Your Shopping Bag is Empty
SIMILAR ARTICLES
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.
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.
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.
