tophat

A top hat, or tophat, is a tall, flat-crowned, wide-brimmed hat that forms part of formal Western dress. The crown is cylindrical and typically about four inches tall, with a brim around 2 to 3 inches. It is usually made from stiff felt made of fur (commonly beaver) or silk plush, and it is often trimmed with a ribbon.

The modern top hat emerged in late 18th-century Britain and became a standard element of formal attire in the 19th century. A popular anecdote attributes its introduction to John Hetherington in 1797, though evidence is limited. By the mid-1800s it was worn with frock coats, morning coats, and evening dress, and it came to symbolize urbanity and status.

The opera hat is a collapsible version designed for carriage storage and theatre stairs. The taller stovepipe top hat is associated with figures such as Abraham Lincoln. Today the top hat remains a ceremonial and performance item, worn at white-tie events, by magicians, and in some weddings or stage productions.

Traditional top hats used fur felts (notably beaver) blocked on a mold to form the shape; silk toppers used silk plush. Modern hats may use wool or rabbit felt. Care involves keeping dry, storing on a hat stand, and occasional brushing and re-blocking to maintain shape.