The halacha of a portable umbrella, applied to a stiff brim — with a tape measure recommended.
Q. Is one allowed to wear a baseball cap on Shabbat?
The Shulchan Aruch (301, 40) says that one is not allowed to wear a firm brim for shade on their hat on Shabbat if it protrudes more than a “tefach” (8 cm.= or in the U.S., about 3.5 inches), for the same reason that you can’t use a portable umbrella (“ohel arai”). On the other hand, if the brim is soft and floppy, than it would be allowed. The adult baseball hat brims which I measured were less than that amount so accordingly, it would be fine (although some men’s hats or women’s caps are problematic). Additionally, in many places it might not be considered “shabbosdik” (befitting the spirit of Shabbat) to wear one, so you should ask your local halachic authority if this is the case in your community. Also, some local authorities may prefer prohibiting them, so people won’t come to wearing cowboy hats or “sombreros” which are often more than the 8 cm. and not floppy. Accordingly, it’s a local “call” (and just to be sure, measure your brim before Shabbat!).
With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat
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