Introduction: A hat that has traveled through centuries of cultural memory
When you mention "beret", you may immediately think of elegant French women, artists, or soldiers in uniform. This unique soft hat has long transcended national boundaries. From rural herders in southern France to special forces in World War II, from Picasso's studio to Chanel's catwalk, it is both a symbol of identity and an extension of fashion. Today we will sort out the century-old cultural journey of this small hat to see where it came from and how it entered modern life.
1. The origin of the beret: older than you think
1.1 Early prototype: a headdress that existed before the Common Era?
Although the word "beret" first appeared in French, the prototype of the hat existed as early as ancient civilization. As early as the 3rd century BC, Greek and Roman soldiers wore a round soft hat. In Gaul (the predecessor of France) and some areas of the Iberian Peninsula, similar felt hats also appeared for warmth, sun protection or identity expression.
1.2 Shepherds’ hats in the Pyrenees of France
The most direct source of modern berets is the Basques and Bearns in the Pyrenees of southern France. Local herders would weave wool into felt cloth and hand-sew it into brimless round hats. This kind of hat is cold-proof, lightweight, and easy to fold. It is a daily necessity for working people in mountainous areas and has become the cultural prototype of the "beret".
2. How did the beret enter the mainstream of history?
2.1 Military incarnation: from shepherds to soldiers
In the late 19th century, the armies of France, Britain and other countries began to use berets as military hats. Its easy storage, windproof and waterproof characteristics are very suitable for field use. The British Royal Tank Corps was the first group of troops to wear black berets. Later, the "green beret" and "red beret" gradually became the symbols of special forces and airborne troops.
Tips: The name of the US "Green Berets" special forces comes from the green berets they wear, which symbolize courage, discipline and professionalism.
2.2 Symbol of revolution and rebellion
In the mid-20th century, berets began to appear in political and countercultural movements. For example, Cuban revolutionary leader Che Guevara often wore a black beret, which became a symbol of revolution, resistance and individual power. Berets are also common in the uniforms of members of the black liberation movement and the "Black Panther Party".
3. The darling of artists and the fashion industry: the transformation of cultural symbols
3.1 "Beret image" in art and culture
Artists have a special liking for berets: Picasso, Monet, Renoir and others often show themselves in berets. Therefore, berets were gradually labeled as "literary", "thinker" and "art pioneer" in the 20th century, representing a certain kind of maverick and free spirit.
3.2 Entering the fashion world: Paris catwalks and streetwear
In the early 20th century, Parisian high-end custom brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent gradually included berets in their design series. Especially in the late Cold War, berets became an external expression of women's independence and confidence.
In the 21st century, berets have continued to return in trends such as Y2K, retro, and genderless fashion. On TikTok and Instagram, bloggers of different skin colors, genders, and styles have performed various beret styles, from workwear to sweet styles, to avant-garde experimental styles.
4. Berets cultural output under the wave of globalization
4.1 Redefinition of berets in different countries
- France: Berets are still regarded as a cultural heritage and national pride;
- The United States: Berets represent political protests, military honor, and urban fashion;
- South Korea, Japan, and China: Berets have entered the context of young people's wear and become a standard for autumn and winter matching.
4.2 The symbolic meaning of berets continues to expand
- Today, berets are no longer exclusive to France. The meaning they contain is constantly being reshaped as global culture spreads;
- Elegant women: the representative of French literary girls;
- Genderless dressing: breaking traditional gender restrictions;
- Retro aesthetics: the revival of Y2K and vintage styles;
- Political expression: the radical meaning left over from history has not completely disappeared.
5. How popular are berets in contemporary times? Data and trend perspectives
5.1 Search trends and market data
According to Google Trends data, berets will usher in a peak in searches every autumn and winter. On platforms such as Xiaohongshu, Instagram, and TikTok, the dressing tag #berethat is used by more than one million people, and there is an upward trend every year.
5.2 Brands and designers continue to increase their investment
- High-end brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Maison Michel, etc. launch new berets every year;
- Korean and French fast fashion brands such as AMI, Maje, and Sandro also incorporate them into the core matching of autumn and winter;
- Domestic niche design brands such as Seivson and Mukzin are also exploring "combination of Chinese and Western" or "new female consciousness" through berets.
6. Why do we still need a beret?
- Cultural identity: It is a history and an attitude;
- Fashion items: versatile, not picky, suitable for both casual and formal occasions;
- Self-expression: You can choose neutral, sweet, cool, rebellious, and tell your own style story through a hat;
- Beyond gender and age: Whether you are a 20-year-old fashion blogger or a 60-year-old intellectual woman, berets will never go out of style.
Conclusion: From the Pyrenees to the whole world, a hat's journey across centuries
The beret is not a passer-by in the trend, it is a living cultural symbol. It has witnessed wars, participated in art revolutions, stepped onto the catwalk, and is active on the streets. It keeps changing its identity, but always retains the elegance and freedom from the French mountain village.
So, next time you wear a beret, remember: what you wear on your head is not only a hat, but also a flowing culture.