Top Hat
Elevate any costume with the ultimate symbol of classic sophistication.
A top hat is the ultimate accessory for historical, magical, or formal costumes, ranging from Victorian gentlemen to ringmasters and magicians. Whether you are channeling Fred Astaire in the classic 1935 musical 'Top Hat' or building a steampunk persona, choosing the right hat defines your look. This guide covers how to select, style, and customize a costume top hat for any character.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $10–45
Try it on
See yourself as Top Hat
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What you need for a Top Hat costume
Black felt top hat
A structured black felt or wool hat with a flared crown and slightly curved brim.
DIY: Construct a custom hat from black poster board, hot glue, and black felt fabric.
Hat band ribbon
A wide satin ribbon wrapped around the base of the crown, typically in black, red, or patterned silk.
DIY: Use a strip of scrap fabric, a colorful bandana, or a vintage belt.
Feather or accent pin
A small decorative feather, clock gear, or vintage brooch tucked into the hat band.
DIY: Cut a feather shape out of cardstock or use a real craft feather from a craft store.
Hat sizer foam strips
Adhesive foam strips placed inside the sweatband to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
DIY: Glue a strip of weatherstripping foam or folded paper towel inside the inner band.
How to put it together
- 1
Measure your head circumference just above your ears to select the correct hat size.
- 2
Apply adhesive foam hat sizers inside the inner sweatband if the hat feels loose or slips.
- 3
Wrap a colored satin ribbon around the base of the crown and secure it with a small dab of hot glue or a safety pin.
- 4
Tuck a decorative feather, playing card, or metallic gear into the side of the ribbon band for character-specific styling.
- 5
Steam the brim or crown gently with a garment steamer if the hat arrived creased, shaping it carefully with your hands while warm.
- 6
Place the hat on your head, tilting it slightly forward or to the side for a charismatic, stylized look.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair neat and slicked back, or styled in low buns or ponytails so it does not interfere with the hat's fit. For a classic look, opt for clean grooming or a vintage mustache; for theatrical characters, add dramatic eyeliner.
Top Hat for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair a formal top hat look with a partner in a matching 1930s evening gown or flapper dress.
- group
- Create a group of Victorian carolers, steampunk adventurers, or a circus troupe with coordinating hats.
- kids
- Use lightweight foam or plastic top hats with elastic chin straps to keep them secure on children.
- Plus size
- Choose a top hat with a wider brim to balance proportions comfortably.
- pet
- A mini top hat secured with a soft elastic strap under the chin works great for dogs or cats.
Tips
- Store your top hat upside down on its crown to prevent the brim from flattening or losing its curve.
- If using a cheap plastic hat, upgrade it instantly by wrapping it in matte fabric or adding a high-quality satin ribbon.
- Use bobby pins crossed in an 'X' shape through the inner sweatband to anchor the hat securely to your hair.
Top Hat costume FAQ
- How do I keep a top hat from falling off?
- Use adhesive foam hat sizer inserts inside the sweatband for a tighter fit, or sew a thin elastic chin strap or hair clips to the inside.
- What characters wear a top hat?
- Famous characters include the Mad Hatter, Willy Wonka, Abraham Lincoln, Uncle Sam, Scrooge McDuck, and classic magicians.
- How do you reshape a crushed costume top hat?
- Hold the creased area over a garment steamer or boiling kettle for a few seconds, then gently push the fabric back into shape from the inside.
Did you know? The top hat first gained widespread popularity in the late 18th century, and early versions were famously made of beaver fur felt before shiny silk became the standard.