Ultimate Berghain Guide to Outfits, Dresscode & Getting In
Entering Berghain is a rite of passage surpassed only by watching the sunlight stream through the Panorama blinds in the morning. Though it may not seem like it, the door policy is ultimately concerned with looking past your aesthetic. It’s more about embodying the OG BH values of excess, queerness, and concealment.
That makes the difference of belonging there, of wearing a Berghain outfit versus a Berghain “costume”. Still, most door decisions are made in a split second, and there is a dress code. Your outfit, accessories, and jewelry will make a difference.
We cover Berghain outfits, dresscode, tips for styling, tips and myths for getting in, an outfit checklist, questions at the door, and info on the parties, lineups, and floors.
We also sell handmade pieces curated specifically to fit the Berghain dresscode. We mostly have pieces for women/females/femmes/etc, but there are also some pieces for men/males/mascs and every identity.
Our shop is located pretty close to the church of techno. Stop by for tailored fittings of any of our pieces. Or shop online and get the perfect outfit 10% off with code "Berghain10"
Berghain Dresscode
Berghain’s dress code is an artful balance of contrasts. It’s deliberately curated, but never over the top or trying too hard. It emphasizes individuality and genuine self-expression, often leaning towards dark, minimalist looks that combine simplicity with an understated edge.
The focus of Berghain outifts isn’t on following trends but on channeling a specific attitude—one that mirrors the club’s cutting-edge vibe. IVY effortlessly aligns with this ethos, offering techno-inspired designs that capture the essence of Berghain’s unique style.
Here are some ideas of archetypal Berghain style.
Berghain Outfits
Women/Female/Femme
Here are some of our most on brand outfits for a night, or weekend, out at the world capital of techno.
Men/Male/Masculine
Techno Style
Berlin Style
Berghain Outfit Styling Tips
DO
1. Look ready to dance
This tip isn’t essential. You’ll see plenty of platform shoes and heavy boots that aren’t ideal for dancing.
But a Berghain outfit that’s comfortable for your feet and allows freedom of movement shows you know the euphoria of feeling locked to the dance floor for hours.
2. Look ready to let go
That’s not to say you should show so much skin you feel uncomfortable. It does mean Berghain outfits that embrace uninhibited freedom will pass the vibe check.
3. Wear mostly dark clothing
Splashes of color demonstrate confidence when done right. But Britney Spears was famously redirected to Sisy by the bouncers because it better suited her outfit.
I wouldn’t say black is the Berghain dresscode. That idea might lead to wearing a “Berghain costume” that makes you stick out like a tourist. Instead, aim for overtones of darkness, a stylistic expression of being unafraid to dive down the darkest of rabbit holes.
That said, don’t overthink your outfit. You’re there to let go and get your hair blown back. Not to look a part or play a role.
4. Do embrace avant-garde, alternative, edgy, and individualistic expression
Here are some outfits that show what I mean.
DONT
1. Look super expensive or ultra clean
This isn’t Moscow, Manhattan, or Munich. Nobody cares much how much money you have or how expensive your Berghain outfit is.
2. Settle into heteronormativity
Being straight isn’t a problem. Looking straight isn’t necessarily a problem (although looking like a tourist is).
Be aware that bouncers are trying to curate diverse parties, but don’t try to ”look queer” if you’re not. Do try to expand your style in a way that feels like authentic self-expression.
3. Wear flashy or branded clothing
Nope, not the vibe.
Door Policy
“Only a few of my guys are allowed to select guests at the door. They have to understand what Berghain is all about first, and I try to give them that foundation. Beyond that, there are no set rules.” - Sven Marquardt
Tips for Getting Into Berghain
1. Come for the music.
You need to know which DJ(s) you’re coming to see, when they play, and what they sound like. Honestly this is probably more important than dresscode or or your curated Berghain outfit, so don’t skip this step.
Make sure you pronounce their names correctly if it’s a new DJ to you. Berghain usually books established names, so you can check SoundCloud and YouTube.
- Main acts often perform Sunday evening
- The lineup (which DJs will perform) is usually published a month in advance.
- The timetable (when DJs will perform) is published on Thursdays at noon.
