Babushka – not just a granny

In Russian, when we hear the word бабушка we mean either our grandmother or a sweet old lady. The word is so essential, it even migrated that it migrated into the English language, obtaining another meaning on the way: here, babushka also means a characteristic way to tie a headscarf around your head. 

Typically, it’s a square scarf made of wool, silk, or cotton and with some kind of pattern (such as some traditional designs from around the country), folded in half to create a triangle, and then wrapped around your head and tied under the chin. 

It seems like in 2026, this way to wear your headscarf is making a comeback – with all kinds of scarves already spotted on the streets of St. Petersburg by ITMO NEWS. In popular culture, one recent example is the rapper ASAP Rocky (now also known as the self-proclaimed Babushka Boi), who started wearing a babushka-style headscarf in his public appearances, starting a new wave in men's fashion.

Why scarves are practical

While a wool headscarf wrapped closely around your head will easily compete with a hat in terms of keeping you warm and protecting you from the wind, it’s also much more versatile, which is probably why it’s been so loved by fashion icons through the ages. If it gets too hot, you can just take it off your head and wrap it around your shoulders or waist; this functionality comes in particularly handy in spring, when the weather is unpredictable and can easily startle you with unexpected gusts of cold wind on a seemingly sunny day.

A silk headscarf may not be as warm, but is definitely more chic, with countless ways to use it as an accessory – put it on your bag, in your hair, on your neck, or even use it as a belt. But, of course, wearing it babushka-style works, too (and if you add big sunglasses, it will be very en vogue indeed).

Where to get one

• For a feel of tradition, get one made by Russian artisans;
• To be unique and sustainable, get a silk scarf with a one-of-a-kind design at a second-hand store or market;
• If you are feeling adventurous, you can try knitting one yourself! There is an abundance of free patterns for all levels, so you’ll definitely find one to your liking. 

For more secrets of Russian spring fashion, check out this article.