Reply To: When to buy 1st black hat?

So this “theoretical” BT I’m referring to has not approached his Rav yet to discuss. About 3 years ago when he did bring up the subject with his Rav, the answer was: “when I see you in shul every morning at 6:40am, day after day after day, then we can discuss.”

A similar BT friend was consulted last night, asking if he has thought about wearing a black hat. His response: “the ba’ale batim should dress one way, and the yeshiva educated another. you’re a graduate of a state college, not the Mir. I use my tallis as a second covering for my head during tefillah. Why would I need a black hat?”

This theoretical BT isn’t the least bit worried about what others will say. He simply wants to match up his outward appearance to his inner hashkofa. But he also wants to reserve the right to wear jeans (without the hat) during weekday tefillah. Is that enough to prove he’s not ready?