What is the origin of the beret?

The beret is a round and flat headwear, worn pushed down on the forehead or tilted to the side. It's a timeless fashion accessory that adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to your outfit. But what is the origin of the beret, and how does it vary in different regions and different armies around the world? Here's an article that will enlighten you on the history, types, and uses of the beret.

The history of the beret between tradition and French symbol

The origin of the beret is not clearly established, but it seems to have originated in the Basque Country, between France and Spain, where shepherds adopted it for its practicality. Its lightness, waterproofness, and ability to stay on the head in strong winds were essential for those working outdoors. The term "beret" comes from the Béarnais "berret", meaning "cap", which derives from the Latin "birretum", referring to a type of hooded cloak. The beret is first attested in French in 1835, as the flat, brimless wool headwear worn by peasants in Béarn. Béarn indeed claims paternity of the beret, as local know-how and a way of life. The techniques of knitting, fulling, and felting are part of the Béarnais heritage, and ensure the waterproofness of the beret.

Each beret has its regional or identity-based customs and traditions

The beret is not just a practical accessory, it is also a symbol of regional or cultural identity. Its shape, color, and way of wearing it vary according to regions and communities. For example, the Basque beret, which is the most well-known, is black or red in color, and is worn on the right side. It is worn during festivals and demonstrations, and expresses a sense of belonging to the Basque people. The Alpine beret, which is wider and more flexible, is dark blue in color, and is worn on the left side. It is worn by the Alpine Hunters, who are the mountain troops of the French army, and who are nicknamed the "blue devils". The Scottish beret, which is green or plaid in color, and adorned with a pompom, is worn straight on the head. It is worn by Scottish clans, which are noble families or kinship groups, each with their own tartan, that is, their distinctive plaid pattern.

The beret or the little history of a great symbol

The beret has transcended regional and national borders, becoming a universal symbol. It has been adopted by military personnel, artists, intellectuals, revolutionaries, athletes, celebrities, etc. It has thus acquired various connotations, depending on the context and era. For example, the green beret is worn by commandos and special forces, evoking courage, audacity, and elite status. The red beret is worn by paratroopers, evoking sacrifice, blood, and brotherhood. The black beret is worn by guerrillas, evoking struggle, revolt, and freedom. The white beret is worn by popes, evoking purity, peace, and spirituality. The beret is also a fashion element, adding a touch of chic, glamour, or whimsy to an outfit. It has been worn by personalities such as Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, Che Guevara, Pablo Picasso, Yves Montand, etc. Today, it is a trendy accessory that comes in different materials, colors, and patterns, and adapts to all styles.

Types of berets

Béarnais beret, known as "Basque beret"

The Béarnais beret, or Basque beret, is the most classic and widespread beret. It has a circular and flat shape, and is usually lined with an inner leather crown. It is made of felted wool, which gives it great flexibility and good waterproofing. It is black or red in color, and is worn on the right side. It is worn by Basques, but also by people from Béarn, Landes, Bigorre, Catalonia... It is considered a symbol of Basque culture and identity.

Alpine beret or Alpine hunter's beret

The Alpine beret, or Alpine hunter's beret, is the beret worn by the mountain troops of the French army. It is wider and more flexible in shape than the Basque beret, and often adorned with a metal badge representing a hunting horn or an edelweiss. It is dark blue in color, worn on the left side. It is worn by the Alpine hunters, who are nicknamed the "blue devils", and who specialize in mountain warfare.

Bolognese beret

The Bolognese beret, or pompom beret, is a beret worn by women in northern France, particularly in the Boulonnais region. It has a round and domed shape, and is adorned with a wool or fur pompom. Black, blue, or red in color, it is worn straight on the head. It is worn by fishermen's, sailors', or farmers' wives, and is considered an element of the traditional Boulonnais costume.

Beret-cap

The beret-cap, or newsboy cap, is a beret that combines the shape of a beret with the visor of a cap. It has a round and flat shape, and is equipped with a rigid visor at the front. Made of wool, cotton, tweed or leather, it can be plain or patterned. Available in various colors, it is worn straight or tilted on the head by both men and women, and has a retro, urban or casual style.

