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.
A top hat is traditionally worn with morning dress at weddings, Royal Ascot,
and other formal daytime events. It adds a touch of sophistication and is the
perfect finishing touch for classic formalwear.
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.
Find your perfect size with our measuring guide.
Explore more about how your top hat should fit.
Find Out More About Top Hats
Explore our collection of expertly crafted top hats, available in both silk and felt finishes. Whether you're attending a wedding, a race, or a formal event, you'll find the perfect style to complete your look.
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
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.
As part of our 350th anniversary collection, we are proud to celebrate two of our most loved and iconic cap styles: The Gill Flat Cap and The Whitebridge Bakerboy Cap.
Join us on March 27th for wear a hat day and help make a difference. It's simple, fun and helps give hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
2026 will see Lock & Co. celebrating throughout the year, with very special events to attend, exclusive limited-edition men’s and women’s hats and caps launched each month - and even some extra-secret surprises!
Thank you, most kindly, for your custom, and we hope to see you in the shop or on our website soon. You are always most welcome.
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.
