Red Hat Society Day

Red Hat Society Day is observed on April 25. This day celebrates a global sisterhood of women who embrace aging with humor, flair, and a commitment to lifelong friendship. It encourages women to reject societal expectations of growing “invisible” as they get older, instead choosing to live vibrantly and support one another through shared social experiences and community engagement. ¹

See also: National Girl Scout Day, Galentine’s Day, World Thinking Day, National Girlfriend Day, National Women Support Women Day, National Mature Women’s Day

History of Red Hat Society Day

The roots of the holiday trace back to 1997, when Sue Ellen Cooper of Fullerton, California, gave a friend a red fedora and a copy of Jenny Joseph’s poem, “Warning.” The poem famously begins with the line, “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple / With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.” This playful gift was intended to encourage her friend to approach middle age with a carefree and rebellious spirit. Soon, several other friends requested their own red hats and purple outfits, leading to the group’s first official gathering.

On April 25, 1998, Cooper and five friends held a formal tea party while wearing their signature colors, marking the birth of the Red Hat Society. What began as a small, local gathering of friends quickly exploded into an international phenomenon. By the early 2000s, the society had tens of thousands of chapters worldwide. The date of that original tea party was later designated as the official day to honor the founding of the organization and the millions of women who have since joined its ranks.

Why is Red Hat Society Day important?

This day is vital for challenging the cultural narrative surrounding aging women. In many societies, women over the age of 50 report feeling overlooked or undervalued; the Red Hat Society provides a visible and loud rebuttal to this trend. By wearing bright, clashing colors and gathering in public, members assert their presence and celebrate the wisdom and freedom that come with maturity. The day highlights the psychological benefits of female bonding, which is proven to reduce stress and improve long-term mental health.

Beyond the aesthetics, the observance promotes a mission of fun, friendship, fulfillment, and fitness. It offers a structured way for women to build new social networks, which is particularly important during life transitions such as retirement or the loss of a spouse. The society has also been recognized for its cultural impact, with the original red hat and purple boa being inducted into the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. This underscores the day’s role in documenting a significant movement in modern women’s social history.

• Visible camaraderie helps combat the social isolation often faced by aging populations.
• The society promotes a “playgroup” atmosphere that encourages women to try new hobbies.
• Membership fosters mentorship between different generations of women.
• Regional chapters often engage in local philanthropy and community service projects.
• The holiday celebrates the universal human need for belonging and joy at every life stage.

How to Celebrate Red Hat Society Day

The primary way to celebrate is by donning the official regalia and attending a “hatter” event. For women aged 50 and over, the dress code is a red hat and purple clothing. Those under 50, known as “Pink Hatters,” wear pink hats and lavender outfits until they reach their 50th birthday. Common activities include hosting tea parties, going on “mall crawls,” or organizing group luncheons at local restaurants. These public outings are designed to be noticed, spreading a message of positivity and playfulness to everyone who sees the group.

If there isn’t a local event nearby, women can celebrate by reading or sharing the poem “Warning” to inspire friends to join the sisterhood. Many chapters use the day to take “field trips” to museums, theaters, or parks, often arriving in a parade-like fashion. For those who aren’t members, the day is an ideal time to research local chapters or even start a new one as a “Queen” of their own group. The goal is to spend the day in the company of other women, focusing entirely on enjoyment and the strength of their shared bonds.

• Wear your best red hat and purple outfit for a festive lunch with friends.
• Host a traditional tea party and invite women of all ages to join the fun.
• Post a photo of your chapter’s gathering on social media to connect with global sisters.
• Spend the afternoon “mall crawling” or visiting a local art gallery as a group.
• Start a new chapter in your neighborhood to foster local female friendships.

Red Hat Society Day Dates Table

1. https://redhatsociety.com/about-us/[↩]