Why do we care about hat etiquette? Are the rules different for men and women?
The main reason for hat etiquette is being considerate of those around you.
A few things to consider are:
- Is your hat in the way of their field of vision? For example, a huge hat worn to the theatre or to a concert could hamper someone’s field of vision of the stage. No one wants to stare at the back of someone’s hat for the entire performance.
- Does your hat fit the event? One would not wear a baseball cap to a more formal event.
- Are hats worn to the event you are attending?
Some rules for women are…
- Ladies may wear their hats indoors as well as outdoors.
- After sundown, hats are generally not worn by ladies.
- Fascinators can be worn after sundown.
- When at a performance, a theatre etc., be aware of people around you. If they cannot see properly over your hat, remove it and place it on your lap.
- Never ask to borrow or touch someone else’s hat. Admire it like the piece of art it is.
- Have a good attitude and confidence when wearing at hat. This allows you to have more fun and it makes that hat look better on you.
Etiquette for men is a little more strict.
- Always remove a hat when indoors, in the presence of an American Flag, in the presence of a place of worship and when you stop to talk.
- Tip a hat when meeting a lady. Remove it when you are conversing with a lady.
For more tips about hat etiquette, visit Southern Lady’s article about Polly to learn more.
https://southernladymagazine.com/meet-polly-singer-kentucky-milliner/
Of note regarding women's hats, if a woman wears a hat for practical reasons such as to protect her face from the sun or to keep warm in inclement weather rather than for reasons of fashion or religion, I was taught that that same rules apply for women as for men, and such hats are not to be worn indoors.
Yes of course. I don't see any problem with that.