Berets, Anyone?

[alanfgag]

At the Shinnecock Canal, Hampton Bays, NY... Elosegui 150 year anniversary special edition.

 

[jon_slider]

Elosegui Txapeldun, that I wear as an incantation to encourage the snow gods during ski season ;-)

Beret has been soaked and manipulated in hot water, then worn til dry. This gets rid of the folded edge around the perimeter, and takes a set to the shape I wear it..

 

[Daan]

Much has been reported—both here and across the media—about the newly installed US administration’s tariffs, the logistical disruptions they create, and the substantial costs now added to any purchase entering the United States.

With NZ Post finally resuming shipments to the US, South Pacific Berets can once again serve our American customers, though the associated expenses remain close to prohibitive.

As we work toward a more stable and affordable long-term solution, we’re taking an immediate step: for the entire month of December, the additional $22.50 per beret charge will be waived.

And that, makes it the perfect time to make us of the present SPECIAL of limited editions at a 50% discount!

 

[Daan]

In a world where quality products seem to grow more expensive by the day, I was delighted to find one of my all time favourite berets (@ South Pacific Berets) extremely cheap compared to the competition, which made for a pleasant surprise.

CTH Ericson, the distinguished Swedish heritage milliner from Borlänge, has been crafting premium hats and caps since 1885. Their Service Star model, somehow named “Piere,” retails for a staggering $121 (plus postage). A quick glance at other online retailers, like Hungary’s Barett Sapka/Kalap, shows the same berets priced at $75. By comparison, our identical black Service Star has held steady at $49.95 since its launch 15 years ago.

South Pacific Berets also offers exclusive custom colors—navy, mammoth, and winter green. Designed for comfort, the leather headband can be worn “military style” with the rim outwards, or “Basque style” with the rim folded inwards. Three built-in air vents ensure it stays cool, making these berets as practical as they are stylish.

 

[alanfgag]

The russet beret arrived yesterday from Daan's (much appreciated) special. It's a color I didn't have and a small diameter (9.5p) which probably suits my small head better than the 10s and 11s I usually order. Loving it.

 

[Tchoupi]

Watching this old BBC archive documentary about farm workers in the south west of England in 1969, I was surprised to see that the two main labourers being interviewed are wearing berets. I know berets were commonly worn by workmen in continental Europe, but I've only ever seen their British counterparts in caps. I wonder if it was a localised thing in Dorset, or whether there were just loads of cheap berets knocking around in army surplus shops?

View attachment 711339

Growing up in London in the 70's it was a fairly common feature to see middle aged working men wearing a small black béret. I could swear to it now, but I think that they were army surplus. Army surplus stores certainly sold them. My first béret at the tender age of 18 was a British army béret from such a store.

 

[Daan]

Manuel Antonio Caballero Agüero (1931 - 2010) was a notable Venezuelan historian, journalist, best-selling author and professor of contemporary Venezuelan History at the Central University of Venezuela.

Caballero was born in Barquisimeto, studied History at the Central University of Venezuela and obtained a PhD at University College London. With the publication of his PhD dissertation he became the first Venezuelan author to be published by Cambridge University Press.

In 1989 he was invited to teach at the Universitá degli Studi di Napoli in Italy. He wrote regularly for Venezuelan newspapers El Nacional, El Diario de Caracas and most recently El Universal. Despite his past as a left-wing thinker and political activist, in particular against President Rómulo Betancourt, in his later years he became one of the most vocal and vehement critics of President Hugo Chávez and his administration. He revised his perspective on President Betancourt in a biography written in 2004.

In 2010, he underwent a prostate surgery that triggered a series of infections unresponsive to antibiotics, further complicated by diabetes. He died on 12 December 2010.