“I feel like I have a responsibility to make Berghain a safe place for people who come purely to enjoy the music and celebrate—to preserve it as a place where people can forget about space and time for a little while and enjoy themselves. The club evolved from the gay scene in Berlin in the nineties. It’s important to me that we preserve some of that heritage, that it still feels like a welcoming place for the original sort of club-goers. If we were just a club full of models, pretty people all dressed in black, it would be nice to look at for a half an hour, but god, that would be boring. It would feel less tolerant, too.” - Sven Marquardt
2. Speak German (Or Try)
If you don’t speak German well, the best option is to go with someone who does. Don’t worry, it’s not essential. There are plenty of people who don’t speak German and who the bouncers know and let in every weekend.
If you’re a tourist, consider inviting someone who speaks German. Or try to make cool connections at bars, other clubs, or through dating apps.
Pro Tip: Feeld is the best queer-friendly dating app in Berlin.
If this doesn’t work out, you need to try your best. Here are different ways to say you can’t speak English:
- “Sorry, ich kann kein Deutsch”
This polite-ish version is the easiest to memorize, but also the laziest way to say it. You’ll want to show respectfulness and politeness in your tone to make up for it.
- “Es tut mir Leid, ich spreche kein Deutsch”
This classic version is better but tougher. If you’re nervous, it can be overwhelming to say.
- “Es tut mir Leid, ich kann nur Englisch”
This version is a decent middle ground. The word “spreche” is hard to say, and this way avoids it. No matter what version you have ready, practice your pronunciation with a German speaker or at least Google translate’s pronunciation function.
3. Pay attention to group size.
Going alone is usually easiest. It shows confidence, and it’s more likely you’re there for the music. If you’re in a group, 2-3 people is best.
If you’re in a large group, you must split up. Especially with more than 4 people. Be firm about this with your group. Someone will say, “What if we don’t all get in?” But the risk of rejection is definitely smaller if you’re in small groups. Believe me. It’s still the best play.
Ideally, groups have diversity. Try to have at least one person per group in their 30s or older, and at least one German speaker. After that, try to mix genders. They won’t ask about your sexuality. But ideally both or all groups have at least a splash of queerness.
If the people in front of your group don't seem like they will get in, make sure there's space between your groups when you get to the door.
4. Be clear-headed/at least mostly sober.
You don’t need to be perfectly sober, but you must be capable of thinking and speaking clearly. Drinks inside aren’t expensive, so there’s no need to get drunk first. If Berlin is my first stop for partying, I wouldn’t have more than a couple of drinks or one joint before.
Consider using eyedrops before getting in the line. Be aware that the lighter your eye color, the more obvious your pupil size will be.
5. Be over 30 years old (Bring Your ID).
The typical age at Berghain is early to mid thirties. It’s one of the few clubs where being 45 gives you a much better chance at getting in than being 21.
If you don't have an ID and you look young (or you do have it but you're under 18), you're not getting in.
I know that doesn’t sound helpful because you can’t change your age. But you can decide who you go with. You can also change your appearance to look older.
Makeup, accessories, and clothes should all be adult. Among other things, that means high-quality, especially for any kind of fetish wear.
Wearing shoes that increase your height can also make you seem older. Neutral expressions will help erase that baby face.
6. Get off your phone.
No selfies in line. If you even needed to hear this, good luck. Don’t be on your phone at all once you’re in view of the bouncers, including texting.
If you make a phone call in line, be discreet. No yelling, “We’re right here! Look, I’m waving!”.
7. Don’t bring too many drugs.
Whatever you bring should be hidden well. Remember, excess is a core value for Berghain, but so is concealment. Secret pockets are best. If your Berghain outfit doesn’t have a great hiding spot, your socks might be the best option.
Depending on who you are, they may let it slide if they find something. They might take it and let you in. They might change their mind about your entry. See the next tip for more info.
Careful of pooling your drugs together with one person. This approach can backfire.
If you have lots of drugs, as in enough to potentially be selling, don’t be surprised if they get confiscated, then the bouncer turns you away and says never to return.
Also, you can’t just walk into Berlin clubs and deal without permission. There’s a system in place almost everywhere. It’s a real fuck around and find out situation. The strict policies for your safety and the safety of the club.
