Introduction: A beret, traveling across five continents
As one of the most recognizable hats in the world, the beret has far surpassed its original functional purpose. From the folk hat ornaments in the Basque region of France, to military equipment, artists' symbols, and now global fashion items, the beret is playing a completely different but profound role in different cultures with its unique image.
Did you know? In France, it is a symbol of romance and freedom; in the United States, it represents military honor; in South Korea, it has become a trendy standard for Generation Z; in Africa, it even has a symbolic meaning of political identity.
Let's start from France and embark on a global cultural journey around the beret.
1. France: The cultural hometown and romantic symbol of the beret
1.1 National symbol of the Basque region
The origin of the beret can be traced back to the Basque Country on the border between France and Spain. Local residents are accustomed to wearing a round soft hat called "béret basque", which is often used in farm work, festivals, and religious activities.
- White beret: symbolizes festivals and blessings
- Red beret: used for bullfighting festivals, rallies and parades
- Black beret: worn for daily work, stable and practical
1.2 What do the French think of berets?
Today, although the French no longer wear berets on a large scale on a daily basis, it is still one of the "symbols" of the national image. In the literary youth on the streets of Paris, French retro outfits, and tourism promotional films, berets are often regarded as a cultural label of French romance.
2. Spain: The "brother culture" and peasant roots of berets
- In Navarra, Aragon and other regions in northern Spain, there is also a tradition of wearing similar berets (locally called boina).
- Mostly worn by men, for work, cold resistance, and festivals
- Especially common in traditional fairs and bullfighting activities
- Berets have become a symbol of local sentiments
Although not as influential as France in the fashion field, at the level of folk identity, Spanish berets are rooted in the culture of land and workers.
3. The United States: an identity symbol from the battlefield to the street
3.1 A symbol of seriousness in the military
In the United States, berets are most commonly seen in the military, with different colors representing different arms and ranks:
- Color: Department/Meaning
- Green: Special Forces (Green Berets)
- Black: Armored Corps, Armored Corps
- Maroon: Airborne Corps
- Blue: United Nations Peacekeeping Forces
Berets not only have an identification function in the U.S. military system, but also represent honor, professionalism, and elite spirit.
3.2 Dual symbols of politics and trends in street culture
The members of the Black Panther Party in the black equality movement in the 1960s all wore black berets to express:
- Protest against social injustice
- Claim for black rights
- Challenge to the mainstream white social order
At the same time, berets have evolved from a "revolutionary symbol" to one of the important elements of hip-hop culture, becoming part of the styling of many rappers and street artists.
4. Britain: The exquisiteness of berets continues with the military and police system
In Britain, berets are not only part of the military system, but also incorporated into the literary and royal image.
4.1 Military berets
- Widely used in the Royal Air Force, the Parachute Regiment, and the Queen's Guards
- Often dark blue, burgundy, or forest green
- Forms a complete military image with medals and uniforms
4.2 British literary and artistic standard
- In the academic and artistic circles, berets are often paired with trench coats and tweed coats to show the gentle British temperament
- Considered a fashion accessory of "Oxford Look" or "Cambridge style"
5. South Korea and Japan: Head symbols of the new trend of Generation Z
5.1 "Hat language" in Korean street photography culture
- In recent years, berets have quickly become popular in South Korea:
- Known as the representative of "college style" and "French retro"
- Appeared in idol styles and dramas (such as "Youth Record" and "Twenty-five, Twenty-one")
- Paired with high-waisted skirts, tweed jackets, and Mary Jane shoes to form a "retro girl style"
- Koreans convey a mixed temperament of literary, intellectual and cute through berets, which are often used to create a "personality" or fashion attitude.
5.2 Translation of retro culture in Japan
- In Japan, berets are more like a bridge between the second dimension and vintage style:
- A must-have item in vintage stores
- Used by many forest girls or "Showa style" styles
- Echoing the "handicraft" aesthetics
6. Africa and Latin America: symbolic carriers of identity, power and ethnicity
6.1 Political and military symbols of African countries
In many African countries, berets are used to construct the image of military leaders or revolutionary fighters:
- In countries such as Uganda, Libya, and Angola, leaders wear berets during public speeches or military parades
- Berets have become **an image component of "those in power"**, and also represent military prestige and national consciousness
6.2 Latin America: Cultural mix and identity expression
- In Colombia, Mexico and other places, berets are often used for:
- A symbol of revolutionary history (Che Guevara's style is well-known)
- Standard equipment for folk musicians and street performers
- Expressing left-wing ideas or identification with the bottom of society
7. Why is the cross-cultural communication of berets successful?
7.1 Simple shape + strong symbolism
- Round brimless structure, easy to adapt to various face shapes and hairstyles
- Simple outline can easily become a brand logo or visual symbol
7.2 Both functional and symbolic
- Can keep warm, shade, and decorate
- Can also express multiple meanings such as class, politics, and cultural identity
7.3 Easy to "localize" and reconstruct
- Each country can interpret and interpret berets according to its own culture
- A classic example of the integration of globalization and local culture
8. Future Outlook: The global culture of berets is still evolving
In the context of global fashion, berets are no longer just a romantic label for France, but have become a soft power tool for global sharing, individual interpretation, and cultural connection.
The future beret may:
- Appear more in the field of gender fluidity and non-binary fashion
- Be used in scenes of environmental protection, social movements and other issues
- Combined with digital fashion (such as virtual images), it becomes a digital extension of cultural identity
Conclusion: Wearing a beret, you are wearing a world
The beret can be popular and take root around the world, not only because it is beautiful and versatile, but also because it can adapt to, integrate and amplify the emotions and identities of different countries, cultures, classes and people.
It may represent romance or revolution; it may be a fashion attitude or a totem of power.
The next time you wear a beret, you might as well ask yourself: "What do I want to express with it?