Dated June 2, 1885. Lady on the left wears a Derby (Bowler) hat suitable for informal or riding in the morning. The lady on the right wears a hat described in 1884 by Harper's Bazaar, as a "tall round hat". These tall hats resembled top hats in shape but were often made from Leghorn straw.

1885 Photo of two Ladies

C. 1910. A young lady wearing a formal riding outfit with a Derby (Bowler) hat. By this date, Derby hats were considered proper headwear for formal occasions (like hunting or horseshows) for young, unmarried women or for informal riding in the day time.

ca 1910 Photo

C. 1950's Christies of London riding derby (bowler) hat for a young child. Riding derbys differ from regular daywear derby hats by having a hard crown to protect the head in a fall. Riding top hats and derby hats often have inner lacing on the sweat band to adjust the hat to the head and act as a brace against the head in a fall as well.

ca 1950s Child's Bowler

Child's Bowler, interior view

TOP HAT

Ca. 1870 - 1873. Formal riding habit worn with the dangling earrings and heavy jewelry fashionable during the 1870's. Fashionable bell shape top hat.

Ca. 1870 - 1873 Rormal Riding Habit

Ca. 1885. A busty lady in a well tailored formal riding habit with a silk top hat with the requisite lace veil tied around it.

Ca. 1885 Formal Riding Habit

1900 black men's silk riding top hat with a moiré silk interior and a white leather sweat band. Made by C.A. Dunn & Co. (London). Has a hole punched into the back of the brim to attach the hat protector to it.

ca. 1900 Men's Riding Top Hat

Ca 1900 Men's Hat, side view

ca 1900 Men's Riding Top Hat, interior view

Top hat protector. These were made out of silk bound cord with a stud at the top which would be punched into a hole made at the back of a top hat in the brim and a hook at the bottom of the cord which would hook onto the back of the riding jacket. Protectors prevent expensive top hats from getting blown off the head and getting trampled on when out riding and hunting.

Top Hat Protector