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Types of Berets | 23 Styles and Different Kinds of Beret Hats
Remember Mila Kunis in That 70s show? Ever noticed anyone more stylish than her on the show? One of the reasons she looked so fashionable was because she donned a beret with most of her dresses. Berets are the typical artist hats with French and Spanish origins and have never gone out of fashion ever since they first came into existence. There are many styles and designs that make berets so special, and at times, berets are also considered the queen of the hats.
What is a Beret?
Berets are evenly rounded, loosely fitted hats that have pinches all over. Sometimes they have a small tail on the crown and, at times worn with a slant. Apart from being a fashion accessory, berets are also a popular part of many armed forces’ uniforms. Berets bring out the fashion sense and style of the wearer like no other hat does.
After you have found the perfect beret, make sure you know how to care for it by reading this post on how to wash a beret.
23 Types of Berets
1. French Beret
Berets originated in France and Spain in the 19th century, and therefore, French Berets are the oldest and the original style of Berets. Berets are a part of the French identity and, therefore, worn on most French national holidays and commemoration days. They can also be worn casually or when a person wants to convey his French pride.
Although less popular these days, French Berets never go out of style. They are perennially in vogue; however, they are most suitable for winter and fall because they are generally made of wool or wool alternatives, i.e., warmer fabrics. They have an easily recognizable round shape and a small tail on the top, at the crown’s center.
You can wear them straight or tilted, but any way you wear them, French Berets always add a lot of style to your overall appearance.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Mostly preferred by women; however, some are unisex too
Winter and Fall seasons, as they are made of wool or other warm fabrics
Women who like to look stylish, artistic, and fashionable.
2. Military Style or Classic
Military Berets are shaped with a slight tilt, or excess material pulled towards the right side of the wearer’s head. This is the classic style of wearing Military Berets, and the Coat of Arms badge of the military is pinned on the left raised part. Many military uniforms use berets that are round initially, and the wearer shapes it according to the rule of the regiment by dipping it in water and pulling the excess to the right.
However, if you want a Military beret for casual wearing, you can purchase them pre-shaped. Each regiment has its own style of shaping it, some have a canal in the center, but all are pulled and slated towards the right.
Forces of various countries have color-coded berets to represent seniority. It is best to get your hair closely cropped before wearing a Military Beret to make it look most stylish.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
All seasons as they are a part of the uniform. Depending upon the season, the material can vary
Members of the armed forces, wearers who want to portray a strong and athletic personality
3. Beret Beanie
Beanies Berets fit loosely on the head. There are slight pinches all over due to the loose fit. If they hang from the back, they are known as slouchy beanies. A Beret Beanie is a combination of Beanie and a Beret because the shape is round and the size is bigger than the usual beanie, giving it a fluffier look.
Unlike French Berets, Beret Beanies don’t have the tail at the top. These are generally made of warmer fabrics and have very beautiful knits, making them look extremely fashionable. They cover the heads and ears well, protecting them against the cold.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Women
Winter and Fall seasons, as they are made of wool or other warm fabrics
Casual wear, regular wear, suitable for semi-formal occasions and make the wearer look very stylish and fashionable
4. Flat Top Beret
Flat Top Berets are made of materials such as leather or suede that retain the hat’s shape. These hats are completely flat from the top. They don’t have a tail, and they fit slightly higher on the forehead to prevent touching the top of the head and losing their shape.
These have a distinct gap between the rim and the crown. The rim is smaller while the crown is wider. When worn, it fits the head well, and the crown remains flat.
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Unisex
Summer and Spring as made from non-warm materials
Casual and regular wear, giving the wearer a relaxed and laid-back look
5. Reversible Beret
Reversible Berets are more design-oriented than shape-oriented. Berets of any style can be reversible if it can be worn inside out also. These are generally made of thinner fabric and has a double layer construction. The lack of warmth due to thinner fabric is compensated for by the double-layered construction, and additionally, this makes the beret reversible.
This is a very unique, convenient, fashionable, and economical option. At times, the inside and the outside have different colors, making it suitable for different outfits. This brings the economics to the fore, because you get two hats in one. Further, if they have both the layers of the same color, then they last longer before needing a wash.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
Mostly Winters & Fall because of double-layered construction
Casual and regular wear, giving the wearer a relaxed and laid-back look
6. Leather Beret (PU, FAUX)
Leather Berets are again a categorization of fabric rather than of the shape of the Beret. They can have a tailor a buckle closure at the rim. Those with the tail have a shape very similar to the newsboy hats, with the stitching making it look like a 6-sliced pizza. However, there are other shapes, too, such as the tilted beret.
