Chinese Army WWII Ski Caps 抗日戰 國軍帽子

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One of the most familiar hats worn during WWII and with an European influence, is the Chinese army ski cap. I have seen it often mistakenly been called the "M43" of the German WWII ski cap produced in 1943 (I am not familiar with German WWII uniforms). The shape resembles more of the Finnish version; circular in shape vs. oval and doesn't have a peak on the front end.

There were many types that were made. Most times based what is available locally. There were different cloth types and colors used. Some had one button. There were a few that tried to save cloth by having a fake ear/neck flap instead. Normal hats would unfold and cover the neck area. For some caps, the buttons were sewed on permanently and can not be unbuttoned. 

Many were brought back by American vets from the China Burma India theater. 

They were slowly phased out by replacing them with peaked/visor caps after WWII, but they continued to be used until the very early 1950s on Taiwan. Hats of the Taiwan period continued the ski cap tradition, but with the neck flap permanently sewed on and without buttons. These hats were used until the mid 1960s. 

Left one has full neck flap, but permanent buttons.
Middle one has faux neck flap and permanent buttons.
Right one has full neck flap and can be unbuttoned, with a baseball cap visor shape.


Peaked/visor hats were phased out and
replaced by the ski caps.


http://img4.cache.netease.com/m/2015/10/11/201510111204254eb8e.jpg
Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek reviewing troops


January 1950 Taiwan
Chinese General wearing a ski cap


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