Bearskin

{{further|Grenadier#Headgear}}

Use of the bearskin caps evolved from mitre caps used by grenadier units.{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a8236df40f0b62305b93169/2017-03109.pdf|title=Army dress regulations all ranks|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=10 January 2023|pages=2–3}}{{cite journal|url=https://www.ameide-tienhoven.nl/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Nieuwsblad-HVAT-2013-3-klein.pdf|journal=Nieuwsblad Historische Vereniging|volume=24|issue=3|year=2013|title=Grenadiers en Jagers in actie in Ameide|page=26|first=Hans|last=van den Heuvel|language=Dutch}} Grenadiers adopted the mitre cap in favour of wide-brimmed caps in the 17th century to provide them with greater mobility when throwing grenades. To prevent the mitre cap from sagging and to provide it with a more impressive appearance, mitre caps were adorned with a metal front plate or fur. Mitre caps with metal front plates were first adopted by the Prussian Army and were later adopted by other Protestant countries, although the trimming of mitre caps with fur became more prevalent in Roman Catholic countries.

The earliest record of a bearskin-like cap being worn by soldiers in Europe was during the mid-17th century, although its widespread adoption did not take place until 1761, when French grenadiers began to wear tall fur caps resembling the Prussian mitre cap.{{cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/technology/uniform/bearskin-everything-you-need-know|title=The Bearskin: Everything you need to know|website=www.forces.net|access-date=18 January 2023|last=Wharton|first=James|date=11 June 2021 }}Mouillard, Lucien: Les Régiments sous Louis XV, Paris 1882 The purpose appears to have been to add to the apparent height and impressive appearance of these troops both on the parade ground and the battlefield.Military Uniforms of the World: Preben Kannil SBN 71370482 9 These fur caps developed into the large bearskin caps worn by the French Imperial Guard. The British Grenadier Guards adopted the headdress after their victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, with other British units and European militaries adopting the headdress in the years after.

File:1stGrenadierBearskin.png.]]

The headdress continued to see military service during the mid-19th century, with British foot guards and the Royal Scots Greys wearing bearskins in battle during the Crimean War. However, by the mid-19th century, the expense of acquiring bearskin caps and the difficulty in maintaining them in good condition under campaign conditions led to some armies limiting the use of the headdress to specific formal occasions. Military units, like the Italian 1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna", eventually discontinued the use of the headgear altogether during that century.{{cite web|url=https://www.concorsiesercito.it/come-diventare-granatiere-esercito/|title=Come diventare Granatiere dell'Esercito Italiano?|date=22 June 2022|website=www.concorsiesercito.it|publisher=Ediform Srl|access-date=13 January 2024|language=Italian}}

The British continued to use the headdress during peacetime manoeuvres until the introduction of khaki service dress in 1902.British Military Uniforms From Contemporary Pictures: W.Y.Carman Hamlyn Publishing Group 1968 Immediately before the outbreak of World War I in 1914, bearskins were still worn by several British, Belgian, Danish, German, Russian, and Swedish units as a part of their ceremonial/parade dress."Uniforms of the World": Richard Knotel, {{ISBN|0-684-16304-7}}. Several regiments that retired the use of the headdress during the 19th century, including units in Italy and the Netherlands, also readopted it for ceremonial use during the 20th century.

As of 2020, there were 14 countries whose militaries used bearskin as a part of their ceremonial uniforms. Some of these units wear bearskins made out of real bear fur, while other units use caps made out of synthetic fibres. In addition to military units, several civilian marching bands have also incorporated the bearskin cap as a part of their uniforms.

The Pipes and Drums Band of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment are authorised to wear a bearskin cap as a part of its ceremonial dress.{{Cite web|url=http://www.Defence.gov.au/army/AABM/Check_it_out.htm|title=Check it out - Australian Army Band Melbourne - Training Command - Army|website=www.Defence.gov.au|access-date=29 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007231120/http://www.defence.gov.au/army/aabm/Check_it_out.htm|archive-date=7 October 2008}}{{Better source needed|reason=The following citation provides pictoral evidence, but does not include explicit text that supports the sentence this citation is supposed to support.|date=January 2024}}[http://www.rar.org.au/documents/3RARHistoryCom RAR History]{{dead link|date=October 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}

File:GRENADIERS Belgium Tenue Tradition.jpg in parade dress with bearskins]]

Two units in Belgium use the bearskin cap, the Belgian Royal Escort of the Belgian Federal Police,World Uniforms in Colour volume 1 — The European Nations: Rinaldo D'Ami {{ISBN|0-85059-031-0}} and the Regiment Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn – Grenadiers of the Belgian Armed Forces Land Component.

