What to Wear to Universal Studios | Explained
Dressing incorrectly for any theme park can prove to be costly and affect your experience for an entire day.
This is why in this page we will explain what to wear to Universal Studios along with the reasons why these are the most common options with visitors.
Table of Contents
What to Wear & Bring to Universal Studios
First and foremost, you'll want to dress comfortably but with a hint of athleticism. Dress as you would for a long walk, as chances are that you're going be doing a lot of walking.
Attire Checklist
In the next section, we cover each of these items in depth.
- Athletic Shorts or Khaki Shorts
- Short Sleeve Athletic Compression Shirt/Dry Fit Shirt
- Walking/Running Shoes
- Spare Change of Clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen/Sunblock
- Extra Pair of Socks
Many guests initially laugh at the suggestion of bringing an extra pair of socks until their socks become soaked from a ride or the rain, and they are stuck with them the rest of the day.
Explaining Each Item to Wear
Athletic or Khaki Shorts
These high waisted athletic shorts are the perfect combination of lightweight, soft and breathable, that also contains pockets.
These quick drying athletic shorts are also lightweight, quick-dry, and have perfect airflow that comes in very handy during a hot day at the park.
Shorts With Pockets
You'd be surprised at how many athletic shorts don't have pockets, and guests order it online, and don't realize it until the day of their visit.
They then either can't wear those shorts, or do wear them and then have to carry their personal items all day.
Loose Fitting Shirt
A loose fitting athletic shirt will feel amazing during a breeze, generally dries up quicker, and most importantly won't feel like 1,000 lbs after an entire day at the park.
If you're worried about feeling underdressed at the park, you can always step it up with a Performance Polo Shirt.
It'll provide almost all of the same benefits as a normal workout shirt would, but you'll be a bit more buttoned up for pictures.
Women's Tennis Shirt Sleeveless Golf Polo Shirt.
Walking/Running Shoes
Under Armour's Charged Asset is one of the most comfortable shoes we've ever had, and is perfect for a day at the theme parks, as chances are that you'll be walking and or standing throughout most of the day.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses will allow you to be able to see clearly throughout the entire day (or else you will be squinting the entire day), while sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun.
At a theme park it's very possible that you can lose them, whether misplacing them or accidentally dropping them during walking or even on a ride.
Due to that, you'll want to have sunglasses on the cheaper side, that still give your eyes protection from the UV rays.
Which is why we recommend the Classic Aviator sunglasses
and Duco Carbon Fiber Temple sunglasses.
Hat
A hat isn't a must-have to wear to the park but it is definitely nice to have as it will shield your scalp from the sun, while giving you the comfort of not needing to fix your hair for every picture.
However, you'll want to remember to take off your hat for any roller coaster or ride that will pick up in speed.
Trust us, losing your hat while going full speed on a roller coaster isn't a great feeling.
For males, the Einsky Waterproof Sun Hat is our choice if you're feeling different,
while the Muryobao Sun Hat is perfect for women to slide their pony tail through for extra comfort.
On the other hand, the classic baseball cap is our go-to whenever we just need something on our head.
Sunscreen/Sunblock
If you're like us and have sensitive skin, the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is a lifesaver.
The best part about this is that you can use it long after you visit the theme park for any outdoor activity, more than anything on this list, it's an investment.
This sunscreen also has a SPF of 46.
Poncho
Although you necessarily won't 'wear a poncho', it's important to carry one especially if you're visiting during the summer months.
Rather than carrying a large umbrella for an entire day in case it rains, just carry an ultra lightweight poncho in your pocket or bag, and your future-self will thank you in the event that it does rain.
Poncho's are very cheap, and very worth it.
This unisex, lightweight reusable poncho has worked wonders over the years at dozens of theme parks.
Extra Pair of Socks
These unisex, low cut, super comfortable Airackeer ankle socks are perfect for preventing blisters while walking around an entire day at the park.
Towel
There are really two types of towels to bring to a theme park.
- To Cool Off
- To Dry Off
The Cooling Towels have exploded in popularity over the last few years, as guests can use these to quickly cool off on a hot day.
These towels hold 8 times more water than a regular towel, and uses its evaporation technology to cool the user off.
Most guests will use these towels on their necks, heads, and arms to quickly cool off.
Items to Avoid
Cotton T-shirts
As they tend to take a long time to dry in the humidity, sweat, and water rides.
Florida Afternoon Showers
Florida is known for its afternoon showers especially around the summer time, which makes bringing a poncho or an umbrella a must.
A spare change of clothes is nice to have to change into something less sweaty (and stinky) after a long day at the park, or to change into if you were caught in the rain showers!
Either way, it comes in very handy.
Items to Avoid
-
Cotton T-shirts, as they tend to take a long time to dry in the humidity, sweat, and water rides
Wearing a Costume
If you plan on visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there's a chance that you may want to dress up like your favorite Harry Potter character.
You should be aware that you can definitely dress up at Universal Studios, but there are certain guidelines that you must follow:
- No costume masks & weapons are allowed, and you may not dress like a Universal team member. You are able to wear a robe at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
- No costumes are allowed during Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Clothing Policies
Familiarizing yourself with the Universal Studios clothing policies will save you many potential headaches.
Some of the most notable restrictions include:
- Clothing likely to create a danger, incite a disturbance or displaying offensive language or content
- Clothing or accessories that represent someone as emergency personnel or that may create a false impression of employment by Universal