These can be made from Real or Faux leather or even PU, and they look very good with formal and casual wear. Their wearer can look artistic and stylish at the same time. Leather Berets are mostly solid in color as decorations are not always possible on leather.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
All seasons
Casual, Semi-Formal & Formalwear make the wearer look very stylish and fashionable.
7. Wool Beret
As the name suggests, Wool Berets are made of wool or wool alternatives such as suede. They can take many shapes, such as that of a French Beret or a Flat Top Beret. Wool Berets can range from solid colors to highly decorative pieces. Some have holes, buttons, printed patterns, and a lot more styles and looks. These give the wearer a distinct personality and add style to his wardrobe. And don’t worry about taking care of your wool beret, this post will show you how to wash and clean wool berets.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
Winter & Fall
Casual, Semi-Formal & Formalwear, depending upon the look and the print of the Beret
8. Mohair Berets
Mohair Berets are a recent development in the Beret community and originated in Poland in 2004. These represent solidarity with the Polish Conservative-nationalistic Catholic movement. Mohair Berets are made from the yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat.
Initially, women mostly wore mohair Berets; however, post the Polish movement, they have become unisex and a symbol of solidarity towards certain political groups.
Since its popularity in Polish politics, Mohair Beret has become a part of the pop culture with Musicians such as Big Cyc & Kabaret OT.TO coming up with Mohair themed songs.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
Winter & Fall as these are made from warm fabric
Casual and regular wear, An indicator of the wearer’s politics
9. Straw Beret
The straw beret was invented to have a fashionable beret look more suitable to wear in the summer seasons. These are lightweight, breathable berets made of straw. The weave construction and the material make it appropriate in summer and spring seasons or hot weather.
These have become an indispensable part of beach and sunbathing-wear as they protect the wearer against the sun and keep their heads cool too.
Therefore, straw berets can take any shape, presenting a variety of options suiting to the wearer’s personality.
Most straw berets are handwoven, and some even use the traditional Ecuadorian Toquilla weave, making them even more special.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
Summer, Spring, Hot weather
Casual, regular, and beachwear that brings out the relaxed and laid-back personality of the wearer
10. Cashmere Beret
Similar to Wool Berets, Cashmere Berets are also a categorization based on material. Cashmere is made from Cashmere and Pashmina Goats and makes the beret extremely soft to wear. These can be beautifully decorated and are a fashion statement displaying the wearer’s immense insight into style.
Cashmere Berets are perfect for formal and casual occasions. However, these are mostly preferred as formal-wear, not only because they are expensive, but because they go very well with formal wear and look beautiful in subtle and pastel colors.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Mostly preferred by women; however, Cashmere Berets attract a lot of attention from men too
Winter and Fall
Mostly Formal-wear but can be worn casually too
11. Tam Beret
A Tam Beret is actually not a Beret, it is a mix of a Tam o’ Shanter military Cap and a Beret. In the 1920s, when closer fitted hats were entering the vogue, the Tam cap became extremely popular. These caps were made from Scottish wool and had a pompom at the center of the crown.
As the crown measured approximately twice the forehead band’s measure, the shape looked similar to a Beret. Therefore, Tam caps are sometimes also known as a regional variant of Berets.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
Winter and Fall
Casual and Semiformal
12. Corduroy Beret
The Corduroy Beret is a material categorization rather a beret design. As is evident from the name, it is made of corduroy. This is a raised fabric very common in pants and jackets. Nowadays, the material is made from tufted cords laid in a parallel fashion.
The style of the beret may vary; the only thing that remains common is the corduroy material. Further, the wearable season also varies based on the raw material used in corduroy formation. These can be cotton, wool, or any other material, and therefore, depending upon that, the beret can be worn in the appropriate season.
- SUITABLE FOR
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- BEST FOR
Unisex
Any season based on the material used. Woolen corduroy is best in winter, while cotton one is for summers
Casual, Semi-formal, and formal wear. It adds style to the wearer’s outfit and can be paired with corduroy outfits or worn in contrast too.
