When you think of church, there are probably a few things that come to mind.

Maybe it’s the congregation singing your favorite hymns, or perhaps it’s the post-service gathering outdoors and catching up with loved ones. Or, maybe it’s the ladies of the congregation wearing stunning, extravagant hats.

So, why do women wear hats in church? More specifically, why can’t men wear hats in church while women can? Are women required to wear hats in church? We’ll answer all these questions and many more in this quick guide.

Women wear hats in church as a sign of respect and reverence, a practice rooted in biblical teachings and long-standing tradition. This custom highlights modesty and adds a touch of personal style to worship.

Learn more below including how to pick the perfect hat for your unique style preferences here at Designer Church Suits. Our selection of women’s church hats features the most popular styles from your favorite designers, allowing you to step into Sunday Service or any special occasion looking and feeling your best.

Why Do Women Wear Hats in Church?

So, why do women wear hats in church - and is it required in certain communities? Why can’t men wear hats in church while it’s encouraged for women? We’ll answer all these questions and more below.

Why Do Ladies Wear Hats to Church?

The tradition of women wearing hats to church is a blend of religious observance, cultural heritage, and personal expression. This practice dates back centuries and has evolved to reflect changes in fashion and social norms. 

The practice is often associated with the Christian Bible, specifically 1 Corinthians 11:5-6, which states, “But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head”. This has been interpreted to mean that women should cover their heads during worship as a sign of respect and reverence. 

However, there is also a cultural aspect at play, specifically within the African American community. This custom has historical roots dating back to the era of slavery when African Americans would dress in their finest clothes, often including elaborate hats, for Sunday worship. 

This tradition continued through the generations, becoming a hallmark of African American church culture. Church hats, also known as “crowns”, symbolize dignity, respect, and pride. They are often passed down through families, carrying deep personal and cultural significance.

But let’s face it - women want to express themselves and showcase individuality. What better way than through a beautiful ensemble complete with an elegant church hat? A well-chosen hat can complement an outfit, highlight facial features, and make a bold fashion statement.

There have been so many cases of deep, long-lasting relationships being formed between women of the congregation as a result of a statement piece hat being the icebreaker. It can build camaraderie and community spirit throughout the church.

Are Women Required to Wear Hats in Church?

It can feel as if you’re the only woman not wearing a hat in certain church settings - so is this a requirement? After all, the original reason for women wearing church hats is traced back to the passage in 1 Corinthians 11.

As with many aspects of the Bible, though, interpretations of this passage vary widely. Some denominations, particularly more conservative or traditional ones, still emphasize the importance of head coverings for women during worship.

In contrast, many modern churches interpret the passage differently, focusing on the underlying principle of respect and humility rather than the literal act of covering one's head. These churches do not mandate head coverings, allowing women the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a hat. 

So, the answer is - no, you are probably NOT required to wear a hat in church. It all comes down to your personal preference. 

But given how fun this practice can be and the way it ties your outfit together, why not partake? We’ll offer tips on choosing among our beautiful designer church hats. Before we do that, though, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Why can’t men wear hats in church but women can?

Why Can’t Men Wear Hats in Church, Then?

Men who wear hats to church remove their head-covering upon entering the chapel. Why is this, though? We can refer back to the teachings within Corinthians, specifically, passage 11:4. It states: “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.”

This passage has been interpreted to mean that men should uncover their heads during worship as a sign of respect and honor to God. Men who remove their hats demonstrate humility and submission to the divine authority.

It also helps distinguish men’s roles from women's within the religious context, as each gender is given different instructions regarding head coverings in the same chapter of Corinthians.

There is also a symbolic meaning to a man removing his hat in church. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and openness, in which the man is laying aside his pride and status to submit himself to God.

In many cultures and communities, men removing their hats is not limited just to church. This custom extends beyond religious settings to various social situations, such as entering someone's home, a restaurant, a country club, or attending any sort of formal event. 

This is thought to be polite and looked at as good manners, reflecting an awareness of and respect for surroundings.

Tips on Choosing the Perfect Women’s Church Hat

There you have it - everything you need to know about the rationale behind women wearing hats in church. 

In some cases, it’s a religious symbol. For many women, it’s a cultural norm past down from generation to generation. Maybe you just want to add an edge to your look - or perhaps its a balance of all these reasons.

Whatever the case, we love the tradition of ladies sporting stunning hats to their Sunday Service or special occasions like Baptisms, funerals, weddings, etc. So, here are some tips on choosing the right style if you want to get in on the fun yourself:

• Consider Your Face Shape: Different hat styles flatter different face shapes. For example, wide-brimmed hats balance out longer faces, while round faces benefit from hats with angular lines and asymmetrical designs. 

• Think About Your Hair: While those with short hair may look better in a pillbox hat or fascinator, those with longer hair can pull off a wide-brimmed or sinamay hat while preventing the common issue of hair flattening.

• Match the Hat to Your Outfit: Your hat should complement your church attire, not overpower it. Choose one that matches the color, style, and formality of your outfit. The goal is to create a cohesive look from head to toe.

• Pay Attention to Color Coordination: Select a hat color that complements your skin tone and coordinates with your outfit. Neutral colors like black, white, and beige offer versatility, while bold colors can make a striking statement. Consider the overall palette of your ensemble to achieve a balanced look.

• Think About the Season: Lightweight, breathable hats are perfect for spring and summer, while heavier fabrics are suited for fall and winter. 

• Balance Style and Comfort: Style should never come at the cost of comfort. Ensure the hat fits well and feels comfortable throughout the church service. Look for adjustable features or consider custom fitting to achieve the perfect balance.

• Selecting the Right Hat Size: Measure your head circumference accurately and consult size guides to find the right fit. A hat that is too tight can cause discomfort, while one that is too loose may not stay in place.

• Incorporating Accessories with Your Hat: Ribbons, brooches, or feathers can elevate the look of a simple hat, making it unique and reflective of your style. Ensure the accessories complement both the hat and your outfit.

There’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect hat, but don’t let all this stress you out. After all, the beautiful hat you deserve is just a few clicks away at Designer Church Suits!

Discover Stunning Designer Church Hats for Women in Our Catalog!

We bring more than three decades of experience serving our customers with the finest hats and attire from trusted designers, pairing exceptional products with even better customer service.

Our styles blend faith, fashion, and sophistication so you can cover all bases in piecing together your outfit. There’s no better way to let your devotion and personal style shine through than these picks!

From the most extravagant designs from the most exclusive brands to affordable church hats under $100, black church hats to white church hats, we mean it when we say there is something for everyone at Designer Church Suits. Just take a look around and see what catches your eye.

But, beyond our hats, you can even complete your Sunday ensemble with our church suits for women. This is your one-stop-shop for all your Sunday best. Join our family and see for yourself what has kept our customers coming back for more over the past 30 years and counting.

Final Thoughts on Why Women Wear Hats in Church

So, why do women wear hats in church? Hopefully, you have a clear understanding of all the reasons behind this age-old tradition. 

It can be a blend of reasons, from religious reverence to cultural tradition and personal expression. Hats symbolize respect, unity, and elegance when worn by women within the church setting.

If you’re eager to enhance your church attire, look no further than our exquisite selection of women’s church hats from the top designers, perfectly crafted to suit your style and tradition. Make a statement at the next service by shopping with us today!