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All about Top Hats

First worn in the eighteenth century, the top hat was originally a ubiquitous headpiece. Today, this timeless silhouette is a mark of distinguishment and discernment synonymous with formal occasions such as Royal Ascot, garden parties, investitures, and weddings, where they are considered de rigueur.

Originally made of felt, this was replaced in the 1850s by a unique fabric known as 'silk plush' which gave the top hat its characteristic sheen. The last factory to produce silk plush ended production in the late 1960s, so there are only a limited number of silk top hats left in the world today. Contemporary top hats are again made from a felt material.

Lock & Co. supplies black and grey felt top hats and renovated vintage silk top hats. For formal occasions, black top hats are traditionally worn with a black morning coat, while grey top hats generally partner with a grey morning suit.

The 'conformateur' head measuring device is often used at Lock & Co. to determine the correct size and shape of a hat. There are records of the Emperor of Japan using this device to obtain a suitably fitted top hat.

TOP HATS & COKES (BOWLER HATS)

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TOP HAT

SOFT BRISTLE HAT BRUSH

1. Clean off any dust by very gently brushing with a pure bristle hat brush.

In the case of grey felt top hats, buff carefully with crushed clean white tissue paper.

OUR HAT-GROOMING SERVICES

2. Renovate and service regularly.

Lock & Co. offers a renovation service, an estimate will be given upon presentation of your hat.

LEATHER TOP HAT BUCKET

3. Store in a top hat box.

HOW TO POLISH YOUR TOP HAT

Only our black Silk and Westminster top hats have a directional nap which is designed to be polished.

SILK TOP HAT

SILK TOP HAT

TOWN SHELL TOP HAT

WESMINSTER TOP HAT

TOWN SHELL HIGH CROWN TOP HAT

WESTMINSTER HIGH CROWN TOP HAT

VELVET POLISHING PAD

VELVET POLISHING PAD

Smooth the nap lightly in an anti-clockwise direction using a soft bristle hat brush, then use a velvet pad to bring up the lustre of the nap.

Silk top hats when polished have a deep glossy sheen similar to that found on vintage vinyl records.

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