Berets

Berets: how to choose the size and material and buy well

Updated 20 October 2026

A beret takes its shape from your head

A beret has no stiff frame, so it sits differently from a cap or a hat. The classic French beret is a round, soft cap with a small “stalk” in the middle. You wear it tilted to the side or slightly back, and it takes shape after a few days of wear. There are also children's and school berets, cut flatter so that they hold their look all day.

Beret size is given as head circumference in centimetres, for example 56–57. Measure your head with a tape above the eyebrows and above the ears. If you are between two sizes, take the larger: a wool beret shrinks a little after washing, and a tight one presses on the forehead.

Felt, wool, cashmere, knit

A felt beret is denser, holds its shape better and protects from wind, but in wet weather it should be dried on a form. A wool beret is softer and warmer, great for autumn. Cashmere and merino ones feel lovely on the skin, but cost more and need gentle washing. For school uniforms, people often choose a fabric with a bit of synthetic: it creases less and dries faster.

Ask for a lining if your skin is sensitive to wool. Ask about colour as well: maroon, black, navy or grey can come in different shades from different batches, so ask for a photo in daylight.

What to put in your request

• style — French, flat, with or without a stalk, tactical;
• material — felt, wool, cashmere, acrylic, knit;
• for whom — women's, men's, children's, the child's age;
• purpose — for a uniform, everyday, a stage costume, a gift;
• size — head circumference in centimetres;
• colour — the exact shade, with a photo if needed;
• condition — new or vintage;
• city for delivery and budget, if you want to name it.

Example: “I need a new French felt beret for a 7-year-old girl for a school uniform, maroon, head circumference 56–57 cm, without a stiff edge. Courier delivery to Gqeberha. Budget up to R 200.”

How ordering works on BlaBlaPrice

You don't need to walk around hat shops: you write one request, and sellers send the price, photos, size availability and delivery cost in the chat. For a beret this is handy, because sizes and shades sell out fast. The platform shows the best-value offer first, with seller reviews next to each. Sellers can see where they stand among the others, so they often improve their terms. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a seller. More on the “How it works” page.

When comparing offers, check that the fabric composition is stated and whether you can exchange the beret if the size is wrong. Want something to go with it? See hat, scarf and glove sets or warmer beanies.