Hats

[BornIn89]

Hats are not a solution.

There are only two types of hats young people can wear: baseball caps and beanies.

Baseball caps work for teenagers or white trash.

Beanies work in cold weather, on some people. I for one look sh*t in them.

If you're 20+ the best you can hope for is to wear a beanie outside in cold climates. And even then it tends to work most on foppish, student types of people. Forget about it if you're in the world of work.

My thoughts exactly, as I said before hats are not a standard item of everyday clothing look at people with hair how often do you see them wearing a hat? Maybe on a cold day and thats about it but the average guy will wear one only a couple of times a year maybe if their outside in the cold or rain. But if its not cold or raining there is no excuse to cover your head.

Why does anyone need an excuse to wear an item of clothing? But fair enough, an excuse for a bald guy to wear a hat is to avoid sunburn

 

[qball01]

I'm not saying that wearing a hat is'nt an intentional cover-up, for those of us with extensive hairloss. I use hats exclusively for that reason. I won't deny that I am hiding my bald head, I just don't want anyone to see me like that. Given my experiences while going out uncovered, I refuse this notion that you just have to be upfront and honest about these things because I am usually punished for such honesty.... so I put on the hat and avoid all that awkward, uncomfortable crap that I would otherwise have to deal with. It sucks that I have to resort to that but it is better than having people laughing and staring at me because I'm bald.

Oh my dear Uncomfortable Man...to think that (even with your bald head) you stand out enough to have random people actually stop and LAUGH at you is laughable to me....such narcissism its ridiculous.

Remember the other day when you said that you don't claim to think that all bald men go through what you do?...well then, my question is, why do you think YOU attract such negative attention? Why don't other bald men experience the wrath and indignation of getting pointed and ridiculed on the street? Why does "uncomfortable man" stand out enough to be the object of random people's scorn? I just don't get it...you've never provided me with a logical explanation for why you specifically get this supposed treatment. Because it either means that there's something specific about you...or that it happens to most, if not all bald men....There is no logical in between.

 

[Boondock]

Hats are not a solution.

There are only two types of hats young people can wear: baseball caps and beanies.

Baseball caps work for teenagers or white trash.

Beanies work in cold weather, on some people. I for one look sh*t in them.

If you're 20+ the best you can hope for is to wear a beanie outside in cold climates. And even then it tends to work most on foppish, student types of people. Forget about it if you're in the world of work.

My thoughts exactly, as I said before hats are not a standard item of everyday clothing look at people with hair how often do you see them wearing a hat? Maybe on a cold day and thats about it but the average guy will wear one only a couple of times a year maybe if their outside in the cold or rain. But if its not cold or raining there is no excuse to cover your head.

Why does anyone need an excuse to wear an item of clothing? But fair enough, an excuse for a bald guy to wear a hat is to avoid sunburn

It's not so much that you need an excuse, more that you'd be breaking social conventions. Doing this leads people to ask: why the hell is he wearing that? The obvious answer is "he's losing his hair, and trying to cover it up."

When an action designed to conceal hair loss makes it more obvious, you're just shooting yourself in the foot.

 

[uncomfortable man]

I'm not saying that wearing a hat is'nt an intentional cover-up, for those of us with extensive hairloss. I use hats exclusively for that reason. I won't deny that I am hiding my bald head, I just don't want anyone to see me like that. Given my experiences while going out uncovered, I refuse this notion that you just have to be upfront and honest about these things because I am usually punished for such honesty.... so I put on the hat and avoid all that awkward, uncomfortable crap that I would otherwise have to deal with. It sucks that I have to resort to that but it is better than having people laughing and staring at me because I'm bald.

Oh my dear Uncomfortable Man...to think that (even with your bald head) you stand out enough to have random people actually stop and LAUGH at you is laughable to me....such narcissism its ridiculous.

