Casino Dress Code and Style over the Years
Visiting a casino has long been associated with flashing slot lights, intense rounds of blackjack, and cheering gamers.
Whether inside a shopping mall, airport, resort, or even aboard a cruise ship, such facilities evoke a tangible sense of amusement and entertainment and have been happily serving customers for decades.
Nowadays when you look out among those same crowds of smiling faces, chances are you will see each enthusiastic patron dressed in their own unique way, adhering to no strict dress code.
However, casino fashion is one that has evolved dramatically over the years. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, remembering what past generations typically wore on their casino nights out.
Strict Formality in 17th Century Casinos
It’s hard to believe that contemporary casino locations can be traced as far back as the early 1600’s, but in 17th century Italy, Venetian establishments were some of the very first to dazzle the public with entertaining gaming opportunities.
Customers were largely made up of aristocrats, each of them following a strict dress code that included formal gowns and classic black velvet moretta masks for women.
Men would commonly don three-cornered hats with feathers stuck in them, coupled with expensive coats and embroidered vests.
The Age of the Cowboy
Fast forward to 18th and 19th century U.S.A. and gaming arrived on the American frontier in a whirl of excitement with its cowboys and saloons.
The California Gold Rush of 1848, that brought millions to the states from home and abroad, was a formative event for many gaming communities. It was the age of gaming cowboys proudly sporting fringe jackets and leather belts as they played the night away.
The Roaring Twenties and Glitter Galore
The roaring twenties brought prohibition nationwide, forcing many gaming establishments to follow stricter rules or even shut down completely.
However, casino fashion in the Great Gatsby era was anything but simple. Glitz, glam, and glitter dominated with women showing off their shining sequined dresses and stylish bobs, and men sporting tweed suits paired with fedoras.
Black and white suits or tuxedos are classic and elegant options for men’s formal wear
1950’s Vegas Attire Exuded Sophistication
The 50’s Las Vegas boom saw hundreds of high-profile Hollywood actors and musicians make their way to Sin City.
The burgeoning “Strip” was flooded by thousands of people venturing to see live shows, and of course, visit one of the many high-profile gaming facilities.
Casino fashion choices of the time centered around maintaining that special Hollywood glamour, with classic black and white suits and elegant tea-length dresses.
Although Las Vegas’ dress code expectations are a lot more casual today, sophistication in the 1950’s came to typify the casino experience the world over.
Casino Fashion for the Modern Patron
Casino fashion in the years following the 50’s and 60’s was largely defined by the decade at hand. For example, 80’s clothes were identified by loud colors, vintage denim, and oversized blazers while the 90’s started to bring baseball jackets and khakis onto the gaming floor.
Nowadays, online casinos, allow you to dress in whatever manner you feel most comfortable, adhering to no dress code whatsoever.
As for the brick-and-mortar locations of today, modern patrons are free to wear things like sandals, t-shirts, and jeans in many casinos around the world. However, a good rule of thumb is to always check the casino’s rules before picking out your outfit.
The bottom line: the casino industry and the world of fashion have always had a deeply intertwined relationship. As time moves on, who knows what new fads and trends could arise!
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