The cowboy hat is one of the quintessential symbols of the Wild West. From cowboys to fashion enthusiasts, wearing one is a rite of passage. People not only choose to wear one based on their personal fashion choices, but there is also an unspoken etiquette around the hat. When donned and treated with respect, cowboy hat etiquette gives and garners respect.
Indoor and Outdoor Guidelines
For starters, you should remove your cowboy hat indoors and refrain from wearing it during formal occasions. However, you may put it back on after being seated in a more casual environment, such as a restaurant. But there are regional variations where it is fine to wear a hat in some transitional areas such as in a hotel lobby, elevator, or bank, so be sure to “read the room” if you are unsure of what is expected.
Absolute Moments of Respect
No matter your location, the climate, or the local customs, there are always certain instances when you should remove your hat. You should take your cowboy hat off in respect for the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and prayers.
The Art of the Tip
As well as knowing when to remove your hat, you must also know when to tip your hat. As a gesture of respect and recognition, you should tip the brim of your hat up on your forehead when you first meet someone, when you say good-bye, and when you thank someone, as a polite, non-verbal “pleasure to meet you”.
Proper Handling and Storage
To keep its classic shape and uphold the Western tradition, you should always pick up your cowboy hat by the crown (not the brim), and be sure to keep the lining of your hat hidden from others. And when removing the hat, never place it on a table or surface right-side up on its brim; to preserve the hat’s structure, instead hang it on a hat stand or place it on a flat surface upside-down on its crown.
Navigating Hat Seasons
The type of material for a cowboy hat also depends on the season. Felt hats, which are big, cozy, and more formal, are typically worn from late fall to early spring. The lighter, more breathable, and less formal straw hats are worn from Memorial Day to Labor Day, while people with extreme climates (such as the Southwest and the North) tend to break this rule and wear whatever they prefer all year long.
The Golden Rule of Personal Space
One of the most crucial and highly regarded rules regarding cowboy hats is that you should never touch someone else’s hat, much less wear it. Whether you think of it as a superstition, tradition, or simply manners, another person’s hat remains an inviolable part of their person, and should be treated as such.
