Top Hats
There has never been a more sophisticated and dominating hat in fashion than the top hat. A top hat is a tall, flat-crowned hat for men traditionally associated with formal wear in Western dress codes, meaning white tie, morning dress, or frock coat. The top hat is also known as a beaver hat or silk hat, in reference to its material, as well as casually as chimney pot hat or stove pipe hat. As part of traditional formal wear, in popular culture the top hat has sometimes been associated with the upper class, and used by satirists and social critics as a symbol of capitalism or the world of business, as with the Monopoly Man or Scrooge McDuck. Traditionally Made of silk, the top Hat emerged in Western fashion by the end of the 18th century. Although it declined by the time of the counterculture of the 1960s, it remains a formal fashion accessory. In a popular culture top hat has sometimes been associated with the upper class, and used by satirists and social critics as a symbol of Capitalism or word of business. Since the 1912 Olympics, these formal, flat-crowned hats have been proudly worn by riders as they compete in dressage, showjumping and cross country events.
Inspired by Early Modern higher crowned dark felt hats with wide brims emerged as a country leisurewear fashion. The modern standard top hat is a hard, black silk hat, with fur now often used. The acceptable colors of hats are much as they have traditionally been, with "white" hats (which are actually grey), a daytime racing color, worn at the less formal occasions demanding a top hat, such as Royal Ascot, or with a morning suit. In the U.S. top hats are worn widely in coaching, a driven horse discipline, as well as for formal riding to hounds.
HATIQUETTES -
In principle, the etiquette of wearing any hat indoors should be straightforward. Gentlemen do not wear hats indoors at any occasion, and we are inclined to agree, therefore you should always remove your hat when you enter a building. However, the exception to this is any indoor areas that are considered public places, such as airports, lobbies, shopping malls, public transport and so on.
A top hat is the most formal hat and is generally worn with tails. Top hats tend to be reserved for more formal black or white tie events. Men wore top hats for business, pleasure and formal occasions—pearl gray for daytime, black for day or night—making its wearer feel taller, handsomer and suave. Men can wear a top hat with a morning suit; it should be worn on the front of the head and removed and carried under the arm once indoors. The wearer should know how to 'doff' their hat i.e. how to raise it above the head to greet guests. They are more Popular in Great Britain and are associated with the upper class. Hats have cemented themselves as eternally stylish men’s accessories. From baseball caps to bucket hats, fedoras to snapbacks, men’s hats are a versatile, functional, and stylish addition to any look. They’re also practical and suitable for any season. Rain, hail, shine, or snow, a hat will keep you warm, dry, and sheltered from the sun all while looking great. On top of that, hats can finish off any casual, classy, or eclectic ensemble in a simple yet inspired way.
