What to Wear to an Escape Room & Dress Code Tips

So you've got an escape room coming up and you're wondering what to wear to have the most fun and safe experience possible. We've got you covered with this handy guide on how to dress for an escape room!

P.s. If you're planning on doing an escape room in Amsterdam  with your friends or family, our Ultimate Escape Room guide can help!

How to Dress for an Escape Room

Clothing is an essential consideration for an escape room. Comfort and ease of movement should be your top priority. You'll likely be standing and moving around for an hour or more, so you want to make sure your clothes don't restrict your movement so you can focus on the game.

For the best experience, avoid overly tight clothing or anything that is too bulky or heavy. Choose comfortable clothing and lightweight materials that allow for easy movement, like athletic shorts or a comfy pair of jeans and t-shirt combo.

Dress appropriately for the room's temperature—if it's air-conditioned, bring a lightweight jacket or sweater to ward off chills. Please note that a jacket can be cumbersome if it is warmer than expected and you have to carry it with you throughout the escape room.

Escape Room Dress Code: Dressing the Part for Themed Adventures

That being said, many escape rooms do have clothing requirements that could demand fancy or quite silly outfits.

In the case of The Vault, we invite people to dress as Art Collectors. And we have seen some amazing outfits enter our rooms. From beret-wearing, pencil-mustached French master thieves to people carrying actual picture frames with blankets covering them.

So, if your escape room experience is themed, a general rule of thumb is to make sure that you put on something that is not too valuable as it might get dirty or damaged.

The Best Dress Codes for Escape Rooms

When planning how to dress for an escape room, consider whether the venue incorporates specific themes and scenarios. Dressing the part not only aligns with the dress codes for an escape room but also enhances your connection to the elements of the room, making the escape room challenge even more engaging. It's a fun and creative way to spend your time while staying immersed in the adventure.

Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best and most common dress codes you can expect to encounter, offering ideas that balance practicality and excitement.

1. Art Collector Chic

As mentioned, The Vault encourages players to dress as art collectors or master thieves. Sleek black outfits, berets, trench coats, and fun props like fake mustaches or art-themed accessories are perfect choices.

2. Time Travelers and Steampunk Explorers

Some rooms with time-travel or steampunk elements invite costumes that match their imaginative settings. Think vintage-inspired pieces like pocket watches, waistcoats, or flowing scarves that look great while allowing freedom of movement.

3. Mad Scientist or Lab Assistant

For rooms with laboratory or sci-fi themes, consider putting on a lab coat, goggles, or gloves. These costumes add a fun, immersive touch while keeping you ready for puzzles and challenges.

4. Detective Noir Style

Step into a crime or mystery scenario with trench coats, fedoras, or monochrome outfits. Dressing up like a classic detective makes the adventure feel even more like a real-life whodunit.

5. Casual Adventurer

For outdoor games or treasure hunt-themed rooms, practicality reigns supreme. Think sturdy shoes, lightweight athletic wear, and perhaps a small backpack or a "journal" prop to complete the adventurer look.

Tips on Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Escape

Selecting the perfect footwear for your escape room adventure is more important than you might think! The right shoes can make the difference between an immersive, enjoyable experience and a frustrating one. Here’s a breakdown to help you step in the right direction:

Comfort is Key

Escape rooms can keep you on your feet for extended periods, so choosing comfortable shoes is a must.

• Pick well-fitted shoes: A snug fit ensures you won’t be distracted by discomfort.
• Opt for sneakers or walking shoes: They provide excellent cushioning and arch support for all that puzzling movement.
• Avoid high heels or thin-soled shoes: These can cause foot pain and make it hard to move swiftly or stand comfortably.

Pro Tip: Test your shoes with some light walking or standing beforehand to ensure they stay comfy during the game.

Step into Safety

In addition to comfort, safety is also important. Some escape rooms involve activities like climbing, crawling, or moving around in tight spaces.

