Black T-Shirts: Club-Appropriate Or Not?

Whether or not you can wear a black t-shirt to a club depends on the club's dress code. Some clubs have strict dress codes, such as no tank tops, no sports jerseys, or requiring men to wear collared shirts or jackets. It is always a good idea to check the dress code of the club you plan to visit in advance to avoid any issues at the door. Additionally, some clubs may have unwritten rules about certain colours, such as white, which is sometimes associated with gangs. To be safe, it is recommended to wear something slightly nicer than a t-shirt and jeans for a night out at a club.

Dress codes for men and women differ, with codes generally aimed at men

Dress codes for clubs vary from lax to stringent, and they are often unspoken or vaguely defined, with broad terms like "trendy casual" or "upscale chic". This ambiguity gives club staff the flexibility to adjust the rules as they see fit and deny entry to guests under the guise of "breaking dress codes".

While dress codes apply to both men and women, they generally tend to be stricter for men. Men are usually expected to wear business casual at the very minimum, with a button-down or V-neck shirt, fitted jeans, and dress shoes. A blazer or a suit is ideal and can often get men special treatment from the doorman.

Women, on the other hand, are generally advised to avoid overly casual or revealing outfits, especially at more formal venues. Jeans, especially lighter washes, are not recommended for women, who are instead encouraged to opt for skirts, cocktail dresses, or stylish trousers.

Both men and women should avoid athletic wear, board shorts, and flip-flops. While sneakers are typically not allowed, exceptions may be made for dark-coloured, inconspicuous, trendy, or high-end designer sneakers.

Ultimately, the specific dress code requirements will depend on the type of club and its local culture. It's always a good idea to check the club's website and aim to be overdressed rather than underdressed.

Black t-shirts and gang associations

While there is no universal way to determine gang membership, clothing is often used as a non-verbal indicator of gang affiliation. Gangs often adopt certain colours or styles to distinguish themselves from rival gangs.

The earliest recorded criminal street gangs in the US, for example, wore distinctive colours to differentiate themselves from their allies and rivals. The Roach Guards wore a blue stripe on their trousers, while the Atlantic Guards and Dead Rabbits wore a red trouser stripe.

In the UK, early urban gangs in London and other British cities in the early 1600s used differently coloured ribbons attached to their clothing to distinguish their membership affiliation.

Some gangs also choose a particular sports team whose logo, colour combination, or initials have a specific meaning to them. Gang graffiti, symbols, messages, or names can also be written or embroidered on t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, and baseball caps.

However, it is important to note that not all gang members are obvious in their dress or manner, and anyone can wear gang-style clothing. Therefore, wearing a black t-shirt alone is unlikely to be indicative of gang membership.

Dressing for different club types

When deciding what to wear to a club, it's important to consider the type of club you're attending and its local culture. Here are some tips on dressing for different club types:

Laid-back or Casual Clubs

If you're heading to a more laid-back club, you can loosen your collar or opt for jeans instead of slacks. A simple outfit formula, such as a bodysuit and jeans, can work well. For men, a button-down or V-neck shirt with fitted jeans and dress shoes is a good option. You can also try urban fashion or streetwear, such as a denim jacket, a V-neck shirt, cropped ripped jeans, and a pair of trendy sneakers.

Upscale or Formal Clubs

For more upscale or formal clubs, it's best to dress more formally. For men, business formal wear is the best option. A matching two-piece business suit, a button-down shirt, and dress shoes like loafers or oxfords signify maturity and prosperity. A blazer can also be a great addition to a semi-casual outfit. Women can opt for a form-fitting dress, dress pants and a dressy top, or a skirt set with statement sandals.

Clubs with a Specific Theme or Dress Code

Some clubs may have a specific theme or dress code, such as a burlesque club or a club with a particular music genre. In these cases, it's essential to tailor your outfit to match the club's style. For example, a sparkly bra top, a low-rise skirt, and hoop earrings could be perfect for a special occasion, such as a night out while travelling.

Clubs with a Young or Hip-Hop Crowd

If you're attending a club that caters to a younger crowd or a hip-hop audience, urban fashion or streetwear is a good choice. Clubs with younger audiences tend to be more casual and open to streetwear styles. A denim jacket, a V-neck shirt, cropped jeans or capris, and trendy sneakers can be a great combination.

Remember, it's always a good idea to check the club's website or reviews from previous guests to get a sense of their expected dress code and tailor your outfit accordingly.

Dressing for comfort

When it comes to t-shirts, a plain black t-shirt is generally more acceptable than a graphic tee. Black is a good colour choice as it looks smarter and can also conceal sweat and other defects. However, some clubs may view an all-black outfit as too sombre or similar to staff uniforms. To avoid this, you can pair your black t-shirt with light-coloured or blue jeans. This combination is comfortable and casual while still looking put-together.

For footwear, it's important to remember that some clubs have strict policies against certain types of shoes. Sneakers, for example, may not be allowed at certain clubs, especially if they are pristine white. Leather shoes or boots are a good alternative, and polished black Chelsea boots can be paired with both formal and casual attire. If you're looking for a more casual option, white sneakers can work well with a light-coloured shirt and black jeans.

Accessories can also impact your overall comfort. Hats, for instance, are often prohibited in upscale or trendy spots, so it's best to leave them at home. Similarly, beanies are not usually allowed in clubs. When it comes to jewellery, it's best to avoid wearing expensive pieces to clubs as they can easily get lost or damaged in the crowded and dark environment.

Ultimately, the key to dressing for comfort when going to a club is to strike a balance between feeling good and looking stylish while adhering to the venue's dress code. It's always a good idea to check the club's website or social media pages for any specific guidelines, or you can reach out to the club directly for clarification.

Avoiding expensive brands

While a black t-shirt is a good choice for a club, wearing expensive brands is not recommended. Here are some tips to avoid wearing expensive brands while still looking stylish:

Opt for Cheaper Alternatives: Instead of wearing expensive designer pieces, choose more affordable options that look just as good. For example, instead of John Elliott jeans, go for a cheaper pair of Nudie jeans. You can also find affordable alternatives for plain white tees and avoid expensive brands like A.P.C.

Avoid Trendy Pieces: Trendy and expensive items like a Gucci bomber jacket or a Burberry trench coat are not worth the risk of getting damaged or lost at the club. Stick with classic and timeless pieces that won't break the bank.

Choose Dark Colours: Clubs are often dimly lit, and stains are less noticeable on dark clothing. Opt for a black t-shirt or dark-coloured jeans to avoid obvious staining. This way, you can still look stylish without worrying about ruining your expensive clothes.

Go for Business Casual: Business casual attire is a great option for clubbing as it strikes a balance between comfort and class. A button-down shirt, skinny jeans or slim-fit slacks, and a blazer are a perfect combination. You can also add a splash of colour with a colourful blazer to make your outfit stand out.

Focus on Fit and Coordination: Instead of relying on expensive brands, focus on finding well-fitted and coordinated outfits. Make sure your clothes fit you well and are pressed to create a polished look. A tailored outfit will always make a better impression than expensive pieces that don't fit right.

Remember, clubs are not the safest places for expensive garments. Drinks can get spilled, and reckless behaviour can ruin your luxurious clothes. Save your expensive pieces for more formal occasions, and opt for cheaper alternatives when hitting the clubs.

Frequently asked questions