What to wear to a Broadway show: How to dress for the theatre

Find answers to frequently asked questions about what to wear to a Broadway show, including whether theatres have dress codes and how to pick the perfect outfit.

Summary

• What to wear to a Broadway show varies; there is no set dress code so comfort is most important
• Special occasions and events like operas may invite more formal dress but it is not required
• Costumes and themed outfits are welcome as long as they do not distract other theatregoers from the performance
• Most theatres are air-conditioned
• but avoid thick layers as not all venues have coat check or other storage for bulky items

You've chosen a show to see, gotten your Broadway tickets, and marked the date on your calendar. Now comes the next tricky decision — what to wear to a Broadway show.

You want to make a good impression in front of friends and family (not to mention a crowd), but what's the perfect outfit to wear to Broadway?

Deciding what to wear to the theatre can seem daunting — you want to strike a balance between sophisticated and practical. If you're struggling to pick out your upcoming theatre outfit from your wardrobe, we've got great advice on what (and what not) to wear to a show. Luckily, nowadays people wear all types of clothing to the theatre, so the cardinal rule is: If you feel great in whatever you're wearing, it's probably a perfect fit.

Looking for more info on Broadway? Be sure to check out our complete guide to Broadway shows, venues, tickets, the Theatre District, and more.

What can I wear to a Broadway show?

The simple answer: You can wear anything to a Broadway show, as most theatres don't have dress codes. Here are some tips for dressing for the theatre:

• Both formal and informal clothing is accepted. Overall, it's best to be in a comfortable outfit you can sit down in for a few hours.
• For special performances, like opening nights, dressing in smart casual or business casual attire, if not dressier, is recommended. Think a dress shirt and slacks, or a semi-formal dress.
• If going to the theatre is a special occasion rather than a regular occurrence, you may want to dress up in a formal outfit, like a dress or suit.

Do certain Broadway shows require certain outfits?

You can wear anything you want to a show. There are some productions, however, in which you may want to consider if your outfit could impede on the full experience. Here are some tips.

• Certain venues also have long-standing traditions for dress, even though there's no official dress code. At the Metropolitan Opera, for example, formalwear is standard.
• If you're going to an outdoor performance, a casual outfit is usually best. You don't want to get fancy clothes muddy or wet!
• Some immersive shows encourage you to dress to theme to feel fully part of the atmosphere. Regardless, wear clothes and shoes you can move in.
• That said, it can even be fun to wear a show-inspired outfit to a non-immersive show; for example, wearing a pink or black dress when seeing Wicked to emulate Glinda or Elphaba.

Are costumes allowed at the theatre?

Wearing a costume to the theatre is generally acceptable, and some shows are known for attracting fans that arrive in outfits inspired by Broadway characters. Potterheads often turn up to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in wizard robes, and Six fans have turned up to the Lena Horne Theatre in "royal" clothing similar to Henry VIII's wives. Some shows even run costume contests on select nights!

That said, don't wear an extravagant outfit that looks like it should belong on the stage. Feathers, sequins, or tall headpieces may distract other audience members — not to mention the actors!

Dos and don'ts of dressing for the theatre

Even without a dress code, you want to make sure your theatre outfit is comfortable and sensible. Here are some tips for what to wear and what to avoid no matter what your style.

Do wear clothes that are an appropriate length

Consider the length of your shirt, skirt, or shorts when you're sitting in your seat. If you're sitting in the front rows of the orchestra seating or in the round, you don't want the cast and fellow audiences to see more of you than the stage. Make sure you feel classy and comfortable at the same time.

Do pack flat shoes to wear or to change into after the show

Heels are fun, especially if you're dressing up for the theatre on a special occasion, but you don't want to be hobbling into your seat after a day of walking around New York. If you're going to wear heeled boots or shoes, make sure you've got a flat pair of shoes in your bag to change into.

Do wear clothes that will keep you cool

Most theatres are air-conditioned, but since you may be sharing the auditorium with hundreds of fellow theatregoers, the venue can get warm very quickly. If you're seeing a Broadway show in the summer, pick an outfit you can stay cool in. Steer clear of wearing clothes that will stick to the seat, or worse, yourself.

Do dress for the weather and not for social media

Even though the vast majority of New York theatres are indoors, there are a few open-air venues in the city. When attending an outdoor show, like at Shakespeare in the Park, make sure you pack a raincoat and/or umbrella so you don't get wet if it rains. And wear a sweater or long-sleeved shirt if it's cold outside, even if the performance is inside — you don't want to show up shivering! (See below for additional tips about jackets.)

Do keep the layers to a minimum

That being said, you may enter the theatre with layers on, especially if you've walked in from the streets on a cold day. Consider the limited space for coats, sweaters, and other accessories that may limit how much you could store under your seat.

Broadway theatres have coat rooms to store coats and bags, but some have been closed since the pandemic. As such, you have to take whatever you brought to your seat, and space is limited. If you're seeing a Broadway show on a chilly day, wear thicker but fewer layers so you can stay warm without leaving your entire wardrobe on the floor.

Do buy show merchandise

Want to change up your wardrobe, but keep it Broadway-themed? Many productions sell official clothes and accessories in the lobby, so you can buy some merchandise before the show and wear it in the auditorium. It's a great way to show your support for the show while keeping cozy.

Find out more about what's playing on Broadway and how to get theatre tickets in New York.