Spring is upon us, Easter is coming soon, and baseball season is about to begin here in the U.S. It is the time of year many people wear all sorts of hats, until winter hats are again needed. Actually, this topic has been on my mind for months, waiting for just the right month to do it, and here it is!
Indoors: So… how can I say this nicely without yelling in all capital letters: No man or woman, young or old, should ever, ever, ever, ever wear a sports hat — especially a baseball cap—indoors. Not in restaurants, in someone’s home, at the dining table, at church, a funeral, in a classroom, in a museum, at a movie or performance theatre… on and on. There is absolutely no purpose to keeping your hat on… not even when you are having a bad hair day or need to cover up a bald spot on your head. It’s all about when it’s proper or not proper to wear a hat. It’s purely out of laziness and a false sense of looking cool and in fashion… not! There is equally nothing cool about wearing your baseball cap backwards… again especially indoors.
Except In Public Places: You may wear a hat indoors (yeh… even a baseball cap if you absolutely must) in public buildings, such as airports, public lobbies, and crowded public elevators. However, historically a gentleman will always remove his hat when a lady enters or is in the same elevator. We don’t see this much anymore. When in an apartment building, even though somewhat public, gentlemen will take off their hats while in the company of ladies… another dying art.
[SIDE BAR: A foreign visitor kept seeing Americans wearing their baseball caps indoors, and at times backwards. He determined this style indicated a direct correlation to the wearer’s apparent I.Q (intelligence quotient). Wearing a baseball cap indoors meant an I.Q. was reduced by 50%. Wearing the cap backwards meant an I.Q. was reduced by another 50%... so what’s left? These findings make total sense to me.]
During a Pledge or National Anthem: Another major peeve of mine is how men and women don’t take off their hats and caps during the playing of a national anthem. Regardless of which country’s anthem is played, hats must come off, period. Parents… please train your kids!
During a Prayer at a Ceremony or Event: Display your respect and take off your hat.
In Places of Worship: Some places of worship require head coverings for both men and women, such as Muslim mosques and Sikh temples. Do your research or ask someone before entering such places of worship. Women should always pack one large scarf and one long skirt when traveling internationally for such a need to cover your head. I sure needed them in both Mexico and Greece.
At a Church: Historically churches required women to wear hats or scarves. Now, it is not as required. However, some churches encourage women to wear hats, and in some places it has become quite a lovely display across the entire sanctuary. It is considered disrespectful for men to wear hats in a Christian church.
At a Jewish Synagogue or Temple: Men are required to cover their heads with a “yarmulke,” a small round skullcap, also called a “kippah,” meaning dome or cupola. There is great symbolism and deep meaning behind wearing a yarmulke. Observant men wear theirs during all waking hours, except when bathing and swimming. Doing so bears witness to their faith. It’s a constant reminder of their humility before God and strong belief in something greater than themselves.
How to Take off a Hat: When taking off your hat, hold it so only the outside of the hat shows, not the inside and lining. Hold it in your right hand across your chest and heart, or place it on your seat while standing tall and respectfully.
Exceptions
People in Uniform: People in the military, Boy Scouts, police and people in other uniformed organizations keep their hats on during “full dress.” Many other interesting regulations about hat wearing in the military exist, so hat etiquette is a required course in the military.
Women’s Fashion Hats: Traditionally, women wearing fashion hats are not required to take them off. That said, unless they are small and tight around the head, they too should be removed when at a dining table or in a theatre, sporting event, or other places where they may hamper someone’s view or be disruptive to others. Large hats are generally for the outdoors, not indoors. Think hat civility!
Question of the month: Have you ever been the subject of or a witness to someone being disrespectful or rude by wearing their hat inappropriately? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Enter your comments and questions below for me to reply.
Happy Practicing!
Tags: baseball caps, hat etiquette, wearing hats
Im not generally ill-mannered orl disrespectful to anyone. At my office and around my family I’m regarded as geneally optimistic person that is independent and hard working. This forum just makes me angry because I feel like I’ve reached another level of civilized and you guys just don’t get it. You’re sitting back thinking “I” just don’t get it. I noticed people in Europe are way more strict about the hat ettiquite when I travel there. Its really simple. I find it to be a tradition developed for helmets over 500 years ago. There is no logical reason to go on doing it. “just because you’re suppose to” isn’t good enough for me. I honestly rarely even wear hats. My feelings for hat etiquette probably stem all the way back when I was 10 years old with t-cell leukemia and people would ask me to take my hat off. It was the only thing holding all my hair from falling on people around me. I strongly strongly believe that it’s a dated tradition. I also believe it shows more self importance to be offended by someone wearing a hat inside. How dare you tell someone else how to dress ? I understand not wearing distracting clothes in the office. Or having to look nice and professional for a client. But if I walk in a friends house i wouldn’t want them to be offended I didn’t remove my baseball cap. Does it mean I’m leaving soon? Hell no. That’s a wild assumption. Do I wear a hat for the functional purpose of being outdoors and protecting my head? Only when I wear a tobagin. When I wear a cap Its because it makes ME more comfortable. It’s more disturbing to me you’re more concerned with your own comfort than your guests. I’ll quit posting on here but the bottom line is no matter how correct you guys think you are… I disagree.
