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Headwear 1: Classic Headsock

One part of the RLSH costume that seems to get a lot of attention is headwear.  This is going to be a 5-part series where we explore some different options.  We’ll look at the pros and cons, various examples, how you can improve upon them, and whatever else comes to mind.


The headsock (aka balaclava aka ski mask) is a classic because so many superheroes wear them.  It’s a material head covering that covers all or most of the head, typically.  A headsock can often be seen being yanked off and shoved into a pocket or a purse.

Pros & Cons


Pros

  • Easy to get on and off

  • Easy to tuck away if you need to disappear into the crowd

  • Unlimited colors, patterns, materials to use

  • Mobility

  • Line of sight

  • Can be worn with goggles or other eyewear

  • Typically fairly cheap to buy or make

  • Protect identity


Cons

  • No impact protection

  • No protection from aerosol sprays

  • Voice muffling, if your mouth is fully covered

  • Hearing muffled, if fabric is too thick

  • A classic ski mask looks like a burglar

Improving On The Classic Headsock


The headsock could incorporate layers to help form an understructure. This understructure could help create form around the eyes, nose bridge, ears, and mouth - as needed. Along with some understructuring, the headsock could be developed to have embedded LEDs or bluetooth headsets. Additionally, some protective layering could also be incorporated with some lining with leather or kevlar in places. N95 replaceable filters could be added to the mouth/nose area with proper understructuring.


Additionally, colors and lines on the headsock can distort perception of the face.


Examples Of Types Of Headsocks


The November "Notes From The Rooftops" will be about "a time you lent a hand" [as an RLSH].  Keep it to roughly 500 words.  If you want to contribute (active or retired RLSH only), please send an email to Raven (raven@herocore.online).  Currently, these are only coming out once a month. Deadline is the end of October.


On an entire other note, if you are an RLSH, please take a moment to fill out this RLSH 2025 Demographics Survey. It's anonymous. Just looking to gather some general information to study (data analysis is just something I like to do). It will end up becoming an article in the future (late-December or early-January).


NEW PROJECT.  I'm starting a new RLSH Annual Comic Book Project. (tabs up top: Resources > Comic Book Project). This is a collection of short RLSH tales in an anthology type of graphic novel. Looking for artists, editors, and RLSH to share their stories. Deadline is Dec. 31.


If there is something you would like to see me discuss here on Herocore, please feel free to contact me.

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