President Barack Obama said Friday that presidents don’t wear hats. But we see plenty of evidence that he’s willing to make an exception, if the chapeau is right.

Let’s start at the beginning. Earlier in the day, Obama became the second politician to be offered a helmet in the past several months.

In January, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was presented with a football jersey and a helmet after she returned to work following a fall and subsequent concussion.

On Friday, Obama presented the Navy Football team with a trophy. Two players then presented “44” with a helmet, and, according to the pool report, “[s]omeone in the crowd shouted ‘put it on.'” Obama demurred.

“Here’s a general rule,” the president replied. “You don’t put stuff on your head if you’re president. That’s politics 101. You never look good wearing something on your head.”

He seems to have learned this great lesson from two politicians from Massachusetts and Democratic presidential candidates, Gov. Michael Dukakis and Secretary of State John Kerry.

Still, our current commander in chief has worn several things upon his head. Don’t believe us? HOH has gathered eight pictures of Barack Obama wearing, holding and regarding hats and helmets and one painting of the president with a pancake on his head.

Choom Gang Panama Hat

Jack Abramoff-Style Fedora:

Gunslinger/Cowboy Hat:

American Flag Cowboy Hat:

Workout Head Wear!

Regarding an FBI/Tourist Hat:

Bike Helmet:

Football Helmet:

And, of course, a pancake:*

*Here is the May 2012 HOH profile about Dan Lacey, the pancake painter.