@Katerine+
Hi again All. This is my second time posting on this topic. I first came here to find out why it was improper to wear a hat. That’s it. I was hoping with Katherine’s point list and mentioning your husband being a LT. that some of the points would actually list why it is rude.
Tell your husband, by the way, thanks for his service and yours too. People like you two keep us free in America.
I know a lot of people have gotten all uptight on this topic. I myself only want to know if the only reason it was tradition, then why? All traditions start from a specific reason.
I wear a dress hat inside, even when i eat (depending on the restaurant i am in) I probably, however, would not wear a baseball hat which can be quite dirty. A hat is actually part of my uniform at work and i work inside. It is not mandatory, i just enjoy wearing a hat and it is an accessory to me. I never wear my hats when my head is dirty and i don’t just set them down anywhere. My hat is like my watch. Part of my dress. In fact as my watch goes, even though i wear i use my cellphone for the time mostly. Its part of my dress.
I would, however, take it off if i knew it offended people because that is not what I am about. (That has only happened to me once, a lady asked me to take it off, i was a guest) Its like drinking alcohol, I will have an occasional drink unless I am among someone who has or had a problem with it. I don’t need it that bad to offend someone.
So please, if someone is a great historian, can you find out the answer to why, should a man take of a hat indoors. If the answer is a respected answer than the problem here is not disrespect, but teaching our kids from generation to generation. Which is why i feel the tradition has obviously been forgotten by the majority so it not that important to really practice.
Thanks for all comments and I’ll keep reading.
People like you really need to be shipped to the insane asylum. I think its time we evolve ideas here folks. Please explain to me what is so special about removing your hat? hats now a days are used for style, not just for keeping the sun out of your face. I never understood why wearing a hat is seen as disrespectful, I respect my mother just the same as when I wear a hat and when I don’t wear a hat, there is no change once the hat is placed on my head indoors. there is no magic behind the uncovered head. Unless your hat is a large ridiculous top hat with bunny ears coming out of it. when eating at my house people say its rude that I wear my hat, I don’t see the problem, people wear hairnets to keep hair from falling in there food, couldn’t my had be feasibly used for the same purpose? and even if it wasn’t, who really cares, my hat isn’t doing anything to the food or the people. its like you just say wearing your hat is rude because that;s the thing to say and you’ve never really questioned why. To address the taking off your hat in presence of a lady… even in the 1920s that was still stupid. like i said before, respect has nothing to do with wearing a piece of fabric on your head what so ever, respect is something from inside and it is also earned. in terms of taking your hat off in church to honor the presence of God… i was told that God is everywhere and always with us by priests , teachers, family members. If this is the case.. why even own a hat? this is all just a bunch of bullshit that people made up to sound posh and proper, as if God really worries about the amount of people who don’t take their hats off, I think you would agree that there are much worse things for God to worry about in this world.
Your side bar really makes me laugh too, some foreigner thinks that wearing a hat reflects your intelligence negatively and then wearing it backwards decreases it even more and you agree. It may be time you and that foreigner questions your own intelligence. If Albert Einstein was seen wearing a hat backward by this foreigner (lets assume he didn’t know who he was) then by his theory, it would give Einstein and IQ of 0%. Id say this is extremely accurate. There are some serious anti intellects in this world and guess what, having hat etiquette has nothing to do with it. Surprise.
Interesting topic.
A common opinion I happen upon in this conflict is that it is a sign of pretentiousness, douche-e-ness, low education, barbary etc. I find this comedic. Based on the responses I’ve seen in several blogs about this topic, I feel as if most people who would actually assume these things about a person based on whether or not an object rests upon another person’s head is actually acting presumptuous and pretentious. Especially when they decide to attack the act of wearing a cap backwards as well.
On insulting the conditions of the place: If your building is blasting the A/C or not using sufficient heat, I will be hatted and jacketed if necessary. If you feel that your guest is acting as though your indoors is too cold, perhaps you screwed up and should do something about it. My fingers should not have to turn blue/purple just so I can pretend that I am comfortable. Choice: offend people or endure numb fingers? I choose the former.
