With Royal Ascot starting tomorrow (Tuesday), dress code requires gentlemen to wear a black or grey top hat in the Royal Enclosure.
Ultimately, it is the etiquette in how you wear your topper, not just the protocol, that makes a difference.
Wokingham-based Ascot Top Hats has compiled ten tips when choosing, and looking after, your top hat.
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Vintage silk top Hats are usually the best toppers, as they are often lighter in weight, hold their 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, and toppers should be moulded to your head to make them more 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 better, even if a tad big.
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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. Grey top hats were the traditional colour for Royal Ascot, especially in the 20th century. Black has become popular indirectly, 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, and not touching, the ears.
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When permitted to take off, place it down the correct way up. Do not put it upside down, especially a silk plush as the not repairable plush can become damaged. Also, it prevents showing any unclean sweatbands or betting slips inside.
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Sunglasses should be worn as intended over your eyes. When not used, sunglasses should not be wrapped like ski goggles outside the crown of the top hat.
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Etiquette that has become traditional 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 naturally, and after drying dust the hat with a hat brush, and smooth it with velvet cloth before putting it away in a top hat box.
Ascot Top Hats is one of last hatters in the country specialising in top hats and gentlemen’s headwear.
