Grab the brim of your hat and lift it just a few inches off of your head toward the person you are greeting, while performing a slight bow. This represents a greeting along the lines of “good afternoon,” or “how do you do?” Tipping your hat is also appropriate in acknowledgement of a request, or when thanking an individual for a service.

Tipping of the hat is a conventional gesture of politeness. This custom has the same origin as a military salute. To tip, barely lift the hat, or respectfully touching of the brim with a nod of the head. Generally, only men tip their hats.

Men tip their hats (aka doff their hats) by slightly lifting it off their forehead when meeting or greeting a lady. Hat etiquette dictates that a gentleman removes his hat completely if he stops to talk with her. You can also tip your hat to communicate the following messages to either a male or female nonverbally: Thank you Excuse me Hello