Dressing for a gig is a process fraught with potential pitfalls. One wrong choice can mean a loss of credibility, while a correct decision can elevate you in the eyes of your audience.
This brings us to hats. In general, it’s unadvisable to wear a hat onstage, particularly if you’re the singer. That’s because the stage lights can refract off the bill and cast a shadow over your glorious face (drummers get a pass). Your audience needs to see your full profile, after all.
However, if (like me) you insist on wearing a hat, whether to cover up your wild hair or obscure your follicularly challenged scalp, it’s important to pick the right kind. Here are some approved hat types to wear onstage:
- Pork pie hats—the Specials or the Police made these acceptable
- Local MLB team caps—note, if it’s a fitted cap, make sure you wear it forwards and never backwards
- Baker boy hats—made o.k. by the likes of Dan Treacy and other ’60s revivalists
On the other hand, these hat types are strictly verboten if you’re in a live band:
- NFL team hats
- Fedoras
- Cowboy hats (unless you’re in a country-leaning indie band, like Beachwood Sparks or something)
- Beanies
Finally, here are some hats that are ok in certain situations, and off limits in others:
- Bucket hats—o.k. if you’re in a dancey band; see Remi from the Stone Roses
- Newsboy caps—Joey Santiago makes them look pretty good, but most of us aren’t Joey Santiago. Jazz cats are good to go here though.
Of course, you may decide to ignore these guidelines entirely in the name of originality. If you decide to go this route, just be prepared to face friction and prejudgement from those around you.
Stay tuned for more fashion advice from the Rightovers. Coming soon: footwear recommendations for playing live.
THE RIGHTOVERS 