The uniforms of the Belgian Royal Escort, along with their bearskin caps, date back to 1939 when the unit was part of the Belgian Gendarmerie. Modelled after the Gendarmerie's pre-1914 uniforms, the uniforms featured a {{convert|3|kg|lbs}} bearskin cap adorned with a plume. Initially, Royal Belgian Escort captains wore bearskin caps with a white plume, while other unit members had caps with a different coloured plume. However, in 1997, the design of the bearskin caps was standardized, and red plumes were used on all caps regardless of rank except for the Commander of the Escort, riding besides the King. The Royal Belgian Escort continued to wear these uniforms after the Gendarmerie was merged with other police units to form the Federal Police in 2001.{{cite web|url=https://www.bruzz.be/video-jouw-vraag-wat-doen-de-ruiters-ceremoniele-militaire-kleding-aan-het-koninklijk-paleis-juist|title=JOUW VRAAG. Wat doen de ruiters in ceremoniële militaire kleding aan het Koninklijk Paleis juist?|website=www.bruzz.be|date=12 September 2017|access-date=13 January 2024|publisher=Vlaams-Brusselse Media|language=Dutch}}

Bearskins were worn as part of the field uniform of the Régiment des Grenadiers of the Belgian Army until 1908.{{cite book|first=Dr. Pierre|last=Lierneux|page=56|title=The Belgian Army in the Great War. Uniforms and Equipment|date=11 February 2024 |publisher=Verlag Militaria GmbH |isbn=978-3-902526-75-5}} After that year the fur headdress was retained only for parade wear until the outbreak of war in August 1914.Pages 24-25 "Les Soldats de Leopold Ist et Leopold II": Guy Derie/John Pacco. Published Paul Legrain Bruxelles. Its successor unit, the Regiment Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn – Grenadiers uses the headdress as a part of its ceremonial dress.

File:Releve de la garde - 2016-06-25 - 084.jpg includes a coloured plume.]]

The bearskin caps used by the Canadian Armed Forces are of black fur and include a coloured plume on the side of the bearskin and a gold-coloured chin strap.{{Cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/dress-manual/chapter-6/annex-b.html|title=Annex B Royal military colleges and infantry regiments|work=Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instruction|publisher=Government of Canada|date=11 September 2018|access-date=22 June 2019}} The materials used by Canadian bearskin caps are sourced from black bears hunted in Canada, although the Department of National Defence claims that the bearskin caps used by its units are made from bear furs that are over 20 years old.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/peta-launches-campaign-against-bearskin-hats-worn-kings-guard-united-kingdom|title=PETA launches campaign against bearskin hats worn by King's Guard in United Kingdom|last=Rumpf-Whitten|first=Sarah|date=10 January 2024|access-date=11 January 2024|website=www.foxnews.com|publisher=Fox News Network}}

The Canadian Forces Dress Instructions authorise the use of bearskins for all its foot guards and fusilier regiments. In addition to foot guards and fusiliers, two line infantry regiments are also authorised to wear a bearskin cap with their ceremonial full-dress uniform: the Royal 22^e Régiment (R22^eR) and the Royal Regiment of Canada (RRegtC). Usage of the bearskin cap by the R22^eR is attributed to its historical regimental alliance with the British Army's Royal Welch Fusiliers,{{Cite web|url=http://cmhg-phmc.forces.gc.ca/cmh-pmc/image-592-eng.aspx?page_id=652|title=Officer, Royal 22^e Régiment, 1930s|work=Canadian Military History Gateway|publisher=Government of Canada|date=1 July 2017|access-date=14 July 2019}} while the use of bearskins by the RRegtC is attributed to the regiment's historical lineage from The Royal Grenadiers of the Canadian Militia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cmhg-phmc.gc.ca/cmh-pmc/image-549-eng.aspx?page_id=593|title=Private, 10th Regiment Royal Grenadiers, circa 1912|work=Canadian Military History Gateway|publisher=Government of Canada|date=1 July 2017|access-date=14 July 2019}}

Bearskins used by fusilier regiments and the R22^eR have their unit's cap badge at the front of the bearskin, while those of foot guards and the RRegtC do not have cap badges.

