Wearing a hat at the office

[Slim Portly]

I've read the Hat Etiquette threads and, while I have learned much from them, I have not found anything that specifically addresses the issue of wearing a hat at the office.

I work in a government building assisting members of the public. I do not have a private office or cubicle, but rather I sit on one side of a counter that separates the large public lobby from the employee's work space. Think of something along the lines of a bank lobby with tellers sitting at windows, except that in my case I may sit at a counter for the entire day, or I may go back and forth between the public lobby and the areas that the public does not have access to, or I may spend hours in the lobby with our clients.

If the lobby is considered a public area then I assume that leaving on my hat may be considered proper while I am woking there. When going back and forth from public to non-public areas I feel that wearing the hat may also be appropriate, considering that where my co-workers and I work are large "community" areas. When sitting at a specific counter for long periods of time I often leave my jacket on to stay comfortable in the air conditioned building, and that combined with the fact that I am sitting across a counter from a public lobby makes me feel comfortable leaving my hat on there as well.

If this all sounds like I am coming up with excuses to keep my hat on all day, I wouldn't argue. I obviously enjoy wearing my hat, I make an effort to include the hat when putting together the day's wear, and I am very often complimented by members of the public when they see that they are sitting across from a well-dressed gentleman. Mostly I am concerned that I may be violating a very basic rule against wearing a hat all day at one's place of business. Any thoughts or suggestions, either critical or supportive, will be appreciated.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Back in the day, some professionals were in the habit of doing what you want to do. Engineers and newspaper reporters seem to have been able to get away with it, to say nothing of private investigators. In other words, guys who were constantly on the move. In your case, I would imagine a lot will depend on what your supervisor says, and whether you get any negative feedback from your clientele. Good luck.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

It sounds to me like you've generated a fair compromise between social etiquette and your desire to constantly wear your hat. So, if the people you work for and the people you have contact with seem comfortable with how you conduct your hat habits, I don't see why you shouldn't continue as you have been doing. In todays society, etiquette is (I think) more about being polite and considerate of others and less about a list of do's and don'ts. If you consider yourself a gentleman, then simply ask yourself - would it bother me?

 

[Slim Portly]

J.T.: Thanks for the response. A funny thing is that according to our actual dress code, hats are only allowed if they sport the department logo. Fortunately my supervisors seem to recognize the fact that the dress code was written in an attempt to keep everyone from dressing as poorly as possible.

As far as comments from our customers are concerned, my appearance is regularly complemented and the supervisors are well aware of this fact. It is somewhat ironic that a customer must often tell a supervisor who is wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that they appreciate how nicely dressed I am.

Again, I am really wondering what the actual rules of etiquette for wearing a hat in the workplace are, but I agree that, at last as portrayed by Hollywood, many open offices such as those used by police or newspapermen seemed to have been "hat friendly."

N.B.: Good points. Thank you. As we leave the constraints of well-understood and observed rules far in our wake, we are often left to simply ask if a behavior should be considered polite or acceptable on its own merit.

 

[Rhabryn]

Concerns

I can imagine a particular concern:

You state that the environment is much like a Bank Lobby.

I know that in many government buildings, they wouldn't want customers to wear a hat... especially ones that may involve disgruntled individuals.

Considering there are few governmental functions that don't involve ticking someone off, I'm sure that one concern your office may have is allowing clients to walk around incognito.

You wearing a hat, in front of these clients, may make them feel that it is appropriate for them to wear a hat into that particular office... and, if they are prohibited or discouraged, may feel it is unfair for you to be able to wear one. Additionally, you may also find that some individuals may feel distanced from you, and that you are impersonal when wearing your hat.

Additionally, and I'm not entirely clear here on the ettiquite... but, theoretically at least, you may not want to address the fairer sex without removing your hat.


On the other hand, your haircut and jawline may make some individuals feel you're a bit of a scary guy... which may make it better, in practical effect, to wear the hat. (Please note, most consider me more scary looking than I could imagine them thinking so of you).

