Berets, Anyone?

[Daan]

Obsolete stock… Creating room at the store means moving out lots of berets that are only available in small numbers, in limited sizes or simply take up too much space.

All the berets listed on this page are free with any regular priced beret purchase - all you pay is $2.80 for added postage cost ($3.80 for the larger or heavier models).

One free beret per regular beret purchase.

 

[Daan]

A sad announcement on this last day of the year: prices have to go up...

Over the past 2 years, both wholesale prices and international postage have gone up and sometimes quite dramatically. While keeping most prices as they were, there is no way to maintain this, so here is a heads up:
early January all Manufacture de Berets, Boinas Super Lujo's, Txapeldunak, Goat in a Tree and various others will go up in price. If anticipating a new beret - buy now.

On the bright side, to compensate this, and keep beret wearing affordable for everyone, South Pacific Berets continues to offer berets for free with any regular purchase and the clearance page gets regularly updated with new berets.

 

[JimK]

I thought I'd show off my new beret d'Arles...

 

[alanfgag]

I thought I'd show off my new beret d'Arles...

View attachment 576109

great one.

 

[M. du Barrage]

Hello people

What a funny thread here. Over the past few weeks I've enjoyed your discussions, ideas and photos, including these on Daan's blog. Crazy how something humble like the beret can have so much impact on someone's look, from old-fashioned to cool, charming or just really chic. My 'history' with the beret started when my father gave me one as a gift. After five minutes of hesitation, I was completely convinced (and wear it most of the time). I currently have a 12.5" black Elosegui ano 150 (which has shrunk quite a bit over time) and a new black 11 'pouces' beret from Manufactures de Berets. This second beret combined with your enthusiasm has only whetted my appetite for more berets. Since I have a large head (+- size 62), the so-called 'tartes' appeal to me, because of their look but certainly also because of their function of blocking rain and sun. May I ask if there is a difference in quality (weight or density of fabric) between Elosegui's Super Lujo and their Txapeldun? Would these also serve well on hot summer days? Manufactures de Berets' alpin is also an option.... Does anyone have experience with Elosegui's very cheapest berets, these with no lining and only a diamond-shaped sticker? I assume these are very lightly woven and might be ideal as summer berets? (I'm not sure yet what to think of cotton berets...)

Thanks in advance for your expert advice! ;-)

 

[Fedster]

Hello people

What a funny thread here. Over the past few weeks I've enjoyed your discussions, ideas and photos, including these on Daan's blog. Crazy how something humble like the beret can have so much impact on someone's look, from old-fashioned to cool, charming or just really chic. My 'history' with the beret started when my father gave me one as a gift. After five minutes of hesitation, I was completely convinced (and wear it most of the time). I currently have a 12.5" black Elosegui ano 150 (which has shrunk quite a bit over time) and a new black 11 'pouces' beret from Manufactures de Berets. This second beret combined with your enthusiasm has only whetted my appetite for more berets. Since I have a large head (size 60), the so-called 'tartes' appeal to me, because of their look but certainly also because of their function of blocking rain and sun. May I ask if there is a difference in quality (weight or density of fabric) between Elosegui's Super Lujo and their Txapeldun? Would these also serve well on hot summer days? Manufactures de Berets' alpin is also an option.... Does anyone have experience with Elosegui's very cheapest berets, these with no lining and only a diamond-shaped sticker? I assume these are very lightly woven and might be ideal as summer berets? (I'm not sure yet what to think of cotton berets...)

Thanks in advance for your expert advice! ;-)

in summer you need a cotton beret, I tried a wool beret but it is too hot most of the time. Which brings me to the point, I still have not found a perfect cotton beret... I like Arandu's crochet ones, but they run small for summer, I would like something with a larger 'vuelo' to provide more shade (I find larger cotton berets that are not crochet to be too floppy, I do not think the cloth has enough body)..

 

[JimK]

for a big cotton crocheted beret, maybe rasta style?
e.g. https://www.etsy.com/listing/127615469/black-mega-rasta-tam-crochet-rasta-tam

 

[M. du Barrage]

Thank you for the replies!
I am not so easily convinced about cotton berets. I wore my Elosegui 150y last summer and it actually felt quite good, but I mistreated it a bit and it shrunk (though as a small(er) beret, it is still very nice!). An Elosegui super lujo or a txapeldun won't be that much different, will it? ..those seem like a good acquisition for any other season anyway. Or would a fina/basica be more suitable for summer?
Looking at old photos, I often see people wearing woollen berets on hot summer days anyway. Ah, I fear I'll end up with a lot of berets...
The beret by Manufacture de Berets I've only had for a month is still too new to judge properly, at the moment I still find it a bit (too) rough to the touch, I'm curious to see if it softens more by being worn through all kinds of weather. And so I have to conclude that summer is still far away and I'd better wait a little longer for a new purchase.

