Commentary
For decades now, people have pondered the disappearance of dress hats for men.
Some theories suggest that President John F. Kennedy’s choice not to wear them signified the end of men’s hats in American culture 65 years ago, but this story places too much emphasis on one man’s influence. The decline of dress hats was more a result of technological and economic progress.
In today’s society, hats are not a necessity for daily activities. We move from our homes to our cars to our destinations without much need for a hat. They still have a place at outdoor events, but they are no longer an everyday accessory.
Air conditioning and heating in public spaces also made wearing hats indoors unnecessary.
Men who buy hats often lose them due to lack of habit in keeping track of them. The author shares a personal story of losing a favorite hat at a movie theater, leading to the realization that men are not accustomed to carrying hats around.
There are specific guidelines for wearing hats indoors, with the general rule being that men should not wear hats in offices or domestic spaces but can do so in transient areas like lobbies.
Enforcing these rules may seem awkward but is necessary in today’s society.
Exceptions to these rules include the MAGA hat, which may be allowed indoors, highlighting how cultural exceptions can influence hat etiquette.
Unlike men, women have the freedom to wear hats of any size or style in any setting.
It’s important to teach children these rules from a young age to ensure they understand hat etiquette as they grow up.
The decline of men’s dress hats can be attributed to changes in societal norms and technology, making them less practical for modern living.
Specific occasions call for specific hats, as seen in examples like wearing a panama hat to an outdoor tennis match.
Cultural exceptions, like wearing Cowboy hats indoors in certain states, show how etiquette can adapt to regional practices.
Considering such exceptions, the author suggests listing MAGA hats as another exception to the general rule of men not wearing hats indoors.
Perhaps it could be taken too far, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable with a man wearing a MAGA hat at my dinner table. I might even politely ask him to remove it. However, I do believe it’s time to have a bit more tolerance when it comes to wearing this hat in indoor settings.
I recently attended the AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona, which had around 20,000 attendees. It was overwhelming to see that about a third of the men, and even some women, were donning MAGA and MAHA hats in various colors.
It’s a reality of the current times that we have to accept. The MAGA/MAHA hat has become a symbol of identity, independence, and a stand against tyranny. I’m not taking sides, just stating the facts.
Therefore, let’s consider adding a new rule to hat etiquette: men can wear a MAGA hat indoors in the years 2024-25. I’m not making any claims for 2026 and beyond. Eventually, this temporary exception may need to be revisited. And just like the Cowboy hat, the MAGA hat should still not be worn at certain events like weddings, funerals, during prayer, or the National Anthem.
I believe most MAGA hat wearers understand these guidelines.
It’s ironic how history repeats itself. Many have lamented the decline of men wearing hats, only for it to resurface as a widespread cultural phenomenon in this unexpected manner. Truly remarkable.
Opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
