Nightlife style: The best club outfits for men in 2024 to up their game
Key takeaways
- Before you decide on club clothing, make sure you check the dress code.
- If there is a dress code, they can range from casual all the way to formal/black tie. If you’re wearing the wrong thing, you probably won’t be allowed in.
- Make sure to bring your essentials with you to the club, such as your ID, credit or debit card and keys.
- Sound levels in a club can reach over 100 decibels. Ear damage can occur from any exposure to 70 decibels and above. Noise-reducing earplugs are a great way to protect your ears from the loud music.
- There are a whole host of outfits to choose from, from leather looks and button-up shirts to denim and the casual blazer look.
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
Most clubs have their own clothing rules. But there are some general things that are best avoided altogether.
Here are our tips on what to leave at your door:
- Expensive brands
It’s tempting, isn't it, to show off that brand-spanking new, expensive jacket.
But just don’t.
You’re going to be surrounded by dancing, drunken bodies. Most likely in a busy environment. They’re going to be fighting for bar space, dance floor space and most likely they’ll be up in your own personal space.
Once the shots are flowing, people’s spatial awareness tends to fade with their sobriety. Drinks will get spilled, and no one's clothing is safe.
So avoid any clothing casualties and leave the expensive gear at home.
- Uncomfortable clothing
You’re dancing the night away but something’s up. Your shoes are too tight. Your jacket is insanely hot. And your new shirt is itching like crazy.
You might look great, but if you feel like you’re about to burst into flames, and have blisters covering your feet, it’s really not worth it.
So plan your outfit well. When it comes to clubbing, comfort is key.
- Open-toe shoes
However warm the night may be, leave your sandals and flip-flops at home. Chances are you won’t be allowed in with them anyway.
But even if you were, think about it. Spilled drinks. Shattered glass. Pointy-heeled dancing shoes. Ouch.
- Avoid white
That crisp, sparkling-white shirt is calling you. But it’s a bad move and just an open invitation for spillage.
And no one wants to be the “stained white-shirt guy”, especially when the lights come on at the end of the night.
What are men’s clubbing essentials?
Although you’ll want to keep your belongings you bring with you to a minimum, there are some clubbing essentials that will have to come with.
Here are some essentials it’s wise to bring with you:
- ID
You’ll almost definitely be asked to show ID on the door. In fact, it’s a legal requirement. Unless you come across a (very) lenient bouncer, you’ll probably be refused entry and sent back home to get it.
Did you know that noise levels in a club can reach over 100 decibels.
Yes, loud music is one of the main reasons why many people love clubbing. But, the problem is, sound levels above 70 decibels can cause irreversible damage to your ears. And when you consider that at 70 dB it can take several hours for damage to occur, but at 100 dB, you’re talking a matter of minutes - that’s pretty scary stuff.
Noise-reducing earplugs such as our Loop Experience earplugs will protect your ears from any risk. Not only that, their patented acoustic channel allows them to filter sound equally across all frequencies, which allows you to hear the music with complete clarity.
They also come in a selection of seasonal, cool colors that will complement whatever outfit you’re wearing.
- Phone and credit or debit card
It’s safe to say that when you’re clubbing, you’re going to want your phone with you, for ordering taxis, taking down numbers, and for that all-important selfie. You’ll also need a credit or debit card.
So make sure that you wear clothing with snug pockets; you’ll then be able to relax knowing that your valuables are more secure.
- House keys
One last thing, don’t forget your keys. When you’re tired and holding fast food in your hands at 2 am, you’re going to want to get into the warm safety of your own home. The last thing you’ll want is to have to sofa-surf for the night.
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Best clubbing outfits for men in 2024
Choosing what to wear to a club can be a challenge.
There are so many options out there.
You’ve found the ideal shirt, but have no idea what to pair it with. Then there’s the shoe choice. And a jacket? Accessories? You’re done.
We’ve put together some options for you to make sure you stay on top of style and in line with dress codes, and also stay comfortable in the process.
Here are our favorite men’s club outfit ideas:
1. Camp Collar Shirts
If you’re heading to a club with a casual dress code but you still want to dress up a bit, a camp collar shirt could be the perfect option.
Usually made from lightweight silk or rayon, the camp collar shirt offers a touch of modern luxury whilst still combining style and comfort. It’s also relaxed and breathable, making it ideal for the club environment.
Stick with block colors or experiment with patterns and color – whatever you feel most comfortable with.
2. The Denim Look
Denim is a timeless classic.
Versatile and cool, denim is one of the best nightclub outfits for guys.
It will go with a lot of other items in your wardrobe. Pair a denim shirt with trousers, chinos or even jeans.
But if you are going for the double-denim look but don’t want to go full cowboy, make sure the jeans are a darker shade than the shirt.
3. Casual Blazer Look
The addition of a blazer will complement almost any clubbing outfit – and will also fit most dress codes.
It will give you endless outfit possibilities and can be worn all year round. Blazers are easy to dress up or down depending on the club’s dress code.
You can pair a blazer with jeans for a smart-casual look. Or wear one over a shirt for a more formal vibe.
Blazers go with most shoe styles too. Sneakers, dress shoes, boots. Whatever is working for you that night.
4. Leather Jacket Combos
Leather jackets are timeless for men.
Cool, versatile and trendy, it’s easy to see why they’re such a popular choice in the club. You can also pair them with almost anything and they span all seasons. And unlike most clothes, they also look better with age.
5. Polo Shirt
For a more casual club dress code, polo shirts are a great choice. Not only are they comfortable but they also have a sense of style that suits almost any personality.
They’re cool, light and simple, meaning that you’ll find it easy to pair them with other clothing and you’ll be comfortable all night long.
6. Button-up Shirt
One of the most popular choices by far, a button-up shirt is an appealing option for men’s clubwear.
Oxford style is classic – not only does it look great, but it means that you’ll fit in whatever the dress code may be.
Opt for the classic route and choose a design in black or gray. Or you could choose to add a little color into the mix or a bolder pattern.
7. The Fitted T-shirt
Fitted T-shirts are the unsung heroes of men’s clubwear. They’re stylish and unpretentious, and they can be paired with pretty much anything at all, while making you look effortlessly cool.
Wear underneath a blazer for the ideal smart-casual look.
The choice is yours
Clubbing is a great way to unwind and have fun. For many people it’s a huge part of their social lives, with their countdown to Friday night beginning on Sunday evening.
Outfit-wise, there are a whole load of options for you to choose from, often making choosing men’s outfits for clubbing seem like an impossible dilemma.
But you’ve got this. You know you best. So wear what you feel most confident in. Let your personality shine through, and make it a night to remember.
Enjoy yourself!
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