What to Wear (and What Not To) for an Escape Room Challenge

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by | Jan 27, 2025 | Escape Room | 0 comments

Last Updated on January 27, 2025.

Unsure about the perfect outfit for an escape room? 

Whether you’re planning an escape room adventure with family, colleagues, friends, or your significant other, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to escape room dress codes for every occasion. 

From laid-back casual outfits to practical athletic gear that suits any escape room scenario, this article has all the tips YOU need…

… to dress for success. 

Escape rooms challenge you to use your brainpower to solve mysteries and escape a physical space sometimes (in 60 minutes). 

To perform your best, it’s crucial to feel free both mentally and physically. 

Choosing the right outfit plays a significant role in ensuring you’re comfortable and ready to focus on the task at hand.

Although, there is no perfect outfit for an escape room, here are some general escape room dress code tips: 

  1. Comfortable Clothing: Wearing comfortable attire is crucial in an escape room setting, as it allows for unrestricted movement. Opt for stretchy fabrics, moisture-wicking materials, or clothing that won’t hinder your mobility or distract you during the activity.
  2. Shoes: Closed-toe, sturdy shoes are highly recommended as they facilitate quicker movement and minimize the risk of tripping or falling.
  3. Non-Restrictive Bottomwear: Selecting the right bottoms is essential for physical activity. Athletic shorts or comfortable jeans are ideal choices to ensure ease of movement.
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Dressing Right for Your Escape Room Theme

Escape rooms often feature diverse themes such as a zombie apocalypse, ancient mysteries, pirate heists, or jungle adventures involving tribal people. 

To fully get into the character, consider wearing props that align with the chosen theme and also consider wearing DIY costumes to amplify the fun. 

This can significantly enhance your experience, making it feel more authentic and engaging. 

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Dress codes suitable for different social groups

7 Dressing Tips for a Fun Escape Room Experience with Family

  1. Casuals: Make sure to wear outfits that allow ease of movements such as jeans, t-shirts or sneakers.
  2. Kid-friendly attire: If kids are involved, ensure clothing is durable and stain-resistant in case of spills or excitement-induced mishaps. Avoid white or light-colored clothes that show dirt or wear quickly during high-energy play.
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  1. Layered Clothing: Escape rooms can usually vary in temperature so make sure to carry a hoodie or a jacket. Layering allows flexibility; you can adjust depending on the room’s temperature or activity level.
  2. Durable footwear: Make sure to wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes for both kids and adults. These are comfortable and provide safety during physical activities like crawling or climbing.
  3. Coordinated outfits for fun: Consider matching t-shirts or outfits for the family. This can be particularly enjoyable for themed escape rooms or as a keepsake from the outing. A subtle theme like matching colors or family logos can add a touch of unity.
  4. Accommodating all ages: For elderly family members, prioritize loose, comfortable clothing and shoes with good grip to ensure their safety and comfort. For toddlers or young children, choose clothes that are easy to manage in case of bathroom breaks or spills.
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  1. Encourage creativity for fun: Let kids pick their outfits within the guidelines for added excitement. For example, they could dress up as detectives or adventurers to match the escape room’s storyline.

      Tip: When out with kids, it is safe to carry water and easy to eat snacks like energy bars. 

Spending time with family is such a rewarding experience, isn’t it? But hanging out with friends feels completely different. You definitely don’t want to miss out on that kind of fun, right?

6 Tips For Dressing For Escape Rooms With Friends

  1. Relaxed and Trendy: When hanging out with friends, it’s a great idea to opt for outfits that are both casual and stylish. Comfortable joggers paired with a fashionable hoodie can create a laid-back yet trendy look. 

Don’t forget to complete your outfit with a pair of comfortable shoes, as they’ll keep you at ease whether you’re exploring the city, attending a casual gathering, or just enjoying a relaxed day out.

Choosing an ensemble that blends comfort with a touch of style ensures you’ll feel confident and ready for whatever plans come your way.

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  1. Fun Themes: Try opting for coordinated outfits if the escape room follows a theme. It fosters a sense of togetherness, which is crucial in a team-focused activity, and let’s admit—it makes the experience even more fun! You wouldn’t want to miss out on the full adventure.
  2. Celebrate Individual Style: Let each friend express their unique style while maintaining practicality. A blend of individual tastes can make the group stand out while still keeping things casual. Encourage friends to dress in a way that reflects their personality, from quirky prints to minimalist aesthetics.
  3. Fun props or Accessories: Bring lightweight, non-obtrusive props to enhance the escape room’s theme like fake detective badges, hats, or glow sticks for a futuristic room. Keep it simple to avoid interference during the challenges.
  4. Capture the moment: Plan outfits with group photos in mind, as most escape rooms offer a photo session after the game. Matching outfits or coordinated themes look great in these keepsake pictures.
  5. Have back-up options: If you’re planning to grab food or drinks after the escape room, consider bringing an extra layer or a stylish jacket. This allows you to effortlessly transition from casual to semi-formal, keeping you comfortable and polished. 

    Tip: Carry simple accessories and avoid bulky bags or anything that could hinder movement.

