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Most bars, clubs and restaurants have an unwritten rule about how they want their customers to dress. The type of customer a place allows in is a direct reflection of the quality of the establishment. Common sense tells you that if the place is upscale or trendy you better dress the part if you want in. But lately neighborhood lounges and local dive bars are beginning to implement clothing restrictions at the door and what was once an anything goes sort of place, suddenly isn’t.
One’s attire is a general reflection of that person and alcohol establishments are noticing a trend. Most bar fights are between males and a guy dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt is more likely to throw a punch than someone who is well dressed or expensively dressed. Another reason for the dress code is the growing amount of gang related crimes: people being shot in nightclubs, bathrooms being vandalized and assaults. Bandanas, certain graphic tees and other clothing items are associated with gangs. Not that everyone who wears these things are in gangs but establishments would rather be safe than sorry. Baggy pants are specifically restricted not only for gang association but for smuggling prohibited items (weapons, outside alcohol, tagging gear, etc.).
Most dress codes come with a double standard, applying only to the male clientele. On the surface it comes across as sexist but really it’s more about crowd appeal if you think about it. Take shorts, for example. Which would you rather see; the smooth gams of a woman or the hairy knees and calves of some dude? Women really can get away with wearing whatever they want while guys have to follow the rules. If it’s any consolation, there are a few nightclubs that won’t allow open toed shoes because of the amount of broken glass that inevitably ends up on the floor.
Here are some guidelines for guys to follow.
- Unless specific attire restrictions are posted on the door it’s safe to assume no hats, sleeveless shirts, no flip flops, baggy pants, gang wear of any kind, sweatpants and no shorts.
- Call ahead and find out what is appropriate dress. Some restaurants still require formal attire in order to be seated for dinner. The Magic Castle in Los Angeles is one of them, preferring the ladies to wear dresses. Jeans and a sexy top or an expensive bag will not work here.
- When in doubt, don’t wear jeans. If jeans are all you own then wear a dark wash and no rips or tears, no matter how cool they look. Pair your jeans with a dress shirt and shoes, not sneakers.
- Trainers. Some bars and clubs that allow sneakers discriminate against trainers. If you have another pair of shoes, wear those out and leave the trainers for the gym.
- Another good rule of thumb: if you’re thinking of having a costume party at a bar it’s a good idea to call ahead and make sure costumes are allowed. Generally, there shouldn’t be a problem but anything that could be considered a weapon (lightsabers, canes, baseball bats, swords, etc) should be left in the car. Masks may also be prohibited.
While it’s not nice to judge a book by its cover, we are talking about the superficial nightlife scene. In Los Angeles it’s more about who you’re wearing, what you drive and what you do for a living than who you are as a person. So if you want to get in the game you have to at the very least look like you can play. It’s not fair and it’s not right but that’s the way it is.
Read more. Jukebox 101.
Comments
No hats? I can't wear my fedora? Actually, what is the etiquette about wearing a hat inside a bar? Pretentious, cool, gauche or debonair?
Aaron
LA Cocktails Examiner
Hats can be tricky. If it's a dress hat and part of the "look" you have going for the evening it should be OK. And the tradition is that men remove their hats when entering a building but no one under the age of 50 follows that rule let alone heard of it.
Basically don't look like you just stepped off the field, rolled out of bed or came from the gym. I would also say comb your hair, but then again with some of these male hair styles you can't tell the difference.
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