The dress code for a white collar boxing event depends on the show. Black tie nights mean black tie or similar, or at the very least dress to impress. Themed and underground shows have their own dress code, announced with the show. If in doubt, dress up: you'll be seen on camera, in photos and next to the ring.
Dress code at our shows
- The Emerald BallBlack tie, a touch of emerald. Saturday 20 March 2027, The Lighthouse, Camberwell
- Backyard Bouts #3Summer of '99: trackies, bucket hats, footie shirts. Friday 18 June 2027, secret warehouse, North London
- Any black tie nightBlack tie or similar, or at the very least dress to impress
- Any Backyard BoutsEach one has its own theme, announced with the show
Check the show page before you go: The Emerald Ball or Backyard Bouts.
Black tie: what to wear (men)
- Classic: a dinner suit, white dress shirt and black bow tie.
- Or similar: a dark, well-cut suit with a tie or an open collar is fine. So is a coloured or textured dinner jacket.
- Shoes: smart and polished. You'll be on your feet for the ring walks and the afterparty, so make them comfortable.
- At The Emerald Ball: add a touch of emerald. A pocket square, a tie, a bow tie or a jacket.
Black tie: what to wear (women)
This is one of the most searched questions about white collar events, so here's the short answer: anything you'd wear to a black tie party works.
- Dresses: floor-length or midi, in any colour. Satin, sequins and draping all work.
- Or not a dress: a tailored suit, a jumpsuit or wide-leg trousers with a statement top are all black tie.
- Shoes: block heels or smart flats beat stilettos. Some venues have stairs, and you'll want to stand for the ring walks.
- At The Emerald Ball: add a touch of emerald, in the outfit, the shoes or the jewellery.
Themed and underground shows
Backyard Bouts is raw and underground: a standing crowd of up to 800 pressed right up to the ropes. Every show has its own theme. For Summer of '99 that means trackies, bucket hats and footie shirts. Go all in. The crowd that commits to the theme makes the night.
- Wear shoes you can stand in all night. It's a standing crowd.
- Bring a layer you don't mind carrying. Warehouses can be cold on arrival and hot by the main event.
What fighters wear
If you're fighting, you'll be in your fight kit: vest, shorts, gloves and wraps, head guard, gum shield and groin guard, plus shin guards for Muay Thai. Full-face head guards aren't allowed on fight night. The full list is in our boxing kit list.
Before you go
- Doors5pm at both shows
- Under-18sWelcome with an adult. The afterparty is strictly 18+, so anyone under 18 must leave by 11pm
- TicketsFrom £26. Pick the fighter you're supporting at checkout
More on what happens on the night in charity boxing events in London.
Questions
What is the dress code for white collar boxing?
It depends on the show. Our black tie nights are black tie or similar, or at the very least dress to impress. Backyard Bouts each have their own theme, announced with the show.
What should a woman wear to a white collar boxing event?
For a black tie show, anything you'd wear to a black tie party: a floor-length or midi dress, a tailored suit or a jumpsuit. Choose shoes you can stand in for the ring walks.
Do I have to wear black tie?
At our black tie nights, black tie or similar, or at the very least dress to impress. A dark, well-cut suit is fine.
What is the dress code for The Emerald Ball?
Black tie, a touch of emerald.
What is the dress code for Backyard Bouts #3?
Summer of '99: trackies, bucket hats, footie shirts.
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