The Slash top hat is about as iconic as the band Guns ‘n Roses. Even though GNR is past its prime, its song catalog has become a timeless classic collection.
A big reason for GNR’s success is the insane talent of lead guitarist Saul Hudson, also know as Slash.
In fact, it was the late actor Seymour Cassel, who starred in John Cassavetes films and became a popular character actor in dozens of movies, who named Saul Slash.
Not only does Slash slap, but he rocks one of the most iconic headpieces in entertainment. So let’s dive into the Slash top hat.
Slash Top Hat
The top hat dates back to a 1985 performance at the legendary Whiskey A-Go-Go in West Hollywood. In a 2018 interview, the musician recalled searching for a piece to complete his wardrobe before the gig. He found a mens top hat in a store called Retail Slut, and decided it would work, but it was missing something. So, he went next door to a vintage shop called Leather and Treasures. There, he found a belt with metal conchos and used it as a leather hat band. His defining silhouette was born.
The hat served as more than just set dressing, though. According to Slash, he has a bad case of stage fright. While he appreciates performing, he has “never been good at looking into the eyes of the audience who are watching [him].” So, the hat, the sunglasses, and the massive bed of curls on his head are both practical and fashionable.
Since 1985, the top hat has become part of his signature brand, and it’s hard to imagine Slash playing without it. However, Mr. Hudson is a hat guy who’s worn plenty of headpieces on and off stage.
Other Slash Hats in the Arsenal
For the most part, the Slash top hat works as part of his performance ensemble. When he’s out or posing for cameras, Slash likes to wear all kinds of men’s hat styles, such as:
Black Leather Flat Cap
Leather and Slash go together like peaches and cream. This black leather cap has a floppy crown and a stiff front brim. The crown is big enough to look good with Slash’s big curly hairstyle.
Slash’s Purple Homburg Hat
AKA the Godfather gangster fedora hat, the Homburg resembles a fedora, with a center crease and a tall crown. However, the front is not pinched, and the brim is upturned all the way around. Slash has worn black and purple Homburgs, one of the few colored hats he’s worn.
Slash’s Wool Flat Cap
While a leather flat cap fits Slash’s hard rock persona, a wool version can be more comfortable and dapper. This hat often has a herringbone pattern, giving it a timeless English quality. This hat also resembles what newsboys wore when handing out papers.
Fedora
Slash traded his signature men’s leather top hat for a classic black felt gangster fedora hat to attend Les Paul’s funeral in 2009. The fedora had a teardrop crown with a pinched front and a wide brim.
Fedoras are soft and he wore the brim snapped down in the front and up in the back. For added privacy in his time of mourning, he wore Ray Blan Aviators as well. To add a dash of orginality, Slash tucked a red feather under the left side of the hatband. He’s been seen in this classic gangster fedora hat multiple times since then.
The Hat Stops Here
Even without the signature concho hatband, the Slash top hat has become a globally-recognized silhouette as synonymous with Rock ‘n Roll itself. Today, black leather men’s top hats have become popular. They’re not just for Guns ‘n Roses fans, but a symbol of belonging for bikers and hard rock lovers worldwide.