On appearing unintelligent: Really? You can determine the intelligence of an individual because they have an object on their head while inside a larger object? Oddly, as I’ve gotten to know people, I’ve personally never found that trend true when it comes to students. I’ve tutored emmaculately polite and proper and more improper students that were dumb as bricks. On the other hand, I’ve known proper students who ace the class and improper students who ace the class. What I see more often is that the ‘professional’ A-students memorize everything and know everything they they’ve been taught, but they cannot for the life of them synthesize an organic answer unless they have directly heard or read the answer at some point. Perhaps proper people are simply very good at regurgetating information and obeying rules. Perhaps disregarding an irrational rule that is meant to trick people into believing an individual is intelligent is actually a sign of a critical thinker. But, we cannot really make that assumption based on my personal experience.
Practicality: Nope. I do not expect rain inside, and I doubt others do either. We like our hats. I am two weeks away from Ph.D. candidacy, which I am being paid 30k/year to do at a research institute. I wear my hat because I like it, it comforts my insecurities, it reminds me of who I really am, and because I am certain some people think I look like some ‘dumb’ farm-boy.
Sidenotes: I actually am quite traditionally polite on fronts where it actually matters: I just really hate it when people use some arbitrary and meaningless rule to fuel their delusions of superiority. Although, my reasons for wearing my hat make me feel superior to the “hat-nazis” so to say. Rules like these are comforting and connvenient because allows a person to quickly size a person up. If you outlaw hats, only outlaws will where hats. So, who cares.
A majority of a person’s body heat dissapates from the head. Go green.
Eric and Michael, great points… I was starting to feel out numbered in here. I’m glad there is some logical thinking going on aside from “it’s what you’re supposed to do just because.”. You are right about it seeming pretentious.
The fact that you are even discussing this is so-o-o-o-o-o stupid. Wear a hat…..don’t wear a hat…….what’s the big deal? Get a life people!!
i will wear my hat where ever and when ever i feel pleased, isnt this america? freedom of expression? you sound like hitler and stalin mixed together, dont like it? move to another country
I am a historian. Soldiers removed their helmets in days gone by to show they trusted the host. It is customary to take your hat off if the flag passes by or if you are in a church or synagogue to show respect. Men used to remove their hats to show respect for women.. an “I take my hat off to you” sort of thing.. Grant you, the way some women act these days, they don’t deserve respect. However i’m a lady whether you are a gentleman or not. If you don’t take your hat off in my house I will ask you to do so. You don’t get to eat at my table with a dirty baseball cap on your head any more than you get to come to the table with dirty hands. I grew up with all brothers, had all sons, raised my grandsons when their father died. None of them ever wore a hat in the house. I care about my guests comfort, but it’s a two way street. If I respect them, they should respect me. It’s a matter of not accepting someone crossing my boundary…the lowest common denominator prevails today because everyone stays silent about what is acceptable. One of the great problems with the world is the sense of entitlement some people feel. If a given custom is something they don’t want to follow, they call it pretentious or make fun of that custom. I did not check the notify box so now have at it as I won’t answer what you have to say. Question asked and answered so those who think politeness is silly might just think about another perspective. Dustin is not incorrect, just well-bred.
I was interested to see this discussion on women’s fashion hats. I think it’s completely fine to wear a women’s hat indoors, unless of course it is obstructing the view of those around her. however, in public i think they are lovely and should be worn respectfully so everyone she’s speaking to can see her eyes entirely! i’ve seen some wonderful new hats for sale.
In your side bar, you mentioned that a person who wears a hat appears to have a lower IQ. Fine, I don’t agree, but I can accept that. However, you then go on to say:
“Wearing a baseball cap indoors meant an I.Q. was reduced by 50%. Wearing the cap backwards meant an I.Q. was reduced by another 50%… so what’s left?”
The way it’s written implies that that the answer you’re looking for is 0. However, when you reduce something by 50% twice, you are left with 25%, which given a very high starting IQ, could still be significant. This is a pretty common and minor mistake to make unless of course you’re trying to insult someone’s intelligence. But hey, I wear my hat backwards, so what do I know…?
Dear Chris: Thank you for writing. Your post is discussing a story I once heard and was conveyed from a perspective of simply being an amusing joke.
Thank you for writing this!!! People who wear their hat inside, at ANY time, upset me very much. I believe that there is no reason for wearing a hat inside, no matter where you are!
