Is Wearing Hats Inside Rude?

Almost all of us removes our hats when attending Christian churches, a funeral, a wedding, a hotel lobby, coffee shops, in someone's home, at the train station or any other event that happens indoors. While it might also seem habitual, have you ever wondered why people don’t put on hats indoors? Are there rules about this?

People do not wear hats indoors as a sign of respect. People who had been wearing hats while outside or working take off their caps to stop dirt and grime from spreading while in the home, while others, in reality, consider it impolite to wear hats indoors.

Some people, however, also get rid of their hats when indoors to prevent accidentally blocking the view of others. 

In this article, we’ll talk about why many people choose to take off their hats before entering a building, so read on to study hat etiquette standards according to the Emily Post Institute and when or where you should take off your hat. There are, of course, certain times when an indoor hat or head covering is acceptable for religious reasons or to keep your head warm in the winter.

Reasons Why People Take Off Their Hats

hat hang on a hanger

Removing a Hat Indoors Is a Sign of Respect

While wearing hats indoors is something many people do, some people choose to take off their hats when coming into a building. The majority of individuals who take off their hats indoors do so as a sign of respect.

Even if some hat wearers have not grown up with the tradition of taking off their hats indoors, they may still decide to take off their hats out of appreciation for their grandparents, for example. Read more on the history of beanie's here.

Taking Off Work Hats Stops the Spread of Dirt

Before hats were a fashion statement, hats often had sensible uses, such as protection from the sun and heat. Back in the day, many men who worked outdoors or in environments that required hats would remove them as soon as they got home to prevent the dirt from falling off and getting on the furniture or messing on other household items. 

Even today, men and ladies wear hats for work. Many industries can get dirty and dangerous and may require a hard hat, for example, the construction and building industry. Homeowners currently take their hats off before entering the house to keep away from a making mess. 

Got your hat dirty and stinky? You might want to remove the smell from your beanie!

Hat Etiquette Rules Stress Removing Hats Indoors

While hat etiquette may also be much less apparent nowadays, taking off your hat indoors is the biggest rule when it comes to hat etiquette.

Some individuals might not observe the other hat etiquette regulations as closely, however, this rule is nonetheless very apparent. People will, in most cases, remove their baseball cap when they enter a building, important location or someone’s home as well as when they meet any new person, attend an event, or sing the country's national anthem.

Emily Post, etiquette experts, shares that wearing a hat indoors or at the dinner table is not polite - even if you have a collection of fashion hats or warm beanies for winter. 

Wearing a Hat Indoors May Offend Others

Even if you aren’t attempting to be rude, many will think it to be disrespectful to wear a hat indoors. Why? This is because by doing so, you are actively making the choice to go in opposition of the basic rules of hat etiquette that have been around for many years. 

Most younger people in the room won’t mind. However, if your grandparents or older relatives see you rocking a hat inside, you will more than likely be in trouble. You'll also be in a heap of trouble if you attend a live sporting event and do not take off your at while singing the national anthem. It is rude to wear a hat

Your Hat Could Obstruct Someone’s View

Another reason why people may also take their hats off is to not accidentally block someone’s view. For instance, women now and again will wear fancy hats to a wedding. Many of these can be considered a fashion hat and have wonderful shapes and can be quite tall. 

Out of respect, during events, hat wearers will take off their hats to stop blocking someone’s view. It's one of the many unwritten rules of hat etiquette.

The Truth About Hats 

There are a few reasons why individuals - both men and women - avoid wearing a hat indoors. First of all, it is an act of respect. Many people will also remove their hats to prevent and stop bringing filth into the house.

Removing your hat indoors is also the biggest, most simple rule of hat etiquette according to the Emily Post Institute. People may consider it a rude gesture if you forget about it.

So, to sum it all up, yes, it is rude to wear a hat indoors and to practice good etiquette, it is advised that a gentleman remove their caps, or headgear worn, when they have entered someone's home, a church or in the presence of women and new people.

This is a practical way of honoring past traditions and rules that were once an indication of good social standing. 

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the winter outdoors space, focussing on skiing and snowboarding. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.

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