Excuse Me, Would you Mind
Removing Your Hat

What happened to manners of taking off your hat when entering a building? As a teacher I am exposed to large number of students with trucker’s caps, baseball hats, scarves with baseball hats and hair nets on men and women. As etiquette goes, ladies and gentlemen are to remove their hats when entering a building? However, don’t ask a cowboy to do that, those are fighting words!

Hats are usually worn when it’s cold outside, to a fashion show or for Easter most commonly. Other times include baseball, football, soccer and other athletic events. But please, once inside remove your hat with the exception of a sporting event. I don’t find it so much in business, although interviewee’s feel it is part of who they are and wear them to an interview – WRONG. Hats or head coverings of any nature are not permissible at work unless you work outside as in construction.

But for most professional white collar positions, hats are not worn. Even when I was a fashion coordinator for Burdines, a hat was not part of my wardrobe. Neither was it when I worked retail at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Hats are for your time and out of respect, remove it when entering someone’s home or restaurant.

Another time when hats are to be removed is when the American national anthem is played. This communicates respect for the flag and what it represents. Do I sound patriotic, perhaps so, but in other countries where I have lived or visited, it was a common practice to remove your hat when the national anthem was played.

So you may not want to discard your trucker’s hat, but in fashion terms it’s over. You may wear a hat because you are having a bad hair day, but everyday? Maybe you might want to think about your personal hygiene or a better hairdresser. Hats are not part of the professional wardrobe and if you feel naked without it, consider construction or other manual labor positions where hard hats or hats to protect the eyes from the sun’s rays are needed.

Wearing a hat inside may be acceptable to some but not everyone. Communicate respect for your friends’ or boss’ home and remove your hat. And when you hear the Star Spangle Banner play, show your pride and respect and remove your hat. Whether you notice it or not it will make a lasting positive impression!!!