Buying top hat and tails!

C

clairel

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I'm looking into buying myself top hat and tails for next season but was wondering if there are any do and don'ts?
If I'm going to fork out all that money I want to fit in with the "IN" crowd!!!!
I've looked a bit on derby house etc. but am confused about top hats (tall/normal/fur felt/wool felt)
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Any help would be great as I am
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and don't want to look like an idiot the first time I wear them!!!
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I would try and get a hat fitted it is important to get a good fit. Style though is up to you, mine is a medium height. I got a nice tail coat off ebay and if you are patient they do come up from time to time at a good price!
 
Got my wool tails second hand, 60 squid
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and low rise top hat in felt for 60 squid also, think we looked ok, would have loved new but no way could afford.
Only about half the peeps wore them at Gatcombe

Hope you find what you want
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Keep looking on ebay
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I know buying a top hat off ebay is a bit dodgy, re. fit.. but depending on what you pay for it, it can work out a treat..
I paid £25 for my Christys top hat.. i prefet the short ones
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I also got some top of the range Pikeur tails, (rrp £300+) for £100.. i prefet the shorter tails, as i think the long ones cover up too much...
And i don't think we look too bad...

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Yes, ebay is the place, we got a beautiful, virtually unworn Pikeur tail coat for £90.

We have been hiring top hats from local hire place for £15 each time.

My son went into the Patey stand at an event and got his head measured, but £425 was a bit steep for us!
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Pikeur tails and Christie topper are both safe bets if you want to fit in and look the part. As others have said, look around and you will find some bargains: even if you can't find what you need 2nd hand I think there will be massive sales on after Christmas with the economy like it is.
 
Try Hornets - gentlemans wear have lovely tophats - google them - they are right next to my office and have millions of lovely lovely top hats in stock.. Christys/Pateys etc I of course can only dream at the mo!!
I think Pikeur jackets look lovely too
 
********whispers********* I have a lovely Mears navy tailcoat for sale.
I actually much prefer it to my Pikeur one but sadly it's a bit too small. I think it's a 14 if you're interested, I can check for you.
 
Also look in antique shops for top hats. Mine is an antique Christys one, however they do tend to be the taller type. Think mine is 5 1/2" tall.
 
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