• Compare Products
  • Sign In
  • Create an Account
Currency
GBP - British Pound
Search
Advanced Search
My Cart
Toggle Nav
Menu
Account
Settings
Currency
GBP - British Pound
Image

Hat Etiquette

Etiquette and formality have always played a part in hat-wearing. At the turn of the 20th century, ladies would not consider venturing out without a hat and gloves, and would often change their hats several times a day. Gentlemen would wear a hat appropriate for each activity. In the Edwardian age, everyone, rich or poor, would wear a hat. During World War II, hats were not rationed as they were considered a morale booster and Christys' supported the war efforts within its family-run company, effectively running it like an extended family. After the World Wars, men returning from Allied Forces were obliged to wear a hat for a certain time as part of their demob process, from six weeks to a few months; so hatting continued to thrive.

Image
 

Do's & Dont's

For men, hats are tipped (or doffed) slightly lifting the hat off your forehead. When meeting a lady (remove your hats if you stop to talk), or to say to anyone, male or female - Thank you, Hello, Goodbye, You're welcome or How do you do? Tipping of the hats is a conventional gesture of politeness. This hat tipping custom has the same origin as the military saluting, which came from the raising of medieval knights face visitors to show friendliness.

Women do not need to remove their hats as men do.

Unless they are rain hats! 

For women, dress hats rarely need to be removed. This rule of etiquette has developed out of the role of women's hats as outfit specific accessories instead of general ones. Whereas men may have many hats available to match a variety of outfits, woman may match only one hat with a single outfit. By a similar rule, women's hats worn strictly for warmth should be removed when indoors.

 

What is my hat size?

It's easy to get confused when trying to work out your hat size.

In order to help you find the correct size for you, here follow a few Pro tips:

1 - Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your head, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch above your ears. Hold the tape measure tighter for a snug fit and looser for a spacious fit,

2 - Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch.

3 - Locate your hat size based on the chart on the right, and size up if you’re in between sizes. Enjoy yout perfect fit!

Image
The Do's of handling a hat

Rest your hat upside down - Rest your hat upside down to preserve the natural curves of its brim.

Adjust your hat by the brim - Put on, lift up and adjust your hat by holding the front and back of the brim with your fingers.

Use a hat stand - If your hat goes unworn for periods of time, use a hat stretcher to maintain the shape of its headband - an empty oatmeal of coffee canister can be a rudimental stand as well.

The Dont's of handling a hat

Don't overexpose your hat to water -Although hats are made to withstand rain and moisture, they may discolor or loose shape when overexposed. Dry your hat by resting on its crown with the headband flipped out.

Don't expose your hat to heat -Leaving your hat under the sun, or in a hat area could cause the leather headband to shrink. Don't use a hairdryer to dry your hat, it's best to let it dry at room temperature.

How to care for your Christys' Tweed Cap?
  1. Steam from a household kettle and a pure bristle hat brush will help banish any dust and dirt from tweed. Brush the hat using short strokes.
  2. For stubborn marks, lighter fuel or dry cleaning fluid can be used. Ensure these liquids are used in a well-ventilated room and always test a patch first - we recommend the inside of the cap or hat.
  3. Dry a tweed cap or hat by shaking off the water and leave at room temperature.
  4. Never dry a tweed cap or hat on a radiator, as the heat will shrink the fibres and cause your cap or hat to decrease in size.Should your tweed cap or hat shrink in size, a hat jack can be used to stretch it back to its original shape.
  5. Tweed-brimmed hats can have their brims straightened by ironing on a low setting, over a damp cloth.
How to care for your Christys' Fur Hat?
  1. Fur and leather hats should never be steamed. Instead, a soft bristle hat brush should be used to remove any dirt or dust.
  2. When brushing fur, always follow the natural direction of the hair.
  3. Wet fur hats should be lightly shaken to remove excess water and then dried at room temperature. Wet leather hats should be dried using a clean, absorbent cloth or sponge.
  4. Do not place a fur or leather hat on a radiator, as the heat will shrink the leather or fur and cause your hat to decrease in size.
  5. Should your hat shrink in size, a hat jack can be used to stretch it back to its original shape.
  6. Fur and leather hats are best stored in a hatbox, away from direct sunlight.
How to care for your Christys' Panama Hat?
  1. Always handle your Panama or straw hat by the brim to avoid distorting the crown. 
  2. Steam from a household kettle and a pure bristle hat brush or clean pencil rubber will help remove dust and dirt. Alternatively, use a soft nailbrush and a little soapy water. 
  3. Avoid wearing a Panama or straw hat in the rain. If it gets wet, dry using a clean, absorbent cloth or sponge. 
  4. Should your hat shrink in size, a hat jack can be used to stretch it back to its original shape. 
  5. Panama and straw hats are best stored in a hatbox, away from direct sunlight.
Recently Viewed
No recently views items
Clear All
© 2023 Christy & Co Limited. All Rights Reserved. Company No. 06286866 VAT. GB788668837