Top hats?

This photo from 1899 shows Cistercian priests from Lilienfeld Abbey at the opening ceremonies for municipal water works in their village. Notice that the laymen at center-left have very high top hats (also the first layman on the right). Most of the Cistercians are wearing hats that are not quite as high. Proper top hats don't seem to be standard for the clerics. Many of the monks are wearing medals on their chests, signs of civic or ecclesial awards and honors.