What Should I Wear to an Escape Room in Manhattan?
Escape rooms offer thrilling, brain-teasing adventures that get you fully immersed in mysterious scenarios. Whether you’re trying to escape a bank robbery gone wrong, solving a murder mystery, or exploring a haunted house, you’ll need to be ready for a bit of movement, problem-solving, and team interaction. However, before you get started, it’s important to consider what you should wear. While you’ll be spending time in a themed environment, comfort and practicality should be your priorities. This article will give you a detailed guide on how to dress for an escape room in Manhattan, particularly when visiting Mission Escape Games, so that you can make the most of your experience.
Consider the Environment: Escape Rooms Aren’t Always Static
First things first: escape rooms often have physical elements to them. Whether you’re crawling through hidden passages, reaching high shelves to retrieve clues, or even ducking under tables, you’re likely to move around quite a bit. So, the clothing you choose should accommodate this level of activity. It’s not like a movie night where you can stay still and relax—you’ll be using your mind and your body, so you need to wear clothing that won’t restrict you.
1. Comfort is Key
You’ll likely be spending between 60 and 90 minutes locked in a room with your team, working together to solve puzzles. Sitting, standing, crouching, and sometimes bending down are all common movements in escape rooms. For these reasons, comfort is paramount.
- Tops: Opt for lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics. T-shirts, long sleeves, or even light sweaters are good choices. Avoid overly tight clothing or anything with an uncomfortable collar or neckline that might get in your way.
- Bottoms: Choose pants or shorts that allow for flexibility and movement. Denim might not be the best choice since it can restrict your range of motion. Instead, go for something like leggings, joggers, or stretchy pants that give you the freedom to move easily. For those who prefer shorts, make sure they’re not too tight or too short to ensure comfort while crouching or kneeling.
2. Footwear That Works for Movement
Footwear is an often-overlooked but crucial element of escape room attire. You’ll likely be on your feet the entire time, and some escape rooms, including those at Mission Escape Games, may involve running or moving through multiple rooms. You want shoes that are supportive, comfortable, and allow for easy movement.
- Closed-toed shoes are a must. You’ll be moving through an environment that could have obstacles on the floor, so protection is key. Sneakers or casual shoes are perfect since they provide comfort, traction, and support. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or high heels, as they can be hazardous when moving around quickly.
- Comfort and Durability: You’ll be walking and possibly doing a bit of light running, so shoes with padded insoles and proper arch support are essential to avoid fatigue.
3. Keep It Layered: You Might Get Warm
Escape rooms can vary in temperature, depending on the venue and the room’s theme. Some rooms are set in dimly lit, cool environments to add to the mysterious vibe, while others can feel warm due to lighting and the intensity of the game. Since you may be moving around a lot, it’s a good idea to wear layers.
- Light outer layers such as jackets or sweaters are a good choice if you anticipate temperature changes. You can easily remove these layers if you feel too warm during the experience. For colder weather, a light jacket that you can stash away is an excellent option.
- Avoid bulky items like heavy coats or thick jackets, especially in Manhattan, where you’ll likely need to carry them around before entering the escape room. Save the heavy outerwear for after your experience.
What Not to Wear to an Escape Room
Now that you know what to wear, it’s equally important to know what you should avoid. Wearing the wrong clothes can hinder your ability to move freely or could be downright uncomfortable during the experience. Here are some specific clothing items to avoid when heading to Mission Escape Games or any other escape room venue in Manhattan.
1. Loose or Flowing Clothing
While you might be aiming for comfort, overly loose or flowing clothing isn’t ideal for escape rooms. Dresses, skirts, or oversized shirts can easily get caught in furniture or machinery, which could slow you down or even cause you to trip. Stick to more form-fitting clothing that won’t obstruct your movements.
2. Jewelry and Accessories
Although you might want to look stylish, avoid wearing excessive jewelry or accessories that could get in the way. Rings, necklaces, or long earrings might become uncomfortable or even a safety hazard when you’re reaching for clues or moving around the room. Keep your accessories minimal and opt for functional items only, such as watches if needed.
3. Expensive Clothing
Escape rooms are meant to be fun and adventurous, but you might encounter dirt or stains during the experience, especially if there are props that require hands-on involvement. For this reason, leave your favorite high-end clothes at home. Casual, comfortable clothing is the best option.
Themed Escape Rooms and Dressing for the Occasion
Some escape rooms in Manhattan, including Mission Escape Games, offer themed rooms that bring extra excitement to the experience. While you don’t need to go overboard with your outfit, dressing according to the theme can enhance the immersive experience.
- Mission Escape Games offers a variety of themed escape rooms, from heist scenarios to horror-themed rooms. If you know the room you’re attending is based on a particular theme, like a historical setting or a heist scenario, you could wear something subtle that matches the vibe. For example, a leather jacket for a spy mission or an old-school outfit for a vintage-inspired room. Just be sure not to overdo it, as comfort is still your priority.
- Practicality over Costume: While it’s fun to get into the theme, avoid going too far with costumes that might make it difficult for you to move or participate in the puzzles.
Conclusion
When preparing for an escape room experience in Manhattan, comfort, practicality, and ease of movement should be your primary considerations when choosing what to wear. A comfortable outfit with breathable fabrics, flexible pants or leggings, and supportive shoes will ensure that you can focus on the puzzles and challenges, not on adjusting your clothing. Be mindful of the environment, choose layers for temperature control, and avoid excessive accessories or jewelry. Whether you’re visiting Mission Escape Games or another venue, dressing appropriately will ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wear high heels to an escape room?
A: High heels are not recommended for escape rooms as they can make it difficult to move quickly or comfortably. Opt for flat, closed-toed shoes like sneakers instead.
Q: Is there a dress code for Mission Escape Games?
A: There is no specific dress code, but it’s best to wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows for movement and is easy to take off or layer.
Q: Should I bring a jacket or coat?
A: It’s a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you’re visiting in colder weather, but avoid heavy coats as you’ll likely need to carry them.
Q: Can I bring my backpack or purse into the escape room?
A: Most escape rooms, including Mission Escape Games, will have a place for you to store bags and personal items outside the room. You’ll want to avoid carrying large bags into the room as they may get in the way.
Q: Can I wear costumes to enhance the theme?
A: While it’s fun to dress for the theme, it’s best to keep it simple and wear clothing that doesn’t hinder your movement. Avoid elaborate costumes that may restrict your ability to solve puzzles or move around easily.