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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The fedora has long been a symbol of timeless elegance, structured yet soft, refined yet versatile. At Lock & Co., we have shaped the evolution of this iconic silhouette for generations, bringing modern craftsmanship to a classic form.
At Lock & Co., a well-fitting fedora should feel like a natural extension of your personal style, secure yet comfortable, structured yet wearable. It should sit neatly on the head, complementing your silhouette without ever feeling forced.
A fedora is more than just a hat, it’s a statement of effortless style and quiet sophistication. At Lock & Co., our fedoras are designed to complement the individual, with thoughtful silhouettes, luxurious materials and subtle, timeless details.
A Lock & Co. fedora is built to last, with proper care, it can serve for decades. Whether crafted from fine wool felt, luxurious fur felt, or lightweight straw, each hat benefits from thoughtful maintenance and gentle cleaning.
A Lock & Co. fedora is made to travel, whether it's across town or across continents. With proper care and packing, your hat can arrive at your destination in pristine condition. Below, we share expert advice on storing, folding (where appropriate), and travelling with your fedora.
From Savile Row to city streets, the fedora remains a cornerstone of modern dressing. At Lock & Co., we continue to see this timeless hat evolve - with subtle but powerful updates in material, tone and shape. Explore the defining fedora trends of 2025.
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.
