Shako. A Shako of a French Navy uniform of the 19th century. A shako ( / ˈʃækoʊ /, / ˈʃeɪkoʊ /, or / ˈʃɑːkoʊ /) is a tall, cylindrical military cap, usually with a visor, and sometimes tapered at the top. It is usually adorned with some kind of ornamental plate or badge on the front, metallic or otherwise, and often has a feather ...