Hat's, when to Wear or Not...

"dons" & "doffs"...

These are British contractions meaning; dons refers to "do on" meaning "to do" and doffen or doffs refers to "don off" meaning "to do off".

There are plenty of proper manners and etiquette regarding the of wearing hats. Although, it has become common place not to use those manners.  

Throughout history hats have had their place. In the 1930's, 40's and 50's they were very common, in fact expected. In the 1960's they became less common. As of late, they have become more popular. 

(The Cowboy Hat has a long standing history. The same rules apply with a few added extra's for that Cowboy polish! *See "Cowboy Hat Etiquette" 

The rules are basically the same, as in the past, with a few updates. As always, common courtesy should always apply. If we raise our standards, we raise the everyday respect we deserve to receive!

Rules of Etiquette for Hats

Hats are often tipped, (or doffed) by slightly lifting the hat off your forehead, when meeting a lady. Remove your hat when you hold a conversation with that person.

Tip the hat gently when saying; hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me, etc.

Tipping your hat is always considered a gesture of politeness to a woman. 

Hats need to removed when inside; except in public buildings, corridors, elevators (non-residential). You may choose to remove your hat, when a lady is present in an public elevator. *Consider the "room" in the elevator, if it is crowded....tip your hat, gently.

Hats are always removed for the National Anthem, anytime the "flag" is passing (such as, parades, etc.), funerals and their processions, weddings, dedications, most photograph's, Churches or Places of Worship, (*Women may wear hats to Church, if condoned, when their hats are part of an outfit. But, they must never be obtrusive).

 Women may wear their hats indoors or during the National Anthem, unless it is a unisex hat, such as a baseball cap.  When woman wear a unisex hat or cap, they must follow the same guidelines as men. If a woman is wearing a formal hat, during the National Anthem, she should not remove the hat.

Hats may be worn in the Movies, Theaters, or Concerts, but they need to removed if they are blocking someone's view. 

When hat-wearer's put anything on their hat band; be aware on which side it must be placed. Men on the left and Women on the right.

Women may wear their hats inside a home for special occasions; wedding, christenings, funerals and such. This is considered a "Time of Worship".

Women should not remove hats that go with dinner suits or dinner dresses in the evening. Hats should not be worn with formal dresses. Daytime hats need to be doffed (taken off) at dusk.

Men should never tip a hat to another man. It is considered rude. They should nod politely. 

When you remove your hat, the hat should be held in a way that the inside of the hat and band are not seen by others. The lining should never be revealed.

You should always remove your hat with your left hand. So that your right hand is available to "shake" hands with someone.

Hats should be removed whenever you dine in a restaurant. Some fine dining establishments offer coat and hat checks (*hopefully, restaurant staff have been coached regarding proper hat & coat etiquette). 

Some restaurants allow hats for men. Many restaurants have a dress code for proper attire. Baseball caps are never considered proper in a restaurant. You MAY wear them at a fast food style restaurant. (These certain rules apply mainly to men.) It is okay for a man to wear a hat in a bar or nightclub "if" it suits his attire.

Many people today are making up their own rules regarding hat manners. Basically, the old rules still apply, with a few added updates.

There is never an excuse for bad manners. If you want respect, give respect.

Let Your Manners Shine with Style...