To Dustin, this post is not necessarily telling you how to dress but it is pointing out that there is etiquette involved when wearing at hat. Let me say, congratulations on beating your cancer. I understand where you are coming from with the hat covering your lost hair. My son was 4 when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He did three years of chemotherapy and lost his hair 4 times. He wore hats daily and still does because he is a fair skinned red head! All that said, my son, now 11 years old, knows hat etiquette and removes his every time he enters a building. He removes his hat for the National Anthem, he removes it to say hello to every teacher he passes at school, etc.
Society as become lackadaisical in regards to manners. Manners are a lost art and it is disheartening to think that our children are growing up in an ill-mannered society!
Manners and politeness can be taught to a dog but some do not have the capacity to learn. Most dogs will not crap in the front room if they are taught manners and politeness. Most dogs do not wear a hat but the principal applies. You will believe what you are taught usually. Maybe it is time to think about the purpose of a baseball cap. Why was it invented? Duh. Grow up. Do not appear stupid to other people and wear your cap correctly unless your intelligent quotient is below normal. Use your library to determine what is normal intelligence. Thank you!
I think it is a nice tradition, but it should be judged on a person to person basis. If someone has a disease such a lukemia or is under going chemotherapy, who are we to ask them to take their hat off? If you want to be a gentleman: do it. If not, than don’t. It is equally rude to tell someone that you think they are being rude don’t you think?
I also came here to find out why this is hat wearing indoors thing came to be. What may be a act of politeness to one person, may offend someone else. I do not try to offend anyone on purpose, but if I do I’m sorry. I am a caring person, but those of you I do not know, I will probably never see you again, or never remember you. If you should remember me because of a silly baseball cap, worn inside a building, even backwards. That is up to you. If you thing I”m stupid, dumb, or have a low IQ, that is up to you also. What I have to say is— look the other way my friend! You may not know what is happening to that person right then. They may be busy with lifes real issues. Life is too short to be upset about someone you do not know. Worry about what you have on your own plate, not someone else’s plate. Please concentrate on your own plate, and try to figure out how you shall eat those brussel sprouts without making a nasty face, just to appear polite.
I recently attended a funeral where the friend of the family gave 95% of the eulogy, and the entire time wore a black hat. It was distracting and pretty strange although otherwise she was dressed appropriately. I didn’t really care what she wore, but I was curious – was this just a fashion statement at funeral? I haven’t been able to find anything about black hats at funerals and proper etiquette, does anyone know? Oh – and for the record, there should be dress guidelines for funerals, I do know that much, so spare comments like “what’s the difference?”
Dear A. Carrington: Thank you for writing. For women wearing a hat (even a black one) is considered appropriate as part of the woman’s overall attire… even at funerals. Historically certain churches required women to have head covering, including a hat, scarf, or veil of sorts. The dress guidelines for funerals will differ depending on the culture of the funeral. Most western cultures black is appropriate, although Asian cultures it is white. There are dress guidelines, yet in current times—as you have seen, I’m sure—many people do not follow them. I appreciate your interest in being properly dressed for various occasions.
Hello,
Yes to your question, there is person my knowing who enjoys wearing his hats or caps at the dinner table, especially during winter months. It is uneasy telling the individual not to do this in his own house he owns. But what you can you do about it?
He does have a right to wear a hat in his own dwelling even if the practice irritates the consciousnesses of others. But if it is my home this would be a different story. What an difference when people display regard for the feelings of others even if their freedoms allow them otherwise.
I appreciate your article above, it is very informative, practical.
I can see where people go with these subjects, and it is a ridiculous form of etiquette to go to such lengths to keep a piece of cloth on your head. What’s the big deal?! I can understand that when you’re in the presence of a flag or when you hear the anthem playing you should take off your hat, but seriously? With all these rules about “no hat policies” and other b.s. similar to this, why even have a hat at all? It has nothing to do with fashion or with anything other than how you express yourself, just like any other clothing. Some one will come up to you and snidely say to “take off your hat, it’s disrespectful”, but if somone said the same about a plain t- shirt, they would think differently. In conclusion, we live in a country, the greatest in the world ( sorry Germany!) And we have a right to express ourselves in this country, HOW WE SEE FIT to our standards. Hats are a huge debate in school and at work. Its just a hat. Nothing else. Why make such a fuss over a piece of cloth? Because you can’t see our eyes? I agree with carbie and with michael also on this point.
In today’s world everyone shouts I’m an individual so your opinion means nothing to me. I want this and I want that so to hell with you.
I realize the most important person on this earth to many is themselves and rightfully so to some degree however a lack of respect due to being self centered is in trend today so I guess it’s expected.
