Why do people treat me better when I wear a hat?

I ain’t sure. But I always wear hats. Now it depends what type of hat. But you look cooler so people might respect you more than someone that looks ordinary.

Any chance the hat is unique to your area?  Whenever I wear a hat from a local store that has a camo design, I get the highest amount of respect.  The yokels in this area all hunt (I do not) and ride ATVs (I do not).  It's friggin' weird, and I have always known I live in a friggin' weird area

Interesting observation.  I think men's dress hats can give off a vibe of authority and importance.  

A hat is a mask.

Just like a lady wears make-up to cover the things that make her insecure, you have found out how wearing a mask can hide the things that made you feel vulnerable.

You feel more secure that people cannot see the naked you.

Next get a pair of dark glasses and you will not have to worry about eye contact anymore, and can relax and talk like you would if you were speaking to your pet dog in the bedroom, without worrying whether or not you are being judged for your shiftyness levels.

Get a pair of gloves and you will feel even more confident as other males can no longer see your naked bare knuckles, and you will feel even more protected that your hands look bigger and you feel less naked and vulnerable from harm.

Get some gold chains and gold rings and that is even more of the true naked you covered up.

So i suppose in the sub conscious, it does make a difference.

You feel less vulnerable, and you also look less vulnerable, as people cannot identify the naked insecure you anymore.

But whatever you do, dont get a balaclava, unless it is really icey and cold, because unless you are up to something illegal, wearing a balaclava would give the opposite impression.

You would look like you are hiding, as opposed to gearing up..

My observation is that today's young people only see men wearing hats in old, classic movies from a time where etiquette and respect were common.  Seeing someone in this generation wear a hat begs the question of whether he has also picked up some old-time values.

They don't, it's all in your mind so you act more confident and that's what people notice.

Has it got gold leaf on the hat? If so they think you command a warship.