The following is a list of regiments whose members are authorised to wear a bearskin cap with their full dress uniform, along with the colour used on the unit's plume:

{{col div}}

• The Royal 22^e Régiment, scarlet plume
• The Governor General's Foot Guards, scarlet plume[http://www.cyberus.ca/~ggfg/traditions.htm GGFG – About] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007031738/http://www.cyberus.ca/~ggfg/traditions.htm|date=7 October 2007}}
• The Canadian Grenadier Guards, white plume{{Cite web|url=http://www.swulinski.com/travels/CanadianGrenadier.html|title=Canadian Army Bearskins - Maciej Swulinski|work=swulinski.com|access-date=21 January 2015}}
• The Royal Regiment of Canada, scarlet over white plume
• Les Fusiliers du S^t-Laurent, white plume
• Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, white plume
• The Princess Louise Fusiliers, grey plume{{notetag|The unit is authorised to use either the bearskin cap or a Wolseley helmet along with their full dress. Members typically wear the Wolseley helmet when in full dress.}}
• Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke, white plume

{{col div end}}

In addition to these units, the drum major of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada's pipe band are also authorised to wear the bearskin.

File:Giovane guardia al palazzo della regina di Danimarca - panoramio.jpgsman with a bearskin]]

The headgear was first adopted by the Royal Danish Army's Royal Life Guards in 1805.{{Cite book|last=Petersen|first=Karsten Skjold|title=Kongens klæder – Hærens uniformer og udrustning i Danmark-Norge|date=2014|publisher=Historika|location=Slovenia|isbn=9788793229006|edition=1st|language=da|page=331}}{{cite web|url=https://historienet.dk/samfund/traditioner/hvorfor-har-livgarden-en-stor-bjoerneskindshue-paa|title=Hvorfor har Livgarden en stor bjørneskindshue på?|publisher=Bonnier Publications International|website=historienet.dk|date=4 January 2024|last1=Sütcü|first1=Emrah|last2=Kindtler-Nielsen|first2=Bue|language=Danish}} The Royal Life Guards typically wear bearskin caps as a part of their uniform when performing public duties like at Amalienborg. However, on exceptionally warm days, they will be authorised to wear an alternative headgear to mitigate discomfort and prevent overheating.{{cite web|url=https://www.bt.dk/samfund/varmen-faar-gardere-til-at-laegge-bjoerneskindshuen-fra-sig|website=www.bt.dK|date=20 July 2022|access-date=12 January 2024|publisher=Berlingske Media|language=Danish|title=Varmen får gardere til at lægge bjørneskindshuen fra sig}}

The bearskin caps used by the Royal Life Guards are manufactured by Rützou saddlery at a workshop based in Taastrup. Rützou purchases its raw materials from a fur company based in Glostrup, which sources its furs from black bears in Canada. After the furs are acquired by Rützou, they are sent abroad to be dyed and tanned before they are returned to Rützou for processing and adaptation. The bearskin cap weighs approximately {{convert|2|kg|lbs}}.{{cite web|url=https://hteforum.dk/nyheder/memberprofile/sadelmager-b-k-rutzou-bjoerneskindshuerne-kommer-fra-taastrup/|language=Danish|website=hteforum.dk|date=31 December 2018|access-date=12 January 2024|title=Sadelmager B.K. Rützou: Bjørneskindshuerne kommer fra Taastrup|publisher=Høje-Taastrup Erhvervsforum}} Its fur is dyed jet black and its fur is at least {{convert|8|cm|inches}} in length.{{cite web|url=https://politiken.dk/pol_oplys/art4682849/Hvilken-slags-bj%C3%B8rne-er-livgardens-bj%C3%B8rneskindshuer-lavet-af|title=Hvilken slags bjørne er livgardens bjørneskindshuer lavet af?|language=Danish|date=30 March 2007|website=politiken.dk|access-date=12 January 2024|publisher=JP/Politikens Hus A/S}}

The Royal Life Guards have approximately 600 to 700 bearskin caps in total. Given the limited number of bearskin caps, each headgear is used by approximately three different individuals each year. The bearskin caps last approximately 25 years with regular servicing and repairs, with the Royal Life Guards only ordering a limited number of new bearskins to replace worn-out caps.

File:1st Sardinia Grenadiers Bastille Day 2007 n1.jpg in a bearskin cap.]]

