What to Wear to a Broadway Show

[Canuck27]

Hello All, 

I'll be travelling to New York next month and will be seeing a couple of shows. I've been to a number of touring shows, but have never been to a show on Broadway before.  I've seen a number of articles indicating people don't typically dress up that much anymore, but I would actually like to.  Would a nice cocktail dress look out of place? 

Thanks in advance.  

[245601]

You can pretty much wear whatever to a Broadway show (within reason obviously). Dressing up a little is certainly nice, but not necessary at all. People come in their everyday clothes all the time, especially tourists who may have been out all day exploring the city! 

[Sheab5678]

I normally wear either a dress or skirt with a nice top. You will definitely not look out of place in a cocktail dress. Wear whatever you feel best in!

[playbill-love]

I usually wear a dress, nicer but not formal. I see people in everything from sweaty shorts and t shirts to men in suits 

[MannPhan24601]

I usually wear a dress or something business casual when I see a show.When I was at a touring show this past Sunday,I noticed quite a few audience members under 30 were wearing tang tops and shorts.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

What do you feel best in?

Wear that:)

i've noticed that people tend to treat nights at the theater more formally at touring venues then they do in NYC (at least where I live).

[10086sunset]

The Broadway dress code is non existent. 

[jo]

If you feel that going to the theatre is a special event for you, dress like how you would on similar occasions.  I have been a theatre fan for many decades now and I do dress up whether the show I am going to see is on Broadway or in the West End.  I do come from halfway across the world and the theatre is always a trip highlight. It is a personal preference.

 

There is no dress code but I have seen NYC locals dress up even during matinee shows.

 

Enjoy the shows!

[Canuck27]

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the input! 

[Mr. Nowack]

I was wondering this as well actually. I am making my first trip to Broadway this weekend and while I think it would be fun to dress up at least a little it just isn't feasible for me being that I'm going to a matinee almost immediately after I arrive, what with the 85 degree high for that day.

It's nice to hear some more validation that dressing down / light will be OK : )

[WhizzerMarvin]

I feel like I wear jeans and t-shirt or shorts and t-shirt in the summer to the majority of shows I see on Broadway (or off). No need to dress up at all. Just wear whatever you will feel comfortable in. Your behavior during the show is what matters- not what you're wearing. 

[NYadgal]

I love that you asked this question.  

Everyone has already offered all the right answers, so I have nothing to add -- except to say that I love the question and the celebration of how you feel about attending your first Broadeay show!

i wish you the time of your life!  

[IronMan]

Wear what is comfortable for you- but remember, many theaters are kept highly air-conditioned, so you may need a cover (at least until the mass of bodies warms up the room).   Plus, be careful of sequined/shiny tops, as they often reflect stage lights and are distracting to the cast and others around you. 

Enjoy the shows! 

[theatreguy12]

I agree with the lot here.  Wear what's comfortable and what makes you feel good.

Always remember though,  a wise group of women once said, "You Are What You Wear."

Oh wait, that show just closed.  

And no, it shouldn't have!

[SmoothLover]

I have seen all sorts of get ups over the year including seventy year old men in nylon jogging shorts that fall just below the groin. I second the comment on air conditioning being quite cool in many of the theatres. I say put some thought into it, enjoy and stay away from wearing your gym clothes. Back in the day everyone dressed up, snacked in the lobby as opposed to the theatre and made their phone calls when they returned home after drinks at Sardis. Sadly those days are gone.

[bunnie3]

This is a great question for me, who has worked FOH for many decades.  I say GO for it!  During previews of SHUFFLE,  for an example, a woman w/her kid sat in the last row mezz.  However, as they arrived, the 13 yr old in Top Hat, Tails, Bow Tie, and Spats, the mother in a glam 1920s dress, all eyes were salivating over the sight of them, in awe, including me.  Not only were they dressed to kill in a respectful, theatre-y kind of way, they made loads of friends during intermission and were applauded by complete strangers, and Savion, who was taking notes upstairs!  It was their first time in a Bway theatre.  Kudos!   Not saying you have to go this far, but I say, dress really nice, comfortably, and bring a sweater, cause some of the A/C s are ultra freezing.

[mailhandler777]

I usually wear jeans and a tshirt or dress shirt. If it's ungodly hot out I will wear shorts and a tshirt. As long as you behave in the theatre(no singing,talking,eating,texting,taking pics...etc.) you'll be fine. Enjoy your first trip to Broadway.

[Call_me_jorge]

My summer theatre outfit usually includes a nice button up short sleeved shirt with khaki shorts and sperrys.

[KCW]

I somehow posted a blank message so this is an edit.

Do dress comfortablely, and in layers. Don't wear a big hat or puffy hairdo. Please try to emit a neutral odor. You probably know that but the people next to you and you will be happy.

[PThespian]

bunnie3 said: "This is a great question for me, who has worked FOH for many decades.  I say GO for it!  During previews of SHUFFLE,  for an example, a woman w/her kid sat in the last row mezz.  However, as they arrived, the 13 yr old in Top Hat, Tails, Bow Tie, and Spats, the mother in a glam 1920s dress, all eyes were salivating over the sight of them, in awe, including me.  Not only were they dressed to kill in a respectful, theatre-y kind of way, they made loads of friends during intermission and were applauded by complete strangers, and Savion, who was taking notes upstairs!  It was their first time in a Bway theatre.  Kudos!   Not saying you have to go this far, but I say, dress really nice, comfortably, and bring a sweater, cause some of the A/C s are ultra freezing.

 

"

My favorite in my years on the aisle was a newly married couple who came and sat front row center at Phantom. 

When I say "newly married" she was still in her wedding gown, and he was still in his tuxedo. 

Nice. 

[pupscotch]

I always like to at least look presentable, and I always bring a sweater with me in case i get cold.

[artscallion]

Here's what I'll be wearing in the Hamilton Cancellation line for the holiday weekend. Hope this helps!

[djoko84]

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. I usually just go in jeans and a regular shirt. Nothing fancy.

[KathyNYC2]

Cannot emphasize enough BRING A SWEATER or jacket,etc. Sometimes theaters are FREEZING. My only problem with a cocktail dress would be the idea of bare legs in a cold theater.  But that's me...

Basically layers were you can take things on or off depending on the temperature.

 

[yankeefan7]

Not at all, you will see people dressed very nicely and more casual.  I am probably old school and wear jacket tie and slacks for most shows. Sometimes I will not wear tie especially in summer months. I would also advise maybe bringing a sweater in case you get cold in the theater.

[Peter2]

Like NYadgal, I like that you asked. So many people nowadays, especially men, don't give any thought at all to how they look. I'm an old-timer and while I think it's fine to wear whatever is comfortable, I admit that people going so far as to show up in hoodies or shorts get my silent disapproval--I can't help it.

 

But I really only wanted to add that if, like me, you actually feel MORE comfortable dressing a little bit (as a mark of respect to the occasion and the performers, and also because it looks nice and feels good!), then you might also like to know that in summertime you'll probably still feel comfortable wearing just "nice casual." I usually bring a jacket anyway, but that's mostly because of the A/C that others have commented on.