First worn in the eighteenth century, the top hat was originally a ubiquitous headpiece. Today, this timeless silhouette is a mark of distinguishment and discernment synonymous with formal occasions such as Royal Ascot, garden parties, investitures, and weddings, where they are considered de rigueur.
Originally made of felt, this was replaced in the 1850s by a unique fabric known as 'silk plush' which gave the top hat its characteristic sheen. The last factory to produce silk plush ended production in the late 1960s, so there are only a limited number of silk top hats left in the world today. Contemporary top hats are again made from a felt material.
Lock & Co. supplies black and grey felt top hats and renovated vintage silk top hats. For formal occasions, black top hats are traditionally worn with a black morning coat, while grey top hats generally partner with a grey morning suit.
The 'conformateur' head measuring device is often used at Lock & Co. to determine the correct size and shape of a hat. There are records of the Emperor of Japan using this device to obtain a suitably fitted top hat.
1. Clean off any dust by very gently brushing with a pure bristle hat brush.
In the case of grey felt top hats, buff carefully with crushed clean white tissue paper.
2. Renovate and service regularly.
Lock & Co. offers a renovation service, an estimate will be given upon presentation of your hat.
3. Store in a top hat box.
Only our black Silk and Westminster top hats have a directional nap which is designed to be polished.
Smooth the nap lightly in an anti-clockwise direction using a soft bristle hat brush, then use a velvet pad to bring up the lustre of the nap.
Silk top hats when polished have a deep glossy sheen similar to that found on vintage vinyl records.
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
Discover the glamorous past of the cloche hat and the styling suggestions we have to help you select the perfect cloche.
We're thrilled to have a couple of our hats featured in the October 2024 issue of The Rake Magazine.
We love this photoshoot featuring our Foldable Panama hat for The Rake magazine.
In 2024, the iconic Coke hat celebrates its 175th anniversary.
Lock & Co. has partnered with the Royal School of Needlework for RSN x Bowler Hat to commemorate this milestone.
Keep reading for a full Lock & Co. FAQs on how to choose the best hat style if you wear glasses.
Lock & Co.'s Guide to Finding the Perfect Hat Style. Lock & Co. has almost 350 years of experience fitting hats to all sizes and shapes of heads, and we are confident that we could help you in finding your perfect hat style.
Here's your comprehensive Lock & Co. guide to choosing hats that fit well in a larger size.
We love this photoshoot featuring our boaters and Florida flat cap for The Rake magazine.
Learn about Lock & Co.'s exclusive Panama hats, which are handwoven in Ecuador by craftsmen and women utilising methods that have been passed down through generations.