 

[Daan]

The impression the Basques have left on Venezuela is broad, deep, and enduring. Their shared history is inseparable from major economic and political developments, beginning with the creation and influence of the Royal Guipuzcoan Company of Caracas in the eighteenth century. Yet beyond institutions and trade, there exists another, equally important history: that of people—the faces, lives, and contributions of countless Basques who arrived in what was long called the “Land of Grace.”

Allegory of exile by Vicente Arnoriaga, with symbols of the Basque exile from Caracas such as the ships in which they arrived, the euskoetxea and the towers of Euzkadi Irratia.​

On July 9, the Basque-Venezuelan community marked the 80th anniversary of the beginning of a decisive wave of Basque arrivals in Venezuela. This moment brought together two closely linked dimensions: political exile and personal reconstruction. Hundreds of Basques reached Venezuela seeking to rebuild their lives after war and repression, while contributing actively to their adopted homeland.

The SS Cuba - bringing Basque immigrants to Venezuela​

Following the victory of the Francoist forces, the Basque Government in exile maintained support networks for refugees left without resources and still reeling from the destruction of their country. Its aim was clear: to protect and care for its citizens abroad. Finding destinations and livelihoods for displaced families became essential, and several countries in the Americas opened their doors.

Venezuela emerged as one of the most significant destinations. An agreement between the Basque Government and the Venezuelan administration of President Eleazar López Contreras allowed refugees to enter using the Igarobide, the Basque-issued passport recognized as a valid legal document. The Venezuelan press covered their arrival extensively, highlighting the professional diversity of the newcomers—doctors, engineers, farmers, and skilled workers.

From these refugees grew one of the most active and committed Basque communities in the world. Through publications such as Jazoera, originally founded at the Eusko Etxea of Caracas, this community has preserved its memory, documented its achievements, and played a vital role in sustaining Basque institutions and defending the Basque cause during decades of exile.

 

[JimK]

Merino d'Arles... my wife was testing her camera!

 

[Daan]

A big clean-up at Beret HQ resulted in many more berets moved to the FREE BERET Section:
https://theberetcompany.com/free.php

Free beret with any regular beret purchase!

 

[Fedster]

How would I clean it? this Elosegui shows some sweat stains at the point here the internal lining is sewn into the body. I assume throwing in the washing machine in a cold wood chicle might not be the best idea....

 

[Daan]

View attachment 787173

How would I clean it? this Elosegui shows some sweat stains at the point here the internal lining is sewn into the body. I assume throwing in the washing machine in a cold wood chicle might not be the best idea....

No, not a good idea to use the washing machine... The best way to clean a beret is always by spot cleaning, rubbing the affected area with a warm damp cloth.
If that isn't doing the job, you can wash it in cool water with a very small bit of wool detergent. No wringing - just let it soak and do some gentle rubbing.
Dry it in open air, away from a direct heat source and not in the full sun. To retain the shape best, you could put a large dinner plate inside the beret while it dries.

 

[Tiki Tom]

Yes, I agree with the spot cleaning recommendation.
Used to frequently wear berets when I lived in Stuttgart and Vienna. Biggest problem was that they were prone to shrink if they got completely drenched.

 

[jon_slider]

How would I clean it?

After wearing these two Elosegui for many years, I took them to a dry cleaner. They came out looking like new. They stayed the same size and shape.

Im very happy with the results:

 

[Babbo Philipe]

View attachment 787173

How would I clean it? this Elosegui shows some sweat stains at the point here the internal lining is sewn into the body. I assume throwing in the washing machine in a cold wood chicle might not be the best idea....

Never washing machine ,,,,personally i wash it in the sink hot or cold, soap and water Elosgue does not respond well to Hot, MFD beret does , but i always use a small inner tube to keep the shape well ,also flip inside and out to dry evenly ---not too much tension as to break the thread on the liner, -- Never fails but Elosegue can be temperamental they shrink uneven sometimes ,

 

[Daan]

Laulhère, France’s oldest beret manufacturer, introduced the Béret Bayadère as a limited-edition collection in 2013.

