Western hat etiquette

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Posted by Fedora from ppp-54.col.cableone.net on January 15, 2001 at 21:53:52:

In Reply to: Hat Etiquette Misc posted by MF on January 15, 2001 at 18:20:45:

: Biltmore (makers of Indy Miller) say:

: http://www.biltmore.on.ca/hatetiquette.htm

: * When putting on a hat, the bow inside signifies the back of the hat.

: * For a snap brim you can put the hat on and then gently run your fingers around the front of the brim to "snap" it down.

: * When entering a building or place of business you should remove your hat, with few exceptions.

: * In a large building, with an elevator, you should remove your hat before entering an elevator unless it is crowded. If it is - leave your hat on until you step off of the elevator.

: * Allways remove your hat at a restaurant. You may keep it with you as a safety precaution or leave on the coat rack or with the coat check.

: * To tip you hat as a gesture of "hello" you touch the brim and incline your head slightly in the direction of the person you are acknowledging.

: * For that special person or a person of authority you should remove your hat completely. To do that you gently grasp the top of the hat, raise it slightly off of you head, tilt your head in their direction and then place the hat back onto your head.

: * Ladies may wear their hat indoors as these hats are considered a fashion accessory and therefore do not have to be removed.

: * If you have to bow to a dignitary you should always remove your hat by the brim and as you bow, with a sweeping motion bring it across in front of you. Women, once again, do not have to follow this procedure, just as they do not bow.

: Hat Monger sez:

: http://www.hatmonger.com/articles/hatfaq.html

: Q Can I wear a hat indoors?

: A Yes, if you are a woman. Men ought to always take their hat off indoors. It is not considered good form to wear a hat in your own home or in your own office; however you can wear them to business meetings in other offices.

: Q Can I wear a hat to a theater or concert?

: A Yes, but be mindful that the hat is not so large that it blocks the view of the person behind you. If it does, simply hold the hat in your lap until after the performance.

:
: ALSO SEE

: http://www.digital.library.upenn.edu/women/eyebright/etiquette/etiquette.html

: "We will, however, briefly remark, that nothing can be more adverse to good manners than the habit of sitting with the hat on in the house -- be it in the parlor, dining-room, kitchen, store or office"

: EMILY POST WROTE

: "When a gentleman stops to speak to a lady of his acquaintance in the street, he takes his hat off with his left hand, leaving his right free to shake hands, or he takes it off with his right and transfers it to his left. If they walk ahead together, he at once puts his hat on; but while he is standing in the street talking to her, he should remain hatless. There is no rudeness greater than for him to stand talking to a lady with his hat on, and a cigar or cigarette in his mouth."

But you see, your list is for those Easterners, who never get their hands dirty,and spend enormous amounts of time indoors. Their hats are not so much as for protection from the elements, but rather a fashionably way to trod to work. They have to take their hats off, if not, how would anyone be able to see their newly cut and conditioned curly locks? I have a list of guidelines that come from personal habits, and from watching old westerns, that seem much more pragmatic, and sensible.
1) Wear your fedora everywhere, and never take if off, except to go to church.
2) When you're in a friendly mood, slide the hat on the back of your head.
3) When you mean business, pull it down low over the eyes.
4) You may take if off when engaging in close female contact, but only if she insists.
5) If anyone touches your fedora while wearing it, a fist fight is absolutely essential.

And so there it is. Feel free to add your own thoughts. Regards, Fedora


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