Let’s see. On your next vacation you plan to go to the beach, spend more time with the family and, oh yeah, design a new hat that forever alters formal attire. That sounds pretty typical, at least if you’re the crown prince of England.

In 1890, Queen Victoria’s son Edward decided to take a trip to Germany. While stopping in the city of Homburg, he decided to get a new hat. What common prince would deign buy one off the rack? Edward talked to the hatter about making a special hat.

The end result was an instant success in jolly old London. Still formal, but not as old fashioned as a top hat, it sported a center crease crown and firm, upturned, bound-edge brim. This newly designed hat was soon named the homburg for the city in which it was first designed and made.

At Hats Plus we carry many great homburgs. One of our most popular is the Biltmore Imperial. Made with a quality fur felt, it is both handsome and affordable.