Some people love the excitement and potential that comes with a first date. But for many guys, the fear of planning where to go and what to wear fills them with dread. Here are six first-date locations and how to dress for each.
Romantic Walk
If you want a chill activity for a first date, it doesn’t get more relaxed than going for a stroll in the park or somewhere scenic. While this is a relaxed activity, it also gives you the perfect time to chat and get to know each other.
It also comes without the pressure of needing to get dressed up. A casual outfit such as a comfy tracksuit is perfectly acceptable although the biggest influence on your outfit will undoubtedly be the weather. If you want to make a bit of extra effort, feel free to throw on a pair of jeans and your best coat if going on a winter date. For summer dates, any form of shorts and a t-shirt will suffice.
Read: From Casual to Couture: The Rise of Trendy plus Size Dresses
Coffee Date
If you’d like a relaxed setting without braving the outdoors, meeting at a local cafe for a coffee date can provide the perfect setting. Like a walk, this should provide you with an informal atmosphere that also allows you to engage in conversation while enjoying the finest coffee your town has to offer.
In terms of dress code, it’s similar to a walk. For a casual look, a cosy tracksuit is absolutely fine. Although, you may be surrounded by professionals and workers which may lead you to feel more comfortable going a bit smarter. A pair of jeans and a smart jumper is perfect for a chilled coffee date.
Cinema
If you’re a bit nervous about conversing with your first date, the cinema is a great solution. It gives you the opportunity to spend time with your date in an environment where talking is forbidden. Obviously, you will want to get to know your partner at some point. Chatting after the movie means you’ll have something to talk about so you won’t need to worry about awkward silences.
What you wear may depend on your plans before or after the cinema. You may want to go to a local bar afterwards to discuss your thoughts on the film you just watched. In terms of the cinema, you’ll want something comfortable but also stylish. Cargo pants and a smart T-shirt achieve this look for guys.
Bar
You can’t go wrong with visiting a bar on a first date. It gives you an intimate setting and gives you the opportunity to calm your nerves with a few drinks. Your bar of choice will require you to get to know your date prior to your outing. Perhaps they don’t drink alcohol which means you need to select somewhere that serves up delicious mocktails.
Research the bar’s dress code beforehand to ensure you are adhering to any rules, you don’t want to be turned away at the door! Most bars won’t allow tracksuits so opt for something a little more formal such as a long-sleeved Oxford shirt with jeans, chinos or even smart trousers.
Escape Room
If a bar isn’t for you, but you still want to enjoy a date filled with fun, escape rooms are proving to be an extremely popular location for date night. Escape rooms challenge you to work together and test your intuition which can be a great way to bond. You also don’t need to worry about any gaps in conversation as you’ll constantly have something to discuss.
You don’t want to go overly formal to an escape room but you also want an outfit that provides comfort and flexibility for when you are moving around. A technical tracksuit might be a good option for an escape room date while you may want to go a bit smarter if you plan on heading somewhere more fancy afterwards.
Crazy Golf
If you want to introduce a bit of competition to your first date, crazy golf is a great option as it gives a relaxed yet fun environment for you both to pit your skills against one another. Most crazy golf locations try to combine the fun of golf with the liveliness of a night out, which can provide the best of both worlds for those on a first date.
Crazy golf isn’t anywhere near as demanding as normal golf, so don’t worry about digging out your sportswear. Instead, think of it like visiting a bar and opt for a smart casual outfit. Although it is important to remember that you will be moving around so don’t overdo it on the layers.
Final Thoughts
From men’s full tracksuits to three-piece suits, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to what to wear for a first date. It totally depends on where you’re going and what you are doing. The most important thing to remember is to check any dress codes beforehand and plan to wear something that you feel comfortable wearing.