The 1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna" of the Italian Army wears bearskin caps as a part of its ceremonial uniform. During the 19th century, the cost and maintenance of the bearskin cap resulted in the headgear's limited use for only specific occasions, until the unit discontinued its use altogether. However, in the 20th century, the unit reintroduced the bearskin cap as a part of their ceremonial uniform. The bearskin caps used in the Italian military were once made out of real fur, although they later switched to synthetic materials.

Members of the Kenya Army Band in the Kenya Defence Forces wear bearskin hats made out of synthetic fibres as a part of their full dress uniform.{{cite web|url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2020-01-24-the-evolution-of-kenya-defence-forces-uniform/|title=The evolution of Kenya Defence Forces' uniform|last=Agutu|first=Nancy|website=www.the-star.co.ke|publisher=The Star|date=24 January 2020|access-date=20 January 2024}}

File:Berenmuts Garde Grenadiers.jpg]]

The grenadier component of the Grenadiers' and Rifles Guard Regiment wears a bearskin cap as a part of its ceremonial uniform.{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/historische-canons/historische-canon-garderegiment-grenadiers-en-jagers/de-traditie-van-het-regiment/ceremonieel-tenue|title=Ceremonieel tenue|website=www.defensie.nl|date=17 June 2019 |access-date=13 January 2024|publisher=Ministerie van Defensie|language=Dutch}} The unit was formed in 1995 through a merger of the Garderegiment Grenadiers and the Garderegiment Jagers.{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/historische-canons/historische-canon-garderegiment-grenadiers-en-jagers/het-regiment-paraat/oprichting|title=Oprichting|website=www.defensie.nl|date=17 June 2019 |access-date=13 January 2024|publisher=Ministerie van Defensie|language=Dutch}} Although the two units were amalgamated, its jäger component does not wear bearskin caps, and its use is limited to only its grenadier component.

Bearskin caps in the Netherlands Armed Forces originated from mitre caps adorned with a metal front plate badge, used by Protestant grenadier units. Bearskin caps were adopted by the Garderegiment Grenadiers in 1829. However, the unit ceased using the headgear in 1843.{{cite journal|url=https://militairespectator.nl/sites/default/files/bestanden/uitgaven/MS%201979-07.pdf|title=Honilerdvijftig jaar, Soldaten onder het oog des Konings|journal=Militaire Spectator|year=1979|volume=148|issue=7|last1=Fabri|first1=H. F.|last2=Fabri|first2=T. H. F.|page=303|language=Dutch}}

The unit readopted the 1829 bearskin cap design for use as a part of its ceremonial uniform during the inauguration of Juliana of the Netherlands in 1948. However, as opposed to bear fur, the caps were made out of the black-haired Chinese fur goats purchased in the United Kingdom. In 1970, the unit replaced its bearskin caps with ones made out of artificial fur. Use of the ceremonial uniform and the bearskin cap continued by the grenadiers after the unit was amalgamated with the Garderegiment Jagers.

The bearskin cap used by the unit features a copper front plate shaped like a half-sun. A white plume is attached to the left of the bearskin cap, although the cap used by the unit's commander will feature a unique plume to indicate rank. An orange cockade is also placed on the left. The front of the cap also equipped with a black leather visor. Drummers of the unit's military band wear bearskins adorned with a white cotton tassel positioned at the center of the cap's front, while their sousaphonists do not have a white plume on their bearskins.{{cite web|url=https://www.traditioneeltamboerkorpsgardegrenadiers.nl/uniform-3/|title=Uniform - Traditioneel Tamboerkorps Garde Grenadiers|access-date=13 January 2024|website=www.traditioneeltamboerkorpsgardegrenadiers.nl|language=dutch}}

The ceremonial uniforms worn by one company from the 1st King's Immemorial Infantry Regiment includes a bearskin cap.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

The military band of the Sri Lanka Artillery wear a black bearskin cap as a part of its ceremonial uniform.{{cite web|url=https://www.army.lk/sites/all/themes/bootstrap/common/images/images2/downloads/Dress-regulation-2019-PART-I.pdf|title=Sri Lanka Army Dress Regulations Part I|website=www.army.lk|publisher=Sri Lanka Army|access-date=14 January 2024|page=145}}

File:Grenadjärmössa m1823-1824.jpg.]]

