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How to dress (and behave) in a comedy club, according to a standup comedian
Have a date at a comedy club? Wondering what to wear? You’re not alone. There’s something about the idea of combining dating, nightclubbing and comedy that confuses many a guy. So we decided to ask an expert: Myles Weber. He’s a standup comedian with 16 years as a professional comedian who can make you laugh while he’s trying not to laugh at what you’re wearing.
“I see a lot of guys on dates where they either overshoot it or they undershoot it,” he says. “ I see people who overshoot and like there’s too much stuff going on with their hair. Or they wear a shirt that’s just too pressed, it like it looks like you're wearing a cardboard cutout of a shirt, not an actual shirt. Then I see guys who undershoot it as well, where they're wearing like a dirty AC DC shirt with pit stains and a hole in the collar and everything. ‘Okay, man, it’s a date. I mean, we'll see what happens, you know?’”
Myles is a Taelor customer, and he sees the advantage in having a professional choose your clothes when you’re on a date.
“You want a happy medium. But not many people find that happy medium, which is the kind of touch that having a stylist who’s a pro would give you,” he says. “I've seen some guys who look fairly put together, but there's one accessory that I'm like, ‘Well, that was a choice.’ I see a lot of bold belt buckles in certain situations. And I’m ‘like you were doing so good, but you decided to wear a belt buckle with a polo shirt and now I have questions.’”
So if you don’t want the comedian on stage … or worse, your date … to wonder why in the world you wore that to a comedy club, we have some tips.
Keep it Casual, But Not Too Casual
First, remember that a comedy club is a casual setting. You want to feel comfortable, so opt for casual attire. Think along the lines of well-fitted jeans or chinos paired with a stylish button-up shirt or a casual polo shirt . Avoid anything too baggy or sloppy, but also steer clear of overly formal attire like suits or dress shirts. The key is to look polished while still keeping it relaxed.
Don't Try to Dress Funny
While the comedians on stage are there to make you laugh, you don't need to try to dress funny yourself. Leave the novelty t-shirts or outrageous outfits at home. Instead, let your personality shine through in your choice of clothing and accessories. A subtle nod to your sense of humor, such as a witty graphic tee or a playful accessory, can be a fun touch without overshadowing the main event.
Pay Attention to Fit and Grooming
No matter what you choose to wear, make sure it fits well and that you are clean and well-groomed. Avoid wrinkled clothing, stains, or unkempt hair and facial hair . A little effort in grooming goes a long way and shows that you care about your appearance. Plus, feeling confident in how you look will only enhance your enjoyment of the evening.
Consider the Venue
Take a moment to consider the specific comedy club you'll be visiting. While most comedy clubs have a relaxed dress code, some may have specific guidelines or a slightly more upscale atmosphere. Check the venue's website or call ahead if you're unsure. When in doubt, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Add a Personal Touch
Finally, don't be afraid to add a personal touch to your outfit. Whether it's a favorite accessory, a stylish jacket, or a well-chosen watch, adding a touch of personality to your ensemble can make you stand out in a crowd. Just remember to keep it subtle -- no giant belt buckles, please -- and in line with the casual vibe of the comedy club.
How to act in a comedy club
Dressing to impress your date is only half the battle when you’re in a comedy club. The comedy scene is a bit of an anxiety producer for many guys, who worry that a comedian will single them out for a particularly humiliating collection of insult jokes.
But Myles says the way to lessen the likelihood of being insulted on stage is to dress well.
“If you're a little better put together clothing-wise, you’re probably less likely to get picked on. If you’re dressing in an extreme … either too dressed up or too dressed down … you’re going to attract attention in the wrong way,” Myles says.
And the easiest way to avoid a comedian’s ire and your date’s embarrassment is to not heckle the people on stage.
“It’s an important thing to not do, especially during the first handful of dates. But really, just never do that in a relationship,” Myles says. “It says a lot about a person to bring a date to a comedy show and then choose to heckle one of the comedians and not in a playful way.”
In other words, don’t be a jerk. And especially don’t be a jerk with a gigantic, ugly belt buckle.
Want some help finding clothes that will make you the best on a comedy date? Let Taelor help. Taelor is a menswear rental subscription service dedicated to helping men look their best when it matters most. Our styling service, powered by a human stylist and assisted by AI, finds the clothes that help you win – at work, on a date, at a party, or wherever you spend your time.
