Wearing a hat at the office

[Slim Portly]

I think that dismissing the ettiquette that went along with the hat during the period when it was worn seems somewhat odd as well. It seems that the ettiquette served a purpose and that it should be observed in conjunction with the choice to wear a hat.

Indeed, dear lady, but I beg you to consider the possibility that many finer points of etiquette are meaningless without an understanding and appreciation of the rules by at least two of the parties involved.

Let us say, for instance, that there was an obscure rule that required a gentleman to wear a yellow pocket square on the first Tuesday of the month, but never on any other day. Then let us skip forward fifty years to a point that pocket squares are as obsolete as the dodo bird. 95% of the population would be so young that they would barely recognize the object for what it was with no context at all of when it should or should not be worn, and therefore most observations would simply be to compliment an attractive accoutrement, and 4.999% of the population would be old enough to know what the thing is and be simply thrilled to see one worn at all, regardless of the fact that today is the third Wednesday. That would leave 0.001% to fall into the category of those still above ground and yet concerned with rules that once applied, and undoubtedly those few would be active members of the First Tuesday Pocket Square Lounge.

A gross over-simplification? Perhaps, but only in a doubtlessly clumsy effort to illustrate a point. Be it a costume piece or a well-loved accessory, think me a poseur or an ill-informed lout, the fact remains that I enjoy wearing my fedora and I have yet to receive so much as a sideways glance mixed in with the many positive and supportive comments (see also me previous post regarding my intention to alter my hat wearing habits vis a vis being indoors). I promise that should I ever be fortunate enough to accompany you anywhere I will strive to regard every rule ever written on the subject as if carved by the very finger of God into the living rock of Mount Sinai.

 

[mwelch8404]

More military here.

Never wear a hat indoors unless you are "under arms" (or "on duty" in some ships spaces.)


You can never be under arms in a church or chapel, so you are always uncovered under these circumstances.

It's the exceptions that prove the rules. I consider any place I'm "shopping" in a public area, same with lobbies, etc. When I enter my or someone else’s office, off comes the hat.

I don't know about posting links here but "Ask Andy" (http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Clothes Articles/etiquette_for_hats_and_caps.htm) has about the best "traditional" guide.

It REALLY makes my jaws hurt to see someone eating in a sit-down type restaurant while they’re “covered.”

 

[Paisley]

SP, I get the feeling that your mind was made up on this matter before you ever started this thread. If that's the case, why are you asking for input?

 

[Tango Yankee]

Another one on the side of leaving it off

I'm yet another military type, and I suppose that does color my outlook. Still, I've always been of the opinion that a hat (or cap) is outerwear so I wouldn't wear it while sitting at my desk--period.

I would be concerned about leaving it unattended at my desk if the desk is in a semi-public area. In that case I'd want to leave it in a secure area. Where do you leave your overcoat when you come in (those few times you need one in LV?)

I generally try to follow the usual guidelines about hat wearing. I do make exceptions as needed, though (flexibility is the key to Air Power!) For example, this past weekend I was having dinner with my wife and her aunt and uncle in a restaurant. The booth was barely large enough for the four of us and there was no place to put hats or coats. I simply apologized to the others, and pushed the hat back a bit, and left it on. I wasn't happy about it, though.

Like Paisley, I do get the idea that you already knew what you intended to do.

Indeed, dear lady, but I beg you to consider the possibility that many finer points of etiquette are meaningless without an understanding and appreciation of the rules by at least two of the parties involved.

I disagree. The finer points of etiquette become meaningless when one takes on the assumption and attitude of "they won't know any better, so I won't bother." One could argue that the very act of following the rules of etiquette even when the other party is ignorant of them is the mark of a true gentleman.

I promise that should I ever be fortunate enough to accompany you anywhere I will strive to regard every rule ever written on the subject as if carved by the very finger of God into the living rock of Mount Sinai.

This sarcasm was uncalled for, I think. You asked for opinions, you got opinions--and hers was rather gently given.

Regards,
Tom

 

[Slim Portly]

SP, I get the feeling that your mind was made up on this matter before you ever started this thread. If that's the case, why are you asking for input?

I can only assume my posts regarding my intention to alter my habits based entirely on the input form this thread were missed by you, which is understandable considering my many long-winded and obtuse missives. For this I apologize.

This sarcasm was uncalled for, I think. You asked for opinions, you got opinions--and hers was rather gently given.

No sarcasm at all, friend. If I am to play a bit with the rules when engaged with those in the majority who do not know them, it would only be fair to follow them strictly when accompanied by a refined lady (whose rare status makes her that much more precious) who naturally expects a gentleman to act appropriately in her presence.

I admire your willingness to step forward when you perceive that a slight has been delivered to a lady, but this is not the case here, I assure you.

 

[FedoraGent]

My experience...

Folks,

I've turned into a lurker on the Lounge...but this one I had to talk about. So here's the gig. By profession, I'm a Software Systems Engineer (Sr.). This basically means that I handle the technical side of IT software implementation and configuration. With that being said, I work with a sales guy and we are out at customers large and small daily. What I've been doing for years is wearing a hat everywhere (I change the hats up each day...) and I wear them into the front lobby...but when inside an elevator or inside with my customers I take my hat off out of deference and respect. Otherwise, I wear it just about anywhere.

My customers have been receptive and surprisingly it has defined my image. When I speak at a seminar or event, of course I don't wear the hat. However when I walk in...everyone knows as I'm the only one with a hat.

I figure that when we wear our hats in business, we are taking the respectability, style and class up a notch. I find people take me seriously and they focus on what needs to be done. That, and we stick out in people's minds. In my opinion it shows folks that we are confident in what we do and we are confident in ourselves to wear such brilliant style.

Again, just my .02 cents.

FG.

 

[John in Covina]

SP, I get the feeling that your mind was made up on this matter before you ever started this thread. If that's the case, why are you asking for input?

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