We all know from childhood that a man should remove his headdress indoors. However, modern etiquette rules are increasingly moving away from strict conservative norms. It happened so with the "hat etiquette".

OBOZREVATEL asked what modern experts on the rules of behavior say on this subject. And tells when it is necessary to remove in the room headgear, and when it is not necessary at all.

Etiquette for men

The requirement to remove headgear in any room has been greatly relaxed, and in most cases a man may remain wearing a cap, hat or cap when he enters a building. Although some exceptions still exist.

• So hats should be removed in a restaurant if you are sitting at a table. However, if you are spending time in a bar, you don't have to worry about it.
• In public places such as the lobby, elevator, hallway, public transportation, it is fine to keep your hat on. However, when you enter places that are considered private, such as someone's office, house, or apartment, it is more polite to remove your hat.

• Any headgear should be removed when the national anthem is played or the national flag is raised. The same rule applies to funeral processions. After all formal celebrations, the accessory may be put back on your head.
• In a movie theater or theater, you must remove everything from your head, including compact items. Your cap or hat can block other people's view, and this is very rude and impolite.
• Wearing hats in religious institutions is inappropriate unless the traditions of a particular religion require it. For example, when in a synagogue, one should wear a kippah.
• It is considered a gesture of courtesy if a man takes off his hat when a woman is near him. Experts also advise to remove the hat when a woman passes by. You can put it back in place when she passes on or when you start walking together somewhere or start a conversation. This is a somewhat outdated rule, but it can be used to demonstrate to a woman a special attitude towards her - such a signal is read very easily.

Etiquette for women

Traditionally, the headdress is considered an integral part of a woman's outfit, so remove it indoors etiquette does not require. However, and here there are nuances.

• If it is a cap, baseball cap or other unisex headgear, it must be removed during the national anthem or flag-raising on an equal basis with men. The same applies to a funeral procession.
• Hats intended solely for protection against the weather - rain or cold - must be removed indoors. They are not considered part of the costume.
• Large hats - wide-brimmed or tall - should be removed where they may block the view of others. For example, in a theater or movie. However, in an exhibition where spectators move freely between exhibits, this requirement may be waived.

A few additional rules

• A hat that has been removed should be held with the outside of the hat toward other people. Hold it in your hands or place it on your lap, but never show the flip side to others.
• Touching another person's hat is rude. Especially to touch without permission.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL told, what requirements modern etiquette makes to socks - their kind and presence.

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