Origin of Beret

The beret first appeared in the Basque region, crossing France and Spain. As early as the 17th century, shepherds in the Pyrenees mountains wore it. It eventually represented French art, military garb, and culture.
The beret is now extensively used for both utilitarian and stylish reasons worldwide and is linked to French fashion, especially Parisian style.

How To Wear A Beret

Wearing a beret can give your ensemble a chic, elegant, or even edgy edge. Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to appropriately wear a beret:

  1. Choose the Right Fit

  • Make sure the beret fits snugly but comfortably on your head.
  • It may leave marks if it’s too tight; if it’s too loose, it may slip off easily.

  1. Position the Beret

  • Classic French Style: Place the beret slightly tilted to one side (usually the right) for that effortlessly chic Parisian look.
  • Pulled Forward: Pull the beret slightly down over your forehead for a more mysterious, artistic vibe.
  • Pushed Back: Wear the beret towards the back of your head for a relaxed, casual appearance.
  • Flat and Centered: Lay the beret flat and centered on your head for a neat, military-inspired style.

  1. Adjust the Shape

  • Once the beret is on your head, shape the fabric by lightly tugging and smoothing it.
  • For a soft and relaxed look, gently flatten the top.
  • For a more structured look, ensure the fold is crisp and secure.

  1. Secure It (Optional)

  • If your beret keeps slipping, you can use bobby pins to hold it.
  • Some berets have an adjustable inner band to help fit securely.

  1. Style It with the Right Outfit

  • Pair a beret with a trench coat, striped top, and tailored pants for a classic French look.
  • Wear it with a leather jacket or oversized sweater for a modern style.
  • Combine it with a dress or skirt for a chic, feminine appearance.

Here are some great beret styles and brands to consider based on different fashion preferences:

  1. Classic French Berets

  • Brand: Laulhère (Traditional French berets)
  • Material: 100% wool, soft and structured
  • Best for: A timeless Parisian look
  • Where to buy: Laulhère official website, Amazon, Nordstrom

  1. Trendy Leather & Faux Leather Berets

  • Brand: Brixton, ASOS, Gucci
  • Material: Genuine or faux leather
  • Best for: Edgy, modern outfits
  • Where to buy: Brixton official store, ASOS, Farfetch

  1. Wool & Cashmere Berets

  • Brand: Kangol, Ganni, Arket
  • Material: Wool, cashmere blends
  • Best for: Cozy fall/winter outfits
  • Where to buy: Urban Outfitters, SSENSE, Nordstrom

  1. Military-Style Berets

  • Brand: Rothco, Stetson, The North Face
  • Material: Structured wool with leather trim
  • Best for: Sharp, structured looks
  • Where to buy: Army surplus stores, Rothco website, Amazon

  1. Artistic & Unique Berets

  • Brand: Eugenia Kim, Maison Michel, Dior
  • Material: Wool, embroidered details, pearls, or decorative accents
  • Best for: Statement pieces and unique fashion looks
  • Where to buy: High-end boutiques, Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue

The History & Cultural Significance of the Beret

The beret is more than just a stylish hat—it has a long history rooted in European tradition, military use, and artistic expression. Here’s a deep dive into its origins, evolution, and impact on fashion and culture.

  1. Origins of the Beret

The beret has origins in the Basque region of France and Spain, where it was worn by shepherds in the Pyrenees mountains as early as the 17th century. These early berets were made from wool and provided warmth and protection against the elements.

However, the earliest traces of beret-like headwear go back to ancient Greece and Rome, where related soft, round hats were worn.

  1. The Beret in Military History

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the beret became a key part of military uniforms due to its practicality and easy wear.

  • France: The French Chasseurs Alpins (elite mountain infantry) were among the first to adopt the beret in the late 1800s officially.
  • Spain: The Spanish Carlist soldiers also wore berets, often red, symbolizing their political allegiance.
  • Global Military Use: Today, military units worldwide, including the Green Berets (U.S.), British Special Forces, and UN peacekeeping forces, use berets in various colors to signify rank and role.

  1. The Beret in Art & Culture

Throughout the 20th century, the beret became associated with various cultural movements:

  • Artists & Intellectuals: The beret became a symbol of bohemian and intellectual culture worn by painters, poets, and revolutionaries.
    • Famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí were often seen wearing berets.
  • French Fashion & Cinema:
    • The beret became a symbol of French chic, often worn by Parisian women with stylish coats and striped shirts.
    • French actresses like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve made it a fashion statement.
  • Political Movements:
    • The beret became a symbol of revolution and resistance, famously worn by Che Guevara and other political activists.

  1. The Beret in Modern Fashion

Today, the beret remains an iconic fashion piece, seen on runways and in everyday street style. Designers like Dior, Chanel, and Gucci have incorporated berets into their collections, blending tradition with contemporary fashion.

It is now worn in various ways:

  • Classic French style (tilted to one side)
  • Military-style (structured and firm)
  • Casual & artistic (loose and laid-back)

  1. Symbolism of the Beret

The beret represents different things depending on the context:

  • French heritage & fashion
  • Artistic and bohemian lifestyle
  • Rebellion and revolution
  • Military strength and discipline

Conclusion

From the Basque shepherds of France and Spain to military uniforms, artists, and high fashion, the beret has evolved into a timeless cultural icon. The beret holds significance worldwide, whether worn as a fashion statement, political symbol, or military necessity.