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Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
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.
At Lock & Co., we’ve been crafting and fitting top hats for such occasions since the 18th century. Here's how to choose the right style, colour and fit for your next formal event.
If you're attending the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, the answer is yes — a top hat is part of the formal dress code.
Ascot Dress Code (Royal Enclosure):
Explore our Ascot-ready hats →
How to style a top hat for Ascot →
If you are unsure, black is always the safest and most formal choice.
Understanding the Royal Ascot morning dressrequirements is essential when attending the Royal Enclosure. The Royal Ascot morning suit dress code is one of the most formal in the British social
calendar and should be followed with precision.
A traditional morning dress consists of a black or grey tailcoat, worn with a waistcoat, formal striped trousers, a crisp shirt, and a tie or cravat. If you’re unsure how to wear a morning suit, the key is
balance and restraint, everything should feel tailored, polished, and understated.
No morning dress is complete without the correct morning dress accessories. These typically include:
For more guidance on preparing for the event, read our Royal Ascot FAQs, our guide to Silk Top Hats, or discover seasonal styling inspiration in our Racing Season Edit.
When choosing your hat, understanding silk vs felt top hat etiquette is important.
A black silk top hat is the most formal and traditional choice, making it ideal for Royal Ascot and especially appropriate when paired with black morning dress. A grey felt top hat, on the other hand, is slightly less formal but still entirely acceptable, particularly when worn with grey morning dress or in warmer conditions.
If in doubt, a black silk top hat remains the definitive
option for elegance and tradition at Royal Ascot.
It depends on the formality of the dress code, but a top hat is an elegant choice for any wedding where morning dress is requested.
When in doubt, check the invitation or consult the groom’s party. At Lock & Co., we often advise both grooms and guests on suitable hatwear.
Discover how to wear and style a top hat →
If you're attending both Royal Ascot and a wedding in the same season, one carefully chosen top hat can serve both occasions, provided it’s well-maintained and stored correctly.
Absolutely, though less common in everyday weddings, they remain a key component of formal and ceremonial weddings, especially in the UK. Whether it's a city wedding with black tie or a country wedding with morning coats, a top hat brings distinction and elegance.
Many of our clients choose to wear one not out of obligation, but because the occasion warrants the extra flourish, and the photographs prove it’s worth it.
What is a top hat?
How to measure for a top hat?
How to clean a top hat?
How to wear and style a top hat?
How should a top hat fit?
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
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This year, Lock & Co. becomes an official licensee of Royal Ascot for the first time, a milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and British ceremonial style.
At Lock & Co. Hatters, we see racing season as an opportunity to embrace timeless elegance, where the right hat doesn’t just complete a look, it defines it.
