Beret originated from the round brimless soft hat worn by shepherds in the Pyrenees region in southwestern France in the 15th century, and later developed into a military and fashion item
The origin and development of beret combines practical functions, military innovation and fashion evolution. The following is a summary of its core context:
1. Origin: Practical invention of shepherds
Mainstream origin theory
The most widely accepted theory is that beret was born in the 15th century by shepherds in the Pyrenees region in southwestern France. They used brown wool to weave round brimless soft hats, which have multifunctional uses such as wind and rain protection, sweat wiping, and cushioning. This hat was later adopted by the Basques at the border between France and Spain and was named "Basque beret".
Other historical hypotheses
The "brimless cap" of ancient Greece/Ancient Rome is similar in shape to the beret, but there is no direct naming association.
It may have been first created and popularized in Italy during the Renaissance, but there is little evidence.
2. Militarization transformation: from mountain troops to global military caps
Innovation of the French Alpine Chasseurs
In 1889, the French mountain troops first used berets as standard military caps because their brimless design was suitable for mountain warfare and avoided entanglement with branches.
Improvement of the British tank troops
In 1917, Sir Hugh Allers, a British tank general, combined the design of the Scottish round flat hat and launched a black wool beret, adding an adjustment rope behind the head to adapt to the combat environment of tank soldiers.
Special Forces logo during World War II
Berets have become a symbol of elite forces such as the British Airborne Forces and the American Green Berets, and different colors distinguish between arms (such as the blue berets of the United Nations peacekeeping forces).
3. Cross-border evolution of culture and fashion
Symbol of artists
In the 1920s, Parisian artists (such as Rembrandt) wore berets to strengthen their connection with the creative class.
Street culture and retro trend
In the 1980s, it became a street culture symbol in the United States. In the 21st century, it developed into a retro fashion item and frequently appeared in fashion weeks (such as the Dior show in 2017).
Key points summary: The transition of berets from shepherding tools to military supplies to fashion symbols embodies the perfect combination of functionality and cultural symbols. Its history runs through the diverse interactions of practical needs, military pragmatism and aesthetic expression.