A beret is a soft, round, flat-crowned cap, usually made of woven, hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, wool felt, or acrylic fiber. It is a visorless cap with a close-fitting headband and a wide, round top often with a tab at its center. Berets are worn by both sexes and are made from circular pieces of knitted, woven, or felted cloth, occasionally velvet, and drawn underneath by a string, thread band, or leather thong so as to fit around the head. They may be decorated with objects such as ribbons, plumes, pins, tassels, jewelry, precious stones, fabrics, and cords. Berets are associated with France and Spain, where mass production of berets began in the 19th century. Military and police units worldwide wear berets as part of their uniform, as well as other organizations. The beret is part of the long-standing stereotype of the French artist. There are different ways to wear a beret, including set back on the head (halo style), flat on the head (pancake style), pulled down covering the ears (winter version), dipping diagonally to one side (fashion style), or pulling over the eyes for sleeping (oversized practical type).