You walk up to Fabric. The line snakes around the corner. Bass thumps through the pavement. Inside, it’s not just a club-it’s a living, breathing event. One night it’s 90s rave, the next it’s black tie underground, and the night after that, everyone’s dressed like they just stepped out of a sci-fi movie. You show up in your usual jeans and hoodie. And suddenly, you’re the only one who looks like they came from the supermarket.
Here’s the truth: Fabric doesn’t just play music. It curates experiences. And what you wear? That’s part of the show.
Why Your Outfit Matters at Fabric
Fabric isn’t a place where you go to chill. It’s a place where you go to transform. The dress code isn’t about being fancy-it’s about belonging. When everyone’s in sync with the theme, the energy multiplies. Lights hit sequins. Sweat glistens on leather. The crowd becomes a moving canvas. You don’t just dance-you become part of the art.
Think of it like this: if you showed up to a Halloween party in a t-shirt and joggers, you’d feel out of place. Fabric’s themed nights are the same, but the stakes are higher. The crowd is sharper. The music is louder. And the vibe? It’s unforgiving if you’re not playing along.
What to Wear: The Core Rules
There are three non-negotiables at Fabric, no matter the theme:
- No trainers-unless they’re part of the theme. Sneakers are a hard pass. Think sleek boots, heels, loafers, or barefoot if it’s a fetish night.
- No casual streetwear-hoodies, baggy jeans, baseball caps? They’ll get you turned away. Fabric isn’t a pub crawl. It’s a ritual.
- No visible logos-brand names scream "tourist" or "trying too hard." Keep it minimal, dark, and intentional.
These aren’t suggestions. They’re gatekeeping. And if you want in, you play by the rules.
Themed Nights Breakdown: What to Actually Wear
Fabric rotates themes weekly. Here’s what’s common-and what actually works:
- 90s Rave / Hardcore: Neon crop tops, baggy cargo pants, glow sticks, face paint. Think rave kids, not brunch outfits. Boots are mandatory-floors get sticky.
- Black Tie Underground: No suits. No bow ties. Think dark elegance. Black dresses with asymmetrical cuts, tailored trousers with no shirt, leather corsets, metallic bodysuits. Accessories? Minimal. Statement pieces only.
- Industrial / Cyberpunk: Metallic fabrics, PVC, harnesses, techwear. Think Blade Runner meets Berlin warehouse. Boots with steel toes? Perfect. White sneakers? Not happening.
- Disco / Glam: Sequins. Satin. Platform shoes. Think Studio 54, but grittier. Women: glitter bodysuits. Men: wide-lapel jackets with no shirt underneath. Hair is half the look-slicked back or wild.
- Fetish / Leather Night: Leather, latex, chains, masks. If you’re not wearing at least one piece of fetishwear, you’re not in the right zone. This isn’t a costume party-it’s a subculture. Don’t fake it.
Pro tip: Check Fabric’s Instagram the day before. They drop teaser photos of the crowd. Copy the vibe. Don’t overthink it. If everyone’s in black with one bold accessory? Do the same.
What NOT to Wear
Some outfits don’t just get you turned away-they make you the punchline.
- Flip-flops
- Summer dresses (unless it’s a beach-themed night-and even then, no)
- Team jerseys, branded merch, or anything with a logo bigger than your thumb
- Over-the-top costumes (think: full pirate suit or unicorn onesie)
- Heavy perfume or cologne
Fabric’s bouncers have seen it all. They know the difference between someone who gets it and someone who’s just trying to impress. Don’t be the latter.
Where to Shop for Fabric-Ready Outfits in London
You don’t need to spend a fortune. Here’s where Londoners shop:
- Shoreditch Vintage (Brick Lane): Find leather jackets, retro sequins, and forgotten 90s rave gear for under £30.
- Urban Outfitters (Soho): Solid picks for modern techwear and minimalist black pieces.
- Clareville Grove Market (South Kensington): Hidden gem for latex, harnesses, and fetish accessories.
- Amazon / ASOS: Search "cyberpunk boots," "slim-fit satin pants," or "metallic bodysuit." Filter by reviews. Look for "perfect for clubbing" in the comments.
