Should You Wear a Suit in Vegas? What You Need to Know

Thinking of wearing a suit in Vegas? Times have changed, and the Vegas fashion style is more casual these days. But does a suit still make a difference? This article explores if suiting up can improve your Vegas trip.

While there is no strict dress code for most places in Las Vegas, wearing a suit is generally not required. However, some fine dining restaurants and upscale establishments may have a dress code that encourages or requires more formal attire.

Learn when a suit works best and when dressing casually is the way to go for your Vegas visit.

Suit Up in Las Vegas: Why Bother?

As they say, looking good is the first step to feeling good. This might be true in no place more than Vegas. A good suit can open doors for you and make the city treat you differently. While you may not want to go for the whole old-school mobster outfit, the right look in Vegas can give you an experience unlike any other.

Better Treatment

The first thing you might notice while suited up in Las Vegas is that everyone treats you differently. Waiters and other staff may be a little more diligent in serving you or going the extra mile, hoping to get a big tip from your high roller pockets.

On the casino floor, you may even find that you play better. Dealers will be less likely to treat you like a hapless out-of-towner if you’re dressed to kill. You’ll find that people play a little more cautiously when you’re dressed confidently, and that can give you an extra edge.

The important thing is that you really sell the look. If you can’t pull off the persona, everyone will see right through the threads. Wear a suit (wikipedia) with confidence, bravado, and just a little swagger; you may find that Vegas lays out at your feet.

Dress Codes

Depending on where you’re trying to go, you may get stopped at the door if you’re wearing regular street clothes. Many fancier restaurants and nightclubs in Vegas have dress codes that demand a little more formal apparel.

Here are some fashion faux pas that might prevent you from getting in the door at some Vegas establishments:

• Hats
• Chains
• Sunglasses
• Sandals
• Sneakers
• Boots
• Tee shirts
• Jerseys
• Ripped or baggy clothing
• Athletic wear

Some places may require men to wear collared shirts. While none of these restrictions necessarily require wearing a suit, you can feel confident that no doors will be closed to you with a nice jacket on.

Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and confident. However, the MGM Resorts website warns, “Beware, being yourself may not be enough.”

“The Vegas look is about standing out and showing off, and the right trendy attire is guaranteed to boost your confidence and bring out your party personality.”

MGM Resorts

If you usually keep things pretty casual, it may be time to take it up a notch.

Get Out of Trouble With Style in Vegas

The saying “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” isn’t always true. Overindulging can lead to unpleasant or even serious consequences. However, a suit might just be your secret weapon.

Many Vegas veterans swear by the power of a well-tailored suit to smooth over sticky situations, whether with staff, other guests, or even the authorities. A suit can shift perceptions, making you appear more professional and composed, potentially deflecting suspicion or blame.

But remember, a classy outfit isn’t a free pass for bad behavior. Enjoy Vegas responsibly and ensure everyone around you does too. In Vegas, a suit isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a strategic choice.

Vegas Suit Wearing Tradition

Some people have strong feelings about suits and Vegas. For a certain group of people, suits represent a call to a grander time. These people feel that Vegas has lost some of its charms with the trend towards more casual wear.

In reality, Vegas is one of the last places left where people regularly try to look their best.

If you’d rather see Las Vegas hold onto some of its sparkle, dress to impress. These hotels are elegantly and ornately decorated; you may simply feel more in sync if your dress matches the décor.

Plus, you may avoid catching the ire of a Vegas traditionalist (honestly, that’s probably not much of a concern these days).

Reasons to Keep it Casual

For most people, Vegas is a vacation destination—a place to escape the grind of ordinary life and relax for a while. A suit isn’t the most comfortable vacation attire.

Especially if you have to wear a shirt and tie at the office every day, you may find it difficult to relax in a suit. This is one of the primary reasons you’ll see men lining the strip wearing Hawaiian shirts, cargo pants, sandals, and sunglasses.

It’s your vacation. Wear what feels good to you.

Don’t Feel Overdressed

As casual wear has become more and more common in Vegas, you may feel overdressed in many places in Vegas wearing a full suit. You want to feel confident, not stick out like a sore thumb. You may even feel like a pompous prick rather than a steely shark, especially in some of Vegas’ more touristy areas.

Even some of the clubs and fine restaurants are starting to see more casual standards. You may be more likely to see people in jeans than suit pants. Later on, we’ll discuss some ways to hit high fashion notes without being too formal.

It can really put you at ease to go along with the crowd. It’s possible to look good without calling undue attention to yourself.

Don’t Get Mistaken for Waitstaff 😆

Much of the staff in Vegas casinos will be wearing suits. If you don’t want to be constantly hounded by people asking for drink orders, reservations, and valet parking, you may want to leave the suit at home. Getting pestered by people who think you’re on the job can get real old, real fast.

If you are going to wear a suit, you have to make sure that you stand out from the hotel crew. Avoid black suits, black shoes, and white shirts. Brighter colors and bolder fashion choices will prevent people from expecting you to serve them a cocktail.

It May Be Too Hot to Wear a Suit in Las Vegas!

Vegas’ desert location means scorching summer temperatures, often exceeding 100 degrees. The intense heat has shifted men’s fashion from suits to cooler options like cargo shorts and polos.

A suit in such weather can become uncomfortably hot and sweaty, undermining your confident look.

Before deciding on a suit for Vegas, check the forecast and consider the outdoor heat. Opting for lighter, more breathable attire might be a wiser choice in these conditions.

Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Las Vegas Packing List (19 Things To Bring!)

