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Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
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Originally made of felt, this was replaced in the 1850s by a unique fabric known as 'silk plush' which gave the top hat its characteristic sheen.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.
With Royal Ascot just around the corner, Lock & Co. has put together this helpful guide to answer your most frequently asked questions about what hats, headpieces, and top hats to wear to Royal Ascot 2025.
A selection of the wonderful creations by the pupils of Blakesley Primary School are showcased in our shop windows of Lock & Co., 6 St. James’s Street, London, from Monday, March 24th, to Monday, March 31st.
A Bowler hat has defined some of modern history’s most unforgettable images. The Coke is Lock & Co.'s masterpiece.
The perfect hat adds timeless elegance to your wedding day ensemble, whether you're the mother of the bride or a distinguished guest.
At top British race meetings like Cheltenham, trilbies and fedoras are race day essentials.
We love this photoshoot of our hats for the Rakish Gent Magazine.
In this article the Lock & Co. team share their favourite classic hat styles that can be worn by men and women.
What is a fedora? Discover how to wear a fedora properly, and how to measure your head to find your perfect fedora size at Lock & Co. Hatters.
Discover the glamorous past of the cloche hat and the styling suggestions we have to help you select the perfect cloche.
