The fascinating history of the beret

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When you envision a beret, you instinctively connect it with French fashion and sense.

According to Merriam-Webster, a beret is defined as a "visorless usually woolen cap with a tight headband and a soft full flat top." Its earliest known use of that definition was in 1826.

In fact, the French beret has been an enduring piece of fashion for over a century. Often, people envision the beret in "An American in Paris," mimes, artists, poets and military uniforms due to the influence in film and media that began at least in the 1940s.

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Before becoming a symbol of fashion, it was initially used as a sign of resistance. In essence, politics played an influential role in its history and has long been associated with rebels.

The history of the beret has various regional customs and traditions, each with its own style. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of the beret, it can be traced back to the Basque region, particularly in Bearn, which is located along the French-Spanish border. Also, the beret's roots lie in military tradition and practicality.

There, shepherds, peasants and farmers wore this hat to protect themselves from the weather, especially the cold temperatures. Historically, Basque berets, or "txapelas," were knit of thick, felted wool, which provided warmth and resistance to water.

In Scotland, the beret is referred to as the "tam o'shanter," or tammie or tam, for short. This is typically knitted with thick wool and features a wide, flat crown with a pompom on top. The name derives from the hero of Robert Burns' poem of that name. Moreover, the tam o'shanter serves as a symbol of Scottish culture and heritage. They are typically worn during formal occasions, such as weddings and Highland games.

The beret's association with the military can be traced back to at least the early 20th century, Basque soldiers began wearing distinctive red berets during the Second Carlist War. The French Resistance fighters later wore black berets during World War II, which became a symbol of resistance.

According to the Special Forces Association, the green beret was "originally designated in 1953 by Special Forces Major Herbert Brucker, a veteran of the OSS." Later that year, 1st Lt. Roger Pezelle adopted it as the unofficial headgear for his A-team, Operational Detachment FA32. They wore it whenever they went to the field for prolonged exercises. Soon it spread throughout all of Special Forces, although the Army refused to authorize its official use.”

In 1961, while visiting troops in Fort Bragg, U.S. President John F. Kennedy felt that the Army Special Forces needed something to distinguish them from the rest. He later showed support by authorizing the beret as the official headgear. In April 1962, President Kennedy wrote a memorandum, stating "The Green Beret is again becoming a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom."

All in all, military forces around the world, such as the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, have distinct beret colors depending on the specific specialty or elite qualification.

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According to L'Officiel, the beret has "long had a dichotomy between creative freedom and war." Artists and intellectuals such as Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt and Ernest Hemingway, along with fashion and Hollywood icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich have long been associated with the hat. This association has also extended to political leaders and dictators globally, including Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. In addition, militant groups adopted the beret, including the Black Panthers in the 1960s and New York's Guardian Angels in the 1970s.

In terms of fashion, the beret has undergone various transformations, adapting to different styles and trends along the way. In addition, it is also versatile and can be styled in numerous ways to express personality. such as adding sophistication to a casual outfit or elevating a formal look. All in all, it can take on either a vintage or trendy look depending on the outfit.

Wearing a beret in France, especially in Paris, is considered an internationally recognized cliche, along with the striped shirt and scarf. The beret is rarely worn among locals in Paris and main French travelling sites, and people wearing them are mainly tourists. The exception, of course, is elderly people in rural villages, particularly in the Basque region, who continue to wear the beret as a sign of pride.

Today, everyone wears the beret according to their personal preferences. Moreover, it is considered a symbol of elegance, individuality, culture and creativity.