Collection: Berets for woman

Most berets are sold in a single size, but that size is a range, not a promise to fit every head. The most common span on Ghelter's women's berets is 55-59 cm (21.7-23.2 inches), and most have an elastic or adjustable fit that gives a little in either direction.

Measure the circumference of your head with a flexible tape, held level and about 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inch) above the eyebrows, then check the figure against the span on the listing. Spans across the berets run from 54 to 60 cm (21.3 to 23.6 inches). If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger: a roomy beret can be settled where you want it, while a tight one pulls and leaves a line. For US sizes, see our sizing page.

A French beret is the soft, round, brimless classic, while a brimmed beret adds a short brim or visor at the front. Both are berets: the difference is the front edge, and with it how much structure the hat has.

A brimless beret lies flat and adapts to your hairstyle, which is why it reads as relaxed and a little artistic. A brim gives more structure and frames the face, closer to a cap. Neither is better, so pick the one that matches how you like to wear a hat.

Wool suits the coldest months, cotton works in spring and fall, and straw or mesh berets are the lighter picks for summer. Leather berets are best kept for dry days.

Wool holds warmth and keeps its soft shape; most of the wool berets in this range are blends with acrylic or cotton, so check the material line on each page. Cotton is lighter and breathes better once the weather warms up. Real leather can be marked by water, so check the material line before a wet day: each listing states what the beret is made of.

Keep the rest of the outfit simple and wear the beret relaxed, tilted a little to one side, instead of dead center. A plain coat, jeans or a knit is enough to let the beret stand out.

Rest the band comfortably across the forehead, let a little hair fall loose at the front or sides and choose a solid color or a quiet pattern. The costume look comes from stacking every cliché at once, such as stripes, a red lip and a scarf, so use one and leave the rest. Our berets for women style guide has more outfit ideas.

Wash a wool beret by hand in cool water only if its care label allows it, and never wring it, because heat and rubbing make wool felt and shrink. Check the label inside the beret first and follow it if it says dry clean only.

Fill a basin with cool water, add a small amount of wool detergent or mild shampoo and press the beret under without scrubbing. Rinse in clean cool water until the suds are gone, squeeze out the water gently and roll the beret in a dry towel. Lay it flat over a plate to keep its round shape and let it dry away from radiators and direct sun.

Ghelter ships beret orders within 1-2 business days, and tracked, insured delivery usually takes 5-12 business days. Orders over 50 EUR ship free, and a return can be requested within 30 days of delivery if the beret does not fit.

To start a return, write to support@ghelter.com with a photo of the beret and one of the shipping label. The beret has to be unworn, with tags, original packaging and proof of purchase. A return label is free only if the beret arrives in poor condition, is not the correct size or does not match the photos on the page (a slightly different color does not count). If you bought on sale or with a discount code, you pay the return shipping. To swap for another size, return the beret and place a new order.