Sadly showing respect for others and having self respect is also out of trend today. Reading the other posts it is like watching children in a store crying because Mom tells them they can’t have the toy then they pout. Apparently the old fashioned ASS woopin needs a come back too.
I have yet read a reason other than people being self centered why they should not remove there hat. Not 1 good reason. They claim the rules are old, out of date, and no one can pinpoint a reason why they should be used today. The individule with cancer (God bless your sole) more than likely was tought they are special and God knows they are but rules still apply even to someone who is ill.
Here is the best reason I can come up with. RESPECT. What do you gain by removing your hat? RESPECT. What do you get by tipping your hat? RESPECT. OK now. What do you get for showing you are an individual and the rules don’t apply to you? DISRESPECT. What do you get for not tipping your hat? DISRESPECT.
So seriously get your heads out of your individual ass and show some respect and maybe you just might get some in return.
And please parents give your child an ass woopin (not to be confused with a beating) if they need to be taught what respect is.
James get over it, respect and hats have no relevant connection, I do not base my respect around hats and neither should anyone else, if you are asked to take off your hat at someone’s house and you do not do so then I can see that as disrespectful because you are not respecting someone’s commands in their property, that’s as far as I will go with disrespect and hats. There are many more things in life to worry about other than who is wearing a hat and who isn’t, it’s such a pointless thing to care for, Its a made up rule and it’s strictly frowned upon based on opinion, it’s not disrespectful to all people. These are not some god given rights so I can do what I please with what I wear. Taking it off in school, pointless, church , pointless, anthem, pointless, flag, pointless. There is no real reason to take off my hat Ty will effect anything in any sort of way, the only reason that is given is that it is disrespectful in the eyes of some easily offended knob. If you feel disrespected because of someone’s hat then you have some self esteem issues. Hat natzis are getting old, find something else to care for, maybe starving children in Africa or something. Honestly.
You go JAMES. THESE KID ARE SPOILED
They nothing of respect and have everything handed to them. And all their talk about THEIR freedom. What have they do for there freedom what have they done for there country. And as far a the 15 year old KID saying America is they greatest country in the world It’s one of them but if you have never lived another. And I don’t mean vist or live there as an Anerican then you can’t really say. Your just repeating the same old bs that ever one is told in school. Everyone from every country that has never been any place else think there home is great. And why not.
But Americans are spoiled to no ends special the youth. James is right. Spare the tod spoil the America youth. SCREW THE TIME OUT. WONDER IF THE MARINES DO TIME OUT. god bless America
Haha wow dan and James… Since when did this become about the youth?? If the kids are spoiled, guess whois fault it is?? Your generation of parenting. This isn’t about kids… It’s not just kids that don’t believe in a dated tradition.. It’s adults too… I’m a home owner, I have a degree and a good job. I have plenty of respect for all individuals. I just don’t believe in taking off the hat. Plain and simple. Hey, I even put the toilet seat down for the ladies, I help people with their groceries… I sponsor a child in Africa with a monthly contribution, Im well liked among my friends… I don’t have a lack of respect for anyone. I dont even have any racist tendencies… I’m pretty laid back… Im really baffled why people cant see how ridiculous worrying about how someone else wears their clothes is… Hell, if you want to wear a metal bucket over your head with 2 holes cut out of it… Feel free to sit down at my dinner table with me. If you want me to remove my hat in your house, that’s fine with me. But don’t assume I’m disrespecting you because I don’t do it without being asked… There is a lot more disrespectful things than hat wearing…. Actually I get more disrespect from elders, not kids. I can’t tell you how many times some old man talks down on me because I’m 30 and I look 16. Obviously there is a difference of opinion in here. You know this type of custom isn’t right or wrong. Meaning, those of you that believe in it, you aren’t right. You aren’t wrong. You just have different beliefs and not everyone believes in the same things. So put down your old corn cob pipe and walking cane and get with the program.
Well Dustin. Don’t assume that I’m old. But 30 your still just a kid. To my 102 year old aunt lots of people are kids the number is irrelevant
As far as the youth of bad or disrespective behavior you cant blame every thing on your parents If your such an adult then take responsibility for your actions. My kids don’t and will not were a hat other then out doors the 30 year old on and the 8 year old a d they both understand why and not because I said so.
