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Since 1840
The French beret, made in Oloron-Sainte-Marie
A Laulhère beret begins with a single piece of wool. Knitted, fulled, felted and shaped by hand in our workshops in Béarn, it becomes the round, supple beret the world associates with France. Today, we are the last French manufacturer to master the entire process, from yarn to finished piece. This savoir-faire is recognised by the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, awarded to France’s Living Heritage Companies.
Without a brim or peak, the beret is recognisable by its crown and cabillou, the small stem at the top that marks the starting point of the knitting process. Felting gives the wool its density, helps it retain its shape over time and provides natural resistance to cold and rain.
The beret originated in the Pyrenees, where shepherds wore felted wool caps. The industry became established in Oloron-Sainte-Marie during the 19th century, and Laulhère has been producing berets there since 1840.
It was here, in Béarn, that the Basque beret was born: despite its name, it did not originate in the Basque Country. Adopted by the French Chasseurs Alpins in the 20th century and later worn by French and Allied troops during the Second World War, it also became a recognisable symbol among armed forces around the world. We preserve its original shape alongside our military berets and timeless berets, whose designs have endured for decades.
Frequently asked questions
Which material should you choose for your beret?
A beret can be worn all year round. The material changes, not the way it is worn. The French merino wool beret remains the reference choice: dense and warm, it retains its shape beautifully and develops character over the years. Cashmere offers superior softness and lightness, creating an enveloping beret without added bulk. Linen and cotton provide a more breathable knit and a more fluid fit for transitional seasons and milder days.
Choose according to the comfort you are looking for: a material that provides structure and protection, or one that feels almost weightless. The craftsmanship remains the same.
How should you wear a beret?
A beret can be worn in many different ways, depending on your style and mood. Tilt it slightly forwards for a more assertive look, wear it to one side for a relaxed feel, set it towards the back of the head for a softer style or keep it straight for a classic look.
The cabillou, the small stem at the top, acts as a useful guide. It marks the centre of the crown, helping you adjust the position precisely and recreate the same angle each time.
One principle applies to every style: a beret should rest on the head rather than be pulled down. It should stay in place without pressing against the forehead. When it comes to colour, a black or navy beret works with an entire wardrobe. Red, royal blue or burgundy can be worn as statement accessories in their own right.
How should you choose and care for your beret?
Measure your head circumference with a tape measure, positioning it just above the ears and across the middle of the forehead. Our size guide includes a printable tape measure if you do not have one to hand. Some designs are available in several sizes, while others come in an adjustable one-size fit.
Wool felt should be cared for without washing. Do not machine-wash, hand-wash or dry-clean your beret. If it becomes stained, blot the area with absorbent paper, then gently clean it with a soft brush or natural sponge lightly dampened with lukewarm soapy water, without soaking the wool. Leave it to dry at room temperature and finish by brushing it gently. With the right care, a beret can be kept for many years.
Berets for women, men and children
The beret has never belonged to a single gender. Our designs can be worn by anyone; only the colour and the way the beret is positioned change the final look. Explore our selections of women’s berets and men’s berets, as well as our children’s berets, made from the same materials and in the same workshop.
For a more distinctive piece, our fashion berets explore more contemporary shapes, volumes and details, while our classic berets offer a timeless way to stay in style. There is no single way to wear a beret, and that is precisely the point.
Where can you buy a French beret?
All our berets are available from our online store and points of sale. Every order is dispatched from Oloron-Sainte-Marie. If you are unsure about a size, material or colour, our team is available to help directly from the workshop.