 

[Daan]

Hello people

What a funny thread here. Over the past few weeks I've enjoyed your discussions, ideas and photos, including these on Daan's blog. Crazy how something humble like the beret can have so much impact on someone's look, from old-fashioned to cool, charming or just really chic. My 'history' with the beret started when my father gave me one as a gift. After five minutes of hesitation, I was completely convinced (and wear it most of the time). I currently have a 12.5" black Elosegui ano 150 (which has shrunk quite a bit over time) and a new black 11 'pouces' beret from Manufactures de Berets. This second beret combined with your enthusiasm has only whetted my appetite for more berets. Since I have a large head (+- size 62), the so-called 'tartes' appeal to me, because of their look but certainly also because of their function of blocking rain and sun. May I ask if there is a difference in quality (weight or density of fabric) between Elosegui's Super Lujo and their Txapeldun? Would these also serve well on hot summer days? Manufactures de Berets' alpin is also an option.... Does anyone have experience with Elosegui's very cheapest berets, these with no lining and only a diamond-shaped sticker? I assume these are very lightly woven and might be ideal as summer berets? (I'm not sure yet what to think of cotton berets...)

Thanks in advance for your expert advice! ;-)

Typing on my phone from the beach, so brief response (it's still summer holidays this part of the world).
Yes, there is a difference between the Expo Super Lujo and Txapeldun - the latter being lighter in weight (per square meter/inch) as made in a less densely knitted wool. The Txapeldun has the same weight as the Boinas Elosegui 'Tupida' models. Saying that, these are still denser and heavier in weight than most other berets!
Elosegui's cheapest berets are the 'Basica' models; a lighter knit, low density, easy and light to wear - of course missing the benefits of the more expensive models in insulation and impermeability.
The 'Fina' is a good in-between option, similar to the Clasica.
Personally, I believe there are few, or none, that can beat an (Alpin) Auloronesa/Orthez/Aotearoa in any weather!
Cotton berets are, i.m.o., fantastic for summer or warm weather and don't need to be "floppy". I have a small number of Tolosa Tupida Guarda Pampa in stock, that offer a nice stiffnes, densely knitted cotton yet cool to wear on a hot sunny day.
Enough. Time for a swim, this last day off...

 

[Fedster]

Looking at old photos, I often see people wearing woollen berets on hot summer days anyway. Ah, I fear I'll end up with a lot of berets...

Climate change!

 

[Daan]

New Weekly Special: 11.5" Tartans!

The Czech Service Star or Tartan 11.5" has been in production for decades but is now only made on special order. South Pacific Berets has done so and stocks the Service Star in black, navy, winter-green and "mammoth" (the last two not available anywhere else, not even in the Czech Republic).

This is a kind of hybrid beret; with the size of a large diameter Basque beret in 11.5" or 29.2cm, while having a military style leather rim with drawstring and three air vents on the side. A very well finished beret with an exceptional tartan lining.

The Service Star is a seriously comfortable and pleasant beret to wear; the leather headband can be worn "military style" with the rim outwards, or "Basque style", with the rim folded inwards.

On SPECIAL for one week only (or as long as stock lasts) at a 33% discount, from $49.95 @ $33.33!

 

[Jakob From Wisconsin]

A few pictures of myself in my two (current) berets from a recent escapade to the mountains.

 

[ADK]

Hello all!

Stopping in to report on an MDB Universel Luxe that I just received from Daan at South Pacific Berets. This is one fine beret. I’m not able to post a photo at the moment, but I will In the near future. (Maybe if I get to my phone tonight I’ll snap a couple of photos…)

The wool has a fantastic soft hand to it and seems to be a very fine quality of wool - finer than other MDB that I have (which are still of phenomenal quality). I’d be curious if it’s all in the wool used or if there is another special process that Sarah is using to produce this line of berets. I’d love to know a little more about it!

And, the label art is beautiful.

I purchased (possibly the last?) in the “jeans” color, but I will be sure to pick another up in the standard black. Frankly, I might need two in standard black. A user and a keeper!

Also, I’m curious if anyone has a photo of the labels Denis used versus Sarah as MBD transitioned. I’m so glad that Sarah seems to be thriving with the art and business.

~ADK

 

[Daan]

Hello all!

Stopping in to report on an MDB Universel Luxe that I just received from Daan at South Pacific Berets. This is one fine beret. I’m not able to post a photo at the moment, but I will In the near future. (Maybe if I get to my phone tonight I’ll snap a couple of photos…)

The wool has a fantastic soft hand to it and seems to be a very fine quality of wool - finer than other MDB that I have (which are still of phenomenal quality). I’d be curious if it’s all in the wool used or if there is another special process that Sarah is using to produce this line of berets. I’d love to know a little more about it!

And, the label art is beautiful.

I purchased (possibly the last?) in the “jeans” color, but I will be sure to pick another up in the standard black. Frankly, I might need two in standard black. A user and a keeper!

Also, I’m curious if anyone has a photo of the labels Denis used versus Sarah as MBD transitioned. I’m so glad that Sarah seems to be thriving with the art and business.