Scottish beret

The Scottish beret, or tam o' shanter, is a beret worn by Scots. Round and flat in shape, it is adorned with a wool pompom on top. Made of wool, it is often plaid, according to the tartan of the clan one belongs to, in green, blue, red or black color, and is worn straight on the head. It brings color and whimsy to the outfit and suits oval and round faces, as well as short and layered hairstyles. You can wear it low on the forehead, or on the side, depending on your morphology.

Sailor's beret or bachi

The sailor's beret or bachi is a wool or cotton headwear that has a circular and flat shape with a narrow brim and a ribbon at the back. It is often navy blue in color, with a badge or patch on the front. It brings modernity and character to the outfit and suits elongated and triangular faces, and long and straight hairstyles. You can wear it straight, or slightly tilted, depending on your hairstyle.

Regency beret

The Regency beret is a felt or velvet headwear that has an oval and domed shape with a wide and wavy brim. It is often black in color, with a feather or flower on the side. It brings elegance and glamour to the outfit and suits fine and oval faces, and simple and understated hairstyles. You can wear it on the forehead, or on the side, depending on the desired effect.

Angevin beret or birette

The Angevin beret or birette is a wool or cotton headwear that has a square and flat shape with a short, upturned brim. It is often red in color, with a pompom or button in the center and brings cheerfulness and lightness to the outfit. It suits round and square faces, and loose and wavy hairstyles. You can wear it on the side or at the back, depending on your hairstyle.

Student's beret or faluche

The student's beret or faluche is a velvet headwear that has a circular and flat shape with a short, upturned brim. It is often black in color, with ribbons, badges, or pins that indicate the student's field of study, year, or activities. It brings fun and personality to the outfit and suits all types of faces and hairstyles, depending on how you wear it. You can wear it straight, or tilted, depending on your style.

"Half-alpine", commando, "float" beret

The "half-alpine", commando, or "float" beret is a wool or cotton headwear that has a triangular and asymmetrical shape with a short, upturned brim at the front and a long, drooping brim at the back. It is often green in color, with a badge or patch on the front and brings class and character to the outfit. It suits oval and elongated faces, and short, layered hairstyles. You can wear it at an angle or forward, depending on your style.

The beret in armies around the world

The beret is a headwear with a long history that has been adopted by many armies around the world for practical, symbolic, or aesthetic reasons. The beret can be of different shapes, colors, and materials, depending on the country, branch, or unit wearing it. Here are some examples of berets worn by armies around the world:

• The blue beret: this is the beret worn by UN peacekeepers who are soldiers sent on peacekeeping missions in conflict zones. The blue beret symbolizes neutrality, cooperation, and protection of civilian populations. It is worn by military personnel from different countries, who also display a badge or patch with the UN logo.
• The green beret: this is the beret worn by special forces in several countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or France. The green beret symbolizes elite status, discretion, and efficiency. It is worn by military personnel trained for special operations such as intelligence, sabotage, or counter-terrorism.
• The red beret: this is the beret worn by paratroopers in several countries, such as France, Canada, or Spain. The red beret symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and audacity. It is worn by military personnel trained in parachute jumping, who are often engaged in airborne operations, such as dropping, assault, or evacuation.
• The black beret: this is the beret worn by armored units in several countries such as France, Germany, or Italy. The black beret symbolizes power, speed, and mobility. It is worn by military personnel specialized in armored vehicles, such as tanks, troop carriers, or self-propelled guns.
• The beige beret: this is the beret worn by legionnaires of the French Foreign Legion. The beige beret symbolizes brotherhood, loyalty, and honor. It is worn by foreign military personnel who have chosen to serve France and who are renowned for their bravery, discipline, and esprit de corps.

These examples are not exhaustive, there are many other types of berets worn by armies around the world, such as the brown beret of American Rangers, the grey beret of British commandos, or the white beret of Vatican carabinieri. The beret is therefore a headwear that has great diversity and significance, reflecting the identity, culture, and mission of the military personnel who wear it.