Where to Buy a Top Hat in Toronto: Specialty Hat Shops
Top hats are specialty items—best found at dedicated milliners and formalwear shops in Toronto:
Recommended Shops
- Hats Off! Millinery Boutique (Yorkville) — Wide selection men's/women's, custom service. 100+ styles.
- The Hat Shoppe (Downtown, King St W) — Occasion hats, top hats, fedoras, fascinators. Est. 1980s.
- Moore Hats (Leslieville) — Custom-made specialist. Bespoke top hats (silk plush, wool felt, straw). 4-6 week lead time.
- Royal Hats (Etobicoke) — Large inventory, formalwear focus, custom available. Wedding/racing/Ascot specialist.
- The Village Hatter (Roncesvalles/West End) — Curated vintage & new, top hats, bowlers, caps. Community favorite.
Buying Considerations
- Material: Silk plush (traditional formal), wool felt (durable), straw (summer), velvet (evening).
- Fit: Measured by head circumference + oval/round shape. Custom ensures comfort.
- Occasion: Morning dress (weddings, Royal Ascot), white tie, costume, theater, collections.
- Price range: $200-800+ (ready); $800-3000+ (custom silk plush).
Alternatives
- Vintage/consignment: Common Sort, Public Butter, Kloop (inspect condition).
- Online: Lock & Co. (London, est. 1676), Bates Hats, Amazon (verify return policy).
- Costume shops: Malabar (theatrical), Halloween Adventure (seasonal).
Call ahead—top hats often special-order or limited stock. Weekday mornings best for fitting appointments.