As an alternative to the black silk top hat, the grey top hat has become more and more popular. Some would consider the grey top hat a little less formal, which is why the black one would be preferable for weddings.
Grey Top Hats At Royal Ascot
Otherwise, they can be considered equal on the formality scale. Maybe this is due to the fact that these top hats are usually matte and made out of felt rather than silk plush. To my knowledge, Prince Philip is currently the only man who wears a grey top hat in silk plush. As you can imagine, these are an absolute rarity, even beyond the black version.
Grey Wool Felt Top Hats
The felt versions, on the other hand, are readily available. However, I have also seen a few cheap and cheesy versions in bulky shapes that feature either no brim curl or a less refined curl. Do yourself a favor and stay away from these, otherwise you risk looking like a circus clown rather than a dapper gent. To learn more about Top Hats for morningwear, click here.
Grey Silk Plush Top Hat by Lincoln Bennett at Patey’s
Prince Philip in Grey Felt Topper
The grey top hat worn by Prince Philip in the picture above is certainly of the felt variety and not silk! The silk plush version (called a white silk top hat) is shiny and has a nap just like the black version, and is also more silver in colour!
One such hat made by Lincoln Bennet is to be found at Patey Hats in London, but is not for sale as it is so very rare!!
Fabulous articles and guide
I’ll have to make sure to stop by at Patey Hats next time I am in London, thanks for pointing it out.
It is no longer on display, what a shame! Here is what it looked like:
http://www.fashion-stylist.net/blog/2011/06/12/top-hats-at-patey/
Thanks for pointing that out, I just added the picture!