The top hat is a formal headwear for men, originating in the early 19th century. It has a tall body, flat crown, and wide brim. While it lost its appeal in the early 20th century, it remains a symbol of proper formal attire for special occasions.
Often referred to as a topper, the top hat is a formal type of headwear for men. Originating in the early 19th century, the top hat has continued to be a part of the appropriate morning and evening dress for men when the occasion calls for a high level of dress elegance. Here’s some background on the history of the top hat, including contemporary uses for toppers.
The top hat is designed with a tall body, with a flat crown at one end, and a wide brim that is flat or slightly curved. At first, the top hat was made of black felt. Felt was particularly workable with collapsible top hats that were developed in the 1820s, as felt would not show wrinkles even if the hat had been stored in a collapsed condition for an extended period of time. Over time, the use of beaver pelts to make the felt was superseded by the use of dyed silk, providing a more polished look.
The stovepipe hat, popularized in the mid-19th century, was a favorite of US President Abraham Lincoln. Characterized by a body that was sometimes twice the height of other top hats, the top hat became a popular choice for everyday business wear, as well as part of formal dress. However, the trend for the top hat style died out by the end of the century. In fact, the top hat lost its appeal as an everyday men’s fashion accessory in the early 20th century, replaced by other forms of headwear, such as floppy hats and bowlers.
While the top hat continued to be a symbol of proper formal attire, the wearing of the hat tended to be relegated to events such as formal weddings and high society events of the social season such as balls and debuts. The movie industry often included the top hat as part of essential clothing when the movie was set in high society. During the 1960s, rock and roll musicians and other countercultural icons often adopted the top hat as part of an eclectic style of dress.
Today, the top hat remains firmly established as formal wear, appearing on limited occasions that are considered extremely formal and important. While the era of the top hat as a common accessory in any man’s wardrobe is long overdue, the tradition will undoubtedly live on as a sign of elegance and taste.
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