A beret (UK /ˈbɛreɪ/ BERR-ay or US /bəˈreɪ/ bə-RAY; [beʁɛ]) is a soft, round, flat-crowned hat, usually of woven, hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, wool felt, or acrylic fibre. Mass production began in 19th century France and Spain, countries with which it remains associated.