At Oliver Brown, our top hats are a hallmark of heritage, elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship. Renowned for dressing distinguished clientele for generations, we take pride in offering a collection that reflects both tradition and refinement.
Whether you're attending Royal Ascot, a formal wedding, or another prestigious event, our top hats lend timeless sophistication to any ensemble. The collection ranges from meticulously restored antique silk top hats to beautifully crafted contemporary pieces in fur felt and melusine, ensuring the perfect option for every discerning gentleman.
Timeless Black Top Hats
Few pieces of attire carry the same weight as the black top hat. Once a symbol of Victorian high society and historical prestige, it continues to command respect in modern formalwear - embodying tradition, sophistication, and ceremony.
Oliver Brown’s black top hats are a masterclass in refined craftsmanship. Each piece is carefully constructed, with a defined crown, smooth satin lining, and a supple leather sweatband for a comfortable, secure fit. Materials are selected for their quality and character, from rich wool felt to the rare silk plush prized for its lustrous finish.
Far from being just a finishing touch, the black top hat anchors a formal look. Worn with a morning coat, tailcoat, or classic three-piece suit, it transforms an outfit into a statement—ideal for Royal Ascot, formal weddings, or any event that calls for a touch of timeless authority.
Featured Top Hats / Accessories
Sophisticated Grey Top Hats
Grey top hats are a distinctive choice for those seeking a balance of tradition and individuality. Often worn at events like Royal Ascot and weddings, they offer a refined yet subtle alternative to the classic black top hat. Crafted with the same expert precision, each grey top hat is made from premium materials such as high-quality wool felt or melusine fabric, ensuring durability and a flawless finish. Designed for elegance, they effortlessly elevate an ensemble, adding a touch of distinction while remaining firmly rooted in the tradition of formalwear.
Top Hats for Weddings
For daytime weddings, particularly for grooms in morning suits, the grey top hat is the preferred choice. The light hue contrasts beautifully against a navy or black tailcoat, adding a layer of refinement and elegance to the overall ensemble. Its softer tone creates a sophisticated yet subtle statement.
Top Hats for Royal Ascot
At Royal Ascot, especially within the Royal Enclosure, a top hat is a strict requirement, making it the perfect fit for this prestigious event. Traditional black top hats remain the most popular choice, offering a timeless, authoritative look. However, a grey top hat serves as a distinguished alternative, maintaining formality while adding a unique touch to your ensemble.
Top Hats for Opera and Theatre Evenings
For grand evening events such as the opera or theatre, a black top hat pairs effortlessly with a tailcoat, ensuring a striking, formal appearance. The black top hat remains the ultimate statement of elegance for these occasions.
Exquisite Craftmanship & Timeless Elegance
Oliver Brown's top hats exemplify heritage, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Made from premium materials and meticulously hand-finished, each piece reflects the brand's commitment to luxury and attention to detail. As specialists in tailoring for distinguished gentlemen, our top hats are the epitome of refinement, perfect for high-society events.
With three locations across London, our stores offer personalised guidance to help you choose the perfect formal wear for your occasion, ensuring you make a lasting impression with the finest top hats available.
How to Wear A Top Hat
Frequently Asked Questions
- For daytime weddings, a grey top hat is the preferred choice for grooms in morning dress, offering elegance with a distinctive touch.
- At Royal Ascot, traditional black top hats dominate, lending a timeless, authoritative look. A grey top hat remains a stylish alternative.
- For grand evening occasions like the opera or theatre, a black top hat paired with a tailcoat ensures a polished and formal appearance.
Oliver Brown curates the world’s finest collection of top hats - from rare antique silk treasures to handcrafted Melusine and wool-felt designs. Each piece is meticulously restored, blending heritage with timeless style. Discover luxury headwear at our London boutiques: the Chelsea flagship, our distinguished Jermyn Street salon, or the newest Cornhill location. The epitome of sophistication, for the discerning collector.
- A properly fitted top hat should sit flat on the head — not tilted to the side or pushed back.
- It should rest about half an inch above the ears, sitting snugly but comfortably.
- The hat should feel secure without being tight — it shouldn't leave marks on your forehead or feel like it might fall off when you move.
Top hats were once everyday wear for gentlemen of all classes, but as fashion became more casual in the 20th century, they were reserved for formal occasions. Today, they remain iconic at events like Royal Ascot, formal weddings, and the Derby. While not part of daily style, top hats make bold, elegant statements in high fashion and traditional ceremonies. Their timeless sophistication ensures they still have a place - just best worn for the right occasion.
Top hats are called "top hats" because of their tall, flat-crowned design that sits prominently on the top of the head. The name reflects both their height and their position as a formal, upper-class headpiece. Introduced in the late 18th century, they became a symbol of prestige and social status, quite literally topping off a gentleman’s outfit. The word "top" emphasized their elevated shape and their association with high fashion and hierarchy.
Learn more through our Top Hat Guide, which offers in-depth information on the rich history, evolving traditions, and modern relevance of top hats - including answers to common questions and style tips for formal occasions.