Laulhere, the last beret maker in France... they hope!

Image courtesey of www.bloomberg.com

Based in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, where the round and flat woollen hat was invented by shepherds to protect themselves from the Basque region’s damp, Laulhere prides itself on its “Made in France” label as foreign-made berets steal an increasing share of a shrinking market. 

Rescued in a purchase by French military-garment maker Cargo-Promodis with a 500,000 euro ($686,000) injection in late 2012 part of President Francois Hollande’s competitiveness challenge. French companies are struggling to compete and retain market share due to fierce Asian competition.

The beret became fashionable for women in the 1930s and turned into a symbol of the French resistance during the German occupation in World War II. Armies in France and the rest of the world started adopting the beret as part of their uniform after the war. 

Image of Tradition collection. Courtesey of Laulhere.

But did you know these interesting facts about the French beret?

• When the ancient Roman male wished to become engaged to a girl, he merely snatched off her beret. This symbolized that she was accepted.
• The aboriginal inhabitants of England during battle wore only close-fitting berets and no other apparel whatsoever.
• The Lhardi tribes of Northern Tibet always wear berets made from the hair of departed relatives as a sign of respect.
• Korean gentlemen always wear two berets, one above the other. They take off only the outer one when indoors.

And how do you like this one: Superstitious maidens of Afghanistan sleep with their native beret on so they will not be annoyed by evil spirits that prevent them finding a husband.
These facts are courtesey of http://beretandboina.blogspot.fr/2009/11/scientific-facts-on-beret.html

And now for more practical information... The traditional French beret is made with a half mile of merino wool and has a ring of leather inside to help it fit snuggly on the head. It’s waterproof and resistant to ultraviolet light. It keeps its shape even after it’s been rolled.

So if you haven't yet bought a beret, now might be the time... it might just save a great French tradition and a company proud to be "Made in France".