Pro tip: Buy one statement piece. One pair of killer boots. One leather vest. One metallic top. Build the rest around it in black.
What to Bring (Besides Your Outfit)
Outfit sorted? Good. Now, pack smart:
- Small clutch (no backpacks-they get confiscated)
- Compact makeup (glitter, eyeliner, lip gloss)
- Extra tights or socks (for when your shoes rub)
- Disposable phone case (you’ll sweat. A lot.)
- Chewable painkillers (you’ll be dancing for 8 hours)
Leave your wallet, your coat, and your phone charger at home. Fabric has lockers. Use them.
Real People, Real Outfits: What Worked Last Week
Last Friday, it was Industrial Noir. Here’s what the crowd wore:
- A woman in a black corset dress with a high collar, thigh-high boots, and no makeup-just a single silver tear drawn under her eye.
- A guy in tailored black trousers, a mesh top, and a single leather glove. No shirt. No jacket. Just confidence.
- A group of friends in matching grey techwear pants, all with different neon-lit jackets. They looked like a band from a 2040 movie.
They didn’t spend £500. They spent 20 minutes thinking about the vibe. That’s the secret.
Final Rule: Look Like You Belong, Not Like You Tried
The best-dressed people at Fabric don’t look like they planned it. They look like they woke up this way.
That’s the goal. Not to stand out. To blend in-perfectly.
Don’t wear something just because it’s bold. Wear something because it feels like you. Because when the bass hits and the lights drop, you don’t want to be thinking about your outfit. You want to be lost in the music.
Fabric Dress Code vs. Other London Nightclubs
| Club | Dress Code Strictness | Typical Outfits | Trainers Allowed? | Branded Merch OK? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Extremely strict | Themed, minimal, dark, intentional | No (unless theme) | No |
| Printworks | Strict | Streetwear, rave gear, dark tones | Yes (clean, black) | Yes (small logos) |
| The Cross | Moderate | Smart casual, dresses, button-downs | Yes | Yes |
| Ossulston | Loose | Anything goes | Yes | Yes |
| Heaven | Strict (glam focus) | Sequins, heels, bold makeup | No | No |
Fabric is the outlier. It doesn’t just want you dressed up-it wants you dressed right. For the night. For the music. For the culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear jeans to Fabric?
Only if they’re black, slim-fit, and part of a themed outfit-like industrial or cyberpunk. Skinny jeans with a leather jacket and boots? Maybe. Baggy jeans with a hoodie? No. Fabric’s bouncers spot the difference instantly.
Do I need to wear heels?
Not if you’re not comfortable. But you need something sleek. Leather boots, loafers, or even stylish ankle boots work. Avoid chunky soles. The floor is concrete, and you’ll be dancing for hours. Comfort matters-but style matters more.
Is there a coat check?
Yes. But it’s small. Bring only what you need. A clutch, your phone, and maybe a lipstick. Leave your coat, bag, and scarf at home. You’ll move better without them.
Can I wear makeup?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s encouraged. Glitter, bold eyeliner, metallic lips-these aren’t accessories. They’re part of the atmosphere. Just don’t go overboard. Less is more. You want to look like you were born for the dancefloor, not like you’re in a Halloween store.
What if I’m not into themed nights?
Then pick a night without a theme. Fabric still has regular club nights-usually on Wednesdays or Sundays. But even then, the dress code is the same: no trainers, no logos, no streetwear. You still need to look like you belong. The music doesn’t change. The vibe doesn’t change. The rules? They never do.
Final Tip: Show Up Early
The line moves fast. But the bouncers check outfits first. If you’re not dressed right, you’ll wait longer. Show up 30 minutes before doors. That’s enough time to adjust your look, fix your boots, and take a breath. You’re not just going to a club. You’re stepping into a world. Dress like you’re already inside it.

1 Comments
I wore my black jeans and a plain tee last Friday and got turned away. Didn’t even make it past the bouncer. I thought it was just a club, not a fashion show. Now I get it. I bought a leather vest from Shoreditch Vintage this week. It’s not expensive, but it feels right.
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