Dear Jacquelyn,

I would like to teach my teenage grandson 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 that even today in most situations wearing a hat indoors is still considered poor etiquette.

Your grandson would benefit from being aware that these guidelines exist. It will also benefit your grandson 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 to your grandson that all hats, including baseball hats, should be removed when indoors. This includes the homes of friends and family, and in public places such as 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 playing and-or singing of “The National Anthem.” This rule applies indoors and outside. It’s a long-time 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 in decades past. The rules are a little looser now.

If your grandson becomes overwhelmed with all the rules, encourage him to, 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; 2020 Jacquelyn Youst