If you're a stickler for etiquette, you know that every courteous gentleman will always remove his hat upon entering a building. The rule applies to all hats—no bowler, boater, or beanie is exempt.
And while the rule certainly feels antiquated, it also begs the question: Why do we do this? After all, there's nothing about hats that seems inherently offensive. To ensure you're up to speed on this centuries-old etiquette rule, we've uncovered the real reason why it's considered rude to wear a hat indoors.
According to the etiquette experts over at the Emily Post Institute, the act of removing your hat indoors is a longtime sign of respect. In fact, it probably began with medieval knights. The Institute writes that back in Medieval Europe, any knight who failed to remove his helmet or lift his visor to identify himself could face fatal consequences. Knights also removed their helmets as a sign of vulnerability and trust in churches and in the presence of women and royalty.
The rule also has roots in Christianity, as it's considered customary for men to remove their hats upon entering a church. (Women, on the other hand, are allowed to keep their hats on in church—unless they're blocking someone's view, such as at a wedding or a baptism.)
But perhaps the strictest rules of Western hat etiquette exist in the U.S. Flag Code, which advises men to take off their hats during the national anthem—no matter where it's being played. While the flag code is certainly not a law (it's just an advisory), its inclusion of hat etiquette cements the idea that wearing a hat in the wrong situation is the epitome of rudeness.
In other words: wearing a hat at the wrong time is rude because wearing a hat at the wrong time is rude, writes todayifoundout.com.
There are a few exceptions to these hat-wearing rules. Men are allowed to keep their hats on at indoor athletic events, on public transportation, in post offices, airports, hotel or office lobbies, and on elevators. And women are allowed to keep their hats (and by hats, we mean fashion hats—not baseball caps) on at all of those places, plus in someone's home, at luncheons, movies, weddings, garden parties, and even during the national anthem.
In addition to removing their hats indoors and during the national anthem, men should also remove their toppers at mealtime and while being introduced to someone new (both indoors and out—unless it's freezing!).
At the end of the day, however, many etiquette experts emphasize the importance of trusting your intuition. If you find yourself in a situation where you aim to show respect to others, then it's best to avoid coming off as rude and simply remove your hat—no matter how well it may tie your look together. And whether you're indoors or outdoors, always make sure you avoid all of the 15 Hats So Ugly They're Crimes Against Fashion.
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