The London Lounge

I have a question regarding this most formal of head coverings, but I am afraid that I already know the answer. Some of my decisions are heavily influenced by the miliary, and therefore, I always feel a bit underdressed whenever I venture outdoors without the proper head covering. Normally this is not a problem because I can aquire differnt hats. However, the top hat eludes me. I have a relativly large head, and I have been unable to find a top hat in good condition that will fit my head. Of course I will contiue my search, but I was wondering if there is any modern equivilent. I am especially asking about the hats made by Christie's. I believe there will come a point when we will have to accept an alternate material in top hats because I do not think we can rely on finding older top hats to meet our needs.

Depends on what you want:

1) Silk Topper
2) Wool Felf Topper
3) Fur Felt Topper

1) Nearly always black, and be found at specialist firms ( yes i am one, but this is a Anonymous!) - Truely the best in style, 200 years of styles and shapes so what you get depends on what is still available.

Hard to get in very large sizes as less were made many years ago when the average head was about 6&7/8 around 50 years back, hence high cost.

2) Usally good for Hire Shop only, in Grey or Black, standard dull wool finish. Cheapest of options, and better than not having a hat when you need one!

3) Fur Felt, best mid range option "Melusine" is the style to look at. This gives a 'polished' look to which aims to look like silk - but is isn't. easy to spot the difference up close, though it is the best or what is commercially still being produced.


As for modern silk or repro silk

A ) Opera Hats can still made in satin, though can be made in silk as bespoke
B ) Rigid Silks Have to ask Santa later in the year!

As to Christys' - Whilst they are the most well known brand, and have two Melusine vairents in a 5&1/4 and 6& 1/4 height crown, depending on the style you like. Olney (English) also do a Melusine which is often cheaper and well worth looking at. There are other barnds as well but these are the main stream.

Size is not only important issue - you head shape is VERY important when considering a ridig shell hat - I have a number of toppers I wear ,myself and size are 60 - 62!

This is beacuse the shape varies between the hats of teh same size - So just because you fit a 61 doenst mean that the 61 Topper from will fit you , you may need a 62 and have to pad out the sweatband in placeas with felt to confirm it to you head.