The parade uniforms used by the grenadier component of the Swedish Army's Life Guards, known as model 1886, includes a bearskin cap.{{cite web|url=https://chefen.be/onewebmedia/dokument/unibest2015.pdf|title=Reglemente Uniformsbestämmelser 2015|language=Swedish|year=2015|access-date=14 January 2024|website=chefen.be|publisher=Försvarsmakten|pages=203–207}}

The bearskin cap, known as model 1823, was once made out of real bearskin, although they have switched to using synthetic materials. The bearskin cap includes a front plate that depicts the coat of arms of Sweden and a white feather plume. Bearskins worn by officers will also include a yellow cockade and gold or silver cord. Bearskins worn by enlisted soldiers will include a red cockade and a white cord. The feathered plume is located on the left side of the headgear, with the cockade threaded into the wooden shaft of the plume. The cord is attached to the bearskin cap by a hook on the right side of the headgear.{{cite web|url=https://chefen.be/onewebmedia/dokument/unibest2015.pdf|title=Reglemente Uniformsbestämmelser 2015|language=Swedish|year=2015|access-date=14 January 2024|website=chefen.be|publisher=Försvarsmakten|pages=576–577}}

Use of the bearskin cap was adopted by all Foot Guards, and several other regiments, including the Royal Scots Greys and its successor unit, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Drum majors of fusilier regiments will also generally wear a bearskin or artificial bearskin cap.{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a8236df40f0b62305b93169/2017-03109.pdf|title=Army dress regulations all ranks|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=10 January 2023|page=514}}

File:Horse Guard.JPG are coloured black]]

British bearskin caps were a form of headdress that evolved from mitre caps worn in the 18th century by grenadiers. In 1768, the long cloth caps worn by grenadiers were discontinued, and bearskin caps were introduced.{{cite book |title=Illustrated Naval and Military Magazine: A Monthly Journal Devoted to All Subjects Connected with Her Majesty's Land and Sea Forces, Volumen8 |date=1888 |publisher=W.H. Allen & Company |page=316 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gss_AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA316}} Following the Battle of Waterloo, all members of the newly named Grenadier Guards were permitted to wear the bearskin.Major R.M. Barnes, page 116 "Military Uniforms of Britain & the Empire", Sphere Books Ltd, London 1972 This privilege had previously been restricted to the grenadier company of the regiment.{{Cite book|first=David|last=Fisher|page=34|title=The Grenadier Guards|date=27 July 1989|publisher=Bloomsbury USA |isbn=0-85045-284-8}} In 1831, this distinction was extended to the other two regiments of foot guards (Coldstream and Scots) in existence at that date.{{Cite book|first=Charles|last=Stadden|page=51|title=Coldstream Guards|year=1973|publisher=Almark |isbn=0-85524-111-X}} Bearskins were subsequently adopted by the Irish Guards and the Welsh Guards when raised in 1900 and 1915 respectively.{{Cite book|first=W.Y.|last=Carman|page=29|title=Uniforms of the British Army. The Infantry Regiments|year=1985|publisher=Webb & Bower |isbn=0-86350-031-5}}

The standard bearskin for the British foot guards is {{Convert|11|in|abbr=off}} tall at the front, {{Convert|16|in|abbr=off}} to the rear, weighs {{Convert|1.5|lb|abbr=off}}, and is made from the fur of the Canadian black bear."Britain Will Never Part with Bearskin Hats," Associated Press, 9 January 2008. An officer's bearskin is made from the fur of the Canadian brown bear, as the female brown bear has thicker, fuller fur; officers' caps are dyed black. An entire skin is used for each headdress.Rachel Shields, "[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/theyre-changing-hats-at-buckingham-palace-to-save-the-black-bear-913906.html They're Changing Hats at Buckingham Palace To Save the Black Bear]," The Independent 31 Aug. 2008. The British Army purchased the caps from a British hatmaker which sources its pelts at an international auction. The hatmakers purchase between 50 and 100 black bear skins each year at a cost of about £650 each.{{Cite web|url=http://english.people.com.cn/200606/17/eng20060617_275000.html|title=People's Daily Online -- British Royal Guards criticised for wearing bearskin hats on Queen's Birthday|work=people.com.cn|access-date=21 January 2015}}

