· A beret (UK: /ˈbɛreɪ/ BERR-ay or US: /bəˈreɪ/ bə-RAY; French: [beʁɛ]) is a soft, round, flat-crowned cap, usually of woven, hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, wool felt, or acrylic fibre. … Berets are worn as part of the uniform of many military and police units worldwide, as well as by other organizations.