Many workplaces promote escape rooms as an excellent team-building activity. Feeling anxious about finding yourself in one? Don’t stress—we’ve got you covered for that as well!

7 Escape Room Dress Code Tips When Playing With Colleagues

  1. Smart Casual: Striking a balance between a professional wardrobe and a casual outfit is ideal. You want to avoid the discomfort and restricted movement that often come with formal attire, while also steering clear of feeling out of place in an overly casual outfit.
  2. Business-Casual Fusion: Light-weight blazers or jackets can enhance your outfit while remaining functional. It is best to wear cotton or linen fabric.
  3. Team Coordination: Escape rooms are one of the best ways to build team-work and coordination. Wearing coordinated outfits can act as a subtle team-building nod.
  4. Comfortable yet polished footwear: Choose loafers, ballet flats, or casual leather sneakers. These ensure both style and comfort. Women can wear low-block heels or wedge shoes for a smart appearance without sacrificing mobility.
  5. Practical accessories: Opt for a small crossbody bag to keep your phone and wallet secure and easily accessible. Adding a smartwatch can also be a practical yet stylish choice, combining functionality with a touch of sophistication.
  6. Post-Event Transition Outfits: If you’re attending a work-related meal, event, or important meeting, don’t forget to bring a blazer and tie. These pieces can instantly elevate your outfit and leave a professional impression.
  7. Coordinate with the Theme: Consider incorporating subtle elements of the escape room’s theme into your outfit to enhance the immersive experience without going overboard.

    For instance, in a detective-themed room, you might opt for dark tones and sleek outerwear to complement the ambiance. Dressing with the theme in mind adds a fun layer to the adventure and helps you feel more connected to the storyline.

It’s important to know what to wear to an escape room, but it’s just as important to know what you shouldn’t wear.

What to Avoid in an Escape Room

While there’s no perfect outfit for an escape room, there are certain clothing choices you should definitely avoid. 

Steering clear of these wardrobe mistakes will help you stay comfortable and agile while ensuring a safer, more enjoyable experience for both you and your team. 

Dressing thoughtfully can make a significant difference in how well you navigate the challenges and immerse yourself in the adventure.

  1. High-heels or uncomfortable shoes: Avoid high heels and open-toe shoes and opt for any footwear that is best suitable for running, walking and climbing. This will make your escape adventure far more easy.
  1. Formal Wardrobe: Suits, dresses, and anything overly dressy can restrict movement and feel out of place. Tight skirts, restrictive blazers, or dress shoes with slippery soles are impractical for escape room challenges.
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  1. Bulky or heavy clothing: Oversized coats, thick sweaters, or heavy jackets can make it harder to move freely or fit into tight spaces. Bulky clothes can also make you feel overheated, especially in more interactive rooms.
  2. Strong Fragrances: Perfumes, colognes, or body sprays can become overwhelming in enclosed spaces and may cause discomfort to others in the room. Opt for a subtle deodorant instead.
  3. Hats or Headgear that obstruct vision: Large hats, caps, or visors can block your view and hinder solving puzzles. Instead, wear minimal or no headgear unless it’s part of a themed group outfit.
  4. Flashy or distracting clothing: Avoid overly bright, reflective, or patterned clothing that might be distracting for teammates. Stick to neutral-colored clothes for better focus and comfort.

Escape room essentials:

Food Essentials: Staying hydrated is crucial for an escape-room experience. Be sure to bring a water bottle to keep yourself refreshed and focused throughout the challenge. 

Maintaining your energy levels is equally important for both physical and mental performance. Pack easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, energy bars, or nuts to give you a quick energy boost and keep your mind sharp at all times.

Tickets and ID: Don’t forget to bring your ticket and a valid ID, as both are essential for confirming your reservation.

Medications: Carry any personal medications or health essentials you may require, such as inhalers, allergy remedies, or pain relievers. Store them in a compact, easily accessible pouch.

Clear Mindset and Team Strategy: Preparing mentally for effective collaboration and communication is essential for achieving success in an escape room. 

Enter with a clear mindset and a readiness to work closely with your teammates, sharing ideas freely and embracing their suggestions. 

Maintaining an open and positive attitude will not only foster better teamwork but also enhance your group’s overall problem-solving capabilities. 

By staying focused, adaptable, and cooperative, you’ll maximize your chances of cracking the puzzles and enjoying a rewarding experience together.

Before you go….

Comfort plays a key role in ensuring a successful escape room experience. 

Wearing the right attire can significantly enhance your comfort, helping you stay focused and ready to tackle challenges. 

Mental preparation is equally crucial—stay hydrated, bring necessary items, and approach the activity with a clear mind and a collaborative spirit. 

By planning ahead, you not only create a more enjoyable and stylish experience but also enable yourself and your team to fully concentrate on solving puzzles and relishing the adventure. 

With the right clothing and mindset, you’ll be poised to overcome obstacles and create unforgettable memories.If you’re someone who craves excitement, don’t miss out on Exit Lab Houston for the most captivating mysteries. Prepare to dive into an exhilarating adventure and create unforgettable memories with us!

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