How to Wear an Army Beret

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 18, 2020 References

Throughout the world, berets have served as an iconic piece to a military uniform. Whether they’re part of the standard issue combat uniform as they were in the United States for 10 years, or a symbol of a special designation such as the Royal Marines in the United Kingdom, berets are an international standard for the armed services. Thankfully, despite the use of berets varying internationally, the expectations as to how to properly wear the beret remain similar, if not the same.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Wearing Your Beret While in Uniform

1
Put your beret on horizontally, with your badge above your left eye. Make sure that the band is completely straight and rests no more than one inch above your eyebrows. Your beret should not be positioned low enough to cover your left ear.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- The insignia on a beret has several meanings. Some denote specific regiment, such as special forces or paratroopers. Military officers will have their rank displayed instead.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
2
Use a mirror to confirm neatness across the back of your head. The leather tie should be tucked into the beret and completely invisible. Be sure that, like in the front, the leather band is completely straight across the back.

Advertisement
3
Smooth any excess fabric to the right without obscuring your ear. The fabric should reach the tip of your right ear, but extend no further than its midpoint.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Styling Long Hair for a Beret

1
Avoid stuffing excess hair into the beret. In order to uphold standards for professionally styled hair, it is prohibited tuck excess hair into the beret. Loose hair should be pinned or tied back.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Any items securing your hair should be as close to your natural hair color as possible. Decorative pins, hair ties or clips are not allowed. Hair accessories are to be used strictly to style hair appropriately.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
2
Obscure bangs from view. While women’s bangs are normally allowed to extend as far down as the eyebrow, they are not to be visible when wearing a beret. Pin them up before putting on your beret.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Tie long hair back in a bun. The bun should be no wider than the head and no thicker than 3.5 inches. Even when tied back, hair should never touch the collar of your uniform.
- All hairstyles must be tightly secured to the head. Free-hanging styles such as loose ponytails are not allowed.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
4
Ensure braided or similarly styled hair meets all standards. Like with buns, braided hair should not extend below the back of the collar. Make sure that there are no drastic differences in length when comparing the front and back of your hair.
- Dreadlocks are now allowed to be worn in uniform. The lock can be no more than 1/8 inch wide, and must be able to fit into a bun no thicker than 3.5 inches.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Shaping Your Beret for the First Time

1
Fill two bowls or sinks, one with warm water, one with cold. You will be alternating between both of these basins, so make sure they’re close together to avoid a mess. You may also want to place a towel down.^{[10]
X
Research source}
2
Submerge the wool of the cap in the warm water, then cold. Make sure the cap absorbs as much water as it can in each basin. This will begin to loosen the fabric, so that the beret is easier to shape. Repeat until you can comfortably manipulate the fabric.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Do not submerge the leather band. This will cause the leather to shrink, which can result in a poorly fitting beret.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
3
Place the wet beret on your head as you would if you were in uniform. Make sure your the seam is properly lined up at the back of your head and that your insignia rests where it should. Improper positioning can result in improper shaping in later steps.^{[13]
X
Research source}
4
Tie the leather band so that the beret is secure around your head. Be sure that the fit is comfortable, but neither too loose nor too tight. Cut off any loose ribbon that remains.
5
Smooth fabric to the right so that the beret fits the curve of your head. There should be no excess fabric above or to the left of the cap badge. The tip of your beret should reach your ear, but not extend below the midpoint.

Advertisement