You’ve got tickets to the Broadway show you dreamed of seeing.
Now the question pops into your mind, “What do I wear to a Broadway show?”
The short answer is: almost anything you want! But if you want a little more guidance than that, read on!
I have worked in theater in New York for nearly two decades, and currently run my own production company.
Between trying to stay current with what is happening in the industry and supporting friends performing all over the city, I see a LOT of shows.
What I wear is determined by all kinds of things- day of the week, what else is on the schedule that day, type of show, etc.
But I do have some general guidelines for myself when dressing for a Broadway show. And be sure to check out our post on what's playing on Broadway now.
Is There A Dress Code For Broadway Shows?
There really isn’t. You are free to wear almost anything you want, with a few exceptions. (See What Not To Wear below).
At Broadway theaters, you’ll see a wide range of attire. Audiences will wear everything from cocktail attire to jeans and t-shirts.
Even though Broadway historically was a pretty formal affair, it has become much more casual in recent years, and the atmosphere is pretty much “Come as you are.”
Because there is no dress code, there are no judgments!
Sometimes my opportunity to see a show comes up at the very last minute (tickets offered by a friend, or through an industry connection).
If that is the case, I often have to just go in whatever I happen to be wearing that day.
I have worn a pretty wide variety of outfits because of this, and I can say that I have never once felt that I looked out of place or inappropriate.
So when I say most things are fine, I really do mean it.
But I also know that for some people, “whatever you want!” is not nearly enough guidance, so I will share some specifics.
(NOTE: This is just what I personally do, I’m not speaking for everyone).
If I am seeing something on a weekday evening, I typically dress “business casual.”
My go-to in cooler months would be nice jeans, a blazer, and nice heels or boots. I will dress it up/make it more fun with jewelry and other accessories.
In warmer months, I wear a casual dress and nice shoes. I tend to see a pretty similar pattern with men.
My friend Nick (one of my go-to theater companions) almost always wears jeans, a button down shirt, and some kind of vest or jacket.
I often dress up more for weekend shows, but that is usually because it is more of a full evening out for me(dinner, drinks, etc.).
For this I would wear a nicer dress and heels- think fun date night/cocktail attire.
So if you want to make an occasion of it and dress up more, go for it! Plenty of others will be doing the same.
If you are visiting NYC and seeing a Broadway show at the end of a busy day, you may find it easier to just wear whatever you have worn during the day.
My very first Broadway show as a child was after a full day of sightseeing at the age of 10. I saw Phantom of the Opera in overalls and a pink polo shirt.
I was horrified and wanted to be wearing a ballgown of some kind. (I assumed this was what people did when seeing Broadway shows.)
My mother insisted that we didn’t have time for me to change and what I had on was fine. She was right. Whatever you have on is probably fine.
There is one exception. If you are lucky enough to score a ticket to the opening night of a Broadway show, you should absolutely dress up.
Broadway openings are a big deal for all those involved in making the show happen, and many people will be in more formal attire.
(Some Broadway opening nights will even specify a preferred dress code, so definitely something to check if you are going.)
With many others wearing their best outfits for opening night on Broadway, you may feel out of place if you aren't at least a bit decked out.
Still, there are no “musts”.
What Not To Wear
In theory, you can wear anything you want. Hey, it's New York City!
But there are some limits to what your fellow theatergoers will tolerate. Use your common sense.
Smelly sneakers or workout clothing is a no-go. Many people say they wouldn’t wear flip-flops to a Broadway show, but you certainly won’t be denied entry in them.
Tank tops are technically fine, but the air conditioning in theaters is sometimes cranked pretty high.
I never go to a show without at least bringing a jacket or sweater, even in the middle of summer.
Generally, you just want to make sure that your attire isn’t going to distract and ruin someone else’s enjoyment of the show.
I love a giant statement hat, but a Broadway show is not the time and place. Don’t wear anything that might block others’ view.
If you choose to wear something extremely revealing, just know you may get some sideways looks- especially if you are at a show that is considered family-friendly.
Some people ask if it’s ok to wear shorts to Broadway. While I personally never do, you will see people there in shorts, especially in the summer.
It’s honestly fine. If you opt to go with shorts, aim to keep them on the nicer side, and do keep in mind that theaters are kept very cool in the summer.
If you are someone who gets cold easily, you may not be comfortable in shorts.
What To Wear To Certain Broadway Shows
If you are seeing Hamilton, you’ll be amongst a lively lot.
People tend to wear fun, fashionable attire for this show.
I’m not suggesting that you turn up in a powdered wig and 18th century coat (though you can, and likely wouldn’t be the first).
Just wear something fun that you feel great in.
Some shows tend to inspire people to dress more in “theme.”
A good example of this is the musical SIX. It is not unusual to see people dressed in sparkly, festive attire- more like a concert than a Broadway show.
You may even see some people in full costume, dressed up similarly to the actors onstage.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is another great example. You will see plenty of people in Harry Potter scarves or even capes.
I don't generally dress in theme for shows, but you better believe I wore my Ravenclaw headband for this one.
If you are excited about a particular show and feel the desire to plan a certain outfit: go for it.
In general, for more splashy, over-the-top musicals, I am more likely to go with something glitzy, festive, and fun and fit the spirit of the show.
For more serious musicals or plays, I leave the glitter at home. I dress a little more muted to suit the atmosphere.
Other than this, I don’t usually dress any differently for a play vs. a musical.
Still, for the best Broadway shows and musicals, people dress as they feel fit. You should do the same.
As for kids, if they want to dress up as their favorite show characters, by all means, let them!
Some Tips When Choosing Your Broadway Outfit
1. Dress appropriately in the colder months, especially January and February, say during Broadway 2 for 1 Week, as you will be spending some time outside.
First, you will be outdoors when you line up to enter the show. After the show, if you are looking to get a taxi, you'll have a long and chilly wait. (Tip: Use an Uber!)
At the same time, you want to strike a balance. It will be heated in the theater, and some of your layers are going to have to come off.
Broadway theater seats are not giant, and you don’t want to encroach on your neighbor's space, so don't wear anything you aren’t going to be happy with holding on your lap throughout the show.
2. Don’t wear something you don’t feel good about or isn’t entirely comfortable. I once wore a very tight black cocktail dress with no stretch whatsoever.
I regretted it the second I sat down, and spent the next two and a half hours shifting around in my seat.
Probably annoying for those sitting next to me, and not great for me either.
3. To strike a happy medium, wear nice, comfortable clothes.
Men, nice pants or jeans, and a button-up shirt will do fine. Women, you can't go wrong with nice pants or a dress.
4. Be careful about which pair of heels you choose.
While I do love wearing my most fabulous heels to Broadway shows, keep in mind that there are often stairs involved, either to get to your seat or to the restrooms.
If you are not comfortable navigating stairs in heels, stick to flats.
How To Get Cheap Tickets To A Broadway Show
There are many ways you can score reduced price tickets for shows, even for the most popular shows like The Lion King and Wicked.
It's even possible to get $10 tickets to Hamilton.
For big savings, read our in-depth post on How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets.
RELATED POSTS
