Fashion Tales: «The way you wear your hat…»

Words by Anouk Lefavre

Hats are surprisingly complicated accessories… They come with such a complex etiquette that sometimes we need to consult guides just to wear them!

No other article of clothing must be donned, tipped or shed depending on the time of day and the sort of event we are attending. Hats may not be an essential article of clothing, they do however keep their wearers warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and sometimes function strictly as fashion accessories.

Knowing when to remove a hat is as important as wearing the proper hat for the each occasion. Throughout history hats identified social standing and removing a hat was a gesture of respect. Nowadays in 1940’s, men have strict rules to wear their hats: they should take off their hats in Christian churches, when they enter someone's home, when greeting their boss, and always in the presence of a lady. Ladies, on the other hand, are entirely exempt from «hat rules» wearing them whenever and where ever they wish.

Ladies, «You can leave your hat on…»

·         In someone's home

·         At luncheons, weddings, garden parties

·         At religious services

·         At a movie or any indoor performance

·         When the national anthem is played

·         When the flag of your country passes by, as in a parade

And you should take your hat off…

·         Anytime it blocks someone's view, such as at a wedding or in a theatre

·         Indoors at work

Gentlemen may leave their hats on

·         Outdoors

·         At athletic events (indoors or out)

·         On public transportation

·         In public buildings such as post offices, airports, and hotel or office lobbies

·         On elevators

Gentlemen must take their hat off

·         In someone's home

·         At mealtimes, at the table

·         While being introduced, indoors or out

·         In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required

·         Indoors at work, especially in an office (unless required for the job)

·         In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall

·         In restaurants and coffee shops

·         At a movie or any indoor performance

·         When the national anthem is played

·         When the flag of your country passes by, as in a parade