Berets, Anyone?

[Harp]

Anyway, I did come across something rather interesting and can't stop myself from posting it here: the origins of the green beret!

Not many berets, Basque or military, have a reputation as widely known as "The Green Berets". However, not many people know that the origins of this illustrious headgear lie in the Belgian mountainous region of the Ardennes.

Merci Dann. US Army 12th Special Forces

 

[BoinaBuena]

View attachment 42992
My new office mug!

OH awesome!! I've never seen one with "beret" on!

 

[BoinaBuena]

Merci Dann. US Army 12th Special Forces

I'd love to know, beyond the standard online histories, about the U.S. Marines adopting the black beret for their Special Forces in 1950. Everyone knows how the LRRPs took the blackie into Nam in '67, but what about the Marines in '50?--I feel like I and one other guy are the only ones who know...anyone out there got a clue about this one?

 

[BoinaBuena]

That's a great history--I was alerted right away because my first was a Hoquy that somehow had a vinyl sweatband. It makes me wonder how long these companies been using vinyl and not leather.

Mine is still in excellent shape, including the vinyl, and I wear it a lot. But it's making me wonder what is going on with berets young and old. I have a fedora of my Pop's, still beautiful aged 67. So what gives with these brokedown berets?

And they want people to pay $100 for that! I think a onepiece is expensive enough!

My first "real" beret was a leather sweatband model, a Hoquy/Laulheré. Fit perfectly right out of the box, but then got smaller, stiffer and scratchier. On advice given here, I got a hat stretcher (and some one-piece/sweatbandless models). After some leather conditioner, stretching and wearing—it is fine. Fits and feels lovely now—just have to keep it in the rotation and wear it. That's not a problem as it's a nice beret.

I am now favoring the one-piece models as it eliminates sizing issues, which for someone between sizes (like me), can become a hassle. Sure, they (one-piece) can be a little tight right out of the shop, but as BoinaBuena mentions, you have to "break them in," which is not onerous, it's a pleasure.

To eliminate even that small inconvenience, try a Boneteria Auloronesa (or something similar?) that uses a draw-string/ribbon. Perfect sizing every time. Comfortable too—but then, they all are.

 

[BoinaBuena]

Some issues should be raised about berets--I hope I won't be repetitive about certain points. This is to address, first, the question of getting a beret with or without a sweatband. From there I'll move onward.

1. Onepiece berets are hard for those with a wool allergy. That and any other question if sensitivity could be alleviated by sewing a strip of grosgrain ribbon onto the beret. The real issue is those berets don't always fit well, and are harder to stretch than you might think.

2. A sweatbanded beret might or might not be a counterfeit. These days for top dollar, you can buy Laulhere of France or Elosegui of Spain...a few other tiny companies exist in Spain. I like South Pacific but the shipping charges are just too much. They are bad enough from Europe--the whole point being that there are nasty counterfeits awaiting you.

3. A beret with sweatband, while counterfeited less often, are less risky because of that fact. Any seller will stand behind their product. Trouble is even hat dealers can be duped. A UK supplier admitted to me that they got a "bad" batch of Hoquys, which are now made by Laulhere. They meant counterfeit.

4. As to counterfeit, I know from Laulhere themselves that the onepiece is the most easily counterfeited. The fraudsters just buy Chinese berets and sew Laulhere linings in...sometimes they don't even do that. I've seen fake Parkhurst of Canada, which otherwise is the Americans best bet. Nobody bothers to counterfeit a Parkhurst!

 

[BoinaBuena]

To be clear: while Parkhurst of Canada is a safe bet for a onepiece, I have seen bad commie fakes with old Parkhurst tags sewn in.

 

[Daan]

Interesting comments, but (in my honest opinion) not all are correct. I'll respond in the same order:
1. Yes, a one-size beret can antagonize an allergic reaction for people sensitive to wool. However, all quality berets (eg Auloronesa, Laulhere, Elosegui, Bonigor and the Fabrica Nacional to name the largest/best known manufacturers) are made of 100% merino wool. These fibers are substantially different from common sheep's wool and are well taken by most people who'd otherwise react to wool. Needless to say, there are always people with a more sensitive skin who can't take the merino either.
As for stretching: this really is a very simple and effective process if done in the correct manner. I have posted instructions on how to stretch your beret here before, so won't repeat that here, but if anyone needs help, just drop me a line.
2. Sure, counterfeiting happens. I have seen some pretty good imitations of Laulhere berets made in Pakistan; that was, by looking at the photos on the web site (these were likely from the originals!). On Laulhere's behalf I ordered a couple directly from the manufacturer (at a few $$ each) and the difference with the original is so obvious that it would be hard to be mistaken.
As for "more tiny companies making berets in Spain" I am afraid you are misinformed. There have been (La Encartada, Tello, Pradoluengo), but never as many as in France and since the closure of La Encartada (1992) there is only one left: Boinas Elosegui in Tolosa (making it the only manufacturer in the Basque Country).
Shipping charges: at $15.00 flat rate for shipping a beret worldwide, some customers (based on destination) actually pay less than the real shipping cost. When I purchase (vintage) berets from overseas, I only wish I pay as little on postage as I charge my customers.
3. The Hoquy label is owned by Laulhere and always was (previously under the name of BeaTex). It was a label specifically used for the North American market. If a UK supplier got a counterfeit batch, he obviously didn't purchase his stock from the manufacturer (Laulhere).

