How to Wear a Scout Beret

Berets are worn for fashion or as part of a uniform.

A beret is a hat with a band that fits tightly around the head and has a floppy, loose top. According to Hats Hats and More Hats for Scouting and Scouters, the Boy Scouts of America have included a beret as one of their official hats since 1971. The Girl Scouts also once wore a green beret as part of their official uniform. Berets were traditionally made of wool, and scouting berets appear in used clothing stores and online auction sites.

Instructions

1. Fit the beret so that the band feels tight around your forehead. You can adjust some berets for fit, though not all of them. The beret's band must fit tightly around your forehead but not so tight that it becomes uncomfortable.

2. Straighten the band of the beret. It should make a straight line across your forehead and not be worn at an angle. Berets worn for fashion are sometimes worn at an angle, but Scout berets are worn straight.

3. Pull the floppy part of the beret toward the right side of your head. If the beret flops, it should flop to the right. Some berets do not flop over the side of the band but puff up on top of the head instead. Any emblems on the beret should appear directly above your left eye.

Tips & Warnings

• The Boy Scouts of America recognize the beret as an acceptable part of the Boy Scout uniform but no longer sells berets. Ask older scouts if they saved their berets or look for berets in used clothing stores.

References

• Hats Hats and More Hats for Scouts and Scouting
• Made Man: How to Wear a Beret
• Oneida Scout Unit: Proper Wear of Your Beret