These days, it's completely normal for younger generations to wear caps or beanies indoors—whether in class or at a coffee shop. They're simply part of the outfit! But from a style perspective, it’s also worth exploring traditional hat etiquette. What was once an essential everyday accessory for men in the 1960s is making a stylish comeback: the hat. Whether it’s a JJ Hats, Borsalino, fedora, pork pie, or bowler—classic hats are trending again and are loved by fashion-conscious folks everywhere.
But hold up: wearing a true classic hat comes with a few important rules and manners every hat enthusiast should know!
This isn’t about outdated customs—it’s about honoring a refined cultural tradition. Did you know that traditional hat etiquette draws a big distinction between men and women? No? Then let’s dive into our quick guide—you might be surprised!
Wearing Hats Indoors: What’s the Etiquette?
Traditionally, men are expected to remove their hats when entering a room, while women are not held to the same standard. But where does this custom actually come from? Like many traditions, it has roots in history—more specifically, in the age of knights and armor.
Back in medieval times, men wore helmets as part of their armor. Removing one's helmet upon entering a room was a sign of trust and respect, since it left the head unprotected. Women didn’t wear armor, and thus weren’t seen as a threat. That’s why the custom of women keeping their hats on indoors has endured over the centuries.
But don’t be fooled—this doesn’t mean that all hat rules are off the table for women. In fact, there are a few guidelines to follow.
Hat Etiquette for Women Indoors
- Women may keep their hats on indoors as long as the hat is not overly large or obscuring their face.
- If the hat is purely functional—like a rain hat or sun hat—it should be removed when inside.
That said, hat etiquette can vary depending on the event or setting. A general rule of thumb: when in doubt, it’s never wrong to take your hat off.
Special Occasions and Exceptions
Restaurants: Men can keep their hats on at the table if it’s part of traditional attire—like during Oktoberfest. Otherwise, standard etiquette applies.
Religious Ceremonies: This varies by faith. In Judaism, both men and women cover their heads in places of worship (e.g., kippah for men, tichel or scarf for women). In Christian traditions, the Bible originally suggested that women should cover their heads and men should not—especially during services like baptisms and funerals. Today, women are welcome in churches with or without a hat, but the custom was once rooted in reverence and humility before God.
Theater, Cinema, Opera: Out of courtesy, hats should always be removed in these settings—regardless of your seat—so as not to block anyone’s view. This applies equally to men and women.
Weddings: The bride has a special exemption—she may wear even a large hat throughout the celebration.
How to Wear a Hat Properly
Now that you know when to take your hat off, let’s talk about how to wear one correctly. Even the most elegant outfit can be ruined by a hat that’s worn awkwardly or uncomfortably. Here's how to do it right:
How to Put On a Hat:
- Grasp the crown with one hand.
- Use your other hand to smooth your hair away from your forehead.
- Place the hat from front to back, starting at your hairline.
- The brim should gently touch your ears.
- The fit should be snug but comfortable.
- For delicate hats like straw hats, use both hands on the brim to avoid damaging the crown.
A more modern twist, made popular by none other than Frank Sinatra, is to tilt the hat slightly back to reveal the face. It adds flair—but don’t overdo it or you risk losing that refined elegance.
To take off your hat, simply grip the crown again—easy and classic.
The Iconic Hat Tip: A Gentleman’s Gesture
Speaking of lifting your hat—there’s a charming old-school gesture every hat-wearer should know: the hat tip. When two classic hat-wearers meet outdoors, a polite hat gesture is still a mark of respect and style. There are three main types:
- Full removal: the most formal, often called "doffing the hat," and dating back to knights removing their helmets as a sign of peace.
- Tipping: a quick lift of the hat by the crown, especially when passing someone.
- Brim touch: the most casual, done by touching the brim with your index finger and thumb while giving a respectful nod—popular among fedora wearers.
Wondering why some people don’t remove their hats at all? Uniformed professionals—like police officers, pilots, and military personnel—always keep their headgear on while greeting others. Indoors, they may remove it, but outdoors it's part of their protocol and must stay on.
Classic Hats That Never Go Out of Style
Now that you know how to wear a hat like a true style connoisseur—how about choosing a classic to call your own? Hats from the 1920s through the 1960s add timeless elegance to any outfit. We’d love to introduce you to some of the all-time greats before sending you off into the wonderful world of hat fashion.