On 3 August 1888, The New York Times reported that bearskin caps might be phased out because of a shortage of bear skins. The article stated that, at that time, bearskin hats cost £7–5s each (about 35 contemporary US dollars;{{Cite web|url=http://www.measuringworth.org/datasets/exchangepound/|title=Measuring Worth - Measures of worth, inflation rates, saving calculator, relative value, worth of a dollar, worth of a pound, purchasing power, gold prices, GDP, history of wages, average wage|work=measuringworth.org|access-date=21 January 2015}} £600 in 2007 pounds){{cite web |url=http://www.measuringworth.com/ukcompare |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112093626/http://www.measuringworth.com/ukcompare/ |archive-date=12 November 2006 |title=Measuring Worth - Relative Value of UK Pounds}} and noted "it can readily be seen what a price has to be paid for keeping up a custom which is rather old, it is true, but is practically a useless one save for the purpose of military display."{{Cite web|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1888/08/03/103183443.pdf|title=Bearskin hats in danger|date=3 August 1888|website=The New York Times|access-date=21 January 2015}}

In 2005, the Ministry of Defence began a two-year test of artificial fur for the hats. The army has already replaced beaverskin caps and leopard skins, worn by some of its soldiers, with artificial materials.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna7848678|title=PETA roars over U.K. army's hats - World news - Weird news - NBC News|work=NBC News|date=14 May 2005 |access-date=21 January 2015}} However, in 2020, the Ministry of Defence stated that it could not find a bearskin cap made out of alternative materials that matches the "natural properties of bear fur", and claimed that artificial fur failed to meet four of its five requirements.{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/peta-mounts-legal-action-against-mod-over-fur-used-for-kings-guards-bearskin-caps-12764736|title=PETA mounts legal action against MoD over fur used for King's Guards' bearskin caps|date=9 December 2022|access-date=11 January 2024|website=news.sky.com|publisher=Sky UK}} The claim has been disputed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who filed for judicial review of the Ministry of Defence's decision in 2022, claiming that the ministry had failed to adhere to its procedures and that artificial fur meets and, in some cases, exceeds its requirements.

Between 2017 and 2022, the Ministry of Defence purchased 498 bearskin caps for use by its units.

New data obtained through a records request submitted by PETA reveals that the cost of bearskins worn by the King's Guard has increased from £1,560 each in 2022 to £2,040 in 2023. The Ministry of Defence purchased 24 new bearskins in 2023 and 13 in 2022. Over the past decade, the ministry has spent more than £1 million on bearskins for the King's Guard.{{cite web | last=Coughlan | first=Sean | title=Soaring cost of King's Guards' real fur bearskin caps revealed | website=BBC Home | date=2024-09-11 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gly3l8y45o | access-date=2024-09-13}}

File:160616-D-DT527-043 (27611356382).jpg of the United States Marine Band wearing a bearskin cap. Drum majors in most American military bands wear a bearskin cap.]]

Drum majors in military bands maintained by the United States Air Force, the United States Army, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Navy are authorised to wear bearskins.{{cite web|url=https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_pa/publication/dafman35-106/dafman35-106.pdf|title=Music, Ceremonies and Accessions|website=static.e-publishing.af.mil|access-date=11 January 2024|page=31|date=12 August 2014|publisher=Department of the Air Force}}{{cite web|url=https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN39330-TC_1-19.50-000-WEB-1.pdf|title=The Army Drum Major|page=12|access-date=11 January 2024|website=rmypubs.army.mil|date=September 2023|publisher=Headquarters, Department of the Army}}{{cite web|url=https://www.marineband.marines.mil/About/Our-History/History-of-the-Drum-Majors/|title=History of the Drum Majors|website=www.marineband.marines.mil|publisher=Defense Media Activity|access-date=11 January 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3101026/us-coast-guard-master-chief-jonathan-towne|title=U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Jonathan Towne [Image 13 of 14]|date=11 August 2016|access-date=11 January 2024|website=www.dvidshub.net|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Uniform-Regulations/Chapter-6/6301/|title=Special Uniform Situations|publisher=U.S. Navy|website=www.mynavyhr.navy.mil|access-date=11 January 2024}} However, drum majors in the United States Army only wear bearskin caps for a "handful of assignments", while the wearing of bearskins by drum majors in United States Air Force bands is optional.

