How to wear your Beret

_In this guide we're going to look at how to Shape your Beret.
LIke most items of uniform, you will have to put some work into making the standard issue RAF Beret fit correctly.  You can't just plop it on your head an think it will look after itself!
If you don't want to look like a helicopter landing pad you're going to have to Shape it to fit your head correctly.
How Should the Beret be worn?
  • The Beret is work so that the headband (edge binding) is horizontal across the forehead, one inch (25cm) above the eyebrows.
  • The badge must be clearly displayed in a position above the left eye.
  • The excess material is draped over to the right ear, extending to at least the top of the ear, no lower than the middle of the ear.
  • Females with long hair are required to wear a hair net the colour of which must match their hair colour as closesly as possible.
  • When worn properly, the beret is formed to the shape of the head, therefore, cadets should not wear hairstyles that cause distortion of the Beret.
How to Shape your Beret
  • Place the Beret on your head with the headband (edge binding) is horizontal across the forehead, one inch (25cm) above the eyebrows.
  • Pull the headband drawstring tight and tie it off in a square note.  DO NOT CUT IT.
  • Take the Beret and dunk it in warm (not hot!) water.
  • Once you get it soaking wet, put it on your head and pull the stiff badge mounting over your left eye and smooth the material over your head, pull down towards your right ear.  It should just touch your ear or go just below that.
  • Once you've got it all set, wear it for a while until it's almost dry.
  • Carefully take it off and set it down to dry.  You may need to shape it a few times to get it right.
  • Once you're happy with the its shapre, conceal the excess headband drawstring by tucking it into the edge binding.
  • Fit your nadage onto the mounting and secure it wiht the split pin.