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A beret (UK: /ˈbɛreɪ/ BERR-ay,[1] US: /bəˈreɪ/ bə-RAY;[2] French: béret [beʁɛ]; Basque: txapel; Spanish: boina) is a soft, round, flat-crowned cap made of hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, wool felt,[3] or acrylic fibre.
Mass production of berets began in the 19th century in Southern France and the north of Spain, where they were already common headwear, and the beret remains associated with these countries, particularly France. Berets are worn as part of the uniform of many military and police units worldwide, as well as by other organizations.[4]