Concluding, I think the old saying "you get what you pay for" is as valid for berets as for most goods. You complain about cost, but if you knew how much time every single Auloronesa beret takes up in it's multiple day process of manufacturing, the care and inspection given to each beret, you would realize that these berets are not expensive at all. I dread to think of the hourly rate the manufacturer actually earns.
If you find it worthwhile to spend a considerable amount of money on a beret, is a completely different matter - and a personal choice.

 

[foamy]

Counterfeit berets? I've never thought about them. Since discovering SPB, it's kind of pointless to shop for berets anywhere else. I'm not worried about counterfeits.

Shipping from NZ (it is just about as far away from anywhere as you can be) may be a bit steep, but I've paid more to park my car to get to a city shop.

 

[RJR]

Counterfeit berets? I've never thought about them. Since discovering SPB, it's kind of pointless to shop for berets anywhere else. I'm not worried about counterfeits.

Shipping from NZ (it is just about as far away from anywhere as you can be) may be a bit steep, but I've paid more to park my car to get to a city shop.

My experience as well,plus Daan has a great selection.

 

[BoinaBuena]

Thank you for your knowledgeable input. My advice is always kindly meant, and I like to believe my advice is timely and correct. You should not, for example, try to imply merino is hypoallergenic. In my experience, it is not. Anyone with allergies will be under medical care--and I say ask your doctor, better safe than hospitalized.

I also feel you were unclear about the Hoquy label. Laulhere acquired them sometime around 2004, I may be off a year or two. Before that, Hoquy was the premiere name in berets.

Interesting comments, but (in my honest opinion) not all are correct. I'll respond in the same order:
1. Yes, a one-size beret can antagonize an allergic reaction for people sensitive to wool. However, all quality berets (eg Auloronesa, Laulhere, Elosegui, Bonigor and the Fabrica Nacional to name the largest/best known manufacturers) are made of 100% merino wool. These fibers are substantially different from common sheep's wool and are well taken by most people who'd otherwise react to wool. Needless to say, there are always people with a more sensitive skin who can't take the merino either.
As for stretching: this really is a very simple and effective process if done in the correct manner. I have posted instructions on how to stretch your beret here before, so won't repeat that here, but if anyone needs help, just drop me a line.
2. Sure, counterfeiting happens. I have seen some pretty good imitations of Laulhere berets made in Pakistan; that was, by looking at the photos on the web site (these were likely from the originals!). On Laulhere's behalf I ordered a couple directly from the manufacturer (at a few $$ each) and the difference with the original is so obvious that it would be hard to be mistaken.
As for "more tiny companies making berets in Spain" I am afraid you are misinformed. There have been (La Encartada, Tello, Pradoluengo), but never as many as in France and since the closure of La Encartada (1992) there is only one left: Boinas Elosegui in Tolosa (making it the only manufacturer in the Basque Country).
Shipping charges: at $15.00 flat rate for shipping a beret worldwide, some customers (based on destination) actually pay less than the real shipping cost. When I purchase (vintage) berets from overseas, I only wish I pay as little on postage as I charge my customers.
3. The Hoquy label is owned by Laulhere and always was (previously under the name of BeaTex). It was a label specifically used for the North American market. If a UK supplier got a counterfeit batch, he obviously didn't purchase his stock from the manufacturer (Laulhere).

Concluding, I think the old saying "you get what you pay for" is as valid for berets as for most goods. You complain about cost, but if you knew how much time every single Auloronesa beret takes up in it's multiple day process of manufacturing, the care and inspection given to each beret, you would realize that these berets are not expensive at all. I dread to think of the hourly rate the manufacturer actually earns.
If you find it worthwhile to spend a considerable amount of money on a beret, is a completely different matter - and a personal choice.

 

[BoinaBuena]

A correction: wool is hypoallergenic, and I meant to explain the allergic reactions come from the coarseness of wool...I'm being the dopey one, my apologies.

 

[BoinaBuena]

Sorry, I'm not going to argue with a commercial advertisement. SP is too far, the shipping too much, for me to bother with it.

Lauhleres are available to me, as are vintage Blancq-Olibets, and I'm happy with that.

 

[BoinaBuena]

Laulhere has company videos warning shoppers to be watchful. And with this market as it is, I'm not surprised.

Look, I'm going to say upfront, I'm familiar with SO and I'm nit really going to hang around only to be inundated with advertising on their behalf. There's room enough here for me and Daan, I hope. If not, I can post comments elsewhere.

