Dressing for a winter night out in Seattle is a balancing act. It is cold and often wet on the walk in, then warm and packed on the dance floor. The right outfit handles both without leaving you shivering in line or overheating by midnight.
The short answer: Wear something light and breathable that you can dance in, add one warm layer you can carry or tie around your waist, choose comfortable closed-toe shoes, and bring a small bag instead of a backpack. At Trinity Nightclub, the dress code is relaxed and EDM friendly, but sweatpants, tank tops, beanies and face coverings are not allowed.
Start with the dress code
Before you plan an outfit, check the venue's rules. Getting turned away at the door is the fastest way to ruin a night. Trinity's dress code is relaxed and built for an EDM crowd, with a short list of things that are not allowed:
No sweatpants
No tank tops
No skull caps, beanies or durags
No masks that cover the face (Halloween excluded)
No clothing that is dirty, excessively damaged or offensive
No nudity, as required by Washington State liquor law
Door staff can refuse entry for clothing that breaks these rules. You can read the full list on Trinity's rules and FAQ page.
The beanie rule in a Seattle winter
This catches people out. A beanie is a winter staple in Seattle, but beanies and skull caps are not allowed inside Trinity. If you need something to keep the rain off on the walk in, choose a hooded jacket instead and plan to carry it.
How to dress for the cold outside and the heat inside
The secret to winter clubbing is layering in a way that does not leave you holding a heavy coat all night.
Base layer: built for dancing
Pick a breathable top you will be comfortable in when the room is full and the music is loud. A fitted t-shirt, a short-sleeve shirt, a mesh or sheer layer over a crop top, or a lightweight long sleeve all work. Remember that tank tops are not allowed, so choose something with sleeves.
Warm layer: light and easy to carry
Choose one warm layer you can take off and manage easily. A light bomber, a zip-up hoodie, a flannel or an oversized shirt can be tied around your waist when you hit the dance floor. If you would rather wear a proper winter coat, that works too: Trinity has a free coat check, so you do not have to hold it all night.
Free coat check at Trinity
Trinity offers a free coat check, so you can drop off your coat or jacket when you arrive and dance without it. Before you use it, keep these points in mind:
Coat check is for coats and jackets only. Purses are not checked, so keep your bag with you.
Items are checked at your own risk. Trinity is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged or unclaimed items, including anything left in pockets.
Take your phone, wallet, keys, ID and other valuables out of your pockets before you hand your coat over.
Keep your claim ticket safe and collect your items before you leave.
Tipping the coat check attendant is appreciated.
Rain protection
Seattle winter means rain. A lightweight water-resistant jacket with a hood beats an umbrella, which is awkward to carry inside a club. If you are taking the Link light rail to Pioneer Square Station, the walk to Trinity is short, which makes a lighter layer realistic.
Shoes: comfort wins
You will be on your feet for hours, often on wet pavement before you get inside. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are the safest choice. Clean sneakers, platform trainers and boots with a manageable heel all work well on a busy dance floor. Avoid brand-new shoes you have not broken in and anything that is hard to walk in on wet streets.
Rave and club outfit ideas for winter
For men
Graphic or plain t-shirt, dark jeans or cargo pants, clean sneakers and an unzipped bomber
Short-sleeve button-up over a fitted tee, chinos or joggers-style cargos (not sweatpants) and boots
Black on black with one statement piece, such as a reflective or metallic jacket
For women
Crop top with a sheer or mesh long sleeve, high-waisted jeans or cargo pants and platform sneakers
Bodysuit with a skirt, tights for warmth, and boots you can dance in
Mini dress with an oversized shirt or light jacket tied at the waist and chunky trainers
Rave details that work at any temperature
Reflective, holographic or neon pieces that catch the LED lighting in the Main Room
Glitter, body gems or bold makeup
Statement sunglasses or accessories that do not cover your face
Themed nights
Trinity's weekly nights give you room to play with your look. Y2K Thursdays are an easy excuse for early-2000s style, such as low-rise jeans, baby tees, butterfly clips and tinted glasses. For costume nights, see our Halloween at Reload Saturdays guide.
What to bring (and what fits in your bag)
Trinity allows bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" (30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm), including fanny packs and cinch bags within that size. Backpacks are not allowed. Exceptions are made for medically necessary items after inspection.
A small crossbody bag or fanny pack is the easiest option. Here is what to put in it:
Valid photo ID. It must be government issued, current (not expired), and show your date of birth, photo and signature. Entry is 18+ and drinking is 21+.
Your ticket. Advance ticket holders skip the general admission line. Tickets are also sold at the door, and both cash and card are accepted.
Phone and a portable charger
A card or some cash for the bar and the ride home
Earplugs, if you want to protect your hearing near the speakers
Lip balm and a small touch-up kit
Quick checklist before you leave
Outfit follows the dress code (no sweatpants, tank tops, beanies or face coverings)
Breathable top for the dance floor
One warm layer you can carry, tie on or leave at the free coat check
Comfortable closed-toe shoes with grip
Small bag within 12" x 6" x 12", no backpack
Valid photo ID and ticket
Plan for getting home
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a rave in winter?
Wear a breathable top you can dance in, add one light layer such as a bomber, hoodie or flannel that you can carry or tie around your waist, and choose comfortable closed-toe shoes. If you wear a heavier coat, leave it at Trinity's free coat check, since dance floors get hot.
Does Trinity have a coat check?
Yes. Trinity offers a free coat check for coats and jackets. Purses are not checked. Items are checked at your own risk, and Trinity is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged or unclaimed items, so take valuables out of your pockets first. Tipping the coat check attendant is appreciated.
Can you wear a beanie to Trinity Nightclub?
No. Skull caps, beanies and durags are not allowed inside Trinity. Use a hooded jacket to stay dry on the way in.
Can I bring a backpack to Trinity?
No. Backpacks are not allowed. Bags must be no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", and fanny packs and cinch bags within that size are fine.
Are sneakers OK at Trinity?
Yes. Trinity's dress code is relaxed and EDM friendly, and clean sneakers are a practical choice for a long night of dancing.
What ID do I need to get into Trinity?
A valid, government-issued photo ID that is current and shows your date of birth, photo and signature. Entry is 18+ and you must be 21+ to drink.
Is there a dress code for Trinity's Halloween nights?
The usual rules apply, except that masks covering the face are allowed for Halloween.