Distinguished by their striking multi-striped design, these berets draw inspiration from the Années Folles (“Crazy Years”) of the 1920s. Echoing the vibrant spirit of Parisian jazz clubs, they reflect an era marked by creativity, self-expression, and a desire to break free from the conventions of the past.

South Pacific Berets acquired the majority of this exclusive production run and, more than a decade later, only a handful of sizes remain available. For a limited time, these last remaining Béret Bayadère berets are offered at 50% off their original 2013 price — now $34.50, reduced from $69.00.
All models are black, fitted with a Bayadère lining, its own label and solid leather headband.
Once these final stocks are gone, this unique Laulhère edition will not be available again.

 

[bjk]

Good afternoon everyone,

Who can advise me? I am looking for a beret similar to the one Leonard Cohen wore during his photoshoot in Paris in the 1970s (see photos, brand and model unknown). It could even be a little bit bigger.


My first instinct is that I want to buy a beret from Laulhère. After doing some research, I found that their webshop only sells berets with a 28” plate. I think I may need a larger diameter. Can anyone clarify this? Or should we actually be talking about centimeters?


Additionally, I have read some critical comments about the current quality of Laulhère. Based on the above, would it be advisable to look for a second-hand model with, for example, an 11” plate? Or perhaps a shop that still has some older stock with an 11” option?


I am undecided between the Basque and Campan models. What are the differences between them? Unfortunately, I am not getting satisfactory answers from Laulhère.


For context: I currently wear a Closequi Impermeabilizada Super Lujo size 57, which I have had for 20 years. It has become too small, and I therefore want something with more fabric. I am now considering size 58.


I would appreciate any advice and tips. Have a nice day,

Bert-jan

 

[Daan]

Good afternoon everyone,

Who can advise me? I am looking for a beret similar to the one Leonard Cohen wore during his photoshoot in Paris in the 1970s (see photos, brand and model unknown). It could even be a little bit bigger.


My first instinct is that I want to buy a beret from Laulhère. After doing some research, I found that their webshop only sells berets with a 28” plate. I think I may need a larger diameter. Can anyone clarify this? Or should we actually be talking about centimeters?


Additionally, I have read some critical comments about the current quality of Laulhère. Based on the above, would it be advisable to look for a second-hand model with, for example, an 11” plate? Or perhaps a shop that still has some older stock with an 11” option?


I am undecided between the Basque and Campan models. What are the differences between them? Unfortunately, I am not getting satisfactory answers from Laulhère.


For context: I currently wear a Closequi Impermeabilizada Super Lujo size 57, which I have had for 20 years. It has become too small, and I therefore want something with more fabric. I am now considering size 58.


I would appreciate any advice and tips. Have a nice day,

Bert-jan

Hi Bert-Jan

Laulhère is the oldest beret manufacturer in France and still a big name in berets. However, since the takeover by Promodis after an almost bankruptcy, things have changed considerably.
Laulhère focusses now much more on 'fashion', with a large line of new models coming out all the time, engaging with younger generations and cooperating with other popular fashion brands. Unfortunately, this has not been great for the classic style Basque berets - the selection on offer smaller than ever and quality (weight, density) has gone down.
The Basque Authentic model always was the most affordable model (lighter in weight, simple leather headband) and the Campan used to be their mid-range, but I believe is now their top model. The Bayadere models from my post just before yours are the same Campan quality and now in a very small number available in an 11p model (see here). Until the end of this week at a 50% discount, so if interested, be quick.

After all this about Laulhère, I would recommend you to consider the universels made by Manufacture de Bérets - the best berets you could possibly find (naturally waterproof, excellent craftsmanship and comfort, handmade in a small artisan workshop and lasting a lifetime).
These berets are fitted with a liguette, an internal drawstring as was common until the late 1800s - it makes the beret perfectly size adjustable.

When going through older posts on this forum, you'll find many similar recommendations.
Hope this helps.