Remember the other day when you said that you don't claim to think that all bald men go through what you do?...well then, my question is, why do you think YOU attract such negative attention? Why don't other bald men experience the wrath and indignation of getting pointed and ridiculed on the street? Why does "uncomfortable man" stand out enough to be the object of random people's scorn? I just don't get it...you've never provided me with a logical explanation for why you specifically get this supposed treatment. Because it either means that there's something specific about you...or that it happens to most, if not all bald men....There is no logical in between.

While I never said that my experience is universal to all bald men, I know I am not the only one who experiences this kind of treatment. I'm not special, nor do I claim to be... I just happen to be keenly observant and perceptive so I notice when people are scoffing or smirking in my direction... making eye contact with me. I don't know how to convince you that what I'm experiencing is real- maybe it's a "you had to be there" thing. but like someone else said to you, you can't possibly know more about my experiences than I do... especially not enough to tell me that I'm wrong. That would be like me trying to convince you that on your 7th birthday, the frosting on your cake was yellow when you know for a fact that it was blue.

 

[Nene]

Hats are not a solution.

There are only two types of hats young people can wear: baseball caps and beanies.

Baseball caps work for teenagers or white trash.

Beanies work in cold weather, on some people. I for one look sh*t in them.

If you're 20+ the best you can hope for is to wear a beanie outside in cold climates. And even then it tends to work most on foppish, student types of people. Forget about it if you're in the world of work.

My thoughts exactly, as I said before hats are not a standard item of everyday clothing look at people with hair how often do you see them wearing a hat? Maybe on a cold day and thats about it but the average guy will wear one only a couple of times a year maybe if their outside in the cold or rain. But if its not cold or raining there is no excuse to cover your head.

This must be a cultural thing. I often wear hats and not because I'm balding. My father and best friend often wear hats and both have 0 hair loss. Baseball hats in America are not uncommon at all on grown men.

 

[Eureka]

Yeah I really do not understand these social circles. Most people I know wear hats.. many of them have plenty of hair. It's an accessory.. and quite a common one.

As for you UM.. I truly do not understand you. I will grant you that perhaps, someone may make a joke about a bald dude. Of course, mainly young people. But why would you care what kids think? And as for adults, anyone immature enough to make an offhanded comment like that isn't even worth your time.. I'm so confused as to why you focus any energy on caring at all. They are irrelevant to you, Non consequential beings that should barely register upon your thought process.

 

[qball01]

[quote="uncomfortable man":1i36ewfk]I'm not saying that wearing a hat is'nt an intentional cover-up, for those of us with extensive hairloss. I use hats exclusively for that reason. I won't deny that I am hiding my bald head, I just don't want anyone to see me like that. Given my experiences while going out uncovered, I refuse this notion that you just have to be upfront and honest about these things because I am usually punished for such honesty.... so I put on the hat and avoid all that awkward, uncomfortable crap that I would otherwise have to deal with. It sucks that I have to resort to that but it is better than having people laughing and staring at me because I'm bald.

Oh my dear Uncomfortable Man...to think that (even with your bald head) you stand out enough to have random people actually stop and LAUGH at you is laughable to me....such narcissism its ridiculous.

Remember the other day when you said that you don't claim to think that all bald men go through what you do?...well then, my question is, why do you think YOU attract such negative attention? Why don't other bald men experience the wrath and indignation of getting pointed and ridiculed on the street? Why does "uncomfortable man" stand out enough to be the object of random people's scorn? I just don't get it...you've never provided me with a logical explanation for why you specifically get this supposed treatment. Because it either means that there's something specific about you...or that it happens to most, if not all bald men....There is no logical in between.

