It's disrespectful to wear a hat at dinner table (2024)

Mary E. Maurer| Oklahoman

MY HUSBAND and I love to eat out, but eating in any of our favorite restaurants in Oklahoma or Texas means encountering one of our mutual pet peeves - guys who eat with their hats on.

Before you get riled up, let me say that my husband loves his hats. He has cowboy hats and baseball caps all over the house. And he usually grabs one as we head out the door. But he also knows more than a little bit about "hat etiquette." If we're going out to eat he leaves his hat at home or in the car.

For those of you who didn't even know there was such a thing as hat etiquette here are a few of the basic rules I gleaned from several Web sites:

- When entering a building, remove your hat.

- Always remove your hat in a restaurant.

- Take your hat off if you sit down at a table to eat.

- Tip your hat to say "hello"; for that special person, or a person of authority, take off your hat.

Most men I've observed will quickly remove their hat if they're asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem. But for some reason these same men have never heard of taking off their hat at the dinner table.

And if a guy wearing a hat is sitting directly within my line of sight, the chances are good the hat will be filthy, have some crude word or symbol on it or be ridiculously large, thereby causing me to not only be irritated but to stifle a laugh while trying to chew my food.

I figure there are two reasons why a man wears a hat to dinner. He's either mighty proud of it and wants to show it off or he hasn't washed or combed his hair all day and needs it to cover up the evidence of his laziness.

Perhaps there's a third reason: He might have one of those bald spots that men seem to think marks the end of their virility and he wants to cover it.

Whatever the reason, or excuse, it's disrespectful to wear a hat at the dinner table. So before you eat at a restaurant, please stash the hat in the back seat of your car, comb your hair and be proud that you know a thing or two about being civilized.

You'll certainly make my meal more enjoyable.

Mauer writes from Caddo.

Archive ID: 853991

It's disrespectful to wear a hat at dinner table (2024)

FAQs

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

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.

Is it disrespectful to wear a hat in a restaurant? ›

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.

Why can't you put your hat on the table? ›

Many superstitions are associated with hats, several now being modified into rules for manners and etiquette. A hat left on a bed is bad luck. You should expect a quarrel in the household before the day is over. Leaving a hat on a table is bad luck.

Why is it disrespectful to wear a hat in church? ›

Wearing hats in church has traditionally been seen as a sign of disrespect and impropriety. This practice is rooted in historical and cultural traditions that viewed hats and other head coverings as symbols of authority, social class, or even military rank.

Why is it disrespectful to wear a hat? ›

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.

What is considered rude at the dinner table? ›

Talking with food in one's mouth is seen as very rude. Licking one's fingers and eating slowly can also be considered impolite. Food should always be tasted before salt and pepper are added.

What is the hat rule? ›

What the hell is the cowboy hat rule? You wear the hat, you ride the cowboy.

Are waiters allowed to wear hats? ›

Typically, the staff won't be wearing caps in fine dining establishments. You may be able to sell them for the busboy or kitchen uniform, but certainly not for the servers or hosts.

What does a hat mean in restaurants? ›

To be awarded a chef hat is a high honour in a chef's career and a notable achievement in a restaurant's history. The prestigious 'hats' are presented by the Australian Good Food Guide, who use precise award criteria on ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency, on food alone.

Is hat etiquette still a thing? ›

Although nowadays things are more liberal and relaxed, I believe hat etiquette should still be a consideration. While grand gestures are not expected in today's society – such as men removing their hats when they encounter a woman – those who are aware of etiquette appreciate a hat worn respectfully.

Where not to wear a hat? ›

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.

Why do people say don't put your hat on the bed? ›

Myth: Placing your hat on the bed is bad luck

This foolish belief was likely fueled from the static electricity that would discharge in the air when taking a hat off in a warm, dry environment. So goes the superstition, don't lay your hat where you're going to lay your head because evil spirits spill out from your hat.

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

However, if you're entering a home or a small gathering, you should take your hat off. Much like the etiquette rule for wearing a hat indoors, when you're at a dinner table or table to eat, in general, it's polite to take off your hat.

Is wearing a hat inside rude? ›

The traditional American rule was that gentlemen must remove their hats indoors. But for ladies, wearing a hat indoors — at a luncheon, for example — was proper. (Girls may try to use this to claim they can wear their baseball caps in class, but no, this does not apply to unisex and/or athletic gear.)

Is it biblical to wear a hat in church? ›

biblical answer, no. There isn't anywhere in the Bible. that says you have to take off your hat to enter a. church.

Can I wear a hat as a waiter? ›

Many opt for no hats anymore, but some restaurants will still wear more casual hats or hair nets. These can keep hair away from the food but are not as fancy as wearing a toque blanche. The chef jacket has adapted and changed over the years, from the classic, white double-breasted long-sleeve to more casual variations.

What is the dress code for table manners? ›

Table manners and basic dining etiquette dictate that you should dress properly when eating at the table. Your clothes should be neat, clean, and in good condition. You want to make a good impression, so it's important that you look presentable.

Can I wear my cowboy hat in a bar? ›

If you're attending a formal occasion, your hat should remain off while indoors. If it's an informal occasion, feel free to put it back on. 4. Place your hat crown side down when you're not wearing it.

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