In the 1800s, males frequently wore tall hats, also referred to as top hats. These hats had a towering height and a cylindrical shape, and they were made of silk or beaver fur. They were frequently worn with formal dress and regarded as a mark of prestige and class. But why were hats in the 1800s so tall?
Practicality was one factor in the adoption of the tall hat. Since most men in the 1800s were taller than modern men, the tall hat served to balance off their stature. In addition, the tall hat shielded the user from the weather—rain or sun—without destroying their hairdo.
The tall hat’s connection to riches and power was another factor in its appeal. Men wore hats to display their money and social status since they were a sign of class and prestige. In fact, it was thought that taller hats were more stunning.
Let’s go on to the tale of Oliver Twist now. In his book Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens created the character Fagin. He was a thief who ran a crew of pickpockets and thieves, and he taught Oliver Twist the ropes of stealing. Oliver was able to receive a portion of his father’s estate after he eventually decided to distance himself from Fagin and his nefarious activities.
Oliver’s wealth allowed him to avoid leading a life as a chimney sweeper and a pickpocket. A hazardous and filthy task that was frequently carried out by young children was chimney sweeping. In actuality, many families really sold their children into chimney sweeping because they couldn’t afford to sustain them.
Although chimney sweeping is still a required service today, it is now considerably safer and cleaner. Depending on the type of chimney and the location of the home, a chimney sweep’s fee can change in the UK. But in 2019, the average cost of a chimney sweep is between £50-£100.
The 1800s saw a rise in the popularity of tall hats for both functional and symbolic reasons. They offered both weather protection and a means for men to flaunt their wealth and social standing. Oliver Twist’s tale, on the other hand, emphasizes the perils of working as a chimney sweep as well as the harsh reality of life for young children in the 1800s.
Chimney sweeps aren’t bats, though. In the 1800s, towering hats were a common component of the uniform for chimney sweeps, who were paid to clean chimneys. The history of these tall hats is intriguing and has a connection to Oliver Twist’s tale.