bontmuts

Bontmuts is a Dutch term for a fur hat or fur cap designed to insulate the head in very cold weather. The word combines bont, fur, with muts, hat or cap, and in Dutch usage it generally refers to any hat made of fur, regardless of regional style. Fur hats are typically made from animal pelts such as beaver, fox, hare, or other fur-bearing species; some modern examples use synthetic fur. The inside is usually lined with wool or quilted fabric for added warmth.

Designs vary, but a common feature is a rounded crown and coverings for the ears that may fold down or be tied under the chin. In Arctic and northern European contexts, fur hats have been worn by hunters, travelers, and workers to withstand extreme cold. The style includes or resembles broader patterns such as the Russian ushanka, which shares ear-flap functionality, though bontmuts is a broader Dutch term used for fur hats in general.

In contemporary usage, bontmuts appear in traditional costume contexts, winter fashion, and heritage ensembles. Ethical considerations around fur production have led many manufacturers to offer faux fur versions as alternatives in many markets. The term remains primarily descriptive, referring to fur-based winter headwear rather than to a single canonical design.