I’m sorry but if you’re saying a 30 year old is a kid then you are definitely old. Both my grandparents are centurions as well…. Not sure how your aunt applies to this discussion. I’m sure you’re proud of your 8 year old, but like I said… The hat etiquette is your opinion. In my girlfriends culture women are required to cover everything except their eyes, but she dresses like a regular American because she feels those traditions are dated. Same scenario… Not everyone has the same beliefs… It doesnt mean my girlfriend is disrespectful because she isn’t covering everything… She chooses to be an individual that thinks for herself. Traditions arent always mean to be followed. There sure is a lot of judgmental people on here that seem to elevate themselves as some higher class of people due to the way they dress. Are all the mullahs and Iran a higher class than you because they wear a turbine? Imagine having to take that thing Off everywhere you go… They probably find it disrespectful to remove their hats… Youre about as close minded as the Christians that think Jesus and the lord is the only salvation and anyone that is Muslim or Jewish is going to burn in hell…. You’re debating opinions, not facts.
I have a mental illness and my hat is like my safety blanket. ask me to remove it, it’s likely you’ll get a swift “bill please” and exit out the door, thus negating from takings and profits a business has from me.
It’s completely irrelevant now a days to follow any rules on hat wearing whats so ever. Rules on hat wearing what the hell were we thinking. Be who you want, wear what you want, do what you want, as long as your courteous and respectful
It’s a preposterous and out dated notion.
Welk Dustin good debate. I am not ever near as old as you think just started early when I was lots younger then you I been all over the world and lived all over it too. I will still take may hat off in door as well as my children do. I just went out for dinner and their were on two guys with hats on in the whole place. On 20 to 30 dressed in sport garb and a ball hat the other 40 s with a tank top and a dirty camo cap. The restaurant was a up scale casual. Ps I strongly agree with you comment about Christians and I’m one
Dear Dale: Of course there are always special situations for most things in life. Yet for the average person with no special circumstances, you hit the nail on the head with your comment “as long as you’re courteous and respectful.” This article was simply attempting to share a few tips in this area. Good luck!
I am a follower of Christ and as such, I refer to the Bible quite often to see what the Lord thinks on certain issues. Here is what the Bible says about wearing hats:
1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.
Now before you get all upset, I continued to read and this is what else is said.
1 Corinthians 11:16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.
I have been one who has been a firm believer in not wearing hats at the table or in church because it was what I was taught. I did not ever ask why. Well, now I will remember what the Bible says and not be offended by someone wearing a hat in church. However, I still will not allow a hat to be worn at my table.
Have a blessed day everyone!
I would surmise most of you who deem the practice of doffing your hat indoors archaic are probably under 40.
But, Dale…Preposterous!?! Come now.
You gave been a big help. But, I was always told that there was a season to waer the western cowboy hat. However, I was never given a strait answer. What months is it proper to waer the straw hat, and when is it proper to change to the felt hat? I’m in Texas, so I see the straw hat almost all year long, but I know that is emptier ediquet. When should they change from felt to straw, then straw back to felt?
Thanks
Dear Lora: All rules are made to be broken… so to speak, depending on the location in which you live that over time has altered the tradition. This is what creates culture. The culture of TX is different than CA or other places throughout the world. Time have changed how we all do things and a person must be flexible to the environment in which they live. My best guess, not ever having lived in TX is no one ever wears a felt hat, which is traditionally worn in winter and straw hats in summer. It’s the nature of the material to help keep a person’s head warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Thanks for the question.
People overreact to the hat etiquette. Whereas you know it is respectful to remove your car in a church, I don’t see why it’s a problem to wear a hat in restaurants. Military facilities usually tell a person to remove their hat.
For the most part, hat debate depends on the place. I’m sure people will frown upon a person whose wearing their hat in a church. However, many people wear hats in restaurants.
Thanks for the hat etiquette.
I liked the article. Sure, some people may not agree with it,
and others might. I just think it’s kind of cool when a man goes out of his way to doff his hat to a friend or a lady.
As well as, I love old traditions, and wouldn’t mind seeing some of the topics discussed here practiced a bit more.
Greetings
I would have loved to know you better M Smith.
I am 30, a man, and I decided, I am going to start wearing a hat. So I looked up what the proper etiquette is. I came across this page, only read the first three comments, and was disgusted. You absolutely talked the truth. I guess, a lot of these people will also say, ” why do I have to say thank you, or excuse me, or put their hand before their mouth when yawning” just because it is an “old custom with no reason for being there”
If only there were more people left like you, the world would still be a better place.
May you be well.
On 12 March 2012 at 2:43 am
M, Smith says:
“I am a historian.
Men used to remove their hats to show respect for women.. an “I take my hat off to you” sort of thing.. Grant you, the way some women act these days, they don’t deserve respect.
However i’m a lady whether you are a gentleman or not.
