Hat Rules
Yes, hats rule but what I’m talking about are hat rules. First on my list is never touch another mans hat. I’ve only ever had it happen to me once where a guy I know tried to reach for my hat when I was wearing it but he’ll never try it again. For me, it’s just one of those things you don’t do. Another rule is to take your hat off when you’re sitting in a restaurant. Sitting at the bar with a hat is fine but if you’re at a table please show some respect for others at your table and remove your hat. A tip to go along with this rule is to put your keys in your hat that way you won’t get very far if you forget your hat.
Do you have any hat rules to live by?
September 16th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I thought your key trick was a very good one, and I will definitely use that in future.
My personal thoughts on hat etiquette are this: Know the traditional rules of hat wearing, but do not feel honor bound by them. Hats are no longer ubiquitous.
Your restaurant example: I agree very much with taking your hat off. However, I would say it depends on the kind of hat you are wearing, and the kind of restaurant you are eating at. Village Inn, Perkins, Outback, Famous Daves, Mondos, and nicer, definitely take it off. Large brim? Take it off, for sure. But, if you are eating at a bar and grill with a group of friends, and are wearing a flat cap (ivy) or Newsboy, then you would probably be ok leaving it on. Intimate date with the wife, family, etc., take it off (unless you are having this intimate date at a joint like the downtown bar and grill… in which case you have larger problems then deciding when to don or doff a hat (you should probably learn how to choose appropriate eateries for specific affairs first!)). If it is a fancy restaurant, but you are eating on the terrace, you may wish to leave your hat on for that as well (unless they have table umbrellas, in which case it can go either way). Hats are fun to wear at picnics, as well. Just make sure that you don’t get any bacon butty on it!
As you said, respect trumps all else. If your hat is going to cramp space, get in peoples line of vision (we all know how important the sports monitors are at our favorite downtown bar n’ grills!), or cause some sort of trouble along these lines, then doff away!
I guess you could say my personal hat rules are “Contemporary, but Thoughtful”.
My wife and I had a discussion the other day about the rules of wearing hats. We had a hard time figuring out the rationale behind some old rules. ‘Twas interesting, regardless.
I’m afraid your blog has caused far too much thought in me. Sorry for going on!
September 18th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
What a great reply! Thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts down. I think you summed it up perfectly…”respect trumps all else”.
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
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