Berets
 

Hi, just wondering how you should properly shape a beret? Tried searching for it but nothing came up.
Just got one and I don't want to ruin it.
Thanks very much chaps

Good point, however, I am only a lowly UAS member!
I feel a bit bad wearing an Officers hat! Even though my official rank is Officer Cadet.
:)

Wise words BEagle

If it's from stores, do yourself a favour and throw it in the bin. If you must have one, go and buy a proper one from Snaiths' or some such - it should not need shaping.

STH

Remembering back a VERY long time to my days as a Halton Apprentice, I seem to remember having to dunk the beret in alternate bowls of hot and cold water, whilst regularly shaping it over your head.

Honest!

Thanks very much, im sure some of them must have some experience.
I've only just started and im LOVING it!!
Thanks for your time.

Soak the fabric in warm water, keeping the leather band dry, stand in the bath & pull on in a Frank Spencer-stylie. Shape it to your head squeezing excess water out as you do & ignoring the blue dye that must by now be running down your arms. When shaped, doff said cap & place in an airing cupboard to slowly dry in this eye-pleasingly contoured profile.

Or,
a. as you're an O., disregard all of the above, take out of packet & lay beret on bonce in the manner of a flat-topped grey funnelled war canoe
b. buy a chip bag

Thanks snaggle, I'll give the bath one a go I think!!:ok:

I think the better question is how to properly shape an officer.

Why bother getting wet and messy?
 

- surely that's for OR's? Simply don beret, and whilst shaping it with one hand, reach for industrial staple gun with the other hand and affix - et voila! :E

With hindsight this operation requires a deftness of touch and an eye-hand coordination quotient most O.s lack. Mail it to me & I'll do it for a Fiver. Ahem, the beret that is.

To get a beret that truly looks like it's been to 'Nam, you'll need to soften it up a little in the washing machine before carrying out the hot/cold water procedure. 60 degree wash will sort it right out.

Dave

O.s in berets is like pigs in leg-warmers. They do it so badly it shouldn't be allowed

Things have changed since my day then...we used to wear Airman style SD hats...back in the day...(2000!)

SD hats? :confused:

Don't know what the 'SD' stands for, but it's the peaked cap much beloved of him off the buses and any postie circa 1956.

Service Dress, I believe.

Stop posting and get that beret in the washing machine.

lol, I might be a student but I know what a hot wash does to wool!!
Thanks anyways!
:ok:

Take one cat, several cans of cat food (the more pungent the better), a large bowl of water, one small closet (preferably dark) and one beret of the appropriate size.

1. Finely empty the closet and introduce the large bowl of water.
2. Lock cat in the now empty closet for one entire day, paying special attention that no medical care is required.
3. Dispense the catfood into a large bowl and introduce into the closet, taking care that the cat does not escape.
4. At the same time, place the beret carefully into the opposite corner of the closet.
5. Resecure the closet door.
6. Wait one more day, after which, open the doors to the closet (1).
7. Extract the beret, and discard the whoopsie.
8. Serve chilled, on head and garnish with with Frank Spencer voice.

(1) it is advisable to stand to the side during this operation and to have previously opened the back door.