Ten Top Tips for Toppers | Royal Ascot Dress code for The Royal Enclosure
Get a Silk Top hat and experience Royal Ascot and Ladies Day in true Style! While a gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a Private Box, a private club or a facility's terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Gardens. Remember the customisation of top hats (with, for example, coloured ribbons or bands) is not permitted in the Royal Enclosure.
In other areas of the racecourse there is no requirement for top hats. In other enclosures people many still wear morning dress and top hats though it is not compulsory. Ultimately it is the etiquette in how you wear your topper, not just the protocol that makes a difference.
Following are some a Top Hat Tips to help when wearing your Topper.
A fitting is always best. Even if you get the correct size topper, is the hat conformed to your shape? All heads are different and toppers should be fitted to make them comfortable.
If you do have to hire and unable to be fitted, placing felt strips behind the leather sweatband to prevent wobble, may help get you through the day.
Silk plush are the best toppers, whilst silk plush is no longer readily produced, a modern alternative is melusine; a polished fur felt that gives the semblance of silk plush. Other toppers are made from wool or fur felt.
Top hats come in many shapes and heights. Although there is no correct single style for Royal Ascot, tall hats having shapely curved sides, with a hatband and bow are highly sort after.
Whilst there is no decree on colour, grey was tradition for most of the 20th century. Black has since become more popular, as antique silk hats are predominately black.
Wearing a topper at a jaunty angle is not advised, as it often looks like the hat is too small. It should be worn straight on the head, about 1/2 to 1 inch above the ears, not covering them.
Sunglasses should be worn as intended. When not being used they should not be wrapped like ski goggles outside the crown of the top hat or resting on the brim,
Collapsible opera hats are intended for evening dress and are not advised for daywear.
Etiquette that has become traditional; When Her Majesty passes by in the Royal Carriage, gentlemen spontaneously raise and doff their hats.
After use, always allow your topper to dry out naturally. Even if there is no rain, moisture will collect inside. Do not place it near a radiator or fire as it may warp or damage the hat.
Have a tip-top day!
Ascot Top Hats Ltd, is a hatter specialising in top hats for the Royal Enclosure
If you need a Top Hat for Royal Ascot, Trooping the Colour, Wedding or other occasion You may wish to try Ascot Top Hats Ltd - Call 01344 638 838 to arrange a private appointment.
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