Trends in Professional Concert Attire

Concert attire is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the growing recognition that outdated dress codes often fail to meet the practical needs of musicians. For decades, performers have struggled to balance the demands of formality, comfort, and functionality, with many resigning themselves to either casual athleisure options, or restrictive formal outfits that hinder movement and leave them overheated under intense stage lighting. This disconnect between tradition and practicality has sparked a shift toward more thoughtful, performance-oriented attire, offering band directors an opportunity to lead this evolution and prioritize their ensembles’ comfort and confidence.

Over my 20-year career as a professional flautist—often performing in more than 100 concerts a year—I’ve seen firsthand how clothing can influence performance. If a performer feels restricted or overheated by their attire, it can diminish their ability to deliver their best. On the other hand, polished, breathable, and flexible clothing can transform a musician’s confidence and stage presence, enabling them to focus entirely on their performance.

Why Dress Codes Are Changing

1.The Rise of All-Black Standards – Traditional white tie and gendered dress codes are rapidly being replaced by all-black standards in professional ensembles. This change isn’t merely aesthetic; it reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity and practicality. All-black attire provides a sleek, unified look that emphasizes the music while allowing performers to choose pieces that fit their bodies and preferences.

For band directors, adopting all-black dress codes is a step toward modernizing their ensembles. This shift encourages professionalism in ensembles while offering them the flexibility to find attire that enhances their comfort and confidence.

2. Evolving Soloist Styles – Soloists and conductors have long been expected to wear highly formal attire like tailcoats, but this tradition is fading. Many now favor clothing that blends formality with ease of movement. Breathable, lightweight fabrics that accommodate the physical demands of performing are replacing outdated designs made with stifling materials, signaling a shift toward practicality on the concert stage.

This evolution highlights a key lesson for all musicians: restrictive clothing doesn’t just make performers uncomfortable—it can compromise their artistry. By embracing modern designs that allow freedom of movement without sacrificing professionalism, musicians can focus on their craft instead of their discomfort.

3. The Confidence Factor – What musicians wear on stage has a profound impact on how they feel and perform. Formal attire helps reinforce a professional mindset, while casual or overly relaxed clothing can undermine the gravitas of a performance. However, many musicians struggle to find clothing that checks all the boxes: formal, comfortable, and breathable.

While athleisure-type garments are increasingly appearing on stage for their comfort, they often lack the polished appearance essential for professional performances. Formality in clothing largely hinges on fabric choice—materials like suiting fabric, satin, or velvet naturally exude sophistication and are ideal for the concert stage. In contrast, stretchy t-shirt material, athletic fabrics, or faded black textiles can appear overly casual and undermine a musician’s professional image. Similarly, longer skirts and tailored pants convey formality, while shorter or cropped hemlines can feel more casual. By choosing well-fitted, formal concert attire made from breathable fabrics, musicians can elevate both their confidence and their performance, ensuring they look and feel their best under the spotlight.

Addressing the Problem

As concert attire evolves, band directors and performers alike have the opportunity to embrace these changes and redefine professionalism on stage. By adopting modern all-black standards, prioritizing breathable fabrics, and investing in formal, performance-ready clothing, musicians can ensure that every performance is polished, memorable, and a celebration of their craft. Through innovation and thoughtful design, we can shape a new era of concert attire that enhances both artistry and comfort.

Mercedes Smith has served as the Principal Flutist of the Utah Symphony since 2012, having previously held the same position with the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet Orchestras. Awarded First Prize in the National Flute Association’s 2010 Young Artist Competition, Mercedes has performed in Carnegie Hall, throughout Europe and Asia, and at renowned music festivals including the Grand Teton Music Festival, Tanglewood, Music Academy of the West, Verbier Festival Orchestra, and Marlboro.

Never one to idle, Mercedes turned the pandemic into an opportunity, obtaining a real estate license and earning an M.B.A. from the University of Utah. Her latest endeavor is the creation of Blackstrad, a line of concert attire featuring breathable, lightweight fabrics and designs for the modern musician.