Introduction: The standard of a military cap is not just about the shape
Beret, as a widely used military cap, originally originated in the European mountains, but became one of the standard equipment of many countries' military forces in the 20th century. Whether it is the US "Green Beret", the red beret of the French paratroopers, or the black beret of the British Royal Navy, the way of wearing it is strictly regulated and carries the honor, culture and identification function of the army.
This article will give you a comprehensive understanding of the wearing standards of military berets, including the international rules of "whether to wear it on the left or the right", the wearing culture of the armies of various countries, and the meaning behind berets of different colors.
1. The structure and composition of military berets
- Before discussing "how to wear", we must know the key elements of the structure of berets:
- Hat body: round hat without brim, usually made of wool felt or wool blend
- Hat band: leather belt inside the brim, used to adjust the circumference of the hat
- Hat badge: fixed on one side of the hat body, representing the military branch, organization, rank or mission nature
- Lining: unit information or number is often sewn inside
- Hard edge (exterior shaping strip): some military berets will be sewn with shaping strips for shaping
2. Left or right? ——Detailed explanation of the wearing rules of the military of various countries
2.1 General rules: Which side does the hat badge face?
- Most military regulations:
- The hat badge is fixed on the left side
- The hat body is tilted to the right to cover the upper part of the right ear
- This standard originated from the tradition of the French army and was later widely adopted by NATO countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Canada, etc.
2.2 Examples of standards in various countries
- 🇫🇷 France: left high, right low, cap badge on the left, originated from the Alpine troops
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: left high, right low, cap badge on the left, adopted by both the Army and the Royal Navy
- 🇺🇸 United States: left high, right low, cap badge on the left, special forces have wearing angle standards
- 🇨🇳 China: left high, right low, cap badge on the left, the People's Liberation Army has strict shaping regulations
- 🇷🇺 Russia: left high, right low, cap badge on the left, usually worn with uniforms
3. Beret wearing skills: angle, size and shaping
3.1 How to wear a "standard military look"?
- Angle suggestion: The hat is slightly tilted to the right about 20°, and the badge is close to the left eyebrow
- Fitting the head shape: The hat body is close to the top of the head to avoid bulges or wrinkles
- Badge position: The badge is vertically centered 1-2 cm above the left eye
- The right hat body hangs down naturally: does not cover the eyes or ears, visual balance
3.2 How to shape a "qualified" beret?
- Hot water softening: Soak the hat in warm water for a few minutes
- Shaping with the hat: Wear a wet hat and manually stretch and fold the hat body
- Drying and shaping: Dry while wearing it, or use a towel to prop up the head contour and let it stand
- Comb with a brush: Keep the fur surface clean and the appearance crisp
Note: Some armies even organize "beret shaping training" and use wearing accuracy as one of the military appearance assessment indicators
4. Analysis of the color of berets and the meaning of military branches
The color of military berets is not only for decoration, but also symbolizes the military branch or special task force:
- Green: Special Forces, US Army, Italian Special Forces
- Black: Armored Forces/Navy/Police Special Service, British Army, German Wehrmacht
- Red: Airborne Forces/Paratroopers, French Foreign Legion, British Army Parachute Regiment
- Blue: United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, Multinational Peacekeeping Forces
- Burgundy: Air Mobile Forces, Spanish and German Airborne Brigade
- Gray: Mountain Forces, Switzerland, Austria
5. Cultural Symbolism and Influence of Military Berets
5.1 The Symbolic Meaning of Berets
- Honorary Indicators: Representing Military Branches and Military Affiliations
- Combat Identity: Wearing a beret means combat readiness, taking off a beret means retirement
- Psychological warfare significance: Bright colors highlight the sense of elite and deterrence
5.2 The Popular Culture of Berets
- "Green Beret" Becomes a Cultural Symbol of US Special Forces
- Film communication: Frequently appeared in "The Rock" and "Black Hawk Down"
- Fashion brand borrowing: Supreme, Stüssy, Kangol and other brands have brought military cap elements into street fashion
6. Can I refer to military regulations when wearing berets in daily life?
- Although military regulations are professional wearing guidelines, practical principles can also be learned in daily wear:
- People with rounder faces: suitable for "left high and right low" structure to modify the head shape
- Small faces with berets are more aura: especially suitable for narrow crown shape
- Military style wear: with windbreaker, military boots or simple monochrome matching, stylish and not exaggerated
Conclusion: Don't underestimate the wearing direction, how many rules and honors are hidden in a beret
Military berets are not only a wearing accessory, but also a manifestation of order, dignity and belonging. Every time the hat badge is neatly worn on the left, every hat body shape is deliberately pulled straight, it is a respect and continuation of the identity of a soldier.
Next time you wear a beret, think about this: Is your beret in the right direction? Does your style carry your own beliefs?