What is alleged to have happened when British milliner John Hetherington wore a top hat in public for the first time in 1797?

Answer: It caused a riot, primarily due to its ‘offensive’ shape and colour. Such was the perceived offence that Hetherington caused, he was required to pay a fine of £500 for obstructing the peace, a massive sum by contemporary standards.

Source: History of Men’s Fashion by Nicholas Storey

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