Topic: Suggestions on Forming a Beret.

[Stakhanov]

Just got my kit issued to me today, and I have to go to work tomorrow, but that beret is @)*(#& hard to form correctly, and get it to stay.  My friend told me to get it wet, form it, and leave it until it dries and that works best, but that seems a little extreme.  :p .  It doesnt look too bad now, would just like any suggestions on keeping it formed properly, and getting it that way without too much hassle   .

[Hatchet Man]

Do what your friend said.  Wear it in the shower (or soak it in hot water).  The hot water helps loosen the fabric. Form it then allow it to dry.  Sometimes the liner (the black fabric inside) happens to "fall out". With that liner out it is easier to form.

[PriceCHofO]

Place it in a sink of warm water. Soak it 2 minutes. Put it on your head, shape it, wear it till it‘s dry.

You might want to wait until after your basic starts, in case your instructors disapprove, but cut your liner out as well. Makes it easier to shape.

[Stakhanov]

Thanks   , will do

[*CDN*Blackhawk]

I had the worst time forming my Beret, i think part of it was because they issues me a beret that was way to big, the fold went down past the bottom of my ear...lol.

[portcullisguy]

I didn‘t really care what my beret looked like through BMQ, SQ and BIQ.  I knew it was coming off permanently after BIQ, in exchange for much more fashionable (in my opinion) headdress ... the balmoral.

That said, I did exactly what was suggested, to get it looking at least not "new".  I soaked in water, and sometimes would have to do it again a few weeks later as it went back to it‘s original crap shape.

Mine was also way too big, and the flap came down way over my ear.  Oh well!  It‘s hardly functional headdress anyway.

My advice -- join a Highland regiment.  A balmoral at least keeps the sun and rain out of your eyes a bit.  

[lostgrenadier]

Originally posted by The_Falcon:
[qb] Do what your friend said.  Wear it in the shower (or soak it in hot water).  The hot water helps loosen the fabric. Form it then allow it to dry.  Sometimes the liner (the black fabric inside) happens to "fall out". With that liner out it is easier to form. [/qb]

Do what the falcon says, lose the liner, get it wet,and form it on your head. Then wait for it to dry. Drink while you wait, you‘ll be amazed at how the time goes by, lostgrenadier

[Infanteer]

Oh well! It‘s hardly functional headdress anyway.

Tell that to the Royal Marines dismounting at Basra wearing their green berets....

Don‘t bother forming your beret at all.  I want to see someone wearing an unformed beret that looks like a chef hat, it would be good for a chuckle.

[Superman]

Seen that already... haha it was quite funny

[bobthebui|der]

u may want to take a look at me then. I‘ve formed my beret 3 times, once in the shower and twice in a mixing bowl of hot water. The flap STILL sticks straight out the side and looks like a wing.

[Farmboy]

Hot water, then stick on your head and form the way you want it, leave it on your head to dry.

 When it is almost dry spray with hair spray.

I hate the way the liners just fall out as well.

[Infanteer]

You want a REAL solution.  Just spend the 20 bucks and order a Belgian-style beret off the internet (PPCLI kitshop has ‘em).

Not only is the material better (and all the same colour), but the band is cloth, rather than leather, so it does not crack and peel.  The issue beret looks like dog s**t.

[archer]

Originally posted by Infanteer:
[qb] You want a REAL solution.  Just spend the 20 bucks and order a Belgian-style beret off the internet (PPCLI kitshop has ‘em).

Not only is the material better (and all the same colour), but the band is cloth, rather than leather, so it does not crack and peel.  The issue beret looks like dog s**t. [/qb]

Will instructors or superior‘s care if you‘re using the Belgian style of Beret?

[XHighlander]

i found the easy way was:

1. get the liner out (pos)

2. get it very wet two or three times to remove any thing in the wool

3. once you have it formed just right

place it on the floor with a piece of wood over the fold and place some bricks on it for at least a week when you remove the weight it should be perfect.

at least thats the way i used to do it

[BOOMER004]

After you cut the liner out soak it in hot water form it let it dry. Then take a razor and shave all the fuzzy bits off. Martha Stewart calls it "Antiquing" That way it will not attract as many stole away dust bunnies.