Half Cylinder

What is a half cylinder? A half-cylinder, also known as Lincoln, is like the conventional top hat, a stiff felt hat with a cylindrical crown and a stiff brim. It differs from the regular top hat only in its half height. Unlike the classic black top hat, the half-cylinder is mainly found in brown or green colours. Additionally, the half-cylinder is the precursor of the modern Pork Pie, as it features the same indented crown.

Around 1820, the top hat became established as the hat of the bourgeoisie and also became part of various work uniforms, such as those of chimney sweeps or coachmen. The top hat primarily served as protection and also provided the ability to carry smaller items under the hat. However, the tall top hats were impractical and cumbersome in some situations and occasions, leading to the invention of the Chapeau Claque, which was a collapsible version of the regular top hat. Due to low-hanging branches, riders often lose their tall hats while riding through forests. To address this issue, the half-cylinder was developed, which was only half as tall as the regular top hat. This half-cylinder gained significant importance in the latter half of the 19th century in the USA during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, which is why this specific variation of the top hat is still nicknamed "Lincoln" to this day.

Top hats are typically very elegant hats that are nowadays mostly worn on very festive, special occasions, often paired with a formal tailcoat or morning coat. The top hat still finds use in equestrian sports today.