~ADK

Glad you like your Universel Luxe! The difference is in the process of brushing post-fulling; it gives a softer-to-the-touch result. The raw wool is the same French grown merino wool from Arles.
Over the years, the MdB labels have changed a few times.

Above left is the original label, as per Denis Guédon. Above right is the label as used by Sara when she completely took over the business and moved to Orthez, from Oloron Sainte Marie. This move made it necessary to change the label's text, as 'Boneteria Auloronbesa' translates as "Beret manufacturer from Oloron". This is where the "Atelier en Béarn" came in use.
Well settled in the old town of Orthez, she decided to change to a label that represented her work and location and the "Orthez" label was born, below.

To distinguish between her line of special models, two other labels came into being, see below:

And then there is of course the "Boneteria Aotearoa" label, as designed by Jean-Claude Pertuzé that is used for "my" berets specifically:

 

[ADK]

Glad you like your Universel Luxe! The difference is in the process of brushing post-fulling; it gives a softer-to-the-touch result. The raw wool is the same French grown merino wool from Arles.
Over the years, the MdB labels have changed a few times.
View attachment 588709 View attachment 588710
Above left is the original label, as per Denis Guédon. Above right is the label as used by Sara when she completely took over the business and moved to Orthez, from Oloron Sainte Marie. This move made it necessary to change the label's text, as 'Boneteria Auloronbesa' translates as "Beret manufacturer from Oloron". This is where the "Atelier en Béarn" came in use.
Well settled in the old town of Orthez, she decided to change to a label that represented her work and location and the "Orthez" label was born, below.
View attachment 588711
To distinguish between her line of special models, two other labels came into being, see below:
View attachment 588712 View attachment 588713
And then there is of course the "Boneteria Aotearoa" label, as designed by Jean-Claude Pertuzé that is used for "my" berets specifically:
View attachment 588714

Fantastic! Thanks for the information, Daan! Exactly what I was looking for.

First, the extra work post-fulling really makes a difference. That line with the label and the soft hand really hits the mark.

I’ll have to take a look through my collection and check against those labels. I know that I have at least two from Denis. The well-worn one on my head right now is Sara’s first label.

Much appreciated! I’ll post some photos when I can.

Thank you!

~ADK

 

[Daan]

Corduroy is a textile with a distinctively raised "cord" or wale texture. Both velvet and corduroy derive from fustian fabric, a variety of heavy cloth woven from cotton, chiefly prepared for menswear.
Corduroy looks as if it is made from multiple cords laid parallel to each other.

The width of the wales varies by wale count—the number of wales per inch. A wale is a column of loops running lengthwise, corresponding to the warp of woven fabric. The lower the number, the thicker the wales' width (e.g., 4-wale is much thicker than 11-wale).
Like French and British workers, I have always felt a strong liking for corduroy and a big fan of the corduroy caps and clothing by Le Laboureur. However much I like the 'Casquette Laboureur Corduroy, I kept searching for Basque berets in this illustrious material.

Almost a year ago, I found 2 beautiful Japanese made berets; one by 'Higher' and one by 'Two Black Cats'; favourites for all seasons. Unfortunately, hard to get and not cheap.

Recently, I found the excellent corduroy models by Japanese beret manufacturer Choi Toshi, which are now available at South Pacific Berets!

 

[Mm25]

Blue sky and hat.

 

[Tchoupi]

Hello people

What a funny thread here. Over the past few weeks I've enjoyed your discussions, ideas and photos, including these on Daan's blog. Crazy how something humble like the beret can have so much impact on someone's look, from old-fashioned to cool, charming or just really chic. My 'history' with the beret started when my father gave me one as a gift. After five minutes of hesitation, I was completely convinced (and wear it most of the time). I currently have a 12.5" black Elosegui ano 150 (which has shrunk quite a bit over time) and a new black 11 'pouces' beret from Manufactures de Berets. This second beret combined with your enthusiasm has only whetted my appetite for more berets. Since I have a large head (+- size 62), the so-called 'tartes' appeal to me, because of their look but certainly also because of their function of blocking rain and sun. May I ask if there is a difference in quality (weight or density of fabric) between Elosegui's Super Lujo and their Txapeldun? Would these also serve well on hot summer days? Manufactures de Berets' alpin is also an option.... Does anyone have experience with Elosegui's very cheapest berets, these with no lining and only a diamond-shaped sticker? I assume these are very lightly woven and might be ideal as summer berets? (I'm not sure yet what to think of cotton berets...)

Thanks in advance for your expert advice! ;-)

The manufacture de bérets universal is a very good option as it's adjustable. Their tarts are more or less what I wear all the time. As for the unlined boinas Elosegui bérets I would advise caution as you'd have to stretch up and they re-tighten. They are quite well felted and probably too hot on really hot days.

 

[quikrick]

Beret Day.
I bought this a couple of years ago from @Daan at South Pacific Berets.

 

[quikrick]

Spanish beret from Boinas de la Encartada de Balmaseda. A very fine beret.
I bought this from fellow boinero @Babbo Philipe