Since when is it OK to wear hats in restaurants?

Question

I'm fine with hats anywhere they have a drive thru window but when it comes to sit down restaurant etiquette it seems like a lot of people never got the memo.

Answer 1

You are correct. A lot of people didn't get the memo. I have taught my son's that a gentleman removes his hat when he enters a building. However, common curtesies aren't so common anymore.

Answer 2

I have to agree with Vonniedee, kalindosc and rickbgp38. I am a maitre d' in a fancy, chef-owned restaurant in Highland Park, Illinois. These parents have NO control over their offspring so imparting etiquette falls to me a lot of the time.

Parents who either don't know or don't care if their boys are wearing a (usually) baseball cap at the dinner table seem to be grateful when I subtly ask the kid if I can "check your hat?" The kid usually gets the message, cuz THEY KNOW they shouldn't be wearing a hat at the table. Partially, I think that they're overly concerned about "hat hair."

I'm only 40 and am from the south. I take my baseball cap off the minute I walk into a bank. I might keep it on at the 7-Eleven. It's all about the parents setting a standard and an good example. In this permissive, "it's all about me" day and age, I think that some parents feel that it might be incorrect to "pressure" their prescious child into conformity.

I'm off my soapbox now.Thanks for listening.

Answer 3

Most people are not aware of the rules of etiquette, as our entire country has become increasingly rude (see some of the other answers as evidence of this). I always try to be polite, but I also am unaware of the stricter rules of etiquette. It simply can't be helped unless you have enough money to send everyone to etiquette classes. Generally though, I think that most people should be aware of the rule of removing your hat when inside a building as a show of respect. Besides, hats are meant for protection from the sun. There is no sun indoors, and therefore are not needed, so why continue to wear them inside?

Answer 4

Back in the day when people were taught manners, wearing a hat indoors or, even worse, at the dinner table was considered very rude.

But now days manners aren't taught or many just forget. We could ask, but with people getting mad at the smallest thing, its a losing battle to keep good manners.

Answer 5

Taking your hat off in all sorts of contexts (churches, other people's homes, restaurants) is a mark of respect. But 'doffing your cap' has gone the same way as most signs of civilisation. Grab your crotch, wear as many 'diamonds' as possible and always tilt your cheap fedora: this is the present we've made for ourselves.

Answer 6

Its never ok to wear a hat in a restaurant.

Answer 7

Actually, think for a moment who defined etiquette and why! It is actually a perceived notion in our heads. How does one wearing a hat interfere with your ability to enjoy a meal? It doesn't. It's just status quo to think of this as ill-mannered so you go along with it.

I actually agree with you but it is interesting to question why we believe in things like this so strongly, yet they bear no real significance.

Answer 8

i dont see the big deal as long as its not real crazy, i mean what if the hat looks better than the hair, like what if they didnt get the chance to shower that day ewww i d live with the hat wearing lol

Answer 9

it is improper and impolite. it is not illegal, but some places will require that you remove your hat in their establishment. nevertheless, it is proper etiquette not to wear a hat in restaurants (or any other place to eat, including the home)

Answer 10

It isn't just restaurants. You see a lot of hats indoors nowadays, especially baseball caps. Grrr.