Prague’s Unofficial Dress Code: No More Tracksuits, Please

“They told me that they usually have problems with people who are wearing them, and that is why I or anyone else cannot go in dressed like this.” The man complained to the daily. 

The situation was allegedly repeated in four other clubs. “My friends had to choose a quieter evening program. Some of us got angry. Why on earth prohibit decent-looking pants?” he said.

People like the thwarted club-goer mentioned here argue that their expensive, fashionable track suits are urban chic not a symbol of hooliganism; nice try says Rodeo Club owner Tomáš Němeček:

“Sweats belong at the cottage or home, but certainly not at social gatherings. Why should guests celebrate in the company of people who were not able to dress decently?”

While many clubs, including Mecca, which reportedly requires guests to wear a shirt and pants or an evening dress, are adopting an anti-sweats stance, not all are barring loungewear. 

The publication rounded up comments on the topic from several Prague club managers:

Retro Music Hall: “When you’re wearing the same good-looking pants as worn by singer Ben Cristovao, for example, we have no security problem. However, if the same pants have a hole in them, you can forget about coming in.” The manager added that sweat pants are worn in some form by almost everyone and he sees no problem with them.

Storm Club: The dress code here is a bit more inclusive as an underground club for all without “distinction, creed, or style of dress.” 

Cross Club: This Prague 7 bar is even more open-door when it comes to their dress-code policies—“If someone does not stink from 20 meters away we let them in,” a manager told the paper.

In terms of dress code in general, according to the article, National Theatre and Rudolfinum allow in shorts and sandals while some Prague restaurants expect a bit more of an elegant presentation by from their patrons.