Drum majors of the United States Marine Corps Band began to wear bearskins in 1859.{{cite journal|journal=Marine Corps Gazette|year=1983|volume=67|issue=8|title=Uniforms of the U.S. Marine Band|page=3}} The bearskins worn by drum majors in the United States Marine Corps Band are made from real black bear fur sourced from Canada, and are styled after the bearskin caps worn by British officers.{{cite web|url=https://wamu.org/story/16/12/19/marine-corps-musician-prepares-presidential-inauguration/|title=How a Marine Corps Musician Prepares For A Presidential Inauguration|last1=McCleskey|first1=Matt|last2=Lefrak|first2=Mikaela|date=16 December 2016|access-date=17 January 2021|website=wamu.org|publisher=American University Radio}} The bearskins worn by United States Army Band drum majors are also styled after European patterns and were initially made from real bear fur, although the Army later switched to using synthetic materials after it faced objections from environmentalists for using real fur.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/01/20/strutting-purposefully/274bd489-e562-4136-9697-0d692cf96b07/|title=Strutting Purposefully|last=McCaffrey|first=Raymond|date=20 January 2001|access-date=17 January 2024|website=www.washingtonpost.com|publisher=Nash Holdings}}

The Second Company Governor's Foot Guard of the Connecticut State Guard state defence force wears a bearskin cap as a part of their ceremonial uniform.

File:Entrada principal con Guardia de la Compañía de Zapadores en la puerta del Palacio DE Fco.piria.jpg.]]

The Uruguayan Army's "Company of Sappers 1837" uses the bearskin cap as a part of its ceremonial uniform as the protocolar guard of the Judicial Branch of Uruguay.{{Cite web |title=Ceremonia por el Día del Poder Judicial {{!}} Ejército Nacional |url=https://www.ejercito.mil.uy/index.php/2021/12/20/ceremonia-por-el-dia-del-poder-judicial/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |language=es-UY}}{{Better source needed|reason=The following citation provides pictoral evidence, but does not include explicit text that supports the sentence this citation is supposed to support.|date=January 2024}} The Company holds a parade when a new supreme court justice is sworn in.{{Cite web |title=Prosecretario Letrado SCJ participó del relevo de mando en Batallón de Ingenieros de Combate nº 1 |url=https://www.poderjudicial.gub.uy/novedades/noticias-institucionales/item/8985-prosecretario-letrado-scj-participo-del-relevo-de-mando-en-batallon-de-ingenieros-de-combate-n-1.html |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=www.poderjudicial.gub.uy |language=es-ES}}

{{see also|Bear hunting}}

Criticism over the use of the headdress emerged during the late 20th and 21st centuries, ranging from cost concerns, ethicality, and practicality.

File:Bear hunting in Thessalon (I0014843).jpg transporting a dead black bear using a carrying pole. Bearskin caps used by several military units are sourced from bears hunted in Canada, a practice opposed by PETA.]]

Several politicians have voiced their opposition to using the headgear due to its use of real bear furs. In 1997, the British Minister for Defence Procurement Lord Gilbert said that he wanted to see bearskins phased out as soon as possible due to ethical concerns.[http://www.cnn.com/EARTH/9708/13/britain.bearskin.ap/ Buckingham guards' bearskins face their Waterloo] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726220152/http://www.cnn.com/EARTH/9708/13/britain.bearskin.ap/|date=26 July 2008}} Similar sentiments were made in March 2005 by British Labour MP Chris Mullin, who called for an immediate ban on bearskins stating that they "have no military significance and involve unnecessary cruelty."[https://www.espn.com/outdoors/hunting/news/story?id=2496582 Call to ban British royal guards from wearing bearskin hats gains support] In 2023, the European Commission's representative to Denmark launched a social media campaign advocating for the replacement of the bearskin caps used by the Danish Royal Life Guards with an artificial alternative, given the bear's protected status within the European Union.{{cite web|url=https://markedsforing.dk/artikler/nyheder/kampagne-leger-med-fordomme-eu-vil-afskaffe-bjoerneskindshuen/|title=Kampagne leger med fordomme: EU vil afskaffe bjørneskindshuen|website=markedsforing.dk|date=12 January 2023|access-date=12 January 2024|last=Terney|first=Susanne Ingemann|publisher=Dansk Markedsføring|language=Danish}}

