Fedora Vs. Top Hat. The Difference [A Helpful Guide]

Hats have been part of the fashion industry for centuries. Where hats are seen as an essential headgear in many sports, these are also important components for Royal families. There is no doubt that this headgear is stylish, comfortable, and practically designed.

But the biggest question linked to buying a hat is which one to choose: Fedora vs. Top hat? Though both these hats link to formal attire, one cannot deny the difference between the two. Apart from the differences between the two, let us explore the features, material, and other aspects of these amazing hats here.

The Main Difference

Knowing the main points of difference concerning the Fedora vs. Top hats aims to identify the unique features of both. This difference is in the structure and material in the most general sense. So, let us look at the prominent differences to understand the debate of Fedora vs. Top hat.

Difference 1: Structure And Style

The crown of the Top hat is flat and is at least 5.5 inches tall. The top of the crown is wider than the bottom. The brims of Top hats are slightly elevated upwards. The most typical size is a Fedora hat with a 2.5-inch brim. A Fedora’s brim can be flipped up on one side or the other. Fedora hat crowns are squeezed to form a point that intersects the crown’s sides and top part. Each has a grosgrain ribbon or a bow to make them more ornamental.

Difference 2: Material Used

Fedoras are made of various materials, including felt, leather, paper braid, and seagrass. It is also made with cotton, polyester, and other breathable materials. Blocking a single piece of wool or fur felt and then covering the shell with fur plush was how top hats were fashioned. Silk eventually became one of the most popular materials for making top hats.

Difference 3: Occasion Suitability

Fedoras are mostly known for formal to semi-formal events. These are considered more of an accessory used to complete a formal outfit like a gown or tuxedo. On the other hand, the top hat is known for Formal, Period Drama, Theatrical Performances, and Magic Shows. It has a deep link with royal and formal events.

Which One Is A More Formal Hat, Top Hat, or Fedora?

The biggest question of Fedora vs. Top hat is mainly linked to their suitability. While both hats are known for their formal appearance, it is important to know which is more suited for formal occasions.

Both these hats are known to be a good choice for formal occasions. But when it comes to a choice, a Top hat is more appropriate. Top hats are usually constructed of silk to give them a lustrous and elegant appearance. On the other hand, Fedora is appropriate for formal to semi-formal settings.

So, if you are looking for a perfect formal hat from Fedora vs. Top hat, the second one is a better option.

What Is a Top Hat?

A top hat is also known as a cylinder hat, a topper, or a high hat. It is a tall, flat-crowned hat worn by males in Western dress rules, such as a white tie, morning dress, or frock coat. An opera hat is a collapsible version of a top hat invented in the nineteenth century.

A top hat is a typical formal hat used with a three-piece tuxedo or a suit on particularly important occasions. The rabbit pulled from the magician’s hat is also a Top hat. The Top hat was the forerunner to Abraham Lincoln’s iconic stovepipe hat. Top hats were a mark of royalty and upper class in the 1800s.

Amazing Facts About Top Hat

• The top hat is developed in the late 1700s and is a descendant of Sugarloaf hats.
• By the end of WWII, the top hat had lost its significance and was only worn by diplomats and other high-ranking officials.
• Over time, the crown has shrunk in height; it used to be 7 inches tall, but it has now shrunk to 5 inches.
• The hat was originally constructed of felt beaver fur and was hence warm.
• A stiff, black silk hat is the modern standard top hat, with fur being increasingly popular.
• Hat tricks and stage magic costumes are also related to the top hat.
• The top hat is also linked with Monopoly Man or Scrooge McDuck and symbolizes capitalism or the corporate world.

What Is a Fedora?

A fedora is a formal hat that women first wore as a fashion statement and emblem of the feminist movement. The soft brim and indented crown are the highlights of this hat. On fedoras, pinches, teardrop crowns, diamond crowns, center dents, and other creases can all be applied.

A crown height of 4.5 inches is normal, with a brim of 2.5 inches or wider. Fedoras can be made from wool, cashmere, rabbit, or beaver felt. Mink, chinchilla, vicuna, guanaco, cervelat, or mohair can also be used in combination with this felt. You can use straw, cotton, waxed or oiled cotton, hemp, linen, or leather too.

Amazing Features Of Fedora Hat

• It gained popularity in the nineteenth century.
• The hat was fashionable among women, and it became a symbol of the women’s rights movement.
• In 1924, the Prince of Wales wore a Fedora, which marked the beginning of the hat’s male acceptance.
• A ribbon with a bow and a snap-brim is usually featured on a man’s Fedora crown.
• Fedoras are usually made by pressing a piece of felt over a mold and then sealing it in place using heat or glue.
• Fedora hats come with raw, folded, and ribbon edges.
• The most common materials used in Fedoras are wool or its substitutes, such as cashmere.
• Fedora hats are well-known for their functional structure and design.

Top Hat vs. Fedora

Comparison Properties	Top Hat	Fedora
Uses (for)	It is an appropriate hat for Formal, Period Drama, Theatrical Performances, and Magic Shows.	It’s appropriate for both formal and semi-formal occasions.
Ideal For	It is ideal for men and is more suited for formal occasions.	It was originally known as women’s hats, but it gradually evolved into unisex hats.
Distinct Feature	The brims of this hat are slightly elevated upwards, and it has a tall, flat crown with a wide top and narrow bottom.	It has a bow on the side and a ribbon around the crown. A brim of 2.5 inches or wider is typical, with a crown height of 4.5 inches.
Material Used	The hat was initially made of felt beaver fur, but it was soon replaced by silk and other materials.	Wool, cashmere, cotton, linen, or hemp are used to make it. It can also be made out of several types of felt.
Crown Characteristics	The crown is 5 inches tall and is wider at the top and thinner at the bottom.	Fedoras have a rigid and sturdy crown. The types include pinches, teardrop crowns, diamond crowns, center dents.
Weight	It is relatively heavy in weight.	It is comparatively lightweight.
Fit And Stability	These hats have a tight fit as linked with the formal attires.	For a more professional appearance, these hats have a tighter fit.
Foldability	Initially, these were not foldable, but its Opera hats version is foldable.	The Fedora can be folded easily as compared to others.
Care and Maintenance	These hats require more care as they are generally silk and wool.	It’s easy to care for, but more caution is required when made from wool.
Weather	It is mostly designed for the cold weather but is suited for all seasons.	It can be worn during any season but are highly used during winters.

What Are Top Hats for?

Top hats should only be worn on formal occasions. These are only worn by men and are not fashionable for women. The popularity of this hat has also declined, but it remains a component of some traditional dress rules, such as an English upper-class wedding. Because it is connected with aristocracy, it is composed of costly materials. The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 was a recent example of donning the Top Hat. All male dignitaries and guests wore these hats.

What Are Fedora for?

Fedoras were originally reserved for women, but they began to be worn by males. These are well-known for their functional design, ideal for formal and semi-formal occasions. They seem quite nice and go well with tuxedos, gowns, and other formal attires because they are premium materials. For years, fedoras have been in trend and are one of the best alternatives for hat lovers. Orthodox Judaism is also an essential part of a man’s attire.

The Best Top Hat

The Best Fedora

Final Thoughts

Hats such as top hats and fedoras have a vintage and formal appearance. These hats are made to provide the wearer with a classic and elegant look while staying exceptionally comfortable and light. Fedoras are appropriate for formal to semi-formal wear, while Top hats are more appropriate for formal attire. So, when it comes to Fedora vs. Top hats, there is no doubt that either of them is a fine choice to make. Both are great and perfect hats that define fashion with confidence.