While I never said that my experience is universal to all bald men, I know I am not the only one who experiences this kind of treatment. I'm not special, nor do I claim to be... I just happen to be keenly observant and perceptive so I notice when people are scoffing or smirking in my direction... making eye contact with me. I don't know how to convince you that what I'm experiencing is real- maybe it's a "you had to be there" thing. but like someone else said to you, you can't possibly know more about my experiences than I do... especially not enough to tell me that I'm wrong. That would be like me trying to convince you that on your 7th birthday, the frosting on your cake was yellow when you know for a fact that it was blue.[/quote:1i36ewfk]

You're right....I can't speak on your experiences better than you can...but how do you know your interpretations are accurate? Especially being that you do likely have some form of BDD and you have said that even in the past when you were really skinny you used to feel like people were always staring at you.

You're living out a feeling that you've internalized long before even going bald. I have no doubt that to you it all feels extremely real. But I ask you....provide proof that these people who supposedly subject you to this hell on a daily basis are actually laughing at you because you're bald? And don't gimme some BS about its different when you wear a hat...because obviously you're not going to be looking for these clues and will have convinced yourself that nobody will be looking at you. Plus, you're not encountering the SAME people every time...so in regards to the people who you claim stare/laugh/mock you in public with their "glances" and smirks....how the hell do you actually know what each person is thinking? How do you know their looks have anything to do with being bald? Maybe you just look kind of tough and menacing with a shaved head (and considering that expression in your avatar pic...if you look like that when you're walking down the street I'd be inclined to think you wanted to kill people) and people react accordingly? Either way...its not like you can prove anything! Thats my point. Don't give me some bullshit about how you have some sort of keen observational skills. Trust me...most people would be able to recognize if they were getting stared at constantly. and guess what....MOST bald people don't report your experiences. You say that there are others that do? Yeah...because they're just as paranoid and obsessive about being bald as you! We've both read a lot of bald related stuff on the internet...and besides you I've never heard of somebody who claims that they experience this! Even the people who feel awful about hairloss and opt for surgery may do it because they feel more insecure, less attractive, etc. But they don't claim its because they get mocked and stared at by STRANGERS on the f*****g street! When are you going to wake up and realize that you're not painting some "common story" picture for bald men...and that you are in the extreeeeme minority of bald men who claim to experience this daily "abuse." It has nothing to do with you being bald and everything to do with you having psychological problems that you're not dealing with. BDD is a very serious issue....and it makes people think other people are staring at them. Doesn't make it the reality though. Sorry to burst your bubble, but your excuse for why you can't go out and live life isn't even rooted in reality. Its a fantasy world created in your head. But knowing you, I bet you say "well Larry David and this other guy from an internet forum said they notice people discriminate against them because they're bald...so I must be right. Its a fact." Show me all the millions of other bald people who are claiming this? And once again....prove to me that these supposed "stares and smirks" are 100 percent directed towards you and are done so because you are bald. I can't prove you wrong like you said....but prove me right, 100 percent. Seriously...prove to me that you can directly interpret the meaning of a non verbal passing glance in the street that you get from a stranger!

 

[Cassin]

Hats are the modern toupee...either way you're hiding hair loss. I haven't worn a hat in 5 or so years and I lived under one from 16 to 28.

I disagree. Lots of people wear hats, maybe because it's cold, maybe just because they look stylish. Either way without your hair to separate you from the millions of balding guys out there I think a hat is a nice way to be "you" again. Put your own stamp on how you look, instead of being just another shiny head.

Agree in general...but my quote still stands...balding people wear hats to cover up loss. Its a prison. What happens when you take it off? Its a problem. I think balding guys are far better off without them.

 

[emex4]

Hats are the modern toupee...either way you're hiding hair loss. I haven't worn a hat in 5 or so years and I lived under one from 16 to 28.

I disagree. Lots of people wear hats, maybe because it's cold, maybe just because they look stylish. Either way without your hair to separate you from the millions of balding guys out there I think a hat is a nice way to be "you" again. Put your own stamp on how you look, instead of being just another shiny head.

Agree in general...but my quote still stands...balding people wear hats to cover up loss. Its a prison. What happens when you take it off? Its a problem. I think balding guys are far better off without them.

