Top hat

1910 top hat

Group photograph of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, Count of Flanders, Princess Alice, Duke of Oporto, and King Leopold I of the Belgians, 1859

Austin Lane Crothers, photograph of head with top hat

Autoportait-Pierre-Etienne-Falconet

charles-vernet-top-hat

Isambard Kingdom Brunel preparing the launch of 'The Great Eastern by Robert Howlett crop

Top hat is a type of hat characterized by its tall, flat-crowned, broad-brimmed shape. Originating in the late 18th century, the top hat quickly became a popular fashion item among men of the upper and middle classes. It is traditionally made of felt derived from beaver fur, but later versions also used silk or other materials. The top hat's association with formal attire and its iconic silhouette have made it a lasting symbol of sophistication and high society.

History

The top hat first emerged in the late 18th century, gaining popularity in the early 19th century. It is believed to have evolved from the sugarloaf hat, with the first silk top hat credited to George Dunnage, a hatter from Middlesex, in 1793. The top hat became a key component of men's fashion, particularly in Europe and North America, where it was associated with the upper classes and became a symbol of the Industrial Revolution's burgeoning bourgeoisie.

Throughout the 19th century, the top hat underwent various modifications in height and style, reflecting changes in fashion and social norms. By the Victorian era, it had become a staple of men's formal wear, often worn to events, ceremonies, and by figures of authority. The top hat's popularity peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Design and Construction

The traditional top hat is made from high-quality felt, which is steamed and shaped over a mold to achieve its distinctive tall, flat-crowned appearance. The process of making a felt top hat involves several steps, including blocking, stiffening, and finishing, often with a silk grosgrain ribbon band around the base of the crown.

Silk top hats, introduced in the 19th century, represented the height of luxury and were prized for their glossy finish and elegant appearance. However, the complexity of their construction and the fragility of silk plush led to their decline in the early 20th century.

Cultural Significance

The top hat has played a significant role in various cultural contexts, symbolizing wealth, status, and authority. It has been associated with figures such as Abraham Lincoln, the Mad Hatter from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and the Monopoly man, among others. In the performing arts, the top hat is often used in magic acts, where it is synonymous with the classic magician's costume.

In contemporary times, the top hat is mostly worn at formal events, such as weddings, funerals, and certain ceremonial occasions. It remains a key element of traditional dress codes, such as morning dress or white tie attire.

Decline and Modern Use

The advent of the 20th century saw a gradual decline in the everyday use of the top hat, as changes in fashion and social norms favored more practical and less formal headwear. The introduction of the motor car also played a role in its decline, as the top hat was not suited to being worn in automobiles.

Despite its reduced presence in daily wear, the top hat retains its place in formal occasions and continues to be a symbol of elegance and tradition. It is also seen in vintage and historical reenactments, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

See Also

• Bowler hat
• Fedora
• Hats in the 20th century