The top hat was once an essential adornment among influential people and those who thought themselves important. Now it is commonly used mostly by aristocrats, people in dressage competitions, and magicians producing concealed rabbits.
As with many fashion items, when the top hat first saw the light of day is difficult to pin down. One origin of doubtful authenticity is based on a story that involved a haberdasher named John Hetherington. Hetherington was among the first people to step out onto the streets of London wearing a topper.
The narrative is attributed to bothThe TimesandSt. James's Gazetteand has Hetherington surrounded by a crowd in awe of the "tall structure having a shining lustre, and calculated to frighten timid people" (The Times, allegedly). The story continues that, after a riot, charges were laid against Hetherington for breach of the peace.
It's more likely the top hat evolved from the sugarloaf (or capotain) hat that was popular headgear for women and men in the late 16th to mid-17th centuries. It's also likely that the bragging rights for inventing the chapeau in question was a man named George Dunnage, who turned one out of his hatter's shop in 1793.
By the early 19th century, the top hat had become the hat of choice for society gentlemen. It carried the stamp of approval from none other than George "Beau" Brummel, the fashion dandy and arbiter of good taste; if Beau Brummel wore a top hat, everybody had to wear it. The top hat became ubiquitous throughout the western world.
The great British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel (second from right) and companions wearing the top hat style known as the “stovepipe.”
Throughout the 19th century, the top hat was a mainstay of Victorian life: a man in a topper was well-to-do, respectable, a man of industry. But now the top hat is only a caricature of the upper class privilege it once represented. Its history traces a line through dandies, beavers, silk, and madness.
The top hat is a tall cylindrical hat, typically made of silk mounted on a felt base. It has a high crown, a narrow, slightly curved brim, and is often black.
Highlights
Handmade
Materials: wool felt
Victorian Top Hat. You can make your hat with your favorite color by choosing it from my Wool felt color card.
Short crown top hat embellished with a 50 millimeters wide grosgrain ribbon. Edwardian top hat ideal for everyday and special ocasions such as weddings, cocktails or parties. For man and woman.
Measurements in centimeters are 30 x 25. Crown height 11. Brim length 6. These measurements may have some slight variation depending on the size of the hat. The end of the brim is reinforced inside with a fine wire covered with cotton thread to always have the hat in perfect condition.
All our felt hats have a 100% natural rayon inner lining (non-synthetic).
Hat size is based on the circumference of the head. In order to determine your proper hat size, you must take a measurement of your head.
Using a tape measure, measure your head about one-half inch above your eyebrows where your hat will rest. Be certain that the tape measure is straight, not twisted. Alternatively, you can use piece of string to measure your head, and then measure the length of the string with a ruler. If you are not certain about size, or are between sizes, buy the larger size.
Use the chart below to determine your hat size based on the measurement you take.
About transport: Many businesses choose to use plastic bags in order to save costs. This will make the hat produce creases. Our packages arepacked in cardboard boxes to protect them from distortion
exceptional CRAFTSMANSHIP Making hats never gets old, only the folks making them. With this comes generations of experience at our craft. We combine old world methods with a modern mindset because quality people deserve quality hats.
carefully CURATED DETAILS There is deep intention behind every design. We cut fabric and textiles, but never corners. Always an art; never just a hat.
sourcing THE BEST MATERIALS The best hats come from the best materials and only the finest will do. From 100% merino wool, hand woven toquilla straw, premium furs, and more. Start at the top.
NEVER JUST A HAT
There is deep intention behind every design. We cut fabric and textiles, but never corners. From 100% merino wool, hand woven toquilla straw, premium furs, and more. Start at the top.
Always an art; never just a hat.
THE CRAFT
Making hats never gets old, only the folks making them. With this comes generations of experience at our craft. But it's what's next that matters most, and that is up to you. We just craft the hats; the transformation happens through you.
Insured Worldwide Shipping: Each order includes real-time tracking details and insurance coverage in the unlikely event that a package gets lost or stolen in transit.
Money-Back Guarantee: If your items arrive damaged or become defective within 30 days of usage, we will gladly issue out a replacement or refund.
24/7 Customer Support: We have a team of live reps ready to help and answer any questions you have within a 24-hour time frame, 7 days a week.
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SHIPPING
We ship to 127 countries, including the US, CA, AU and all countries in Europe. AFTER-SALE SERVICE Dear Customer, purchase any product here and try it in the comfort of your own home for 14 days. If for whatever reason you’re not completely satisfied, then return the product within 14 days!
