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.
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
Today, we proudly raise our hats in honour of a truly extraordinary milestone – Tina’s 20th anniversary as our cherished Millinery Manager at Lock & Co. Hatters.
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.
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.
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.
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., 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.
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.
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.
A Bowler hat has defined some of modern history’s most unforgettable images. The Coke is Lock & Co.'s masterpiece.
