What is a Top Hat?

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 Definition Of Distinction

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.

What Makes a Top Hat So Special?

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.

Types of Top Hats

Today, there are a number of styles available, each with its own personality and purpose:

• Antique Silk Top Hat - The crown jewel of formal millinery. Made from rare vintage silk plush and finished by hand.
• Melusine Top Hat - Crafted from high-quality fur felt with a silk-like sheen; an excellent contemporary alternative.
• Beaver Fur Top Hat – A luxurious and historically significant option. Valued for its natural lustre, softness and durability.
• Collapsible Top Hat - Also known as a gibus, this foldable version is practical yet still entirely elegant.
• Costume or Theatre Styles - Lightweight and exaggerated for dramatic flair.

Discover how to wear and style your top hat

What are Top Hats Made From?

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:

• Melusine felt - a long-fibre wool felt with a lustrous finish.
• Beaver felt - Historically prized for its softness and durability.
• Satin or leather lining - For comfort and breathability.

Each of our top hats is fully lined and finished with a grosgrain band, in keeping with formal tradition.

Find out how to take care of your top hat.

A Brief History: When Were Top Hats Invented?

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.

When Were Top Hats Most Popular?

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.

How Are Top Hats Made?

The making of a traditional top hat is an art form, and one we take seriously. At Lock & Co., our process involves:

1. Sourcing rare vintage silk plush or felts of the finest quality.
2. Hand-blocking or using wooden forms, just as we did two centuries ago.
   
3. Brim binding and finishing, sewn by hand.
   
4. Adding the lining and sweatband, ensuring both comfort and longevity.
   

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.