It may come as something of a surprise, but DJs, especially at the higher and more professional levels, do have something of a uniform that they wear.
Yes, at the standard and lower level levels of DJing – where it is more of a hobby than anything – a DJ can wear pretty much whatever they want.
However, in more recent times, as a DJ gains notoriety and is introduced to more and more headlining venues and events, what you wear will play a large role in how you are perceived in the music space.
It didn’t use to as much but we live in a very ‘Instagramable‘ world this day.
What Do DJs Wear? (in short)
The good news for most people is that DJing as a hobby, or at the lower levels of professionalism, doesn’t require anything particularly outlandish or “stuffy”. Even at the most upscale of clubs or party events, you’re very rarely going to need to walk on stage in anything close to a suit and tie. Generally, most DJs simply stay at the super casual level of a black t-shirt, denim jeans, and a pair of sneakers.
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How To Dress Like a DJ
Yep, there is a whole lot of black in some genres! As you can see, the profession doesn’t call for anything especially formal or serious.
For the average person looking to jump into the field, the standard outfit is incredibly easy to wear, with most people already having everything they need just in their regular daily lives.
So what makes DJ outfits so complex?
Where DJing becomes a bit nuanced is when you step out of the standard uniform and start dressing more for specific venues and occasions.
There are several factors you’ll have to consider when looking to put together your outfit:
- Music Genre
- Event size
- Venue Guidelines
- Freedom Of Movement
#1. Music Genre
The most important aspect when determining what you’re going to be wearing is the type of music you’re planning to perform when on stage.
DJs that are planning to perform Techno music are probably going to be dressed very differently when compared to DJs that are performing Hip-Hop or Deep House.
Here is a list of some of the most common clothing types you should consider wearing based on the genre of music.
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Techno & EDM
Tech House, electronic, and EDM music genres are much more fast-paced than other music genres.
Like hip-hop performers, you can get away with wearing darker clothing options.
You’ll also want to wear clothing that is loose and comfortable, as you’ll likely end up getting a bit of a cardio workout with all the quick movements you’ll need to perform.
House
Lastly, House performers, especially during the day or on a rooftop, can wear clothes that are much lighter and more vibrant in color.
Based on what you plan on performing, this can be different shades of red, blue, yellow, green, or mixes of the different colors and shades.
So long as it matches the energy and nature of the music you plan on putting out.
Hip-Hop
Hip-hop and rap DJs should make a point of wearing darker-colored clothing. This can range from blacks and browns to dark blues, or dark reds.
You can also opt for a hoodie or pair of timberland boots in exchange for sneakers and a black t-shirt.
Read this next: How Do You DJ In A Nightclub? (Smash Your DJ Gigs)
#2. Crowd Size
The next big point of focus should be the size of the crowd you’re performing with.
Generally, the larger the crowd size, the more likely you’ll need to be dressed well and look good. Again, this doesn’t mean walking around in a suit and tie, but it does mean a wrinkle-free t-shirt, a quality jacket or coat, and nice pair of pants and sneakers that are clean.
#3. Venue Regulations
You’ll also need to consider what dress code regulations are in place at the respective venue.
For example, if you were to perform at a wedding or certain birthday events, you may be required to put a tie on and a set of khaki slacks, or even a suit.
Generally, formal wear dress codes are going to only be in place at the very upscale venues, so finding out what is required should be your top priority if you plan on performing at them.
#4. Mobility & Comfortability
Lastly, you should consider your comfort and mobility while performing.
The reason this is last on the list is that it is, ironically, the least important. Since you are performing, your clothing should be more to accommodate your audience than it is for your comfort.
Still, it is also important that you be able to effectively perform in whatever clothes you do wear. You’ll want to make sure that any clothes you decide on first meet the initial three points.
Then, after you’ve narrowed down what you can wear, decide on the clothes that fit the best and allow you the most mobility while performing.
Generally, the easiest thing is to wear your designated uniform at a size larger if possible. So long as it isn’t too baggy, you shouldn’t have any issues with public perception while still being able to move quite comfortably.
Read this next: What Is Back-To-Back DJing? (B2B DJ Sets)
Being Your Own DJ Brand Ambassador
One other point that you’ll want to consider when deciding on your outfit while performing, is your brand. Remember when I mentioned that DJs at the higher level have a sort of uniform?
Well, all professional DJs make a point of prominently displaying their brand on their clothes. This can be as simple as just putting their respective logo on a black t-shirt or jacket, or it can be wearing a specific signature outfit that everyone recognizes.
The point is that, if you want to make yourself and your brand stand out, you need to wear clothes that help you stand out.
More than that, you need to wear that outfit as often as possible so that it becomes recognizable.
Just look at Marshmellow!
As a result, even if you don’t see their name prominently displayed on a shirt or jacket, if it matches those colors, you can reasonably guess that a person knows who they are and is a fan.
Read this next: How Much Do DJs Make?
What Do DJs Wear? Takeaway
That’s it for ‘what do DJs wear’ and I hope that helps you along.
You do have a fairly open book to work from though! The DJ profession, more so than many others, is rife with customizable options and self-expression.
A DJ can wear just about anything, provided it falls into a set number of different categories. Once you’ve got the basics down, and have a look that people can immediately recognize, you can then transition to adding in brand-recognition items, like headphones, rings, jackets, shirts, and even things like bucket hats or sunglasses.
The name of the game, for any DJ worth their name, is brand recognition.
Since the standard look is standard, if you aren’t willing to make yourself stand out, you can very easily find yourself caught in the trap of looking like any old DJ and not the next Deadmau5 or super-stylish Peggy Gou.
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