Illustration of three red velvet theatre seats with a camel coat draped over the middle seat back and a navy handbag on the floor beneath it.

Broadway Guides

Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear and What to Bring

By Thea LaneOctober 3, 2026Updated October 4, 20265 min read

Part of: Planning Your First Broadway Trip — Part 5 of 5

← TKTS Guide: How the Broadway Discount Booth Works

Table of Contents~5 min left

Short Answer

New York Theatre Guide says most theatres don't have dress codes, so smart casual is a safe choice. Bring a layer: the Hudson Theatre says its theatre "may be cool in the summer." Bag rules differ by venue. Broadway.com says theaters will not hold bags, while the Hudson Theatre requires large bags to be checked at coat check.

Is There a Broadway Dress Code?

New York Theatre Guide says, "You can wear anything to a Broadway show, as most theatres don't have dress codes." The Hudson Theatre's venue page says, "There is no specific dress code at The Hudson Theatre."

Venue rules matter too. Bag, luggage, coat-check, and food rules decide what you can bring in. Broadway.com's FAQ says "Theaters will not hold bags," while the Hudson Theatre requires large bags to be checked at coat check.

For what to do during the show, see Broadway Theatre Etiquette.

For the rest of the trip, see Planning a Broadway Trip to New York.

What to Wear

Advice differs by source, so it's grouped by situation.

A regular performance

Broadway Direct calls smart casual a safe bet: nice jeans or slacks with a stylish top. Business casual also works. Choose clothes you can sit in comfortably for the whole show.

Opening night or a special occasion

New York Theatre Guide recommends smart casual or business casual for opening nights, "if not dressier." Broadway Direct says dressier outfits for opening nights are optional.

Temperature

Broadway Direct says theatres can be really cold inside and advises bringing a jacket. The Hudson Theatre says the theatre "may be cool in the summer." Wear a layer you can take off or put on.

Shoes, Layers and Headwear

New York Theatre Guide advises, "Do pack flat shoes to wear or to change into after the show." Broadway Direct advises comfortable shoes for walking around Times Square and warns against heels that will leave you uncomfortable by intermission.

Wear a layer you can take off or put on.

New York Theatre Guide advises against costumes with "feathers, sequins, or tall headpieces," which may distract other audience members. As a rule of thumb, skip anything that would block the view of the person behind you.

What to Bring and What to Leave at the Hotel

Venue rules decide what you can bring in. As of October 2026, the Broadway.com FAQ and the Hudson Theatre's venue page give different bag rules, so confirm with the venue before you go.

Bags

Broadway.com's bag FAQ says, "Backpacks and bags are permitted inside the theaters and are subject to inspection." All bags should be sized to fit comfortably under your seat without obstructing any walkways. Its large-bags FAQ says, "Theaters will not hold bags. Luggage is not permitted."

The Hudson Theatre says, "All guests must comply with bag search procedures, and large bags will be required to be checked at coat check."

Security

Broadway.com says, "Most Broadway theaters conduct security checks, possibly including metal detectors, for all ticketholders." The Hudson Theatre encourages guests to "arrive 50 minutes before the performance to allow sufficient time for security checks."

Coat check

The Hudson Theatre offers coat check in its Box Office lobby "for a fee of $3 per item." Check the venue page for coat-check rules before you go.

Outside food, drink and water

Broadway.com's prohibited items list says "outside food and drinks are prohibited." The Hudson Theatre says guests are able to bring "snacks and drinks purchased in the theatre to their seats."

Cameras

At the Hudson Theatre, "Flash photography and video recording of the production are prohibited."

Before You Leave: A Quick Checklist

For tickets and entry details, see How to Buy Broadway Tickets.

Check your theatre's bag rules before you pack.
If a bag won't fit comfortably under your seat, leave it at the hotel.
At the Hudson Theatre, arrive 50 minutes early for security checks.
Pack a light layer. The Hudson Theatre says its theatre "may be cool in the summer."
Leave outside food and drink at the hotel. Broadway.com lists outside food and drinks as prohibited items.
If you entered the Broadway lottery, bring your photo ID. The name on it must match the entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a dress code for Wicked, Hamilton or The Lion King?

None of our sources lists a show-specific dress code.

What should you wear to a Broadway matinee?

No source sets a different rule for matinees, so the advice is the same as for any performance: smart casual is a safe choice, and you should be comfortable for the whole show.

What do people wear to a Broadway opening night?

New York Theatre Guide recommends smart casual or business casual for opening nights, "if not dressier."

What is proper attire for a Broadway show?

Most theatres have no dress code, according to New York Theatre Guide. Broadway Direct calls smart casual a safe bet.

Can you bring a backpack to a Broadway show?

Broadway.com says backpacks and bags are permitted inside the theaters and are subject to inspection, if they fit comfortably under your seat. Its large-bags FAQ says theaters will not hold bags. At the Hudson Theatre, large bags will be required to be checked at coat check.

One email a month: new guides, lottery and rush price changes, and Broadway milestones.

Confirm in the email we send you. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy