A round, flat cap typically made of wool or felt, worn tilted to one side.
From Gascon Béarnais 'berret' meaning cap, from the Béarn region in southwestern France near the Pyrenees. Basque shepherds created this practical flat cap to protect against mountain weather. The distinctive shape came from the need to shed rain while allowing air circulation during long days watching sheep in the hills.
The beret started as practical headwear for Basque sheep herders in the Pyrenees mountains. These shepherds needed something that would keep rain off but not blow away in mountain winds — and accidentally created one of the most iconic symbols of French style and artistic sophistication!
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