Hats Off! Hat Etiquette for Everyone (2024)

Hats Off! Hat Etiquette for Everyone (1)

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. Cancer patients are exempt from hat rules. They may keep their hats or caps on at all times if they wish.

Here's when it’s fine to wear your hat and when it’s not:

Men's Hat Etiquette

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

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's Hat Etiquette

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

Take your fashion hat off…

  • Anytime it blocks someone's view, such as at a wedding or in a theater
  • Indoors at work

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

Read more about dress codes and etiquette for attire.

Hats Off! Hat Etiquette for Everyone (2024)

FAQs

Hats Off! Hat Etiquette for Everyone? ›

A gentleman should remove his hat as he enters a building, including a restaurant, home, classroom, theater, church. This rule includes baseball caps and casual hats. Hats are to be removed when inside, except for places that are akin to public streets, e.g., lobbies, corridors, and elevators in public buildings.

What is the etiquette for taking off a hat? ›

A gentleman should remove his hat as he enters a building, including a restaurant, home, classroom, theater, church. This rule includes baseball caps and casual hats. Hats are to be removed when inside, except for places that are akin to public streets, e.g., lobbies, corridors, and elevators in public buildings.

Is it rude to not take your hat off? ›

Historically, men's hat etiquette has designated that all hats should be removed upon entering indoors, which includes houses of worship (unless customary otherwise like at Jewish synagogues), public buildings, and private homes, especially at mealtimes.

Why is removing your hat respectful? ›

Historically, it was tradition in most cultures for men to remove their hats when they went indoors. It probably started in ancient times when knights would remove their helmets indoors to show respect to the king. It's been a tradition for many years and people don't like it when other people don't follow tradition.

Why is it customary to remove your hat indoors? ›

In Western culture, it is considered impolite to wear a hat indoors, especially in formal settings such as churches, restaurants, or offices. The roots of this tradition can be traced back to the medieval era when knights would remove their helmets as a sign of respect when entering a building.

Why is it disrespectful to leave your hat on? ›

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.

Is it polite to take your hat off? ›

If in a public space like a lobby, elevator, corridor, public transport, it's perfectly fine to keep your hat on; however, when you enter places that are considered private spaces like someone's office, home or apartment, it is more polite to take one's hat off.

Can everyone pull off a hat? ›

Anyone can wear a hat. You only need to become familiar with your face shape and what hat shape suits you. Use the information below to determine your face shape, and then read about what sort of hats suit you best and how to wear them.

What does hats off to everyone mean? ›

In English, the phrase “hats off to you” is a really common expression we use to show admiration, respect, or a basic congratulation for someone's achievement or talent. It's a fun way of acknowledging and showing your appreciation for their efforts and a job well done.

When should a lady remove her hat? ›

For hats that go with dinner dresses or suits, never remove them throughout the whole evening. However, if you have a hat worn strictly for warmth and not fashion, it must be removed when you're indoors. These include knitted hats you wear during the winter.

Is it rude to wear a hat at the dinner table? ›

All hats, including baseball hats, should be removed when indoors. This includes homes, restaurants, theaters, etc.

What is the meaning of hats off? ›

If you say ' Hats off to someone', you are expressing admiration for them. [approval] Hats off to them for supporting the homeless.

Why is it rude to wear a hat at dinner? ›

In Western culture, it has always been considered rude or disrespectful for a man to wear a hat inside a building, including a church building. Even a generation ago, when men commonly wore hats, the headgear was removed indoors, or even outdoors in the presence of a woman.

Is it rude to keep your hat on in a restaurant? ›

First, the question of whether to keep your hat on or off has become a personal one. It you want to be completely traditional, then yes, inside a home, inside a restaurant, inside church, these kinds of places- you should always take off your hat.

Is it flirting when a girl takes your hat? ›

Is this a form of flirting? Most of the time yes, but sometimes it means they just really like your hat and hoodie and are looking for a good opportunity to steal it. It is most likely flirting though.

Is it OK to always wear hats? ›

Hats are fashionable and provide excellent hair, skin, and UV protection. There are several myths about the daily use of hats. While these are untrue, an ill-fitting hat can cause some problems. Invest in a well-fitting hat (or hats), and you should be able to wear a hat daily.

Is it disrespectful to wear a hat in school? ›

One major reason why wearing a hat in school is frowned upon by many people is that it's culturally inappropriate. Hats are considered gang symbols and are often worn to signify affiliation with a particular gang. Consequently, wearing a hat in a school is considered disrespectful.

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