beret

A beret is a soft, round, flat-crowned hat, typically made from felted wool or other fabric. It has no brim and is worn fitted to the head with a snug band, sometimes with a small crown-stiffener to help it hold its shape.

The beret is strongly associated with the Basque region of the Pyrenees, where traditional wool hats were worn by shepherds. The modern beret emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries and spread widely through military, artistic, and civilian use. Its simple construction made it inexpensive to manufacture and easy to adapt across cultures.

Construction and wear vary, but most berets are circular with a flat crown and a sewn-in headband. The edge is usually rolled or finished to prevent fraying, and some versions include a small stiffener at the crown. Berets can be worn pulled down over the forehead or perched at an angle on the side of the head, a style commonly associated with French fashion.

Use and symbolism: berets have been adopted by many military forces, with colors and insignia indicating unit or role in some traditions. They are also a recognizable element of fashion and counterculture, bridging European design and global street style. The beret remains culturally linked to Basque identity and to European artistic communities, while continuing to appear in uniforms, costumes, and everyday wear.

Care and production: berets are typically made from wool felt, though cotton or synthetic blends are used. They are usually cleaned by spot treatment or gentle hand washing and reshaped by hand or with steam to restore the flat crown.