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Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
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.
At Lock & Co. we believe elegance lies in the details. Below, you'll find our guide to getting it just right.
Traditionally, a top hat should be worn squarely on the head, sitting level and firm, without tipping forward or backward. It should feel secure but never tight - sitting just above the ears and resting comfortably on the forehead.
A very slight tilt forward may feel natural but should never appear exaggerated.
Hair should be neat; long hair should be styled to allow the hat to sit properly.
At formal occasions, gloves may be worn and the hat removed when indoors or greeting others.
Ensure the perfect fit with our sizing guide
Not sure how snug it should be? Read: How should a top hat fit
Top hats are typically reserved for formal morning dress or full evening dress. Here's how to wear yours with confidence.
A timeless pairing for formal day events - crisp whit shirt, waistcoat, black morning coat, and black silk top hat.
Light grey top hat with a matching morning coat and dove waistcoat.
For themed events or period weddings: herringbone frock coat, pocket watch, and antique top hat.
Contemporary tailoring (e.g., longline coat, monochrome palette) paired with a traditional felt top hat, an homage to heritage with modern restraint.
The most formal and versatile; ideal for Ascot, weddings and evening events.
A refined option for spring and summer weddings
Occasional options that can lend a subtle point of difference.
Top hats are not everyday wear - and that's precisely the point. Here are the key moments where they shine:
What is a top hat?
How to measure for a top hat?
How should a top hat fit?
How to clean a top hat?
How to find the perfect top hats for Royal Ascot, weddings and formal events?
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
Celebrate the season with timeless Christmas gifts from Lock & Co. Hatters. Explore our heritage inspired collection of hats, scarves, and accessories, crafted with care and designed to last.
Having joined the team only a few weeks ago, our milliner Isabel has already brought her remarkable embroidery expertise to life with a very special creation for Remembrance Day 2025.
To keep your Panama hat looking as stylish as the day you purchased it. We provide suggestions on how to take care of your Panama hat.
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.
