Initially, berets had their history originating in France. They were also used by military troops of France and Spain, which were believed to have influenced their use in other countries. The French Mountain warfare troops are known to have been among the first to incorporate the use of beret in the military. They used the accessory to display their level and status within the organization. At the same time, the beret continued to increase in popularity outside the army. And the beret was mostly used as a fashion statement by women in the 1900s. The beret grew in popularity and gained interest from artists, and the style later became associated with the demographic.