I care about my guests comfort, but it’s a two way street. If I respect them, they should respect me.
the lowest common denominator prevails today because everyone stays silent about what is acceptable.
One of the great problems with the world is the sense of entitlement some people feel.
If a given custom is something they don’t want to follow, they call it pretentious or make fun of that custom. ”
If you are honest, with just a little bit of decency and manners, you will know these points are the truth, even if you wouldn’t acknowledge it.
Is it disrespectful if: In a private home during the playing of the National Anthem (eg: during a sporting event) not to rise and/or remove a hat or cap (Males/Females)?
No matter what is said, think about the women in your life! Wearing a hat indoors is disrespectful to women. Men should not wear a hat indoors. I can’t speak for those with weird hangups but In a military environment…go into the club with your hat on and see what happens! You’ll wind up buying the whole place a round if you wear your hat. When you argue against wearing a hat indoors you are dissing the women in your life. It is a NO-MO! And think about this: today’s youth lack the desire to respect anyone, yet demand other to respect them. Why not start by removing your hat indoors? You have to show respect before you can get it!
From the attitude of the replies to this article, most of the responders did not pay attention to their mother or grandmother about being polite to others, or having good manners. Does freedom to do as you will no matter how crude it is trump showing others respect whether they want it or not? Please, take that hat off at least when you are eating!
Most of the responders don’t even have the consideration to use correct spelling, punctuation, or capitalization in their replies.
Lol, this entire conversation is hilarious. I don’t know about any of you, but I live in a free country, where I have the right to make my own choices. You may believe that it shows “respect” to remove ones hat indoors. But personally, I believe it shows more respect for an individual to simply be yourself, if you can’t accept someone for who they are, because they are wearing a hat indoors, then you are nothing but a self-centered control freak. You should probably do your research before you discuss these things by the way, because half the things you said are false. To answer a question from earlier it is illegal to wear your hat during the national anthem in the US. Although, it is not a punishable offense.
Thank you for your post. From reading the comments, it seems to me that a lack of respect for ones self and others is a real problem. Too many people are concerned with why something is polite or impolite to just take some things that have always been considered that way at face value. Don’t get me wrong, questioning things is great, especially when they may be bad, but this is one of those things that is neither good or bad. Many of those commenting have said that they don’t see why they should take their hat off in the presence of a lady or in a church or building of worship. It is all about respect. But why is it about respect you ask or snicker? Because, women are and have always been gifts to men, it is proper to respect them, showing them that you value them by doing something special in their presence. It is the same reason that a man never curses or spits in the presence of a lady, but has no problem doing so with men. Our culture has tried to tell us that men and women are equal, but it is simply not true. We both deserve the same amount of respect, but we both have our own strengths and weaknesses. Men show women that respect by doing things differently in their presence, showing them that what they offer is special, worthwhile, and valuable to us. It is us (men) showing appreciation for them being women. So gentlemen, remove your hats in the presence of a lady, your mother will be proud and the lady may just take notice.
As for removing your hat in churches and other places of worship (that expect you to not wear a hat), it is out of respect for the culture, the religion, the people and God. I know, some of you will say that you do not believe in God, but you will notice that there are many other reasons to show respect in that case. An easy rule of thumb is; do not be disrespectful. If it is and has always been respectful to do something that you do not have good reason to morally object to, then you should do it when it is considered appropriate. There is no reason not to. Please be respectful and remove your hats when appropriate. Thank you.
Too add to my last post, a gentleman should never, in public ask or tell anyone to remove their hat (few exception of course as there always will be). A gentleman does not make another man (or woman) feel as though they are less of a man (or woman) then they themselves are. It is called respect, please show it to everyone. I’m also not saying that you should be condemned for wearing your hat when you shouldn’t, but there are many cases where if you take off your hat, people will notice and have a higher opinion of you. You don’t care about others opinions you say? Well it may get you that job or girlfriend you want, that great seat at the table in the front and it may even just make you feel good. Try it sometime with an open mind and your respect for others will shine through. Many people will never notice if you don’t take off your hat, but if you do, people certainly will notice, especially since it is so uncommon nowadays. Thank you.
You take off 50% then another 50% off the remaining amount so a 75% reduction in total.
It is all a question of upbringing. The slightly older generation were brought up to use good manners and respect, so basically you try not to offend, and people treated you the same way. Now, it is all me, me, me, and you can see by most of the moments here that there is little or no consideration for others.
A gentleman removes his hat when indoors.
