Top Hat

A hat is an elaborate headgear which is mostly worn on social occasion or as a fashion statement. A hat is different from a cap as it is larger in size in comparison and features a brim or a high crown or both. A top hat is normally a flat-crowned, tall hat and features a broader brim. Nowadays, men usually complement their dress on a formal occasion with a neatly adorned top hat.

Men started wearing a top hat during the 19th century. Felt was the fabric that was used to make the first top hats. Later on, silk was the preferred material used for making top hats. Over the past couple of centuries, top hats have undergone various style changes. These hats were made collapsible with an internal hinged frame and were known as the "Opera hat" or "high hats". Around early 1900s, people started preferring bowler hats and soft felt hats like fedoras instead of top hats. These hats were more convenient and comfortable for city life and were also easy to make.

Top hats still continue to be a popular choice with formal wear. People wear it with a morning suit in the daytime and with evening clothes like tuxedo or tailcoat (top hat and tails). One can find people in a white top hat or a black top hat on any formal occasion. Top hats are available in a wide variety of colours and different styles.