It’s been a long week. And now it’s time to let loose.
Club night has arrived, which means music, drinks and letting off steam on the dance floor.
But you’re faced with a looming predicament. Your clubbing wardrobe. It’s just… not quite up to scratch.
Your shirts aren’t stylish. Your trousers are too try-hard. And your shoes, well, let’s face it, they had you limping for a week.
The truth is, when it comes to choosing club clothes for guys, it can feel like a bit of a juggling act. You want to look stylish, make an impression and feel comfortable.
Easy, right?
And on top of that, you’ve got the club’s dress code to consider. So how do you navigate men’s fashion when clubbing?
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best club outfits for men in 2024, what to avoid wearing and the essential must-haves to take with you on your night out.
Dress codes: What are they?
Navigating the clubbing world can be challenging. And a big part of it is understanding different clubs’ dress codes.
No one wants to be that person. You know, the one turning up in a full suit when everyone else is in streetwear.
That’s why it’s vital that you check the club’s dress code before you set out. The dress code for a particular night can usually be found on the website.
So to make sure you’re not turned away at the door, here are the most common dress codes you’ll come across.
NOTE: Sometimes nightclubs will have different dress codes for different nights. You could dress smart casual for a Friday night, then go to hang out on a Saturday and it’s a whole other dress code altogether.
Moral of the story? Always check the dress code for the specific night you’re going to.
But back to it – let’s break the most common dress codes down:
- Streetwear/no dress code
Do you feel most comfortable in sweat pants or baggy jeans?
Although nightclubs with no dress code are rare, they do exist. And guess what? Streetwear is allowed. Sports clothes, sneakers, hats – the choice is yours!
Types of clothing include: tracksuit and sneakers, ripped jeans, beanie hat or hoodie
- Casual/laid-back
This dress code is made for a chilled and relaxed vibe. Think jeans, T-shirt and more casual outerwear like a denim or bomber jacket.
In shoe terms, avoid anything open-toe. But your favorite, most comfortable sneakers? They’re good to go.
Or, for a more elevated version of casual dress, you could pair your jeans with a nice shirt and a pair of boots.
Types of clothing include: pretty much anything goes – as long as it’s not board shorts or flip-flops, you’re all set!
- Smart casual
Smart casual is the perfect combination of two different styles: casual, everyday clothing mixed with a more refined and formal dress type.
Smart casual men’s clubbing outfits are typically relaxed by nature, but still have a sense of class about them. The typical look for men at a smart casual club is smart jeans with a button-down shirt or blazer.
Oh, and you can get away with jeans; just make sure they aren’t ripped, faded or have any holes.
Types of clothing include: chinos, smart jeans, button-down shirts, Chelsea boots, sneakers
- Semi-formal
This is the smarter side of smart casual. Think a suit without a tie, or a shirt and trousers with smart shoes.
You’ll come across this dress code for most elite clubs, lounges and nightclubs. These clubs are more for having a few drinks in a classy environment, rather than hitting the dance floor for the night.
You might come across a dress code that states “BTO” (black tie optional). This would also fit the semi-formal dress code.
Types of clothing include: suit with a button-down shirt, or a tailored suit (with or without a tie)
- Black tie
Black tie is the smartest dress code of them all, and is usually reserved for exclusive events.
One thing to remember? A sharp suit is a must. And shiny shoes to match.
Types of clothing include: tuxedo, tailored suit, dinner jacket, pocket square, formal cufflinks