Berets, Anyone?

[Fern]

I’ve definitely grown to love my 11” Gorostiaga collection above all. The smaller brim works for me!

 

[ADK]

Just wanted to take a moment to once again compliment Daan from South Pacific Berets for keeping such a great variety of berets in stock. His selection never disappoints, and I am currently waiting on a Flamingo W6200 - something a little larger and lightweight for this upcoming spring.

One of my favorite things about a beret is how practical it is for my hobbies. I spend a lot of time metal detecting in the woods during the summer, and a beret gives me just enough coverage to keep the intermittent sun and bugs off while still allowing me to wear my headphones comfortably. No rigid brim to get in the way, no adjusting needed… just a perfect fit for a long day outside.

I’ve also come to love having surplus military berets around for work. They are inexpensive (I don’t feel bad modifying them!) - and if they get paint stained or too worn, too quickly… it’s not as sad as one of my Manufacture de Beret taking a hit!

I’ll post some photos when the newest batch arrives!

ADK

 

[Fern]

Woot woot! Out and about with a new Gorostiaga tupida in Calista red. First 10.5” brim in my collection.

(Coyote fur collar on my bomber jacket, courtesy of Eggert furs, Iceland)

 

[Daan]

After an absence of many years, the quintessential Italian beret is back!

The Basco Roma is the classic beret from Italy. A beret that was worn by many, if not most, factory workers, fishermen and peasants mid 20st century, hence it's Italian name 'Basco Popolare Operaio Uomo' or 'Popular Workers Beret'.

The Roma was traditionally made by Bascificio A. Setti. but since 2020 not in production anymore. To ensure the Roma's survival in the 21st century, South Pacific Berets teamed up with a small artisan beret manufacturer to recreate this illustrious beret - now available again in black, navy and bordeaux.

All are one-size-fit-all models, fitted with a cotton lining and the label portraying the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus - a symbol of Rome since ancient times, and one of the most recognizable icons of ancient mythology.

 

[Fedster]

According to this soldier the size of the tarte alpin is due to using it to warm up your own feet, is that general knowledge?

 

[Mm25]

Out and about.

 

[Daan]

According to this soldier the size of the tarte alpin is due to using it to warm up your own feet, is that general knowledge?

No, it makes for a funny (and well-known story), but the size of the Tarte is not has nothing to do with warming your feet.
I am sure, there have been soldiers who, while camping in the Arctic have used their beret as an extra aid. But try sleeping with your two feet aligned in that tightly confined space of a beret, keeping your legs and feet tightly together and ask yourself how well you'd sleep...

The diameter of the Tarte is based on a) the historical shape of the Pyrenean shepherd's berets and b) designed for protection. That protection is paramount when standing guard during snow and rain. Where a side cap (bonnet de police), the traditional military headgear at the time, offers no protection apart from the top of your head, a large diameter beret stops rain and snow going between neck and uniform.

As the soldier demonstrates in the video, the large size offers plenty material to shield the eyes and neck from the sun; useful in Alpine environments.
Whereas most military units wear their badge over the left eye, for the Chasseurs Alpins it's the opposite. The majority of people being right-handed, the large rim of the beret would get in the way of eyesight when aiming to shoot - hence the badge is worn on the right side of the face.

 

[Fern]

D3I IN THE US4. ️

 

[Mm25]

Winter returns

Luckily so does the Laulhere alpin.

 

[Jon Crow]

View attachment 674175 View attachment 674176 I’ve definitely grown to love my 11” Gorostiaga collection above all. The smaller brim works for me!

Very famous brand here in Spain, Bilbao up in the north

 

[Fern]

Very famous brand here in Spain, Bilbao up in the north

Has visitado la tienda? Have you visited the shop?

 

[Jon Crow]

No but

Has visitado la tienda? Have you visited the shop?

I've seen Bilbao, my wife's Spanish, I've also seen the boinas berets in good hat shops here in Madrid

 

[Fern]

No but

I've seen Bilbao, my wife's Spanish, I've also seen the boinas berets in good hat shops here in Madrid

Cool to know house Gorostiaga is distributed all the way down to Madrid. Elosegüi is what I’ve usually seen in the shops.

 

[Daan]

Very famous brand here in Spain, Bilbao up in the north

Gorrostiaga is actually not a beret ‘brand’, but a famous hat shop in Bilbao that has been around for more than 160 years. The berets sold by Sombreros Gorrostiaga are actually made by Boinas Elósegui (and under the counter, there are still some made by former manufacturer La Encartada). As used to be the custom all over Spain and France, larger hatters had their own labels fitted into the berets, a tradition that Sombreros Gorrostiaga upholds.

During the Industrial Revolution, Fructuoso Gorostiaga started the business – a time of huge economic growth. Fructuoso was himself the son of a hatmaker and after succeeding his father, he moved the workshop to Victor Street, where it still resides.

Early 20th century Antonio Pirla Maretín, from Burgos, joined the business and took charge of it in 1920.

During the Spanish Civil War, Alejandro Gorostiaga fled to and settled in France and at the end of the war, transferred ownership to Antonio Pirla – ancestor of present owner Emilio.

Today, Emilio continues the family tradition, working with his son Ander.

 

[Fern]

and under the counter, there are still some made by former manufacturer La Encartada

Some of my 11” embalsadas are from La Encartada.