I cant wait to see Ubereem smash your boy.

 

[qball01]

As for you UM.. I truly do not understand you. I will grant you that perhaps, someone may make a joke about a bald dude. Of course, mainly young people. But why would you care what kids think? And as for adults, anyone immature enough to make an offhanded comment like that isn't even worth your time.. I'm so confused as to why you focus any energy on caring at all. They are irrelevant to you, Non consequential beings that should barely register upon your thought process.

in fairness...I understand his mindset because it applies to a lot of people in general...hell, I fall victim to it to. But I'm making it my mission in life to go to war against it...and the mindset I'm talking about is the need for acceptance by everybody...especially those who we should give the least of a damn about.

The truth is, anybody who has ever achieved success and happiness has had to deal with hostility, negativity and scrutiny from other people. Its just how life works. I don't think ANYBODY who has ever achieved a measure of success has done so without facing considerable backlash and doubt from other people. That is something that people must understand. In fact, the more successful and happy you become, the more likely you are to encounter negativity from others. The truly successful ones are the people who realize this and decide to face the world head on, regardless of how much ignorance they are going to face along the way. The ones who don't succeed are those who can't get over or adjust to this idea. Unfortunately, U-man is one of those who can't handle the idea of people not liking him for whatever reason. He can't see that its THEIR problem if they can't handle the fact he is bald and not his problem.

I know it can be a tough pill to swallow but its the only way IMO. Wishing for approval and acceptance from everybody is a sure-fired way to ensure lasting misery because it isn't a realistic possibility. There will always be those who greet you with dissent because there will always be those who are negative, bitter and jealous.

 

[Guest]

I wear hats a lot when i go out, but i dont think im trying hiding anything. all of the people i associate myself with know whats under my hat. So for instance, if i was somewhere and some girl came from behind me and took my hat off, no one would be in shock or aw. My question is, how is it hiding it, if it is something everyone already knows?

i also dont think it is socially unaccpetable for people to wear hats as some have mentioned. it seems, at least here in the mid-west USA, that if you go to a public place, half of the people could have hats on at any given time. this could change from each geographical location however.

 

[s.a.f]

In the UK only old men and black teens wear hats. (Oh and some bald guys)

 

[Nene]

In the UK only old men and black teens wear hats. (Oh and some bald guys)

LOL. I was giving this some thought and I decided that because baseball is popular here, we often show our team pride and baseball enthusiasm with wearing a cap. Whereas in the UK it would strictly be done for style or to keep warm. BTW my best friend is Norwood 1 and wears one all the time b/c he's too lazy to style his hair in the mornings.

 

[sandovalusa]

I wore a hat for several months after I started shaving my head. Then one day I stopped, cold turkey. I dealt with a lot of shocked friends and family. Two of my professors even mentioned my head.

These days I ALWAYS make sure when I meet someone new that they see me without my hat on. I make a point to take it off if I know I am going to get introduced to someone. I never want to see that shocked look on someones face again. I would rather they know from the beginning that I am bald.

 

[sandovalusa]

It's not so much that you need an excuse, more that you'd be breaking social conventions. Doing this leads people to ask: why the hell is he wearing that? The obvious answer is "he's losing his hair, and trying to cover it up."

You're wrong about that. It all depends on who you are and what you can pull off. I wore this outfit about 2 weeks ago on a night out to a restaurant and bars. I took the hat off at the restaurant but I wore it most of the time at the bar. I doubt anyone thought I was breaking social conventions. I felt quite fashionable in my hip-hop inspired attire.

 

[Boondock]

It's not so much that you need an excuse, more that you'd be breaking social conventions. Doing this leads people to ask: why the hell is he wearing that? The obvious answer is "he's losing his hair, and trying to cover it up."

