Berets

What is the difference between a beret and a beret cap?

The classic beret is a round, flat disc of fabric, with no brim or peak. It sits on the head and is worn straight, tilted to the side or pulled back. Its very simple shape goes with a long coat, a thick jumper or a little dress. It is one of the easiest hats to adopt if you have never worn a hat.

The beret cap keeps the round, soft top of the beret and adds a small peak at the front. This peak shades your eyes when the winter sun is low. It also gives a more modern, slightly sportier style. Our women’s beret with a peak and our wool or linen-effect beret caps follow this idea.

The flat cap looks like the beret cap, with a top made of several sewn panels and a small button in the centre. Our wool model, between a beret and a flat cap, appeals to those who cannot decide between the two styles. The flat cap is worn rather straight, with the peak above the eyebrows, whereas the beret is happily tilted to the side.

The classic beret has no rigid part. You can fold it in half and slip it into your bag or a coat pocket. The beret cap, with its peak, needs a little more room and is stored flat. The beret, by contrast, does not mind being folded: it regains its shape as soon as you put it on your head.

Which material should you choose for a beret, depending on the season?

For winter, the beret in wool felt is the warmest. Felt is made of wool fibres pressed together, without weaving. It blocks the wind and keeps its round shape, even after long days. It also withstands a light rain without losing its shape.

Wool felt has a soft, matt look that is instantly smart. It is the beret you imagine with a trench coat and a Breton top.

In mid-season, choose cotton knit. It is finer than felt and easier to wash. Our cotton knit beret folds into a bag without keeping a crease. It keeps your head warm in spring and autumn, without being too hot.

For summer, the linen-effect beret cap stays light and cool. The crochet beret with flower squares adds a touch of colour. Air passes between the stitches, which makes it pleasant even when it is hot. It is worn on a café terrace as well as on a stroll by the sea.

As for colours, black and beige go with almost every outfit. A red or fir-green beret brightens a dark coat. For a first beret, a neutral colour remains the safest choice.

How do you wear a beret with your hair?

The beret sits towards the back of the head, tilted slightly to one side. The front edge stops in the middle of the forehead or a little higher. The more it is tilted, the more romantic the style; worn straight, it becomes more modern. This way, it shows your fringe or the top of your hair.

With long hair, let it fall over your shoulders or do a low bun at the nape. Curls stand out nicely under a tilted beret. With a bob, slide the beret well back to keep volume at the sides. Short hair, for its part, goes very well with a beret worn straight. With braids or locs, choose a roomy beret, which leaves space for volume.

To stop it slipping, fix it with two discreet hair clips, slipped under the edge on each side. This tip works well on straight, fine hair, on which the beret tends to move.

A wool beret is gently brushed to remove dust. If it gets wet, dry it flat, resting on a plate, so that it keeps its nicely round shape. Avoid the radiator, which can make it shrink. A cotton knit beret is hand-washed in lukewarm water, then also dries flat.

When it freezes, the winter beanie covers the ears better. For a smarter style, the felt hat uses the same material with a real brim. Find all our other models in the hats and caps section.