I do warn of a few things... if you're going to wear a fedora, I suggest wearing it high, and tilted away from your eyes... obscuring your eyes might make people uncomfortable or feel that you are being impersonal with them.



All and all, im not an expert, nor even a neophyte... I myself am experimenting with hat ettiquite and practical interpersonal effects on a daily basis.

The others are far more versed/experienced in these matters.

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Here in my office we had that "discussion" already. It has been agreed that I may wear my hat into the office and to my desk. And, I may wear my hat from my desk out of the office at the end of the day. BUT.....heaven forbid I should wear my hat at my desk, or to the rest-room or breakroom during the course of the day! That, my friends would not be permissable and is punishable by steps of discipline up to and including termination. Thus spake Tharathustra, corporate God of hats.

-dixon cannon

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Again, I am really wondering what the actual rules of etiquette for wearing a hat in the workplace are...

The rule when I was in the Navy (41 years ago) was "Whenever seated indoors, the cover must be off." It was, however, understood that there were practical limits (especially at lunch counters. Most did not have hat racks, or they were behind your back, and people actually did steal nice hats!)

 

[MAB1]

Where did all the hatcheck girls go?

 

[Slim Portly]

...theoretically at least, you may not want to address the fairer sex without removing your hat.

Indeed, this was a serious concern for me initially, and yet wouldn't you just guess that it is more often than not a member of the fairer sex who lets it be known, often with batting of the eyelashes, that a man in a nice hat is a welcome change of pace.

On the other hand, your haircut and jawline may make some individuals feel you're a bit of a scary guy... which may make it better, in practical effect, to wear the hat. (Please note, most consider me more scary looking than I could imagine them thinking so of you).

Yes, there are those who seem to find me intimidating. Luckily I'm able to turn it on and off like a light switch. I can make a rude man apologize, a lady blush, and a baby laugh, all with a glance from this ugly mug of mine.

The rule when I was in the Navy (41 years ago) was "Whenever seated indoors, the cover must be off." It was, however, understood that there were practical limits (especially at lunch counters. Most did not have hat racks, or they were behind your back, and people actually did steal nice hats!)

I'm an ex-serviceman as well, and the rule for "covers" is deeply ingrained. Heck, it took me decades to get to the point that was able to stow my undergarments without first ironing them and then folding them into six-inch squares. At my now advanced age and level of decrepitude I am willing to fight the habits beaten into me by loving and well-intentioned drill sergeants.

Here in my office we had that "discussion" already. It has been agreed that I may wear my hat into the office and to my desk. And, I may wear my hat from my desk out of the office at the end of the day. BUT.....heaven forbid I should wear my hat at my desk, or to the rest-room or breakroom during the course of the day! That, my friends would not be permissable and is punishable by steps of discipline up to and including termination. Thus spake Tharathustra, corporate God of hats.

It is sad how we gents push those in power to keep us in line. Perhaps one day we will learn to toe the line, but for now we can rely on their self-serving justifications and myopic interpretations of corporate policy to elevate their feelings of superiority.

 

[John in Covina]

I'd put the quesstion like this:
Are you in a position that you are providing a service for the public or a clientel?

Do you want to project an air of service, knowledge and efficiency?

If so, then I would say you may look more professional without the hat on. Cooks, soda jerks, and painters might wear a hat indoors, but someone at say the DVM or a cashier or even information booth that is indoors should probably not wear a hat unless it is part of a specific uniform set by the company or govenrmental agency.

In "The Bank Dick" a customer closes his account because the teller is always wearing a hat and the depositor feels that it seems to suggest the teller is always ready to leave, perhaps with the funds.

 

[Slim Portly]

Do you want to project an air of service, knowledge and efficiency?

Indeed, I do. However one should consider that the employee to my left is a part-time college student wearing a t-shirt commemorating the last concert he attended, and the employee to my right is a 72-year-old woman who sits up at night thinking of hoops that she can make people jump through. Meanwhile I'm the guy with the hat who just spent an extra ten minutes doing research that saved you a significant amount of money. When my guests get done thanking me, I tell them that when they come back to just ask for the ugly guy with the hat.