8. GHB is officially banned.
Usually called “G”, this drug is a separate story from other party drugs. Most of the time when there’s an overdose or ambulance in front of a club, it’s due to G. All Berlin clubs have been cracking down for years now.
9. Don’t jump the queue.
Unless you know what you’re doing or know someone who is. If you’re not sure, don’t risk it, especially in view of the bouncers.
10. Treat the bouncers with respect.
Lots of people say you should look bored in line. Some tourists interpret this to mean they shouldn’t nod their heads to the beat once they get close, but that’s wrong. Even worse, some tourists think that means treating bouncers like they’re too cool for all of this.
Treat the bouncers with complete respect. Put yourself in their shoes, and make their job as easy as possible. That means quick, direct answers. Respectful tone and body language. Check the next tips for more ideas of what I mean.
11. Don’t smoke at the door.
Blowing smoke while talking to a bouncer is a good way to get an immediate rejection. Don’t even have a lit cigarette in your hand. Don’t flick your cigarette butt when close to the door.
12. Avoid starting a discussion beyond what the bouncer initiates.
Maybe you feel confident enough to try and get friendly with the bouncer. That’s a mistake. They have a job to do, and they don’t want you distracting them or wasting their time. Generally, just speak when spoken to.
13. Don’t try to bribe the bouncers.
It won’t work. Ever. There’s a long list of wealthy celebrities who’ve been famously rejected, including the wealthiest person in the world. Money doesn’t talk here. Or actually it does. It says, “Reject me, I don’t belong here.”
14. Know the entry process.
All Berlin clubs have a 2-step entry process. The first is to see if you’re the right kind of person and bring something positive to the party. The second is a security check and putting a sticker on your phone lenses.
Just because the first bouncer lets you in, doesn’t mean you’re automatically in. Remain respectful during the security check and ensure everything is properly concealed.
15. Keep your cool if other people in line get loud or aggressive.
Bouncers won’t be impressed if you help cause a scene while trying to put an asshole in their place. If you feel the need to get involved, de-escalate. Don’t raise your voice or get aggressive.
People get restless in line. People get annoyed by others skipping. Arguments happen. If you get involved voluntarily or not, make sure you keep your cool.
16. Go at the right time.
The best times to get in for tourists or people who have never been are:
- Thursday parties (usually only Säule, not Panorama Bar or the main floor of Berghain)
- Friday parties (usually only Panorama Bar, not the main floor of Berghain)
- Arriving an hour early for Saturday parties (Yes, you’ll look overeager, but it might work. If not, you didn’t waste much time queueing). Go party somewhere else then, try again…
- 5-6 AM on Sunday because bouncers usually change around 8 AM, so you can try again around 9 or 10 AM.
Myths About Getting Into Berghain
1. You must dress in all black.
You’ve heard the Berlin dress code is all black. But as we’ve mentioned before, a bit of color can be good. Your Berghain outfit should be an authentic self-expression. But I do recommend you lean into dark overtones when styling yourself.
2. You must be silent and look bored in line.
As a general rule, if the bouncer can hear your conversation, then you’re too loud.
“Concealment” is a core value of Berghain, not hating life. It’s totally possible to chat quietly and smile while waiting in line. In fact, little conversations can keep the vibes positive, pushing away the inevitable restlessness in the long lines.
Once you’re at the door, I’d definitely go for an alert, confident, neutral and respectful tone and expressions. Nod your head to the music, but avoid being bubbly. You might avoid smiling at the door to be safe, but a calm excitement can be great.
But you must avoid drawing attention to yourself or your group; this is partly about respect and partly about German culture.
Often in Berlin’s public spaces, you’ll notice it’s much harder to overhear conversations than other places in the world. That said, once you start getting close enough where you can almost hear the bouncer’s conversations, you should be silent or maybe whisper occasionally. If you’re distracting the bouncers from doing their jobs, then ciao.
What If I Don’t Get Into Berghain
Be polite if you get turned down with the famous “Heute leider nicht.”
Thank the bouncer if you’re right close to them, and leave without looking annoyed or sad. Zero arguing. Don’t ask them why. It will never work and will always be considered a waste of the bouncer’s time. Because it is. Sometimes they will tell you the reason.
Remember, you can always return later and try again. We recommend waiting to queue again for several hours, so you can try again with a different bouncer and at a different point in the dynamics of the party.