13. Fur Beret
Fur Berets are another material categorization rather than design. Obviously, a Fur Beret is made of fur. The source animal varies but can include rabbit or sheep fur and sometimes faux fur or other synthetic material.
Again, the beret style may vary; the only thing that remains common is the corduroy material. However, unlike corduroy berets, fur berets are more appropriate for cold weather only. If faux fur or synthetic materials are used, the beret is given an inner lining to make it appropriate to be worn in cold weather.
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Women
Winter & Fall
Casual, Semi-formal and Formal-wear. Fur Berets are mostly worn in formal occasions such as weddings or ballroom events. They add grace and elegance to the wearer’s outfit
14. Decorated Beret
Berets can be simple material constructions or can have decoration pieces on them. The one with some kind of decoration is known as a decorated beret. The decoration can vary on many parameters, such as the items used in decoration, how the decoration items are arranged, and the occasion for which decorated berets can be used.
Some common decoration items are pearl beads, ribbons, bows, face veils, sequins, etc. At times less is more, so if decorations are all over, berets are less suitable for formal occasions. While subtle decorations look better with formal wear.
- SUITABLE FOR
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- BEST FOR
Women
Can be worn in all seasons depending upon the underlying material and inner lining
Depending upon the decoration item and the arrangement, these berets suit different occasions. Some are more formal, while others are more casual.
15. Sequins Beret
Sequins Beret is a categorization based on the decoration of the Beret. These are very attractive berets with sequence work. It adds a lot of glamor to the wearer; however, the wearer should have the style to pull it off. Not every wearer can have a don a Sequins Beret in style.
Sequins Beret is not everyday wear. However, if used right, nothing can take the place of a Sequins Beret. Further, the styles and decorations vary. Some berets are completely covered in sequins, while others might have only a few. However, there isn’t a doubt that sequins can make a beret much more stylish.
- SUITABLE FOR
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- BEST FOR
Women
Can be worn in all seasons depending upon the underlying material and inner lining
Fully Sequins Berets are great for dancers, musicians, cheerleaders, and performers in events such as drag shows and cabarets. However, if only some sequins decoration is put on a beret, it can be worn casually or even semi-formally
16. Beret With Veil Design
Beret with a veil is a design categorization. These are beautiful constructions with a meshed veil that add poise to the wearer. The length of the veil is generally short and covers mostly the eyes or the forehead. At times, it is merely a decoration covering only the beret’s body. However, there is no rule for the length; it can even come down to the wearer’s shoulders or be even longer.
These are perfect for formal occasions, and the beret underneath can have many different styles and additional decorations such as bows and ribbons.
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Women
Can be worn in all seasons depending upon the underlying material and inner lining
These are perfect for formal occasions as they go well with ballroom dresses and even women’s office wear. However, these are also worn in funerals, and then these are generally black.
17. Pearl Beaded Beret
Pearl Beaded Beret is another decoration categorization. Berets of different styles can have pearl beads as decoration making them more fashionable, stylish, and attractive. Pearls can be sprinkled all over the beret or just around the brim or any combination of the too.
The arrangement defines the occasion suitability of the beret. If sprinkled all over, it is more of a casual look; however, when arranged on the brim in a cluster and a few diamonds, they become formal berets. Formal berets go very well with ballroom dresses and add elegance to the wearer’s attire.
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- GREAT FOR
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Women
Can be worn in all seasons depending upon the underlying material and inner lining
Depending upon the arrangement, Pearl beaded berets are picked for casual and formal occasions.
18. Beret With Pom
A beret with a pom is very similar to a Tam Beret; however, Pom berets can be made from different kinds of wool rather than Scottish wool. The pom is mostly made of fur, but it can sometimes be a knotted ball of wool.
These are very stylish, and based on their construction, they go well with different occasions. The formal Pom berets could be made from velvet and have a delicate and small fur pom, while the casual ones can be knit from wool and have a big pom on the top. The pom placement is generally at the center of the crown; however, some military-style berets might have it towards the right over the slant to make it more stylish.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Women
Mostly worn in winters as Pom Berets are made from warm material
Depending upon the material and the arrangement, berets with pom can be worn formally or casually
19. Slouchy Beret
Slouchy Beret is an amalgamation of a beanie and a beret. The slouch is similar to a beanie but slightly less pronounced, and the construction is well rounded like a beret. The slouch hangs at the back or in an equal circle. It results from the body being bigger than the brim and the softer foldable material being used. At times, the slouch is not even intentional but an outcome of gravity.
