February 2023:  the first and second batches of Merino d'Arles berets (2021 and 2022) have sold out in a very short time and feedback on these berets was extremely positive. A limited edition, these berets were meant to not return.

However, the manufacturer managed to secure more of this illustrious natural wool and has made one more [small] batch exclusively for South Pacific Berets under the new Orthez label.

Sizes range from 10p (28cm diameter) to 12p/Alpin (33.6cm diameter). There is only a limited number available and it is unknown if these berets will ever return.

I dare say, these berets are the very best in quality, comfort and craftsmanship one can possibly find! 

September 2023: ALL STANDARD MERINO D'ARLES BERETS SOLD OUT

10 and 11p models in the Limited Edition Aotearoa are available here and 10p Merino d'Arles Luxe models here

The Bérets Merino d’Arles are custom batch-made berets in natural, unbleached and undyed wool of the Merinos d’Arles sheep. Merino wool from Arles is very hard to source and expensive as a raw material. The knitting, fulling and felting of these berets follows an intricate and difficult process. After years of trials, South Pacific Berets can now -exclusively- offer these Merinos d’Arles berets in the Auloronesa Universel model, fitted with a black liguette (to adjust the size), black cotton lining and the label of Manufacture de Bérets Béarn. 

The Merinos d’Arles produce a light fleece of only 2 kg of very fine wool in the range between 20/21 micron with a length of 5/7cm.
The particularity of the Merino d’Arles fibre is its curliness; no other wool has so many bows per centimeter. This allows very light products due to its bulkiness and lightweight.
Whereas most Merino sheep are bred with a focus on pure white fleece, the original colour of the wool are shades between milk-white to light brown and grey. 

The old Roman city of Arles in the South of France is the centre of French Merino sheep. It was in 1806 that the “Imperial and Royal Bergerie d’Arles” was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. In Arles the Spanish Merino sheep was crossed with a local sheep breed, the “Mouton Camarguaise”, with the Merinos d’Arles as a result. This was a small, tough animal, sturdy to cope with the hard living conditions on the plain as well as in the mountains, with the finest wool, ideal and well adapted for the dry and hot climate of the vast plains of the ancient delta of Rhone and Durance River.