As a wearer of hats I’ve found these rules to be helpful. I got a copy from my hatter here in St. Louis. Levine Hat. I modified them just a little bit for today’s era. I generally abide by these but I find it difficult to be a gentleman all the time. I TRY
MEN’S HAT ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
A gentleman should remove his hat as he enters a building, including a restaurant, home, classroom, theater, church. This rule includes baseball caps and casual hats.
Hats are to be removed when inside, except for places that are akin to public streets, e.g., lobbies, corridors, and elevators in public buildings.
In public buildings, the elevator is considered a public area, and therefore an area where a gentleman may leave his hat on.
A gentleman should take off his hat and hold it in his hand when a lady enters an elevator in any building which can be classified as a dwelling. He may put his hat back on in the corridor. A public corridor is a thoroughfare of sorts, much like the street, but elevators in smaller buildings such as hotels or apartment homes tend to have the character of a room in a house.
Men are also expected to remove their hats during the playing of the National Anthem. A woman may leave her hat on during the playing of The National Anthem when indoors, unless it is considered unisex like a baseball cap. When wearing such a unisex cap, a woman should follow the same guidelines as for men.
Men’s hats are to be removed for the passing of the Flag and funeral processions, outdoor weddings, dedications and photographs.
Removed hats are held in hand in such a way that only the outside and never the lining is visible.
For men, hats are tipped slightly, lifting the hat off your forehead, when meeting a lady (remove your hat 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 hat is a conventional gesture of politeness.
Well there you have it. Happy Hatting.
An Imperfect Man 