I've always wondered why it is conisdered rude for men to wear hats in public. I dont think it's that way as much now, but it seems like it would be the opposite, it seems like a person covering their head would be MORE respectful. That has always seemed like a silly social costume.

Because they were depriving people of seeing their balding noggins.

Here are a couple of articles addressing that question.

http://www.advancedetiquette.com/blog/life/hat-etiquette/

http://www.villagehatshop.com/hat_etiquette.html

Also, if you're wondering about the Biblical reason as to why it's rude for men to wear hats in church but for women it's rude to not wear hats- check 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. (Note verse 16 though- it's not worth causing contention about.) Also keep in mind that things are a bit different now than they were in Paul's days. (see this site for more explanation on that- http://www.gotquestions.org/head-coverings.html)
Ultimately, it's about being respectful to God and bringing Him glory- and this passages sets down the rules for us regarding this issue. And honestly, what reason is there to wear a hat to begin with? It's typically to either help keep warm or keep the sun off your face or perhaps for protection, if we're talking a construction worker's helmet or something. (At least as far as the practical reasons go.) Another reason is simply for style.
None of those things should apply in church or other public buildings.
However, if you see that last link I posted, it explains why women, particularly those in Corinth, are commanded to have a head covering- it helped distinguish them from temple prostitutes.

Also, if you're wondering about the Biblical reason as to why it's rude for men to wear hats in church but for women it's rude to not wear hats-
Well, men do wear yarmulkes in temple/synagogue.

It just never made sense to me, bc/ to me it seems it'd be MORE respectful to actually wear a hat in places like church, it seems covering ur head before God's presence would be more respectful.

I know it's that way for women so looks like it wold be for men too.

I mean it almost seems like it'd be along the same lines as saying it's rude to wear a SHIRT indoors.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MacLeaper
Also, if you're wondering about the Biblical reason as to why it's rude for men to wear hats in church but for women it's rude to not wear hats-

Well, men do wear yarmulkes in temple/synagogue.

True. Jewish men certainly follow this. However, they would be following the Old Testament laws, as well as Jewish traditions and laws set down in the Talmud, rather than the New Testament (since they unfortunately reject Jesus as Messiah. Though there are some Messianic Jews who do accept Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah. [Yeshua is the Hebrew name for Jesus.])
I was referring to practices for Christian churches.

I mean it almost seems like it'd be along the same lines as saying it's rude to wear a SHIRT indoors.

There's a big difference between a covering for the head (which is not deemed necessary by society for purposes of decency) and covering the chest, which is deemed necessary by society for purposes of decency.
I see what you're saying as far as your reasoning goes though. But the passage I listed above is what The Bible says on it and it's from those Scriptures that our largely Judeo-Christian society has drawn our traditions and ettiquette regarding haberdashery.

Most hats I see you wouldn't say are stylish. Hardly any woman wears a stylish hat. Ball caps are seen the most.

I've always thought it was weird that women were required to wear hats in church, but men had to take their's off. LOL