Counterfeit berets? I've never thought about them. Since discovering SPB, it's kind of pointless to shop for berets anywhere else. I'm not worried about counterfeits.

Shipping from NZ (it is just about as far away from anywhere as you can be) may be a bit steep, but I've paid more to park my car to get to a city shop.

 

[Daan]

There is plenty of room here for everyone! And I certainly enjoy "meeting" more beret enthusiasts.
The only thing is, if you place a comment, you should realize you may get a response to it. And when a reaction is genuine, fair and honest, I don't see what could be the problem.
If you state I was implying that merino wool is hypoallergenic, I can only ask you to read my post again. I wrote that many people who are sensitive to wool, are not sensitive to merino fibers - nothing more, nothing less.
As for the Hoquy label: it's a Laulhere label and always has been. Check with Laulhere, if you have any doubts.

A group of beret wearers in the military that are usually on the background, are the chaplains and some make for great photography.

This military chaplain of the Chasseurs Alpin for example, during WWI.

or this chaplain, also a member of the Chasseurs Alpin.

The French Foreign Legion too had it's own chaplains.

Like the Belgian Chasseurs Ardennais with their green Basque berets.

This is a Argentinian catholic chaplain, José Tito Fernández, during the Malvinas/Falklands war
and last, the purple beret of a South African Army Rabbi:

 

[Daan]

Great mug and how true!

 

[Daan]

Great mug and how true!

This mug, that is...

 

[leftyguy]

They have a bunch of Beret stuff!
http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-wear-a-beret-3/

 

[foamy]

Laulhere has company videos warning shoppers to be watchful. And with this market as it is, I'm not surprised.

Look, I'm going to say upfront, I'm familiar with SO and I'm nit really going to hang around only to be inundated with advertising on their behalf. There's room enough here for me and Daan, I hope. If not, I can post comments elsewhere.

Room enough? Don't take offense, may I not state my thoughts? You don't hesitate with yours.

I don't know where you're located, but on my part of the planet, the only beret you're going to find is in the women's section at a department store (maybe)—and it still wouldn't be what you (you obviously know far more about berets than this bumpkin) may consider a "real" beret. Just say'in. The online hatters might carrie a Laulhere. I bought the Hoquy as it was the best beret I could find at the time. Otherwise, you're looking at Kangol or some nameless fashion beret. Again, just telling you about my reality.

Obviously, your circumstances are different. Where you are (I'm guessing), good berets must be much more commonplace, common enough that counterfeiting is a concern. If I want a "real" beret, my options are extremely limited—hence, my favorable opinion of SPB. 10 days, fifteen bucks, good service and the best selection of berets I've ever seen, makes me a fanboy.

Curious you should mention advertising. It's what I do (35+ years) for a living. I can state with conviction that there is no better or more sincere advertising than word of mouth. So, when I run across some product and/or service that very well pleases me (and that is not often—extremely rare, in fact), I don't mind saying so.

You've stated, more than once, that you are less than enamored and that's fine. Please don't get irritated when my thoughts and experiences don't agree with yours. I edited that danged post multiple times to get it to be un-controversial/confrontational. Evidently, I didn't succeed. Peace my friend, and keep posting. There's few enough beret wearers/posters as it is.

 

[foamy]

They have a bunch of Beret stuff!
http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-wear-a-beret-3/

Dang it. I reckon now, I'm going to have to do a T-shirt/poster design with a beret. I'd been thinking about fedoras—I may have just changed my focus.

Daan, all those posters and labels you've posted are very nice, inspirational and I hadn't commented on them. Nice stuff and glad to see them posted.

 

[Daan]

There is plenty of room here for everyone! And I certainly enjoy "meeting" more beret enthusiasts.
The only thing is, if you place a comment, you should realize you may get a response to it. And when a reaction is genuine, fair and honest, I don't see what could be the problem.
If you state I was implying that merino wool is hypoallergenic, I can only ask you to read my post again. I wrote that many people who are sensitive to wool, are not sensitive to merino fibers - nothing more, nothing less.
As for the Hoquy label: it's a Laulhere label and always has been. Check with Laulhere, if you have any doubts.

A group of beret wearers in the military that are usually on the background, are the chaplains and some make for great photography.

This military chaplain of the Chasseurs Alpin for example, during WWI.

or this chaplain, also a member of the Chasseurs Alpin.

The French Foreign Legion too had it's own chaplains.

Like the Belgian Chasseurs Ardennais with their green Basque berets.

This is a Argentinian catholic chaplain, José Tito Fernández, during the Malvinas/Falklands war
and last, the purple beret of a South African Army Rabbi:

A very painful confession: when preparing the post 'Chaplains and Berets', I placed the wrong photo for capellán José Tito Fernández, an Argentinian chaplain during the Malvinas/Falklands war. This is the correct picture:

Alas, that isn't that bad in itself, but the picture I did place, is of one the biggest war criminals during that conflict: colonel
Mohamed Alí Seineldín (although some Argentinians still see him as a hero, as usual with war criminals...).