Red Hat Society Day Date in the current year: April 25, 2024

The Society was founded by Sue Ellen Cooper from Fullerton, California. In 1997, she gave her friend a red bowler for her 55th birthday. The gift was accompanied by a copy of the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph. The poem began with the following lines:

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn't go and doesn't suit me.

Cooper gave red hats to some more of her friends on their request. Eventually, several red hat owners bought purple attire and gathered for a tea party on April 25, 1998. It is considered the date of the establishment of the Red Hat Society.

The Society focuses on social interaction and bonding among women. Originally only women age 50 and beyond could become members, but now it is open for women of all ages. However, women under age 50 must wear pink hats and lavender outfits, while women beyond age 50 wear red hats and purple outfits, just like the poem says.

Typical Red Hat Society activities include tea parties, games, crafts, cinema or theater trips, music-making and various outings.