At Britain's prestigious race meetings, such as the Cheltenham Festival, the trilby and fedora are traditionally seen as an essential part of a race day ensemble. These classic hats, crafted from the highest quality racing felt, are designed specifically for horse racing events.
Here at Lock & Co., in a nod to this horse racing tradition, these hats are
even named after some of the most famous horse racing venues - Cheltenham, Chepstow, Haydock, Sandown and Wetherby.
Beyond their stylish and distinguished appeal, trilbies and fedoras crafted in a traditional racing felt serve a practical purpose. Worn by owners, trainers, and spectators alike, hat styles in racing felts are sturdy, lightweight, and warm, essential elements for race meetings in Britain, where the weather is often unpredictable. Racing felt hats are typically unlined, making them easy to clean and maintain. On days when there is muddy terrain, and the "going is soft", an unlined hat is far easier to clean,
allowing for quick removal of dirt and fingerprints. A quick steam and brush will remove any mud, ensuring the hat stays pristine and is ready for the next race meeting or outdoor adventure.
Lock & Co. trilbies and fedoras honour the heritage of crafting these hat styles from the finest racing felt, typically rabbit fur felt, or wool felt. These felts have stood the test of time and are carefully selected for inherent qualities: being lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant, ensuring that the hat stays comfortable during the long hours spent enjoying your day at the races. The durability of these hats ensures you can enjoy wearing them and celebrating winning moments for years.
The trilby has long been synonymous with British racing culture. The trilby is the popular choice for those who favour its understated, refined silhouette and classic aesthetic. The construction is structured yet flexible, ensuring the perfect balance of comfort and practicality at the races and for general outdoor wear.
While similar in construction, the fedora offers a wider brim that offers protection from the elements, and a more dramatic and adventurous silhouette than the trilby hat style. The fedora has a design that effortlessly balances both style and function.
Lock & Co. hats and caps are more than just an accessory; they are a personal investment in you and a head piece to treasure, full of craft, quality, and heritage. With so many options available, at the home of hats we know there is a perfect race-day hat style for you.
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The right fit is essential for both comfort and style. A well-fitting flat cap should feel secure without being tight, sit correctly on your head, and complement your face shape.
A flat cap is a rounded, soft-crowned hat with a short, stiff brim at the front. First appearing in Northern England in the 14th century, flat caps became embedded in British and Irish life after a 1571 law encouraged their wear among men of the working classes. By the late 19th and early 20th century, they were worn by everyone from labourers and farmers to gentlemen at leisure. Today, the flat cap retains its heritage charm while being embraced as a versatile style in both town and country.
A flat cap is one of the most versatile hats you can own. Whether you are dressing for a weekend walk, a day in the city, or a smart country wedding, the flat cap adds effortless polish while remaining comfortable and practical. Here is everything you need to know about wearing one with confidence.
Flat caps are designed to last for years, but proper care is key to maintaining their shape, colour, and quality. Different materials -wool, tweed, linen, leather - require slightly different cleaning approaches.
Flat caps are travel-friendly by design, but a little care goes a long way in keeping them looking sharp - whether you are storing them at home or packing them for a trip.
Getting the right size is the key to a perfect fit. Here’s how to measure your head accurately and choose the right flat cap size.