The material defines the occasion. If made of knitted or coarser materials, slouchy berets are worn casually, but these can be worn semi-formally if made from cashmere.
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- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Women
Winters & Fall
Depending upon the material and the arrangement, slouchy berets can be worn formally or casually
20. Beret Cloche Hat
Cloche hats are bell-shaped hats named after the French word for the bell – ‘cloche.’ Beret Cloche Hats are similar to cloche hats; however, the crown is more pronounced, and there is an accent on the right side of the hat, somewhat similar to the military beret. These very closely resemble the Middle-eastern turban but are slightly tilted.
These have a thick structure for which padding is used to make the hat. Further, they are decorated with lacework, beads, stone, and threadwork to give them a royal look. These can give the wearer an imperial look and make her feel like an empress.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Women
All seasons
Glam events, fashion shows, costume parties, stage performances
21. Summer Beret
Summer beret is a beret suitable to be worn in hot weather. It can be made from any non-warm material such as straw, cotton, leather, etc. These needn’t be too casual. They can have a formal look like that of a Beret with a veil. It all boils down to the material used.
These are mostly worn for style or looking fashionable and not for keeping the wearer warm or protect him against the sun. Pairing a summer beret with sunglasses can make you look extremely artistic and fashionable at the same time.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
Spring & Summer
beach, casual and formal wear
22. Chef Beret
A Chef beret is the laid-back cousin of the stern Chef Toque. The only difference is that the chef beret doesn’t have a neck. The body of the beret is floppy and hangs on all sides.
It brings out the chef’s personality and makes him look like a food genius who can innovate food like no one else. It is a recent addition to the chef’s uniform and is still not accepted in many traditional and upscale places. However, these are very common in French pastry shops.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
All seasons
French restaurant and pastry shops
23. Kids Beret
Kids beret is a smaller-sized beret fitting the heads of young boys and girls. At times, these are very small and barely cover the kids’ heads making a lot of hair show. This is a great fashionable look to go with hair bangs. However, all other styles of berets are also available for kids, especially the French Beret, Slouchy Beret, and Military Beret.
Generally, kids beret have cute decorations such as bows, ribbons, pearls, or even an imitated coat of arms to make them look more attractive.
- SUITABLE FOR
- GREAT FOR
- BEST FOR
Unisex
All seasons depending upon the material
Casual and Formal based on the construction, design, and the look of the beret
How Much Does A Beret Cost?
A beret can cost anywhere between $5 to $200 depending upon the style, fabric, design, decorations, and a lot of other factors.
At times the decorations can be precious stones in the case of pearl beaded berets or have an intricate design and work as in a beret cloche hat. These can be very expensive.
However, something basic could cost as little as $10.
Are Berets Fashionable?
Berets are iconic. Even a basic French Beret can add a lot of style to the wearer’s look, let alone something as artistic as a Beret with a veil. Military berets make the troops look very smart and are therefore an aspirational fashion accessory for young boys.
A formal beret with a pom or a pearl beaded beret can be worn in upscale events and make the wearer the center of attraction.
Berets also convey solidarity, political opinions, and artistic looks. Popular celebrities such as Rihanna, Kendell Jenner, Cher, and Nia Long have all donned the beret in style. Anya Taylor-Joy wore berets in the top drama series The Queen’s Gambi
What to Wear With a Beret?
Berets go with almost everything. You can wear it casually with denim skirts or jeans and a shirt or wear it with a long overcoat and boots look. They look very smart with pantsuits, ballroom and midi dresses. At times, you can even wear it with a long skirt and a well-fitted sweater look.
Accessories accentuate the beret look. You can pair it with similar color sunglasses or wear some subtle jewelry.
Further, the beret material also defines what you wear with it. If it is a fur beret, wear it with a velvet dress and a fur scarf to look poised for an opera performance.
Final Thoughts
Berets are one of the easiest and best-looking hats in the history of fashion. The wearer should pair it well with the right outfit to bring out the beret’s complete look. However, most berets can go with almost all kinds of looks.
Most of the time, berets are considered women’s wear; however, there are many options for men.
Berets never go out of style. There are so many styles that can be worn by people of different personalities. These make the wearer look poised and elegant or even casual and laid-back. For most people, these are the go-to hats of all time.
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