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.
A top hat is defined by its tall, flat crown and gently curved brim, a silhouette that evokes both formality and finesse. Worn upright and proud, it has long stood as a hallmark of ceremonial dress, often reserved for weddings, race meetings, and grand society occasions.
The top hat has always had an air of the exceptional. It is a hat of tradition, with the ability to transform not just an outfit, but posture and presence. It’s special because it represents more than style: it represents stature, craft, and culture.
At Lock & Co., we continue to offer traditional silk plush top hats, hand-blocked and finished using time-honoured techniques, just as we did in the 19th century. Each is sourced from the finest examples available, representing the top tier of antique silk hats worldwide, and selected by hand for exceptional condition, proportion and character.
Explore a few of our Top Hats:
With several hats in each size, Lock & Co. will help you find the best top hat for you. Buy a luxury top hat that blends timeless elegance with expert craftsmanship – perfect for formal occasions and distinguished style.
Today, there are a number of styles available, each with its own personality and purpose:
Traditionally, the most prestigious hats are made from silk plush, a luxurious material that is no longer produced. At Lock & Co., our antique silk top hats are sourced with care and restored using specialist techniques. Other options include:
Each of our top hats is fully lined and finished with a grosgrain band, in keeping with formal tradition.
The top hat first appeared in the late 18th century, with the earliest version credited to English hatter John Hetherington in 1797. By the mid-19th century, it had become essential to a gentleman’s wardrobe — particularly for City wear and ceremonial events.
Lock & Co. has served clients throughout this rich history, including Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, and royalty past and present.
Top Hats reached their peak in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when they were considered everyday attire for gentleman of the upper and middle classes. Today they remain an integral part of British pageantry - most notably at Ascot, state occasions and formal weddings.
Learn what type of hat to wear to Ascot or a formal wedding.
The making of a traditional top hat is an art form, and one we take seriously. At Lock & Co., our process involves:
Each top hat is unique, shaped and sized to fit the individual wearer precisely.
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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.
