Berets, Anyone?

[Edward]

Laulhère, France’s oldest beret manufacturer, introduced the Béret Bayadère as a limited-edition collection in 2013.
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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.
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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. View attachment 794205 View attachment 794206
Once these final stocks are gone, this unique Laulhère edition will not be available again.

Nice liner! I have a soft spot for Laulhere (I own maybe ten berets, about half of which are Laulhere), having visited the factory in Oleron in 2017. It was a delight to see how many locals still wear berets day to day down there. I spend a bit of time in the year in Paris, teaching on a programme the university I work for runs over there, but I confess I've never had the nerve to sport a beret there. I don't recall ever seeing a local waring one at all; more commonly, they're seen atop groups of US tourists visiting Paris on holiday. Maybe French fashion will shift over time and it'll become more common again.

 

[Babbo Philipe]

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

Manufacture de Bérets or elosegui are both great and are both made in countries near you , ,,laulhere in my opinion has gone down in quality in the past years,

 

[Daan]

For many people (boineros included), the beret is synonymous with the generously draped tarte or txapela of the Pyrenean shepherd and large 11p models typically associated with the arts. Yet for much of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the most common berets worn across France and northern Spain were considerably smaller.

Practical, elegant and deeply rooted in local tradition, these compact berets were everyday headwear for generations. Throughout much of France - particularly north of Béarn and the Basque Country - modest-diameter berets were the norm long before larger styles became fashionable in the mid-twentieth century. In the Spanish regions of Galicia and Asturias, the small black beret was an essential part of daily dress, worn by fishermen, farmers, craftsmen and labourers alike. It provided protection from the elements while maintaining a neat, understated appearance.

The appeal of the small beret extended well beyond France and Spain. In Italy, the compact Basco Roma remains a classic to this day, while in the Czech Republic the distinctive Rádiovka - even smaller than most traditional Basque berets - became a favourite among workers, students and outdoor enthusiasts. Each country adapted the beret to its own tastes, while preserving the practicality and quiet elegance that define these smaller styles.

The attraction of the small-diameter beret has never really disappeared. Sitting close to the head, it is comfortable, practical and remarkably versatile. It speaks of authenticity rather than fashion, of tradition rather than passing trends.

In recent years, interest in these classic forms has grown steadily, prompting several manufacturers to revive small-diameter models. Wearers can once again choose from an impressive variety of sizes, colours, materials and finishes, rediscovering a style that was once the everyday face of the European beret.

While fashions come and go, the small beret proves that style has little to do with size. It remains a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage and understated elegance.

One of the finest examples currently available is the Foulard Universel Orthez in 9P (25.2 cm): a beautifully made, traditionally made Basque beret that perfectly captures the character of these historic small-diameter classics. From today, a small number available in natural merino wool.

 

[Judgmentalist]

How do these sizes equate to the sizes I am familiar with?

 

[Daan]

How do these sizes equate to the sizes I am familiar with?

The French size 9 Pouces (9p) stands for a diameter of the beret of ≈25cm. Your head size is not relevant as these one-size models (universels) are fitted with a liguette, the traditional drawstring that makes the beret perfectly size-adjustable.