In 1797, an English haberdasher by the name of John Hetherington took to wearing an early version of the top hat — with ridiculous results. According to Hetherington’s Wikipedia entry, citing Hatters Gazette, the silk band on the hat was “calculated to frighten timid people” and resulted in exactly that ill: “several women fainted at the unusual sight, while children screamed, dogs yelped and a younger son of Cordwainer Thomas was thrown down by the crowd which collected and had his right arm broke.” For his “crime,” Hetherington was charged with breach of the peace and inciting a riot, and released on a bond of 500 pounds.