THE GLAMOROUS
    HISTORY OF CLOCHE HATS: From the Roaring Twenties to Today

    Cloche hats have a rich and glamorous history dating back to the 1920s. These hats were all the rage in the Roaring Twenties and a popular accessory for women who wanted to look stylish and chic. The cloche hat is a close-fitting, bell-shaped hat that typically covers the ears and forehead. It is designed to fit snugly on the head and is often worn tilted at an angle to one side. The popularity of cloche hats began to wane in the 1930s, but they never went entirely out of fashion. They experienced a revival in the 1960s and 1970s and are still a popular accessory today.

    There are many styles of cloche hats, from the classic bell-shaped design to more modern variations incorporating different materials and embellishments. One of the reasons why cloche hats have endured for so long is their timeless elegance. They are versatile enough to be worn with a variety of outfits, and you can wear them dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They also exude a certain air of mystery and sophistication that is hard to resist. Whether you opt for a vintage-inspired design or a more contemporary take on this classic style, you are sure to turn heads and make a statement whenever you wear a cloche.

    “The Vita Cloche is a little slice of vintage style heaven. The lipstick red sinamay cloche is adorned with a swirling pedal straw trimming, giving a playful modern edge to this traditional shape. The Vita looks equally great with a monochrome suit or with a full skirt dress”.

    Awon Golding.

    There are many styles of cloche hats, from the classic bell-shaped design to more modern variations incorporating different materials and embellishments. One of the reasons why cloche hats have endured for so long is their timeless elegance. They are versatile enough to be worn with a variety of outfits, and you can wear them dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They also exude a certain air of mystery and sophistication that is hard to resist. Whether you opt for a vintage-inspired design or a more contemporary take on this classic style, you are sure to turn heads and make a statement whenever you wear a cloche.

    3 Ways to Style
    Your Cloche Hat for a Chic and Classic Look

    Our top pick from our cloche collection includes two statement pieces.

    The Dolores is available as part of Lock Couture by Awon Golding and is fabric cloche with a flattering upturned brim that frames the face beautifully. It is the perfect casual winter hat that’s guaranteed to be equal parts cozy and stylish.

    The Peggy Escorial wool cloche is a strikingly stylish cloche with a wide brim and has the feel and look of a contemporary classic. This hat is a perfect accompaniment to your autumn/winter wardrobe.

    SIMILAR ARTICLES

    Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.

    View all

    • How to Wear and Style a Top Hat?

      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.

    • How Should a Top Hat Fit?

      A top hat should feel as distinguished as it looks. At Lock & Co., where craftsmanship and precision are paramount, achieving the correct fit is not only about comfort - it's poise, confidence and tradition.

    • How to Care for and Clean a Top Hat

      A top hat is not only an investment in craftsmanship, it’s a piece of history. Whether made from rare silk plush or fine melusine felt, it deserves thoughtful care to preserve its condition for years to come.

    • How to Find a Top Hat for Ascot, Weddings and Other Special Occasions?

      Few accessories carry the gravitas of a top hat. At events where formality and tradition take precedence, such as Royal Ascot, weddings, investitures or civic ceremonies, a top hat doesn’t just complete the look, it defines it.

    • What is a Top Hat?

      Few items of clothing carry the same sense of occasion as the top hat. At Lock & Co. Hatters, where heritage and craftsmanship meet, we consider it not merely a hat, but a symbol of timeless British style.

    • How to Measure Top Hat Size?

      At Lock & Co., the perfect fit begins with precision. Whether you're selecting a traditional felt top hat or an antique silk piece, accurate sizing is essential for comfort, balance, and elegance.

    • ROYAL ASCOT FAQs

      With Royal Ascot just around the corner, Lock & Co. has put together this helpful guide to answer your most frequently asked questions about what hats, headpieces, and top hats to wear to Royal Ascot 2025.

    • Brain Tumour Research "Wear a Hat Day" School Project 2025

      A selection of the wonderful creations by the pupils of Blakesley Primary School are showcased in our shop windows of Lock & Co., 6 St. James’s Street, London, from Monday, March 24th, to Monday, March 31st.

    • Why is it called a Bowler Hat?

      A Bowler hat has defined some of modern history’s most unforgettable images. The Coke is Lock & Co.'s masterpiece.