This is an age old debate that has arguments on both sides. Can you or should you wear a sleep bonnet outside your home?
Recently, the comedian Monique posted about seeing women wearing their sleep bonnets at the airport and it has stirred up a lot of comments about if it is appropriate. You can watch the video here.
As the CEO of a bonnet making company that caters to women with all hair types, I feel this is more a gray area as opposed to a white or black area. Why? Simple...the passage of time. In the past, this was seen as an appropriate thing to wear.
First let me start by saying we aren't taking sides and certainly don't believe this is race related. Granted, you are more likely to see a person of color wearing a bonnet today than you are to see a non-person of color. However, the decision to wear a bonnet inside or outside your home is NOT race related but rather, based on each individual's current circumstance. Afterall, people in the medical profession and food service profession do wear bonnet-like caps while at work.
This article is meant to trigger conversation. Ultimately, it is the wearer's decision to wear what they wish to wear outside their home.
As someone who traveled frequently prior to the pandemic, I have worn my bonnet on overnight International flights. Yes, I have and will continue to do so. Why? Because of the same reasons I wear my bonnet when I go to sleep at night. I want to protect my hair and reduce frizz. It is as simple as that. Now, after I wake up, I ALWAYS take it off my head before the cabin lights are turned back on. Why? Because growing up, my mom always said "present yourself the way you want to be seen. First impressions matter." With that in mind, I make sure I brush my teeth (this should be a must for everyone) and appear presentable before I get off the plane. Wearing a sleep bonnet anywhere else, is not an option for me. I won't wear a bath robe outside because it is for inside my home and the same applies here.
On the flip side, I will wear a bonnet wrap outside my home. Turbans, headbands, hair flowers and bonnet wraps are absolutely OK for wearing ourside my home. Why? Because they are made and marketed as "outside wear".
While people say "society should not dictate what I wear outside my home", I thoroughly understand. However, if I won't wear my bath robe outside, that means society has already dictated what is considered acceptable wear.
I'd love to hear from you. What do you think?