To a barbecue you mainly wear something airy and practical: for example a polo or T-shirt, trousers or jeans and comfortable shoes. Mid-tones and stripes are practical if you want small stains to stand out less. Possibly bring a thin cardigan for later. That way you are dressed in a relaxed way without being sloppy.
What makes a barbecue different?
A barbecue is informal and often takes place outdoors. You stand outside, next to a fire, with a plate in your hand and a glass nearby. There is smoke, grease and sauce, and you may be sitting on a bench or on a chair in the grass. So choose clothing in which you can easily stand, sit and move. Polished and comfortable is usually enough here.
Colours that forgive
White and cream are lovely, but show every stain. On mid-tones such as blue, khaki and light grey, small stains often stand out less quickly. Stripes and melange structures also hide small splashes better than a plain surface. A short comparison:
| Colour | Stains visible? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| White and cream | Almost always | Lovely, but choose a moment without sauce |
| Light blue and blue | Moderately | Fresh and practical, suits summer |
| Khaki and beige | Moderately | Calm, hides dust |
| Navy | Barely | Classic, but can get warm in the sun |
| Striped | Barely | The pattern distracts the eye |
For men: polo and light trousers
A polo is a simple choice for a barbecue. The Atticus in blue is a striped cotton polo with buttons of 70% cotton, 25% polyester and 5% elastane, and the stripe makes small splashes less noticeable. If you want something softer and more supple, the Montgomery in blue suits, a smooth-draping polo of 49.5% modal, 43.8% polyester and 6.7% elastane. Wear either one with the Vincent in khaki, slim-fit trousers with mid-rise of 33.5% viscose, 31.6% polyamide, 29.1% polyester and 6.8% elastane. You will find more options in the chinos for Men collection.
For women: striped and relaxed
For women a fine-knit T-shirt with a calm stripe works well, for example the Fiori in navy striped of 79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide. Combine it with the Adelaide in light blue, high-waist contour-fit jeans of 70% cotton, 17% viscose, 11% polyester and 2% elastane. If you want it a little fresher, the Lenora in light blue suits, a fine-knit two-tone T-shirt with tweed look of 70% viscose and 30% polyamide. For more choice, see the T-shirts for Women.
Shoes and layers
You stand for a long time, so choose shoes you can walk well in. For men, loafers or smart sneakers are suitable, for women a clean sneaker, a sandal with a strap or a flat shoe. Avoid high heels on grass or tiles with gaps, and leave suede shoes at home if you are going to sit in the garden. If the forecast is cooler, bring a thin cardigan or overshirt.
Behind the barbecue yourself?
If you are at the grill yourself, other rules apply. Choose short or rolled-up sleeves, a fabric that can take heat and wear an apron over your clothes. Keep long hair tied back and leave loose scarves and wide sleeves at home, so they do not come near the fire. At the grill, mainly choose clothing that fits closely and does not hang loose around the fire. Afterwards you can take the apron off and you are immediately presentable again for your guests.
With children and family
A barbecue with children is busy and sometimes messy. Choose clothing that can cope with a big hug or a splash of lemonade and that you can put on the ground or on a bench without worry. Then you can join in the game without having to watch your clothes all the time.
Smoke, smell and grease
After an evening at the barbecue your clothes smell of smoke. Let clothing air first and then judge whether washing is needed. Treat grease stains according to the care label and suitable stain advice for the material. Always consult the care label and only choose a programme that is permitted for the garment. You will find more information on our care instructions page.
A short checklist for yourself
- Choose a colour that forgives: blue, khaki or striped instead of white.
- Do not wear precious fabrics: leave silk and suede at home.
- Bring a thin cardigan: the evening gets cooler than the afternoon.
- Choose comfortable shoes: you stand and walk more than you think.
- Bring something for the host: a bottle or a small bunch of flowers, so you also make a good impression on arrival.
What if it rains?
In our climate a barbecue can quickly move indoors. An outfit in calm shades also works inside. You look neat without being overdressed. A thin jacket or an overshirt with a collar looks good both outside and inside. If you have a few small spare items with you, such as an extra shirt or a foldable jacket, you do not need to worry about the weather. That way you enjoy the evening, whatever the sky does.
Shop the look
Atticus: striped cotton polo, blue
Montgomery: modal polo, blue
Vincent: slim-fit trousers, khaki
Fiori: fine-knit T-shirt with buttons, navy striped
Adelaide: high-waist contour-fit jeans, light blue
Lenora: fine-knit two-tone T-shirt, light blue
Frequently asked questions
What do I wear to a barbecue if I want to wear white?
White is fine, but then choose a moment when you eat little or a piece you can wash easily. A striped version hides small splashes better.
Which shoes are handy at a barbecue?
Shoes you can stand in for a longer time, such as loafers, smart sneakers or flat sandals. Avoid high heels on grass.
How do I get the smell of smoke out of my clothes?
Hang the clothing outdoors overnight. The smell often largely disappears that way. Only wash afterwards if necessary.
Should I bring a jacket?
A thin cardigan or overshirt is sensible, even in summer. As soon as the sun is gone, it can quickly get cooler.
