13/06/2026
The Royal Enclosure dress code for Gentlemen is Black or Grey Morning Dress, since 2020 Navy Morning Dress was also permitted. But the Topper is only permitted in Black or Grey.
So what is the best colour to wear? What are your priorities, is if wish style, comfort or tradition more important.
Often, we hear people say Black is colour for Royal Ascot, but it is likely a (Black) SILK being chosen for Style or Comfort that has limited or forced the colour choice.
Tradition; Is GREY. This dates to when Top Hat wearing was more frequent, and Black was in commonplace every day use. To make Royal Ascot more exclusive, Grey was worn.
Comfort; Whilst both Felt and Silk Toppers both can be fitted, Silk Toppers (with a gossamer shell) maintain their shape better due to their construction. As nearly all Silk Toppers are made with Black Plush, then for comfort, it is BLACK (Silk) by default
Style; Matching a Top Hat to one’s morning dress colour is not required. A Black Silk Top Hat can be worn with Grey 3-piece Morning Suit, as equally as a Black Morning Coat. But for style, a Black Silk on Grey does stand out from the crowd more. The polish on a (Black) Silk or a Melusine (Fur Felt) topper is also stylish with a very high sheen.
Decorum; If you want your Lady to shine more, a demure Grey (Fur, or Wool Felt) is a good style choice when attending Gold Cup Day (Thursday).
Cost; If one is looking at the less expensive Wool felt range, then Grey often looks better than Black in Wool Felt, especially if they have a Black Wool felt hatband, so the band contrasts with the crown texture.
So overall, we would suggest:
BLACK (By default if choosing a Silk Topper),
BLACK or GREY (if choosing a Fur felt Topper) or
GREY (if choosing a Wool felt Topper)
Either way; We suggest you get your hat fitted for comfort, be it Black or Grey!
To book a fitting appointment please call us on 01344 638 838.