When to Wear a Suit in Las Vegas

Because of the heat and the evolving social customs of the strip, you likely won’t want to be wearing a suit all the time. So, when are the best times to rock the classic Vegas look? The most acceptable times for wearing a suit are when it’s coolest: at night and during the winter months.

At Night (Las Vegas Show, Casino, Nightclub)

Given that Vegas is in the desert, lows in the evening can be quite low. Even when the heat has been intense during the day, it can be cool enough that you’ll want to cover up after the sun goes down. Also, nighttime is when things get a little less casual and more classy.

Many people recommend avoiding formal wear on the casino floor during the daytime. Generally, the casino has a little more casual vibe during the day; you may want to match that. Many people elevate their attire at night, and that’s the time to turn your game up a notch.

Whether in a nice restaurant, the club, or the casino, nighttime is the time to shine your brightest.

In the Winter

You may not need a winter coat in Vegas, even at its chilliest—but a nice jacket might make you more comfortable. Winter temperatures in Vegas usually hover around the 40s or 50s at night. You probably won’t want to be wearing shorts and sandals anyway.

If you plan a winter getaway to Las Vegas, consider classing up your look a bit. In the winter months, it becomes more standard to see people dressing more formally as it can be somewhat brisk for classic vacation casualwear.

Where to Wear a Suit in Vegas

Some places in Vegas are more suit-appropriate than others. If you’re wearing a suit somewhere that will make you feel out of place, then it won’t enhance your experience. However, a well-fitted suit can make the experience in some parts of Vegas.

A good rule of thumb is that the more “adult” a place is, the more likely a suit will be appropriate. You’ll likely feel a little strange if you wear a suit at kid-friendly attractions like the Big Apple Roller Coaster.

Casinos, nice restaurants, and clubs will be suit-worthy, especially after dark.

Casino

Dressing like a high roller is the best way to feel like one. Bring out your inner shark by putting your best foot forward. You’re less likely to get hustled and more likely to have a great time.

Vegas casinos are some of the most exquisitely ornamented places in the world. You may want to feel like you match the atmosphere.

Our article here lets you learn more about dressing right for nighttime casino fun.

Restaurant

Nice restaurants in Vegas are more likely to have a dress code and, therefore, one of the more obvious places to dress your best. You’re more likely to fit in with the crowd and feel comfortable in an upscale look.

Dressing up may also get you more attentive servers. If you’re hoping for quick refills on your drinks, try to look like someone worth hurrying for.

Nightclub

Clubs are another place in Vegas where people go out of their way to stand out. However, you don’t want to overdo the formal look in the club. Nailing something classy yet snazzy can get you noticed—especially if you’re looking for a bit of attention from the ladies. Maybe just ditch the tie!

Check out our information on Vegas nightclubs. Also, see what guys should wear to a Las Vegas nightclub to get in.

Best of Both Worlds

The decision of whether or not to wear a suit isn’t a simple binary. There are many subtle ways to dress up casual looks or dress down a suit to make it a little less stuffy.

The classiness of your apparel is a sliding scale, and you can adjust it to hit just the right note. Here are a few outfit ideas that can help you strike the perfect balance

Dress Down a Suit

You look absolutely killer in a blazer, but the full-suit ensemble seems like a bit too much for some casual drinks at the bar and a game or two at the craps table. You can still look sharp while toning it down a notch in several ways.

Try wearing a monochromatic tee shirt underneath rather than a button-up shirt and tie. This brings a casual confidence to the suit and is an awesome modern look. Even just skipping the tie can make you look more relaxed and less like you’re about to enter a board meeting.

Wear a pair of sneakers instead of lace-ups. Grab your favorite pair of Nikes and wear them with the suit for a casual flair.

Throw on a Sport Coat

Just because you own a matching jacket and slacks doesn’t mean they always have to go together. A suit coat can be sleek and sexy with a nice pair of dark jeans. Think about whatever you are going to wear and consider tossing a coat over it. A nice coat can bring your look to the next level.

Ditch Your Sandals

Gentlemen, it’s time to retire those sandals. While they’re the epitome of vacation ease, they often miss the mark on style. Instead, consider these trendy and comfy alternatives:

1. Canvas Espadrilles: My top pick for both comfort and style. These shoes (Amazon) are a game-changer – breathable, comfortable, and perfect for any setting, from poolside lounging to club hopping.
2. Boat Shoes: For a touch of class, brown leather boat shoes are your go-to. They offer the relaxed vibe of a holiday with a sharp, stylish edge.

Step up your shoe game and make a statement, whether you’re soaking up the sun or exploring the nightlife.

Pay Attention to Fit

Fit is the most essential part of any stylish look. Too tight, and you’ll show off every bump and bulge while simultaneously looking ridiculous. Too big, and you’ll look like you borrowed Dad’s suit for your big getaway.

If you wear a suit, get it tailored for the perfect fit. If you’re wearing jeans or even a tee shirt, just the right snugness level will make you look extra dapper.

What Men Should Wear in Las Vegas?

Don’t let anybody tell you how to enjoy your vacation or how to let loose in the world’s greatest party destination. The decision of how you choose to present yourself is yours. Wear what works for you in Vegas, and don’t be afraid to make a quick change for different activities at different times of the day.

If comfort is your number one goal, then dress down. Wear sweatpants, if that’s what you want. Who can tell you no? However, if you’re looking to make an impression. A suit has an extraordinary power under the lights of Vegas.

Any attempt to class up your act won’t go unnoticed. The right look can give you confidence and swagger. Leaning into the atmosphere of Vegas can be the best way to make your trip an experience worth remembering.

Frequently Asked Questions

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