Cowboy Hat Etiquette: Traditions, Rules, and Modern Style
Cowboy hats are a fashion statement, and knowing how to wear them properly is an important social gesture. While cowboy hats serve a multitude of purposes and are worn in a variety of situations, there are social rules for when you should, and should not, wear them.
Taking into consideration that there are exceptions to every rule, here is a general guideline to help you make an informed decision.
Special thanks to the National Charity League, Inc., Lake Austin Chapter for including me in your Mother Daughter Tea and giving us permission to share these photos with our readers.
No Exceptions
Let’s start off with the unbendable rule: always remove your hat during the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, a church service (men), a funeral, and the dinner table.
Tip Graciously
A good cowboy always knows when to tip – meaning a slight head nod to show respect, recognition, say “thank you,” or hello. In a traditional setting, the gentleman cowboy would remove their hat completely while nodding, as a sign of courtesy.
A brim tip involves physically touching the brim of the hat. It is a slight forward nod, touching the brim with the finger, keeping eye contact with the other person, to show deference.
Hand to Heart
This gesture signals, “with deep and sincere respect,”or “condolences.” Used during the National Anthem, funeral prayer, or other deeply moving occasion, it’s a sign of reverence.
When to Show it Off
When you are at a rodeo, a barbecue, a dance hall, or a country western concert, you will likely want to wear your hat proudly. Unless, of course, you are blocking someone’s view or your brim is bumping into their back on the dance floor.
The Dinner Table and Your Hat Do Not Mix
A gentleman handles his hat the same way he maintains his car or his favorite writing pen. When he arrives at the table, he should have already placed his hat somewhere he feels it will not get damaged, or be in the way of servers or dinner guests. The back of a chair is often the first place someone wants to hang it, and the worst option. When there is no other choice, it’s better than the floor, but not by much, as it will be knocked off and possibly damaged in the process.
Crown down (upside down) is another option on a flat surface, but not on the dinner table. Use a nearby chair or look for a hat rack. Ask the hostess if they can take it and put it somewhere safe during the meal. Request that they kindly place it crown down.
Cowboy Hats for Every Season
Traditionally, felt hats are preferred for cooler months and straw hats for warmer months, generally from Memorial to Labor Day. There are no set in stone rules for the weather, and the cowboy hat should mirror the temps instead of the month. Felt hats, or a finely woven straw hat, are most formal for more elaborate weddings and festivities. Straw is informal and worn in hot weather.
Public Space Politeness
Gentlemen remove their hats indoors, unless it is a ball cap at a fast-food restaurant. For women, a hat is often a part of their social outfit, and keeping their hat on is acceptable as long as it does not block the view of people around or enter into someone else’s personal space. If it is oversized, think twice before wearing a large hat to a wedding, concert, church service, or festivity in a crowded space.
Ballcaps and Confusion
Men must remove their ballcap at the dinner table, church, funerals, during the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Women have a bit more leniency. Historically, men wore hats as function. Women wore hats for social occasions. Today, somewhat of a double standard still exists. A woman can get away with leaving her ballcap on in a home or casual restaurant because it is looked upon as an extension of a headband or hair accessory.
The exception is when saying the Pledge of Allegiance, or when the National Anthem plays, all ball caps, both men and women, come off.
Here are a few more photos from the beautiful NCL Lake Austin event. Enjoy!
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