Dear Syndi: I came to your web page, hoping to find guidelines to a problem. Our club requires covers (hats) off when in the bar area. They are told the reason is to show respect for our fallen veterans. As a young man, I was taught by my parents to remove my hat when I entered a home, church, theater, or place to eat etc. It was; as it seemed to be a custom observed by many. Entering a store or large public place like a train station ,or theater lobby you could remain with your hat on. Of course this was before baseball caps became something of a fashion statement. Even young ladies wore dresses, or skirts and tops along with a hat, gloves and handbag when they went out in public. Such was accepted fashion for young women who wished to appear as respectful. When I entered the Air Force, there was no reason for me to question why I needed to remove my cover indoors. Today, things seem to have changed so much. I hear today, why should I do something just because someone else tells me I should. I am an individual, therefore if I want to wear yellow dye in my hair, metal in my lips, etc. why shouldn’t I? However, when you look around, many are really copy cats of the fashion they see on the streets. Such as baseball caps worn backwards (once only done by welders, so they did not need to remove their caps to put on their goggles or helmets). Today, I may go to a place to eat and I see women of all ages and sizes, wearing leggins as outside garments, so sheer that you can easy see: not only if they are or are not wearing underwear, but what type and color and if trimmed in lace or not
Many will claim as I have read in the responses to your page, that they respect others. But do they really? Or do they just think they do. I am offended when I see men wearing hats in places that they should have removed upon entering by social standard, I am offended when I see young men with their pants down around their thighs and their boxers worn as outside garments. I am offended when I see women wearing things like leggins that I can see through or seem to be sizes too small for their size. I am offended by seeing some of the wording on some of the T shirts worn by people today. Since I am offended by these sights and I know many more who are also. The people that say, It should not matter what I wear or how I wear it or where I wear it are really being rude and are not showing respect for themselves or others. Stand by any highway today and observe how many drive MPH over the posted limits. Do they respect the rules that society before them have established. Or do they just feel that rule of conduct is just so old fashion (like not wearing a hat in a place to eat) that they should be allowed to do what ever they want when they want. Kind of really selfish on their part. If you really respect others, would you take some thing of theirs without their permission. Or is the real reason behind all of this was that they were never taught what is right or proper by their elders. In old cultures the elders taught the young the way of the world.
What to do and why it was important to carry on the traditions of the past. The young, then had the responsibility to learn and then carry on the training of the ones to follow. That in it self seems now to be another lost art. People that care about what others may think of them.
I find it funny that you’ve chosen to impose your military hat etiquette on the civilian woman.
Traditional etiquette speaks that it is acceptable for a woman to wear a hat indoors unless it is obstructive. If I’m wearing a hat, not removing it is NOT due to laziness or disrespect. It is a matter of not subjecting the people around me to my “hat hair” or flying hair strands due to the removal of my hat. As far as I’m concerned, that is far more rude and inconsiderate than keeping my hat on. My hat is considered part of my attire. As such, I am not required to remove it. I’m quite sure you would not expect me or any woman to take my dress off indoors…
Until you can give me a real excuse not to wear a hat indoors, I’ll continue to do so. If your reason is because my grandpa always told me not to and “it’s just not proper”, wake up and join the 21st century. Think outside the box and stop being confined by old passe rules.
Dear Don M: It is clear you have not read the trail of numerous other posts describing the merits to what I have stated. No matter what anyone may say about the “right” to wear a hat indoors, it still holds true that wearing hats indoors in certain places is still most inappropriate and rude by many cultures and standards… including in restaurants, special indoor events, at a movie/performance theater, at a dining table, a person’s home, etc. Wearing a hat indoors in a shopping mall is fine and not what we’re discussing. Everything in life is a choice. You have the choice to do as you please, without any regard to old-fashion guidelines, or you can choose to show respect and politeness by displaying time-honored behaviors to have the best possible image of yourself.
Dear Earl: In general, you have articulated things well in terms of acknowledging what’s proper and what’s not. As to what to do and why it is important to carry on the traditions of the past, it’s all about how society evolves as to whether past etiquette continues to hold true in today’s time. For instance, it was etiquette a man was to tip his hat to a woman whenever she would walk past. Today, there is not such practice for any man wearing a hat. Women always wore gloves when traveling downtown to go shopping. Again, no longer a tradition. However, wearing hats indoors, including baseball hats, is enduring for all the respect, courtesy, and obvious reasons of “not” needing a hat on indoors, shall continue to be a sign of good manners and etiquette.
Andy Costa: To my knowledge you do not need to rise and take off your hat in your own home while watching a sporting event on your television or computer. It’s only when you are a part of the actual event taking place the respect of taking off your hat and rising is important.