The Mad Hatter's Blog

When does a Gentleman take off his hat? What is doffing? Is Tipping different from doffing ? Here are some traditional etiquette points of when and where hats should not be worn.

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Opening and closing a Collapsible Top Hat can be done in a number of ways, though it often depends on the condition/age of the Topper which method is most suitable and some methods should be avoid irrespective of age.

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So what is the best colour Top Hat to wear when attending The Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot?

Is it Black, Grey or can it be Navy? Or does choice depend if you wish style, comfort or tradition.

Does the colour choice depend on the type of material of the Top Hat, does wearing a Wool Felt, Fur Felt, Melusine or Silk Plush make a difference?

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The first official invention of what we now refer to as a collapsible top hat in England was in 1812, by the hatter Thomas Francis Dollman

Whilst Gibus is the more famous maker of collapsible top hats, there were many other makers and designs of collapsible hats before Gibus perfected his.

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The first official recorded history of silk top hat made from silk plush in England was in 1793, by the hatter George Dunnage.

At the time it was never called a top hat, hats of the style were frequently called by other names such a high hats or beaver hats.

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