7. Londoners love their silly uniforms
Behold the pomp and pageantry of the Royal Guards, with their distinctive ceremonial military uniforms of scarlet jackets and tall furry hats. These 18 inch, 1.5 pound hats are known as bearskins and, yes, they are actually made from Canadian black bear pelts. There have been efforts to phase these out, or at least switch to fake fur, but for now the tradition stands. Damn, it must be hot under there.
8. Beefeater bling
Not to be outdone, the Yeoman Warders who guard the Tower of London don even more flamboyant garb. Their stylish ensemble dates back to 1485, when Henry VII was king. On state occasions Beefeaters wear a red and gold Tudor tunic, while their everyday look is dark blue with red trimming, both topped off with a very dapper hat.
