How to Wear, Style, and Care for Your Beret
Today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favourite accessories: the beret. If you take a peek around my shop, it’s no secret that I love berets so much.
This iconic hat style has been around for centuries, traditionally worn by shepherds in the Basque region of France and Spain. Over time, it became a symbol of French fashion and is now recognised worldwide as both practical and stylish.
I’ve always adored berets, they are very versatile and have become a staple in my autumn and winter collections. They are the signature pieces of my shop, and many of the ones I create have bows or embroidery, the latest featuring pearls, studs, and ribbon rosettes.
I often hear people say, “I don’t know how to wear a beret,” or “I don’t look good in a beret.” If that thought has ever crossed your mind, this blog post is for you!
Anyone can rock a beret – so I will explain how to wear them, make them fit just right, and take good care of them–so let’s find out how to wear, style, and care for your beret.
How to Fit Your Beret
When you first try on a beret, it might feel a bit snug. That’s completely normal!
Sometimes it takes a bit of wear to loosen it up, but here are some tricks to help you break it in:
- Loosen the fibres: Take your beret and give it a gentle stretch. You can literally pull at the fabric to loosen up those tightly felted fibres. Don’t worry, this won’t damage your beret, and the more you wear it, the better it will fit.
- Flip the brim: If your beret still feels a bit tight, try flipping the inner brim outward. This reduces the tension and gives you extra space, making it easier to wear.
You can take a look at a visual demonstration on my YouTube channel. Remember, most berets are one-size-fits-most, but there’s always a bit of wiggle room to customise the fit.
Wearing Your Beret Your Way
There’s no “right” way to wear a beret, but here are some styles to inspire you:
Behind the hairline: My personal go-to is wearing my beret just behind my quiff, letting it sit comfortably around my ears. This keeps me warm and looks effortlessly stylish.
This is a great option if you have a fringe – it will stop it getting “squished” and flatted onto your forehead.
Classic French chic: Want that 1940s French look? Tuck the beret lower on your forehead, with your fringe or the very tip of your hair peeking out. Pull the stalk for an extra bit of flair!
Angles for attitude: Berets are all about angles! Play around with where the bow or embellishment sits until you find a look that works best with your hairstyle and face shape. I personally love the bow on the right side because of the way the hair falls, but it’s all about finding what suits you!
Volume and curls: If you’ve got curly or voluminous hair, try creating a little space by flipping the brim to give your hair room to breathe. Berets can be worn with low ponytails, if your hair is longer.
Sophie’s Top Tip: If you have a square or round face (like me!) you can avoid the “Mushroom”* look by always keeping some of your hair visible around your face.
Wearing the beret lower down on the forehead, can shorten the length of your face.
To find out more about face shapes, check out my other advice blog here.
*If you aren’t sure what the “Mushroom” look is, think Victoria Wood and her infamous yellow beret!
Tips for Caring for and Storing Your Beret
Now that you have an idea of how to style your beret, let’s make sure it stays in tip top condition:
Hand wash carefully: If your beret becomes a bit baggy after lots of wear, gently hand wash it. Use cool water and wool-friendly detergent, scrunching the fabric gently (there is a demonstration in this video). Avoid harsh spinning cycles or tumble drying.
Dry flat: After washing, reshape your beret and lay it flat to dry. You can wrap it in a towel to remove excess moisture but avoid hanging it up, as that might stretch it.
Storage: Store your berets flat, or roll them gently if you’re short on space. Be careful with any embellishments by storing them on the inside to avoid snagging.
Rainproof? Sort of!: Wool berets have a natural element of waterproofing. They can handle light rain without absorbing too much water, but in a heavy downpour, it’s best to let them dry naturally afterward.
Sophie’s Top Tip: Your beret will be sent in a glassine paper bag.
If needed, this resealable bag can be used for storage – think of it as a dust bag for your beret!
(Alternatively, you can just pop it in your recycling bin!)
Play with Your Beret
At the end of the day, wearing a beret is all about having fun. Play around in front of the mirror, try different looks, and find the style that makes you feel fabulous. Berets are versatile and can be worn casually or dressed up, so experiment with different angles, hairstyles, and outfits until you find the perfect balance.
Berets are a fantastic way to express your personality. Whether you’re looking to stay cosy in the colder months or just add a touch of Parisian chic to your outfit, there’s no wrong way to wear one.
If you’re inspired, you can see the full collection of berets on my website. I’m sure you will find one to suit every mood (and outfit).
I hope you’ve enjoyed finding out how to wear, style, and care for your beret.
Happy beret wearing!
By the Way…
Did you know that I also make custom order berets?
If you would like a different colour combination, or perhaps a totally different style of decoration – just get in touch!
Here’s a few examples from my archive.
Don’t have a hat-worthy event in the diary right now?
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If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog, you can find more of my helpful tips to find the right hat for you below.
