Frequently asked questions

The Red Hat Society (RHS) is a global membership organization for women focused on friendship, fun and making meaningful connections. Through local chapters, events and our worldwide community, members have opportunities to meet new friends, try new things and celebrate life together.

RHS creates opportunities for women to connect, build friendships and enjoy life at every age and stage. Whether you're looking for new friendships, new experiences or simply more fun in your life, RHS provides a community where women can belong, participate and be themselves.

The heart of RHS is our 5 F's: Fun, Friendship, Freedom, Fitness and Fulfillment. They represent the spirit of our community: having fun together, developing friendships, enjoying the freedom to be yourself, supporting overall well-being and finding fulfillment through meaningful connections and experiences.

Women of all ages are welcome to join RHS! Members age 50 and over traditionally wear red hats and purple clothing, while members under 50, affectionately known as Pink Hatters, traditionally wear pink hats and lavender clothing.

No. You can be an RHS member without belonging to a local chapter. Your membership connects you to the larger Red Hat Society community, and you can decide how you would like to participate.

Annual RHS membership is currently $35.00 for a Member Membership and $54.00 for a Queen Membership. A Queen Membership is for women who want the opportunity to lead an RHS chapter, subject to RHS chapter requirements and approval.

An RHS chapter is a group of RHS members who come together locally, or in some cases virtually, to enjoy friendship, activities and experiences. Every chapter has its own personality, so activities and how often members gather can vary from chapter to chapter.

No. Chapter participation is optional. Some women love being active in a local chapter, while others enjoy their RHS membership in different ways. You can choose the level of participation that works best for you.

Yes! Women with a Queen Membership may request to lead an RHS chapter. Chapters must meet RHS requirements and receive approval from Hatquarters. Starting a chapter can be a wonderful way to bring women together and create the kind of RHS experience you'd like to enjoy in your community.

A Queen is an RHS member who leads an official RHS chapter. Queens help bring members together, encourage friendship and participation, and help create the unique personality and experiences of their chapter.

Both are official RHS memberships and provide access to the RHS community and member benefits. A Queen Membership also provides the opportunity to lead an RHS chapter, provided chapter requirements are met and the chapter is approved by Hatquarters.

No. Queens are members, not employees of the Red Hat Society. They voluntarily lead their chapters and help create opportunities for their members to connect, have fun and enjoy the RHS experience.

Red hats and purple clothing are the fun and recognizable tradition that helped make RHS famous! Members age 50 and over traditionally wear red hats with purple clothing, celebrating the freedom to be bold, playful and wonderfully visible.

Members under 50 are affectionately known as Pink Hatters and traditionally wear pink hats with lavender clothing. When a Pink Hatter turns 50, she can celebrate her transition into the traditional red-and-purple colors.

Our hats and colors are a beloved RHS tradition and an important part of our fun, but RHS is about much more than what you wear. It's the friendship, Sisterhood and spirit behind the hat that truly make the experience special.

Just about anything that brings women together for fun and friendship! Chapters may enjoy lunches, outings, celebrations, travel, entertainment, community activities and plenty of opportunities to dress up and have a good time. Every chapter creates its own experiences.

Yes. RHS offers opportunities for members to gather, celebrate and connect beyond their individual chapters. In addition, chapters and members may organize their own activities and gatherings.

As involved as you'd like! RHS is meant to add enjoyment to your life, not another obligation to your calendar. Some members participate frequently, while others join activities when their schedules allow.

RHS memberships are annual and must be renewed to remain active and continue receiving membership benefits.

RHS membership dues are generally non-refundable. Members should review the current membership terms before purchasing or renewing their membership.

No. Your annual RHS membership dues provide your official Red Hat Society membership and benefits. Individual chapters may have their own activity costs or chapter expenses, which are separate from RHS membership dues.

Not at all! RHS welcomes women of all ages and from all walks of life. Whether you're working, retired, raising a family, starting a new chapter of life, or simply ready for more fun and friendship, there's a place for you in RHS.

No. RHS is not a political or religious organization. Our focus is bringing women together through friendship, fun, connection and shared experiences.

The red hats may get people's attention, but the women underneath them are what RHS is all about. The hats and colors are part of our tradition; the friendships, laughter, experiences and connections are the heart of our Society.