Hats Off! The Who-What-When-Where of the Hat
When to Wear it and When to Not
Hats aren't the essential article of clothing they once were but are still worn by both sexes for fashion and for function. Knowing when to remove a hat is as important as wearing the right hat for the occasion. If you were a medieval knight who failed to remove his helmet or lift his visor and identify himself the consequences could be fatal. Throughout history hats identified social standing and removing a hat was a gesture of respect. In the "old days," men took off their hats in Christian churches, when they entered someone's home, when greeting a boss, and always in the presence of a lady. Ladies were entirely exempt from "hat rules," wearing them whenever and where ever they wished. While some of these customs are now historical footnotes, even in today's casual culture men and women still remove their hats as a sign of respect. Here's when its fine to wear your hat and when its not:
Men Hats can be left on
Outdoors
At athletic events (indoors or out)
On public transportation
In public buildings such as post offices, airports, and hotel or office lobbies
On elevators
Men Take hats off, including baseball caps
In someone's home
At mealtimes, at the table
While being introduced, indoors or out (unless it's frigid!)
In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required
Indoors at work, especially in an office (unless required for the job)
In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall
In restaurants and coffee shops
At a movie or any indoor performance
When the national anthem is played
When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade
Women Fashion hats (not baseball-style caps) can be left on
In someone's home
At luncheons, weddings, garden parties
At religious services
At a movie or any indoor performance
When the national anthem is played
When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade
Women Take your fashion hat off
Anytime it blocks someone's view, such as at a wedding or in a theater
Indoors at work
Women Remove baseball-style (unisex) caps
In someone's home
At mealtimes, at the table
While being introduced
In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required
Indoors at work, unless required for the job
In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall
In restaurants and coffee shops
At a movie or any indoor performance
When the national anthem is played
When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade
(Cancer patients are exempt from hat rules. They may keep their hats or caps on at all times if they wish.)
My DH met us at a casual restaurant the other night right from an outdoor sports event, with no time to stop home and change. He took off his baseball cap and I told him to go ahead and keep it on - the cap on looked much better than the hat line and fluffy hair underneath!
