Poland, like so many Central European countries, has a long history of beret wearing and making. The main manufacturer of berets is the Sterkowski Company, a Warsaw based family operated business since 1926.
The company has a turbulent history; the hard times of World War 2 and the German Occupation of Poland, the involvement in the Warsaw Uprising, 44 years of communism, but despite all adversary, surviving as an independent company.
Now, in 2024, the 4th generation Sterkowski is at the helm and, with South Pacific Berets, Sterkowski is a staunch supporter of Ukraine - financially, and giving opportunities to Ukrainian crafts(wo)men.
In partnership with Sterkowski, South Pacific Berets has a variety of authentic, beautifully handmade berets on offer. Made in Poland, showing excellent old-world craftsmanship at a reasonable price.
Market at the Pańska Street. The first headquarters of Sterkowski
Business trip; from right to left Zygmunt Sterkowski and Julek Kozłowski, 1950s.
Membership card of the Master Hatters Guild, 1952.
Two generations Sterkowski at the Warsaw workshop