Have a backup party ready and go to it! There are still plenty of great places to enjoy yourself, and the more practice you have in Berlin club culture, the easier it will be to get into Berghain.
Pro Tips: Check Resident Advisor for other parties. If you get rejected on a Thursday, try Golden Gate. For many, they have the best regular party on Thursdays. Weekends will have lots of options.
Check out our KitKat outfit collection and our Sisyphos outfit collection for ideas on how to dress for their dresscodes.
Berghain Outfit Checklist
Here are some ideas to help put together a sick Berghain outfit.
Yes
Handmade and one-of-a-kind clothing, leather and latex, collars, chokers, studs and chains, mesh tops, sheer fabrics, combat boots, black sneakers, oversized T-shirts, simple tank tops, body harnesses, chain necklaces, minimalist jewelry, studded belts, black fanny packs, fishnet tops, lace-up boots, industrial-style outfits, asymmetrical clothing, platform boots, edgy crop tops, tight black leggings, muted bomber jackets, avant-garde makeup, dark nail polish, natural or messy hair, tiny backpacks, zippered pants, bodysuits, sick sportswear in dark tones
No
Strapless black dresses (slip down while dancing), stiletto heels (impractical on concrete floors and for dancing), overly tight corsets (uncomfortable for long hours), velvet clothing (gets sticky when warm), impractical handbags (large or no strap), white or clean sneakers (get scuffed and dirty), non-stretchy skinny jeans (hard to dance in), tight black turtlenecks (classic bisexual berlin wear, but too hot), flowing skirts (trip hazard)
Understanding Berghain Parties
In Berlin, a club can be open from Friday evening until Monday morning. But that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily just one “party”.
For Berghain parties, it usually straightforward. Most weeks there’s a party on Thursday that’s limited to Säule. Parties often go from 22:00 to early morning, maybe 5ish.
Then there’s another one limited to Panorama Bar on Fridays. Occasionally Berghain will be open as well. You’ll know from the Berghain website, under Programm.
These parties can go a little longer into the morning. You will not be able to get a wristband on Friday and then get re-entry on Saturday night. Don’t try.
The main Berghain weekly party is called Klubnacht (“club night”). It goes from Saturday night until Monday morning. The main floor of Berghain is open, as well as Panorama Bar and Säule. Usually there’s no music in Säule.
During summer, there’s also a beer garden open for Klubnacht.
There are also special events for huge parties. These include Silvester (New Years Eve), Berghain’s birthday (December), Easter, and Snax (explicitly queer) twice a year.
During these events, all of the floors above will be open, plus Halle. The queue for these events can be eight hours long, day or night.
Lineup and Timetable
Lineups on Berghain website are usually listed alphabetically, not in order of playtime. Sometimes headliners will appear first no matter what.
“B2B” means back to back. It’s not part of the DJ’s name. It means the DJs written to the left and right of “B2B” are playing together.
So “Ben Clock B2B Palm Traxx” means both DJs will collaborate during the same set. P.S. if you don’t know all the things that are wrong about what I just said, you better go check the comments.
You can check the lineup (aka, actual play times) on the Berghain website starting on Thursdays at noon. You should definitely check because you don’t want to say you’re there for a DJ who has already finished their set.
Berghain Floors
The floors at Berghain can be confusing because they are technically separate venues, even though you can walk freely from one to the next within the same building.
So Panorama Bar is technically a different club, even though it’s essentially a dance floor connected to the main Berghain floor by a staircase. The same is true for Säule.
Halle is behind the Berghain bar. It’s the other huge part of the building, only open for a few special events. It’s sometimes used for galleries and similar events.
Kantine am Berghain is a concert venue. It’s physically separate from the clubs/floors of Berghain. Getting into Kantine does not mean in any way that you’re allowed into Berghain. Don’t try.
Check Out IVY Berlin
We’ve covered Berghain outfits, dresscode, tips for styling, tips and myths for getting in, an outfit checklist, questions at the door, and info on the parties, lineups, and floors.
Don’t forget we also sell handmade pieces for men and women and every identity, curated specifically to fit the Berghain dresscode. Our shop is located pretty close to the church of techno. Stop by for tailored fittings of any of our pieces.