The Top Hat conjures images of a bygone era of gentlemen in smoky rooms and world leaders building the foundations of first world countries. This bold style was first worn by the upper class in the late 1800’s and eventually was adopted by all classes of society.
Start with the occasion and the personality you want the hat to express. For a classic black wool direction, look at the Edward Australian Wool Top Hat | Black. For theatrical, costume, or steampunk styling, look at the Steampunk Wool Top Hat | Black and Jubilee Steampunk Top Hat | Black Wool. Review the available size on each product page: the collection spans Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and selected One Size designs. If you are between options, use the individual listing’s fit information before ordering. For care, check the product-specific instructions before cleaning or storing your hat.
Conner Hats' top hat collection features handcrafted Australian wool felt top hats designed for formal occasions, steampunk events, weddings, and theatrical performances. Each hat is made with organic cotton inner sweatbands, gold satin linings, and a softer, more comfortable construction than traditional rigid top hats.
Top hats gained widespread popularity when fashion arbiter Beau Brummell declared them essential for proper gentlemen in the early 1800s, with Prince Albert cementing their status in 1850. While traditional silk plush top hats are no longer manufactured (the last looms stopped production in the 1960s), our wool felt versions offer authentic styling with modern comfort.
Top hats are appropriate for formal white-tie events, morning dress weddings, Royal Ascot (where a black or grey top hat is required in the Royal Enclosure), theatrical performances, steampunk conventions, costume parties, and Victorian-themed events. Modern top hats are rarely worn for everyday use but remain appropriate for the most formal occasions.
Use a soft tape measure around your head about half an inch above your ears, keeping it straight across your forehead. Measure in inches or centimeters and compare your measurement to a hat sizing chart. A correctly fitted top hat should sit comfortably and straight, about half an inch above your ears. Conner top hats are available in sizes Small through X-Large. Two free size inserts ship with every order to help adjust the fit.
Conner top hats are made with Australian wool felt.
A stovepipe hat is a style of top hat with a tall, mostly straight-sided crown, famously associated with Abraham Lincoln. Other top hats may have more curved or tapered sides. The terms can overlap, and the distinction is mainly in the crown’s shape and proportions.
You can wear a top hat casually, though it is an unconventional choice and may read as costume rather than everyday style. Top hats are traditionally associated with formal dress codes such as white tie, morning dress, or frock coats. They can also suit a wedding, Royal Ascot, or a steampunk/Victorian-themed event. For a more traditional everyday look, consider Conner's fedora, outback, or cowboy hat collections instead.
Store your wool felt top hat in a ventilated hat box away from direct sunlight, upright with the brim resting on the table. Avoid resting it on the crown, which can cause permanent damage. Clean it gently with a soft brush or damp cloth, and do not fully soak it.
If your hat gets wet, let it dry naturally in a warm, airy place, away from direct heat such as a radiator. Wool felt top hats are more durable and easier to maintain than vintage silk plush top hats, which can fray and require specialized plush combs.
No. Top hats have a rigid structure that cannot be folded or crushed. Their tall crown (7-8 inches) and formal construction require careful storage and transport. If you need a packable hat for travel, consider a hat marked packable instead. Historically, collapsible opera hats (Gibus hats) were invented in the 19th century to solve this problem for theatregoers, but modern top hats are not designed to collapse.
Silk plush top hats are no longer manufactured and are only available as restored vintage pieces, making them expensive collector's items. Beaver felt top hats from contemporary makers run into four-figure territory. Conner's Australian wool felt construction offers authentic Victorian styling and comfortable wear at a fraction of the cost, making them ideal for occasional formal events, costume wear, and steampunk enthusiasts who want quality without heirloom pricing.
The Edward Australian Wool Top Hat | Black is a clear choice for a traditional wool direction. The Steampunk Wool Top Hat | Black also keeps a black wool base while adding steampunk character. Compare the individual product details to decide which silhouette and decoration suit your outfit.
Conner Hats uses a comfortable organic cotton inner band and gold satin linings in its top-hat styling. The hats are also styled authentically while being made slightly softer for comfort. Product construction can vary by design, so review the individual listing for details about the specific hat.
The Limited Lifetime Guarantee applies to purchases made at connerhats.com. For workmanship failure, Conner Hats provides a free replacement of the same style, size, and colour, including shipping, during the first 12 months. After 12 months, a replacement is 40% off, with shipping not included. Material degradation from use qualifies for a 30% off code. If your hat is lost or stolen, you can get 50% off the same hat, with shipping not included.
Conner Hats is family-run, and Bill Conner’s son Will created the brand. Our hats are made in Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan, and Mexico. Orders ship from American Fork, Utah.
