WHY IS IT CALLED A BOWLER HAT?

From Charlie Chaplin’s slap sticking on the silent screen, the outlaws and lawmen riding the Wild West, and to its iconic presence in the city of London, the Bowler hat's unmistakable silhouette has made it as recognisable as any of its famous wearers. It is, most probably, Lock & Co.'s most famous invention to this day, and it has been a staple of their range for over 170 years.

History of the Bowler Hat

The distinctive dome of the Coke (pronounced “cook”), otherwise known as the Bowler hat, was first made in 1849 for nobleman Edward Coke, younger brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester. He ordered it from Lock & Co. as a type of hard, protective hat, to be close-fitting and with a low, rounded crown. This was to protect the heads of Coke’s gamekeepers at Holkham Hall, Norfolk so when they rode the horses and carts, their heads were shielded from the branches of any low-hanging or thorny trees.

Before, Coke’s gamekeepers (and most estate groundsmen) wore top hats that have high, square crowns - and would often get knocked off and damaged when they hit the ground. The Bowler hat was designed to solve these problems. A prototype was swiftly made by Lock & Co.'s chief hat maker, Thomas Bowler, hence why it is more commonly known as the Bowler hat.

It is said that when the “Bowler” hat was finished, Coke came to London on the 17th of December 1849, placed it on the floor and firmly stamped on it. When he saw that it withstood the test, he was most pleased and paid 12 shillings for it.

The Bowler Brothers

The "Bowler" in bowler hat comes from two London hatmakers working for Lock & Co. Hatters, Thomas Bowler and William Bowler, who made the original design in 1849. The Bowler brothers made the hat, but the coke family inspired it. It began as protective headgear for gamekeepers on horseback, it was first called the Coke hat, and then evolved into one of the most recognisable symbols of British business and culture.

Lock & Co. called it the “Coke”, as it is their common practice to name the hat after the client who commissioned it.

Explore our full Bowler Hats Collection here

The Coke initially gained popularity during Queen Victoria’s reign, especially amongst the working-classes of the day. Only later did it become synonymous with business-wear (usually matched with a suit, umbrella and briefcase) in the United Kingdom, especially for civil servants, clerks and bankers.

The Coke’s popularity did not stop on these shores. British railroad workers in western America wore the wind-resistant and sturdy hat – the equivalent of the bright-yellow hard-hats workmen wear today. Thus, it was adopted by Wild West outlaws such as Butch Cassidy and Billy the Kid, because it was close-fitting and stayed firmly on the head, even when ranching.

In the 1920s, the Coke hat was chosen as the official headdress for the South American women of Aymara and Quechua, thanks again to the railroad men following available work further south, in Bolivia.

In 1999, the Coke hat celebrated its 150th anniversary. Seventeen celebrity customers were invited to customise their own Coke hat, including Peter O’Toole, Vivienne Westwood, Jimmy Choo, Nigella Lawson and Joan Rivers.

Today, the Coke is one of Lock & Co.'s most iconic hats, famously worn by actors Charlie Chaplin on the silent screen, Patrick Macnee in the Avengers and John Cleese in Monty Python. Perhaps its most memorable outing to-date was a starring role in Goldfinger, on Bond villain Oddjob. A Bowler hat has defined some of modern history’s most unforgettable images. The Coke is Lock & Co.'s masterpiece.

How to Style a Bowler Hat Today

A bowler hat works best today as a deliberate vintage statement rather than everyday business wear. Pair it with tailored pieces that echo its heritage, such as a structured overcoat, tweed jacket, or well-cut wool trousers or contrast it with modern minimalist clothing to avoid looking like you're wearing a costume.

For women, a bowler hat can be styled either as a vintage-inspired accessory or as a structured contrast to softer, more contemporary pieces. It pairs particularly well with tailored coats, high-waisted trousers, ankle boots, and simple knitwear, creating a look that feels stylish rather than costume-like. It can also work beautifully with feminine pieces such as a flowing midi dress, a silk blouse or a long skirt, where the hat's rounded shape adds a touch of Victorian charm.

Anniversary Collection

In 2024, the iconic Coke hat marked its 175th anniversary with a special collaboration.

Lock & Co. joined forces with the Royal School of Needlework to create the RSN x Bowler Hat collection, celebrating British heritage craftsmanship. This exclusive collection featured 12 uniquely designed bowler hats, each adorned with intricate handmade ribbon embellishments. Every hat tells its own story, brought to life through the exceptional artistry and skill of RSN degree students.

Please see a selection of these hats presented below.