My choice of headwear causing concern about my abilities or intentions is apparently not an issue.

 

[carldelo]

Wear it!

I say wear the hat unless the complaining gets too loud. I don't think that will happen though - it sounds like you're classing up the joint.

 

[Bourbon Guy]

Whenever we were indoors, at a restaurant or whatever, and encountered a man wearing a hat or a cap, my father always commented "his head must be cold." Although he seldom stated things directly, it was not difficult to take his meaning.

 

[Slim Portly]

Yes, my father is very judgmental too.

 

[Pilgrim]

I understand the general rules of hat etiquette much the way you do. However, my own opinion is that when seated and conducting business, a hat is not appropriate unless it is part of a job-related uniform. Also, just to be practical, the public does not understand hat etiquette and I believe that wearing a hat at your job might easily be misunderstood. I like my hats a lot, but given the circumstances you name, I would remove the hat.

 

[LaMedicine]

From the fairer sex, then.
If your are a *white collar worker*, then basically, you shouldn't wear a hat indoors at work. As Dixon Cannon said, wearing one coming in and going outdoors is fine. Moving around, behind the counters, into the lobby, sitting at your desk, not.
While I consider a gentleman wearing a hat well dressed, indoors, I would not. For men, a hat basically is an item that belongs with the outerwear group, and the fact that in the past, hat check girls and cloak rooms where you checked in your hats were the norm indicates just that. A hat indoors is basically not accpetable.
For women, it is different, dress codes require/allow certain types of hats to be worn on certain occasions. Pill box types can be worn indoors, wide brimmed hats, basically not.
At least, that is how I was brought up to understand.

I think that part of the difference between the acceptability of hats indoors for men and women come from the differnce in what hats evolved from, historically. While for men, it is head gear to protect their heads from violent attacks and injuries, so these were left at the door because you were supposed to be safe inside; for women, they evolved from the veils used as coverings to protect them from the eyes of strangers, and was a symbol of demureness, so it is proper to wear them indoors as well as outdoors.

 

[mtechthang]

I'm programmed!! It comes off. But. . .

I think it depends on a whole bunch of factors. Personally, if the space is private the cover comes off (I grew up around the military- that might explain that). [huh] On the other hand, I think the advice seems to be something like the "Golden rule". Who has the gold makes the rules. If you work for someone else, I'd ask. (You did). Frankly, unless you are making some kind of "point" or, as some have pointed out, wearing something obscene or weird, then who cares. On the other, other hand :eusa_doh: , someone not as nice as you may goof it up as time goes by. [huh] Sounds like you've covered your bases though and so long as no one's uncomfortable, that is what etiquette is all about, no? :eusa_clap

 

[Slim Portly]

To paraphrase kabuto, proper hats are so long out of use that the finer points of the old rules no longer need apply, and the fact that baseball-style caps are acceptable means that hats per se are not unacceptable so long as they meet certain requirements. This is the reason that I sought help here. These points had escaped me but are valid considering the circumstances.

And I may just take the suggestion of acquiring some sort of pin or card with my division logo so as to cut off any Negative Nellys who may look to enforce the letter of the law with no concern for the spirit.

 

[DrSpeed]

IMHO etiquette is about making the other person feel comfortable, and if your hat makes one feel one is dealing with a competent and correct person then I say, wear it! Strictly following rules is no objective in itself.

Personnally I'd take it off when dressed formally, but wouldn't mind keeping it on wearing casual clothes like your collegues.
In the first case I'd stick to tradition, as in the second one you'd wear your hat the "modern" way, adding some style and class to a casual attire.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

You're inside. You're not momentarily planning to leave the building. You're there to serve the public. I think etiquette and common practice are pretty clear on the point you take it off when indoors. Would you leave your overcoat on all day?

And just because there are people running around with baseball caps on doesn't make it right. But the call's entirely yours. If you get heat from supervisors and/or the public coming to the office, you're the one who has to dea with it.