How can you be sure your child’s neck and ears stay warm, eyes uncovered, and the hat stays in place even during the wildest play? This real concern inspired Breden’s daycare-proof balaclava – now a registered utility model (EM, no DM/089105) and a favorite hat for tens of thousands of children.
It all started with a joke
On a playground one day, while the kids were running around, I was chatting with a friend about children’s hats. She admitted that although she liked Breden’s classic beanies and tube scarves, in daycare she preferred a balaclava – one piece that covered both the head and the neck.
But she also sighed that most of the balaclavas were often uncomfortable. The ears slipped out, the hat twisted when the child turned their head, and half the face disappeared inside the hat. Her child felt uncomfortable and didn’t enjoy wearing it.
Half-joking, she said: “Merle, why don’t you come up with something better?” I laughed and replied: “What if I just sew the scarf onto the hat?” That little joke stuck – and it planted the seed for what would become one of our most loved products.
From Idea to Prototype
I wanted to create something that combined the practicality of a balaclava with the comfort of our classic hats and tube scarves. But bringing the idea to life wasn’t easy.
Together with our production master, we developed dozens of prototypes. Every round of feedback led to improvements – better fit, smarter materials, stronger seams. Finally, we had a version that worked. Kids wore it happily, parents approved.
At one point customers even started calling it “the daycare-proof balaclava” – because it survived the wildest play and gave parents peace of mind. To us, this nickname was proof we had succeeded. And because we knew we’d created something unique, we registered it as a utility model (EM, no DM/089105) – an international recognition of both innovation and quality.
Models for Every Season
The Breden balaclava family has grown into a full range to cover every type of weather. Here’s a simple guide by temperature:
🌤 MILD WEATHER (+15…+5 °C)
- BREDEN & BENT (peaked) – double cotton, light coverage for spring and autumn
🌦 COOL WEATHER (+5…−5 °C)
- BREM & MORRIS (peaked) – thin merino lining, breathable warmth
- STORM – weatherproof shell with merino lining, wind-resistant
❄️ COLD WEATHER (−5…−15 °C)
- CLARK (peaked) & CLAVAN – thick merino lining, extra warmth (Extra ear protection)
- FERN – microfleece lining, soft and warm (Extra ear protection)
🌨 VERY COLD (−15 °C AND BELOW)
- FRODE – thick microfleece lining, maximum insulation for extreme cold (Extra ear protection)
Safe Materials
- 🍃 Oeko-Tex® certified cotton – soft, safe and skin-friendly
- 🧵 Oeko-Tex® certified microfleece – warm, breathable and gentle
- 🐑 Mulesing-free merino wool – ethical, natural warmth
Eyes Out, Ears In!
What began as a playground joke has grown into more than just a hat – it’s a product parents can trust and children love to wear. The balaclava keeps ears and neck warm, eyes uncovered, and follows the child’s every move so playtime never stops.
Customer Feedback
Breden Balaclava – Tips for Use
- 🧢 Teach your child to put it on. Some kids, especially smaller ones, may need assistance at first, but master it really fast.
- 📏 Choose the right size. Too big slips over the eyes, too small leaves ears uncovered.
- 🧼 Care properly. Wash merino-lined models on wool or hand-wash program.
- 🛍️ Have more than one. Different thicknesses cover the whole season from early autumn to late spring.