With Ascot just one week awake, a Wokingham business has issued the definitive guide about how to wear top hats and gentlemen’s headwear.
Ascot Top Hats is one of last hatters in the country specialising in top hats and gentlemen’s headwear.
The firm said dress code requires gentlemen to wear top hats in the Queens Stand at the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot.
Ultimately, it is the etiquette in how you wear your top hat, not just the protocol of wearing it, that makes a difference.
Here are ten top tips when choosing your topper.
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Vintage silk top hats are usually the best toppers, as often lighter in weight, hold shape better when fitted, and have a wonderful shine. A melusine (long nap fur) felt is a good alternative to silk plush.
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A fitting is best. Even if you get the correct size topper, all heads are different shapes. Toppers should be moulded to your head to make them comfortable.
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If you cannot get a fitting or are buying online, consider going a size up to encircle the head’s outer perimeter, if a tad big pad behind the sweatband.
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Whilst there is no correct single style, tall hats with curved sides are highly sought after. For taller people, a taller topper is proportional a good choice.
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Only black or grey are permitted in the Royal Enclosure. Grey top hats were the traditional colour for Royal Ascot, especially in the 20th century. Black has become popular in recent decades, as most vintage silk plush hats are black.
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Wearing a topper at a jaunty angle or pushed backwards is not advised as it often looks like the hat is too small and may be more prone to fall off. Wear parallel to the ground, approx. 1⁄2 to 1″ above (not touching) the ears.
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When taking off place it down the correct way up, especially a vintage silk, else the (not repairable) plush can become damaged. Also, it prevents showing of any unclean sweatbands/betting slips inside!
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Sunglasses should be worn as intended over your eyes. When not in use, put them away in a pocket. Sunglasses should not be wrapped like ski goggles around the outside of the top hat resting on top of the brim.
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Traditional etiquette is when the Monarch passes by in the Royal Carriage, for gentlemen to spontaneously raise and doff their hats.
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After use, allow your topper to dry out naturally; Then, dust the hat with a hat brush, and smooth it with velvet cloth before putting it away in a hat box.
Ascot Top Hats is a traditional hatter based in Wokingham. You can contact them on 01344 638838 or info@ascot-tophats.co.uk for an appointment.
