Dear Jacquelyn,

I would like to teach my teenage son the traditional customs for when he should remove his hat and when it is acceptable to keep it on. Do traditional men’s hat etiquette rules still apply, or have they changed with the times?

Dear Reader,

The timeless tradition of men’s hat etiquette is a social grace worthy of passing along.

Times have changed and some may think we have strayed far away from tradition. The truth is even today, in most situations, wearing a hat indoors is still considered poor etiquette.

Your son would benefit from being aware that these guidelines exist. It will also benefit your son to understand why the tradition is in place. It has nothing to do with social position or income level. It involves respect.

Traditional guidelines are pretty clear. There definitely are places where it is still considered rude and disrespectful for a man to keep his hat on.

You can begin by explaining that all hats, including baseball hats, should be removed when indoors. This includes the homes of friends and family, and in public places like restaurants and places of worship (unless a hat or head covering is required).

A lesser-known social situation that warrants removing one’s hat is when an introduction is made, indoors or out.

A strict rule of Western etiquette worthy of sharing exists in the United States Flag Code. It advises men to remove their hats during the playing and singinf of “The National Anthem.” This rule applies indoors and outside. It’s a longtime sign of respect and one of those etiquette rules that hopefully never goes out of style.

Hat etiquette rules may have faded because we live in a much more casual world than decades past. The rules are a little looser now.

If your son becomes overwhelmed with all the rules, encourage him that, when in doubt to fall back on tradition and remove his hat out of respect for others.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2021 Jacquelyn Youst