Animal rights group PETA has publicly voiced its opposition against the use of real bearskin since 2002, and has held demonstrations against its use in the United Kingdom, including one at St Peter's Hill, near St Paul's Cathedral, in 2006.{{Cite news|url=http://News.BBC.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/5002082.stm|title=BBC News - UK - England - Naked demo against bearskin hats|website=News.BBC.co.uk|publisher=BBC News|date=21 May 2006|access-date=21 January 2015}} In February 2011, Joss Stone appeared in a PETA advert targeting the British Ministry of Defence, showing the 23-year-old soul singer holding a teddy bear that covers her naked body, and features the slogan 'Bear Hugs, Not Bear Caps'.[http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/joss-stone-goes-nude-for-a-peta-campaign-against-the-use-of-bear-fur-for-military-hats/story-e6frewyr-1226001456805 Joss Stone goes nude for a PETA campaign against the use of bear fur for military hats] {{dead link|date=May 2025}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}

In January 2024, PETA launched a campaign against the use of real bearskin by the British and Canadian militaries and has called on both British and Canadian defence ministries to retire the headgear in favour of humane headgear sold by luxury faux furrier ECOPEL. PETA's claims that the raw materials used to make the headgear is sourced from hunting bears with bait in Canada. However, the British Ministry of Defence asserts that the furs come from "legal and licensed" hunts within a "regulated Canadian market". The manufacturer of bearskin caps for the Danish Royal Life Guards, who also source their furs from Canada, argues the bear culling is necessary for population control and is conducted under the supervision of biologists with approval from the World Wildlife Fund.

In 2023, a commentator for The New York Times questioned the use of the headdress after three members of the British Bands of the Household Division fainted during a rehearsal while in full dress uniform wearing woollen uniform and a bearskin, remarking how it was "soldiering on in our old, wrong clothes" in the light of climate change.{{Cite news |last=Mooallem |first=Jon |date=2023-07-12 |title=A Royal Soldier Fainted in the Heat. It Holds a Lesson for All of Us. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/12/magazine/royal-soldier-fainting-climate-change.html |access-date=2023-07-17 |issn=0362-4331}}

File:Busby and plume (AM 741652-1).jpg worn by a British artillery unit from the 19th century. The headgear is an example of a furred cap similar in appearance to the bearskin.]]

A busby is a furred cap that was historically worn by hussars, and remains in use as a part of the ceremonial uniforms for British and Canadian hussar units.{{Cite web|url=https://www.Canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/dress-manual/chapter-6/annex-a.html|title=Annex A Armoured regiments|work=Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instruction|date=11 September 2018|access-date=22 June 2019|publisher=Government of Canada}} In addition to hussars, the busby also forms a part of the ceremonial uniforms for British and Canadian artillery units and select rifle regiments. Other units that wear the busby as a part of their uniforms include the British Royal Corps of Signals and Royal Engineers, the Dutch Royal Marechaussee, and the First Company Governor's Foot Guard of the Connecticut State Militia.{{cite web|url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2014/18/update-hoedjes|title=De hoedenparade van de krijgsmacht|website=magazines.defensie.nl|language=Dutch|date=12 September 2014|access-date=15 January 2024|publisher=Defensiekrant}}{{cite web|url=https://portal.ct.gov/MIL/Organization/Governors-Guards/1GFG/1GFG-History|title=1GFG History|website=portal.ct.gov|publisher=Connecticut's Official State Website|year=2024|access-date=15 January 2024}}

A sealskin cap is another furred cap similar to the bearskin cap, that is worn by the British Army's Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.A Dictionary of Military Uniform: W.Y.Carman {{ISBN|0-684-15130-8}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2024}}

Several units in the King's Guard of the Royal Thai Armed Forces wear pith helmets with heavy plumes that broadly resemble a bearskin cap as a part of their ceremonial full dress uniform. The colours of the plumes vary depending on the units of the wearers.

The majority of the units authorised to wear the bearskin cap are from the Royal Thai Army and Royal Thai Air Force, although two Royal Thai Marine Corps battalions are also entitled to wear the headdress. In addition, the Royal Security Command's two guards regiments wear pith helmets with black plumes as their full dress headdress.

File:กองพันทหารราบที่ 2 กรมทหาราบที่ 11 รักษาพระองค์ .jpg use a pith helmet with a heavy plume, resembling a bearskin cap.]]

• List of hat styles
• Feather bonnet
• Shaguma

{{notefoot}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline|Bearskin caps}}

{{Headgear|collapsed}}

Category:Fur

Category:Guards Division (United Kingdom)

Category:History of clothing (Western fashion)

Category:History of fashion

Category:Military hats

Category:Military uniforms