Papakha Questions and Answers
What is a papakha?
A papakha is a traditional fur hat of the Caucasus, made from sheepskin or goat fur with the wool left long. In Georgia it belongs to the highland regions of Tusheti, Pshavi and Khevi, where men wore it with the chokha coat. The Georgian word is ფაფახი (papakhi).
What is the traditional Georgian hat called?
The tall fur hat is the papakha. Georgia's other well-known hat is the Svan cap, a small round felt hat from Svaneti. At the moment we sell papakhas only.
How much does a papakha cost?
Ours cost $50–110 in sheepskin, $68–150 in goat fur and $70 in karakul. Shipping is extra: $8–10 by post to much of Europe, $20–35 by courier to the rest of the world. In Tbilisi the prices are the same and delivery is free.
What size are your papakhas?
Our papakhas fit head sizes 58–63 cm. Measure around your head just above the ears and send us the number in centimetres. We'll confirm the fit before you pay.
Are the hats in stock?
Some hats are ready to ship and some are made after you order. Tell us which hat you want and we'll say which applies before you pay.
Do you ship to the USA, UK, Canada and Europe?
Yes. We ship worldwide from Tbilisi; international parcels go out every Wednesday, and we tell you in chat which Wednesday yours goes out. Post to the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and much of Europe costs $8–10; courier to the USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere costs $20–35. Counted from dispatch, delivery usually takes 5–8 working days to the USA, 7–10 to EU countries and 14 or more to the UK, Canada and the rest of the world; these times are not guaranteed. Some styles are made to order; we tell you how long before you pay. See shipping
How do I pay?
In Tbilisi, including visitors, you pay in cash when your hat is delivered, or by transfer to our BOG or TBC account. Elsewhere in Georgia you pay by transfer to our BOG or TBC account. From abroad you pay by transfer from your own bank, or by Wise or PayPal after we confirm your total in chat; for PayPal we email you an invoice. You pay your own bank's fees. We don't take payment on this website.
Where can I buy a papakha in Tbilisi?
Message us on WhatsApp, Instagram or Messenger and we deliver to your address or hotel anywhere in Tbilisi, free, within 1–2 hours. You pay in cash on delivery or by transfer to our BOG or TBC account. In other cities in Georgia, such as Batumi or Kutaisi, your parcel usually arrives 2–3 days after you order, and we can bring it to your door; we tell you the cost before you pay. Some styles are made to order; we tell you how long before you pay.
What is the difference between sheepskin and goat fur?
Sheepskin wool is dense and curly and gives the classic rounded papakha. Goat fur is long and wavy and hangs down around the head.