You're wrong about that. It all depends on who you are and what you can pull off. I wore this outfit about 2 weeks ago on a night out to a restaurant and bars. I took the hat off at the restaurant but I wore it most of the time at the bar. I doubt anyone thought I was breaking social conventions. I felt quite fashionable in my hip-hop inspired attire.

Fair enough. I think this must be a US/UK thing, then. I could see someone in the States rocking that look, but if you tried to pull it off in the UK it'd either look white trash or extremely 'try-hard' (e,g, kid with rich parents trying to be 'street'). Things are a bit different here - trust me, hats are a bit of a no-go beyond the beanie in winter!

 

[sandovalusa]

...but if you tried to pull it off in the UK it'd either look white trash or extremely 'try-hard' (e,g, kid with rich parents trying to be 'street'). Things are a bit different here - trust me, hats are a bit of a no-go beyond the beanie in winter!

I was a rich kid but I was legitimately involved in hip hop culture as a dancer for 5+ years so I enjoy wearing hip hop fashion from time to time. I've always lived in big American cities where lots of people wear hats for fashion reasons or as accessories. I guess if you live in a small town you might stand out like crazy wearing the outfit I posted above. Interesting.

I do wear hats occasionally but I always make sure everyone I meet sees me without it. I even deliberately take it off and put it back on, making sure people see that I'm not hiding anything. I don't want people to speculate or be surprised later.

 

[s.a.f]

Fair enough. I think this must be a US/UK thing, then. I could see someone in the States rocking that look, but if you tried to pull it off in the UK it'd either look white trash or extremely 'try-hard' (e,g, kid with rich parents trying to be 'street'). Things are a bit different here - trust me, hats are a bit of a no-go beyond the beanie in winter![/quote]

Got to agree with Boondock, over here that kind of look is only worn by teenage kids on the street. If I was going to a resturant or club I'd defintly wear a shirt. I cant see any reason for wearing a cap into a hot sweaty club at nighttime, unless you're black and trying to look like 50 cent. And lets face it can you still see yourself wearing a cap like that in 3/4/5 yrs time?

 

[Boondock]

...but if you tried to pull it off in the UK it'd either look white trash or extremely 'try-hard' (e,g, kid with rich parents trying to be 'street'). Things are a bit different here - trust me, hats are a bit of a no-go beyond the beanie in winter!

I was a rich kid but I was legitimately involved in hip hop culture as a dancer for 5+ years so I enjoy wearing hip hop fashion from time to time. I've always lived in big American cities where lots of people wear hats for fashion reasons or as accessories. I guess if you live in a small town you might stand out like crazy wearing the outfit I posted above. Interesting.

I do wear hats occasionally but I always make sure everyone I meet sees me without it. I even deliberately take it off and put it back on, making sure people see that I'm not hiding anything. I don't want people to speculate or be surprised later.

Honestly, I think it's just a US/UK thing dude. People dress a bit differently over here, and the social norms are a bit different. I've seen a lot of guys in the US rock that look, so I'm pretty sure it works out there. But UK fashion dictates that baseball hats are off the menu for most of us!

 

[Vox]

Honestly, I think it's just a US/UK thing dude. People dress a bit differently over here, and the social norms are a bit different. I've seen a lot of guys in the US rock that look, so I'm pretty sure it works out there. But UK fashion dictates that baseball hats are off the menu for most of us!

Well, sure, another country can make a big difference in this. I am over 40 and I wear a hat when needed. I use for my daily moving the bus/tram and consequently, being a NW7, I am constantly exposed so wearing a hat becomes quickly a necessity for a long part of the year. But I do this mainly outdoors and by cold/cool weather conditions; also indoors but only if I stay for a short time. Here you can see the type of hat I like which fits rather well my slim body line.

Improving my image comes as a temporary bonus which I do not pay really attention to, for obvious reasons and despite some very warm comments from a friend (woman) some time ago. I have just accepted the fact long ago and I am moving on. Life has other things to enjoy too.