Sources: James Lock & Co

Family owned for more than 300 years, hatters James Lock & Co were founded in London in 1676. One of the quintessentially English clothing purveyors, Lock is built into the culture - it exhibits, for example, at horse trials throughout the country.

I like Lock's cotton Monaco (pictured, £79.00) for sunny days on the golf course but the company's range is one of the more comprehensive in the world, from top hats to trilbys to velvet smoking caps with leather flying helmets and chauffeur's caps scattered along the way.

Lock complements its product range with a 'no quibble' money back guarantee. This means if a customer is not completely satisfied with a purchase for any reason, it can be returned in its original condition within 14 days of the purchase and Lock will refund the item's price. When returns are caused by an error on Lock's part or because a product is defective, the company refunds the shipping in both directions as well. I was happy with the guarantee after I ordered what was advertised as a linen cap and was sent a cotton one. Lock gave me a refund and then told me to keep their mistake rather than return it - making a customer for life.

With a new web site up and running this month, James Lock & Co appears ready for another 300 years.