What to Wear to a Broadway Show

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.

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!

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.

The Broadway dress code is non existent.

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the input!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Updated On: 6/30/16 at 12:14 AM

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

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.

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.