• Go for closed-toe shoes: They shield your feet from bumps, scrapes, and surprises in the game.
• Non-slip soles are essential: These provide stability, especially on slippery surfaces.
• Steer clear of sandals or flip-flops: With open-toed shoes your feet might get caught on objects in the room.

Pro Tip: Check the escape room’s website or call ahead to see if the game involves physical activity that might require specific footwear.

These tips on choosing the right footwear will help you focus on solving puzzles and enjoying your escape adventure!

What Outfits Should You Avoid?

When it comes to how not to dress for an escape room, there are a few items to avoid.

Avoid wearing anything too fancy or expensive, as you may be crawling on the floor or getting dirty. Similarly, steer clear of wearing anything too large or baggy, such as a long skirt or wide-leg pants, as they can get caught on things or trip you up. Jewellery, especially dangling or bulky pieces, should also be avoided, as they can get in the way.

Leave your dungarees at home for your next escape room adventure, unless you're trying to escape from a 90s fashion disaster. Comfort is key, so go for clothes that won't leave you feeling like a stuffed turkey. Avoid anything too tight-fitting or bulky. Opt for breathable fabrics that allow you to move freely.

And don't forget, in an escape room, sweating is only acceptable if it's from the thrill of cracking codes, not from layering up like an onion!

Here are a few tips on choosing the best escape room outfit:

Top 10 Tips for What to Wear to an Escape Room:‍

1. Prioritize Comfort and Ease of Movement: Choose clothing that allows you to move around easily and comfortably during the escape room game. If you want to wear jeans or leggings, avoid tight or constricting ones that may hinder your escape moves.‍
2. Opt for Breathable Materials: You'll want your clothes to have breathable fabrics, such as activewear or lightweight cotton, to stay comfortable throughout the experience.‍
3. Consider the Room's Temperature: Dress appropriately for the room's temperature. Bring a lightweight jacket or sweater if it's air-conditioned.‍
4. Choose Well-Fitted, Comfortable Shoes: Opt for sneakers or walking shoes that give you the agility of a nimble escape artist. Avoid shoes like high heels or shoes with thin soles.‍
5. Ensure Safety with Closed-Toe Shoes: Protect your precious feet from bumps, cuts, and surprises lurking on the escape room floor. Avoid flip-flops and open shoes.‍
6. Avoid Fancy or Expensive Outfits: Steer clear of wearing expensive or delicate clothing as you may encounter crawling or dirty environments. Remember, the goal is to have fun, not worry about ruining a fancy outfit or catching a rogue paint stain.‍
7. Be Mindful of Loose or Flowing Clothing: Avoid dressing up with long skirts or wide-leg pants that can get caught on objects or trip you up during the game.‍
8. Minimize Jewelry: Keep jewelry and accessories minimal, especially dangling or bulky pieces, to prevent them from getting in the way or becoming a distraction.‍
9. Consider Escape Room Dress Codes: If the escape room requests you to dress as a fancy art collector or a mad scientist, embrace the opportunity to unleash your inner fashionista or your wildest alter ego.‍
10. Embrace Comfort and Practicality: Remember, the key is to have a blast! Dress comfy, be ready to move, and let your outfit take a back seat to the excitement of cracking codes and escaping the room. After all, it's not a fashion show; it's an adventure!

Unlocking the Secrets of Escape Room Outfits

In conclusion, when it comes to an outfit for an escape room, comfort, safety, and practicality should be your top priorities. Dressing wisely can enhance your ability to solve puzzles and fully immerse yourself in escape room themes and scenarios.

By following these tips, you'll be able to focus on solving a series of puzzles and enjoying the benefits of doing an escape, all while looking your best. If your chosen escape room has a dress code, have fun with it and make sure your outfit is both comfortable and appropriate for the activity. Whether you're a first-timer or an escape room fanatic, dressing right ensures you're ready to tackle the challenges inside the room within a set time limit.