Hat Etiquette UK: Question
“I would like to know if there are serious rules about wearing hats. For example, should the hat be the same colour as the outfit; and what of brim size, veils, etc.? When may hats be worn indoors? Do you have any tips for my boyfriend who wants to get a hat as well?”
The Rules of Hat Etiquette for Women: Colour, Brim and Proportion
A woman’s hat may either match her apparel, or simply compliment it in colour. A neutral coloured hat like cream for instance, can go with many shades of dress; the rule to remember, is that the colour of one’s hat should be lighter than, or the same colour as one’s neckline. Avoid wearing a dark hat with a light outfit. For example - chocolate brown and sandy tan are complimentary colours; ergo, the hat would be tan and the suit or dress would be brown. Also, try to save your black hats for funerals; Armistice/Remembrance Day; or if of the woollen variety, to wear with heavy black winter coats.
Choosing the Right Brim Size: The Shoulder Rule
Hats with larger brims are naturally designed for sheltering from the sun at summer weddings, garden parties, Royal Ascot, Polo matches, and other outdoor daytime events. The size of the brim should never exceed the width of one’s shoulders, for if the brim is wider, it will not only look out of proportion, but one will constantly be bumping it against the people standing next to them.
Pill-Box, Cocktail and Veiled Hats: The Sophisticated Choice
Small hats in the pill-box or cocktail design are very comfortable to wear in any season, and veiled hats which can look quite stunning, are frequently chosen by confident women of sophistication.
Hat Etiquette Indoors or at Weddings: What Guests Should Know
Hats may be worn by guests indoors at formal receptions, or luncheons, and also at outdoor events; although the hostess should not wear a hat inside her own house because a hat is considered to be travelling and visiting attire. Ladies hats are very appropriate inside churches and may be worn inside other public places as well, but always remember that if you are wearing a hat in the cinema or theatre, you should either wear a very small one or sit in the back row so as not to obstruct the view of others.
For personalised guidance on etiquette and social occasions, visit our Mentorship page.
Hat Etiquette for Men: A Revival Worth Embracing
If your gentleman friend takes up the dashing custom of wearing hats as well, the rules are quite different: men should remove their hats in houses, churches, lifts, etc. Outdoor occasions are excellent opportunities to sport hats and they may politely tip them in greeting when meeting a woman. In such case, the man should take the hat in the dip of its crown and do a gentle doff; indeed, a man’s hat can become a very useful accessory in demonstrating his powers of charm and charisma.
The Panama, the Boater, the Fedora and the Top Hat: When to Wear Each
There are many opportunities for men in England to wear hats: Panamas anytime in summer; straw boater hats at Henley Royal Regatta; top hats for weddings and Royal Ascot; tweed flat caps for countryside pursuits, and gorgeous wool Fedoras for town.
