pilotka

Pilotka, from the Russian пилотка, is a soft, brimless side cap used by the Soviet and Russian armed forces and by several other countries historically associated with the Soviet sphere. The cap sits on the head with a shallow crown ridge and is worn tilted to one side; it can be folded flat when not in use. It is typically made of wool for winter and cotton or wool blends for summer, with variations in camouflage patterns in modern use.

Insignia and variations: A front insignia such as a red star or unit badge is commonly worn on the front. The cap is formed from two panels that meet along a central ridge, giving it a wedge-like profile that grips the head without a visor. The design allows quick donning and removal, and variants exist for different climates, fabrics, and unit insignia.

History: The pilotka became a standard field headgear of the Red Army in the 1930s and remained widely used during World War II, becoming a recognizable symbol of Soviet infantry. After the war, the form continued in the Soviet and later Russian armed forces, with changes in fabric, insignia, and camouflage reflecting evolving uniforms. The term is widely used in English-language military history to refer to this specific side cap.

Today: In many post-Soviet militaries, the pilotka is less common in active service but persists in ceremonial dress, training uniforms, and as surplus or for historical reenactment. It remains a recognizable icon of the Soviet military era and appears in museum displays, wartime photography, and period films.