berets

Berets are a round, flat, soft cap, traditionally made from wool felt or knitted wool. They have no brim and are worn close to the head, often tilted to one side. The crown is circular and the edge is bound or seamed to retain its shape.

They originated among the Basque people of the Pyrenees and are commonly called boina in Basque and boina or beret in Spanish and French. The style spread from rural practical headwear to become part of regional attire in France and Spain, and later gained global recognition.

In the 19th and 20th centuries the beret was adopted by artists, laborers, and military units. The French military widely used berets as part of field dress, and similar headwear spread to many forces around the world. In fashion, designers globally featured berets, associating them with Parisian chic and bohemian culture.

Berets come in numerous colors and materials. Traditional wool felt berets are most common; faux-felt and knit versions exist. In militaries, colors can indicate unit, rank, or role, while civilian fashion favors black, navy, red, and earth tones. Care involves gentle shaping while damp, hand washing or dry cleaning, and storage flat to preserve the circular form.

Today the beret remains a versatile accessory and symbol of cultural identity and style. It continues to appear in military uniforms, police units, and fashion contexts, maintaining a recognizable silhouette across regions.