The Fraternal organizations like the Elks, Moose, Masons etc.represent  another classic example of wearing funny looking hats and costumes to appear as if they know more than the uninitiated. 

But no matter what you wear or your specific purpose be it religious or otherwise to get a full fledged cult going you will also have to have a secret initiation ceremony . Then make sure that  you swear the new initiate to a vow of secrecy to never reveal the secret ceremony, sign or word, knowledge or whatever.

This creates an air of exclusivity and mystery, a very important  aspect in control and propagation of the gullible masses.