn by specific regiments, military cadets, and armies as part of the ceremonial uniform.
The shako is a tall military dress hat made of felt or cloth and shaped like a cylinder that is often adorned with a metal badge or plate on the front, braids, and a pom-pom or feather on top. This style of hat sometimes tapers at the top to form a cone and may be worn by drum corps and marching bands, as well as soldiers and military commanders.
The term shako is believed to be of Hungarian origin and the hat was first worn as part of the 18th century Hungarian or light cavalry uniform before being adopted by many other armies including France, Russia, Spain, Great Britain, Germany , Belgium, Denmark, Mexico, Portugal, Japan, Romania and Italy among others.
The Hungarian hussar’s uniform included the shako as early as the Napoleonic wars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Hussars were cavalrymen who rode agile horses and wore distinctive, colorful uniforms that included a short jacket with gold braid called a dolman, colored trousers, high boots, and the shako. Although this style of headgear was aesthetically impressive, it was not practical during battle, as it did not effectively protect the wearer from the elements or combat injury. As a result, the shako eventually became part of the parade rather than battle dress.
In addition to hussars, grenadiers or soldiers selected and trained to throw grenades were also known to wear shakos. Grenadiers were organized into special companies in the mid-17th century, and since accidental injury and death were common, these soldiers needed some courage. As a result of the increased risk, a grenadier was given special privileges, a higher salary, and wore an elegant battle uniform that included the shako.
Each army carried their own version of the shako with a unique height, detail, and color. The Spanish army adopted a very low style called a “ros” which was lower in the back than in the front and was made with black leather and gray felt. The shakos of the Russian Imperial Guard were very tall and more elaborate with gold decoration, braid, and often a long feather or large pompom on top. Decorative colors distinguished different companies.
In Europe, the United States, several Latin American nations, India, and Russia, the shako is still worn by specific regiments, military cadets, and armies as part of the ceremonial uniform. Some universities, high schools, and the national police academy in the Philippines have also adopted the shako for ceremonial occasions. American civilian drum troupes and marching bands such as the University of Notre Dame’s Kilted Irish Guard may also use elaborately decorated shakos during parades and other displays.
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