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Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
In the history of hat styles, few hats evoke as much of a sense of timelessness and luxury as our rounded Coke (or Bowler hat) and iconic Top hat. For either of these “hard hats”, we advise making an appointment to have your head measured with a conformateur as you will undoubtedly benefit from having the hat fitted by a skilled hatter. The perfect hard hat fitting involves a meticulous process, where the conformateur plays a pivotal role in achieving the ideal fit.
The Conformateur is a head-measuring device invented by Mr Allié-Maillard in France in the 1850s. It remains an essential tool in the crafting of hard hat fitting and top hat sizing, ensuring each hat is not only perfectly stylish but also perfectly fitted and perfectly comfortable. Lock & Co. offers appointments for a free professional head measurement using a conformateur.
The conformateur takes precise measurements of the customer's head. This includes the circumference, height, and other dimensions necessary for creating a hat that sits perfectly on the wearer's head.
The process begins with a skilled hat maker conducting an initial consultation with the customer. This involves discussions about style preferences and any specific design elements the customer requires.
Using a conformateur, one of our skilled hatters will measure the shape of your head: As the levers and shaped crown adapt to the contours, the conformateur generates a detailed paper or cardboard template. This template captures the unique shape of the head, allowing for a
customised fit.
Skilled hatters use the conformateur-derived measurements to shape the bowler hat or top hat accordingly. In the crafting process, hatters use a series of centuries-old hatting techniques - molding, blocking, and sewing - to bring to life a “hard hat” that is truly tailored to your specifications.
Bowler hats and top hats crafted with these precise hard hat fitting measurements offer a bespoke fit, ensuring that the hat sits comfortably on the wearer's head without slipping or feeling too tight.
The precision afforded by the conformateur ensures that the hatter meticulously crafts every detail perfectly, from the crown's height to the brim's curve.
The Conformateur allows for the creation of bowler hats and top hats with a refined and elegant silhouette, capturing the distinctive style that has made these hats iconic.
If you are looking to purchase a "hard hat" (Cokes, Bowlers, or Top Hats), then a hard hat fitting or top hat sizing will ensure the perfect fit. Visit the Lock's shop in London for a complimentary one-on-one appointment to professionally measure your head using the conformateur.
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
The fedora has long been a symbol of timeless elegance, structured yet soft, refined yet versatile. At Lock & Co., we have shaped the evolution of this iconic silhouette for generations, bringing modern craftsmanship to a classic form.
At Lock & Co., a well-fitting fedora should feel like a natural extension of your personal style, secure yet comfortable, structured yet wearable. It should sit neatly on the head, complementing your silhouette without ever feeling forced.
A fedora is more than just a hat, it’s a statement of effortless style and quiet sophistication. At Lock & Co., our fedoras are designed to complement the individual, with thoughtful silhouettes, luxurious materials and subtle, timeless details.
A Lock & Co. fedora is built to last, with proper care, it can serve for decades. Whether crafted from fine wool felt, luxurious fur felt, or lightweight straw, each hat benefits from thoughtful maintenance and gentle cleaning.
A Lock & Co. fedora is made to travel, whether it's across town or across continents. With proper care and packing, your hat can arrive at your destination in pristine condition. Below, we share expert advice on storing, folding (where appropriate), and travelling with your fedora.
From Savile Row to city streets, the fedora remains a cornerstone of modern dressing. At Lock & Co., we continue to see this timeless hat evolve - with subtle but powerful updates in material, tone and shape. Explore the defining fedora trends of 2025.
Finding the right fit is the foundation of any great hat. At Lock & Co., our fedoras are sized with precision and each one is hand-blocked using traditional wooden forms to ensure the most flattering and comfortable fit.
Today, we proudly raise our hats in honour of a truly extraordinary milestone – Tina’s 20th anniversary as our cherished Millinery Manager at Lock & Co. Hatters.
A top hat is more than a finishing touch, it defines the entire ensemble. Whether for Ascot, a wedding, or a black-tie affair, understanding how to wear and style your top hat is essential to carrying it with confidence and poise.
