FYI-
EVIL SWEDE'S GUIDE TO PROPER HAT ETIQUETTE
PORTIONS EXCERPTED FROM THE "COWBOY CHRONICLE" & THE ESSENTIAL HANDBOOK OF VICTORIAN ETIQUETTE
Background..
While I do receive inquiries regarding this hat page on a regular basis, please understand, it was never meant to be a detailed history of hats or a comprehensive catalog of accepted headgear conventions. It has been set up primarily as a reference and commentary on proper hat etiquette for those participating in Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS), a competitive shooting sport [CAS FAQ] that, in part, recreates and reenacts the Old West period (1840's to 1900's) and the traditions of the Victorian Era (1837 to 1901), as observed in the Western United States.
Commentary..
A group of men sporting their bowlers, courtesy of Clearwater Hats
This is certainly not an article dedicated to showing how odd or "quaint" Victorian citizens were. It is truly a study in respect (self respect and the respect of others), tradition and good old-fashioned "manners".. something we seem to have lost along the way (while our culture is eroding and common courtesy apparently has become too inconvenient for everyday living).
I think it is important for the younger generations to be familiar with what many now consider to be "by-gone" traditions of civility. If kids are going to live outside the conventions of proper etiquette, at least they should know they may be offending people and/or showing disrespect and a lack of self-respect in the process.
If they are doing it out of contempt, that is fine.. it is akin to refusing to shake someone's hand when they offer it. If they are doing it out of ignorance, that reflects poorly on their upbringing and makes them look foolish, inept and uneducated. It would be like not knowing what a handshake was and recoiling or looking at someone oddly when they offered their hand because you didn't know how to respond (like a caveman would maybe?).
It's a matter of history..
The "tipping" or removal of a hat is said to have originated from the same place as the military salute. Knights would lift the visor (face guard) on their helm, showing their face as a sign of respect and their empty hand as an indication they meant no harm. This tradition evolved into the modern military salute. Similarly, the removal of a helm (helmet) or other headgear indoors and as a sign of respect or reverence is said to have originated before the Dark Ages. This tradition was carried on throughout the centuries by men of arms (soldiers) and nobility, as well as their staff, servants and slaves. After the Dark Ages, manners and etiquette grew to become an essential part of everyday life and the conventions of hat etiquette became ingrained in civilized culture.
It's a matter of culture..
Up until the late 1940's and early 1950's, hats were worn by gentlemen, particularly outdoors. It was considered "bad manners" for a gentleman or a lady to be seen outdoors without proper headgear. Pompador hair styles and popular icon of the time, such as Tony Curtis and Elvis Presley had a significant impact on the decline of hat wearing in the US. President Kennedy was the first U.S. President to be seen outdoors without a hat and from the 1960's on, the use of hats declined considerably. According to the Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette there are many accepted traditions concerning proper rituals that should be adhered to by gentlemen while wearing a hat. In the 1800's, hat etiquette was strictly followed and thus became second nature to gentlemen in Victorian times. Being that the frequent (or nearly constant) wearing of hats is a tradition of a by-gone era, it is important that those choosing to reenact that era be particularly aware of the proper rules of conduct that should be demonstrated by the wearer.
The Rules..
There are two degrees of politeness demonstrated by a gentleman wearing a hat:
1.Lifting or tipping it, which you generally do for strangers.
2.Taking it off, which you generally do for friends (or in some cases, as a sign of patriotism or reverence).
Both are done as a sign of respect toward the other and dignity toward oneself.
Tipping your hat is a conventional gesture, done by barely lifting it off your head with your right hand (or the left hand if the right hand is occupied): By the crown of a soft hat, or the brim of a stiff one. Your cigarette, pipe or cigar should always be taken out of your mouth before removing or tipping your hat. This is a subtle gesture that should not be confused with bowing.
A man takes off his hat outdoors (and indoors):
(1) when he is being introduced to someone, or when saying goodbye to a woman, elder, friend or ;
(2) as a greeting when passing someone he knows, particularly a lady, on the street (In some cases, tipping or lifting a hat and bowing slightly may be used as a substitute for removing a hat, as a passing gesture);
(3) while talking, particularly with a woman, an older man, or a clergyman;
(4) while the National Anthem is being played, or the American Flag is passing;
(5) at a funeral or in the presence of a passing funeral procession,
(6) when speaking to another of a virtuous woman or a dearly departed loved one.
A man tips or lifts his hat:
(1) when walking with a friend who passes a woman only the friend knows;
(2) any time a lady who is a stranger thanks you for some service or assistance;
(3) any time you excuse yourself to a woman stranger, such as if you accidentally disturb or jostle her in a crowd, or when you ask for pardon when passing in a tight space or when forced to walk between two people that are conversing, particularly if one is a woman;
(4) any time a stranger shows courtesy to a woman you are accompanying, such as when a man or woman picks up something she has dropped, or a man opens a door for her or gives her his seat;
(5) when you ask a woman (or an elderly man) for directions.
Indoors, a man should always remove his hat, (particularly in a home, church, courtroom or restaurant) except:
(1) in some public buildings or public places such as railroad stations or post offices;
(2) in the main parlor area of a saloon or general store;
(3) or while seated at the "lunch counter" of a diner or cafe;
(4) in entrance halls and corridors of office buildings, or hotels;
(5) in elevators of public or office buildings, unless a woman is present;
(6) if carrying packages, parcels or bags and both hands are occupied upon entry.
(7) If the man is an actor or performer and the hat is being worn as a part of a costume or performance.
If in doubt, it is best for a gentleman to remove his hat indoors as soon as practical.
It is considered a sign of contempt and/or disrespect to leave your hat on when it would be proper to remove it. It is surprising how many people do not remove their hats for the National Anthem or a passing funeral procession.. a shame really.
. If his wearing a hat is YOUR biggest problem of the day, then I am envious of your life.
My thoughts are if the restaurant wants you to dress or not dress a certain way, they can instate a dress code. I just don't understand the weird "rule" about hats indoors. I had never even heard of it until I started seeing threads about how rude it is on here 
