I've not yet found what would seem to be the definitive
list of hat rules. I'll use excerpts from various listings of hat etiquette
until a definitive list is found.
First I'll list what I consider to be Rule #1 (which in a more civilized
world would not need to be mentioned): Except under special
conditions, a cap should not be worn
backwards on the head. Those who insist on following the jackass
trend of wearing a cap turned backwards display a lack of
civility. Put another way; wearing a cap backwards on the head
looks stupid.
From the
The Last
Best West
Cowboy Hat Etiquette - By
Longfellow
Any hat should be removed when eating anywhere, that
includes baseball caps!
Any hat should be removed when the national anthem of any
country is played. Hold your hat in your right hand, over
your heart. This applies to women, unless their hat is held
on with hat pins.
Cowboys tip their hats to ladies when out doors, remove them
when being introduced, and remove them when entering a
ladies home.
Men never tipped their hats to other men in the Old West. It
was akin to calling them a woman. A nod was a common
greeting when not shaking hands.
The Code of the West
In commercial or public buildings it's not necessary to
remove your hat - but should be when entering a private
office. Generally considered polite to remove it in a
private home, unless other people are wearing their hat.
Wearing a cowboy hat to a theatre or movie is fine but
should be removed if it blocks anyone's view of the
entertainment.
From
Country Calendar's FAQ's about Cowboy Hats
A man tips his hat:
1. When walking with a friend who passes a woman only the
friend knows.
2. Any time a lady who is a stranger thanks you for some
service.
3. Any time you excuse yourself to a woman stranger, as in a
crowded bus when you jostle her, or when you have to ask to
crowd past.
4. Any time a stranger shows courtesy to a woman you are
with, as when a man or woman picks up something she has
dropped, or a man gives her his seat.
5. When you ask a woman (or elderly man) for directions.
Your cigarette, pipe or cigar should always be taken out
of your mouth before removing or tipping your hat.
A man takes off his hat outdoors:
1. When being introduced, or saying good-by.
2. As a greeting when passing someone he knows on the
street.
3. When talking, particularly with a woman, an older man, or
a clergyman.
4. When the National Anthem is being played, or the flag is
passing.
5. At a burial, or (except in large cities) in the presence
of a funeral procession.
Indoors, a man always takes off his hat, except:
1. In public buildings, such as railroad stations or post
offices.
2. In entrance halls and corridors of office buildings or
hotels.
3. In elevators of public or office buildings. You have to
use your judgment about this, though. In a department store
elevator full of women you might take it off. Also, if a
woman you know gets into an office building elevator, you
would probably take it off, and you certainly would do so if
you started talking to her.
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