Dress Code Checker for Luxury Trains
Check Your Dress Code
Select your train and time of day to see if jeans are permitted.
When you book a seat on the Orient Express a historic luxury train that travels across Europe in style, the excitement often comes with a side‑question: can I show up in jeans? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it depends on the train’s specific dress policy, the time of day, and the type of carriage you’re in.
Why Dress Codes Matter on Luxury Trains
Luxury trains aren’t just transportation-they’re moving five‑star hotels. From fine dining to gala evenings, the experience is curated to feel exclusive. A well‑defined dress code protects that ambience, ensures all guests enjoy the same level of elegance, and helps staff deliver premium service without awkwardness.
Official Dress Guidelines for the Orient Express
The Orient Express provides a clear outline in its passenger handbook:
- Daytime Travel (First and Second Class): Business‑casual is acceptable. Men can wear slacks with a collared shirt; women may choose a dress or smart blouse with trousers.
- Evening & Dinner Service: Smart‑formal attire is required. Men are expected to wear a jacket and tie; women should wear a cocktail dress or elegant outfit.
- Special Events (Gala Night, Live Performances): Full evening wear is mandatory. This is where jeans become a no‑go.
In short, jeans are only permissible during daytime travel in the more relaxed sections of the train. Once the dining car lights dim, the dress code tightens.
How Different Luxury Trains Compare
| Train | Daytime Attire | Evening Attire | Jeans Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orient Express | Business‑casual (slacks, collared shirts, dresses) | Smart‑formal (jacket & tie, cocktail dresses) | Only during daytime travel |
| Blue Train | Smart‑casual (no sportswear) | Black‑tie optional, evening gowns encouraged | No, even daytime |
| Maharajas' Express | Business‑casual (no denim) | Formal Indian attire or Western evening wear | No |
| Glacier Express | Casual to smart‑casual | Smart‑casual, no strict formal requirement | Yes, any time |
Notice the pattern: the most opulent trains (Orient Express, Blue Train, Maharajas' Express) reserve formal wear for evenings and often restrict denim altogether. The Glacier Express, positioned more as a scenic adventure, is far more relaxed.
Practical Tips If You Want to Pack Jeans
- Check the itinerary. Some routes have longer daylight legs, giving you the window to wear jeans without breaking the rules.
- Opt for dark, tailored denim. A slim‑fit, deep indigo pair looks sharper than light, ripped styles.
- Pair with a blazer. A well‑fitted blazer instantly upgrades the look, making it acceptable for business‑casual sections.
- Bring a change of clothes. Pack a smart shirt or dress to swap into before dinner.
- Read the welcome packet. The train usually sends a PDF with dress guidelines; treat it as your checklist.
Following these steps lets you enjoy the comfort of denim without risking a polite reminder from the staff.
Real‑World Experiences from Recent Travelers
Last month, a couple traveling from Paris to Istanbul shared their story on a travel forum. They boarded in Paris wearing dark jeans and a crisp white shirt. The attendant smiled and said, “You’re good for the daytime lounge, but please change before the dinner service at 7 pm.” They complied, swapped the jeans for a navy dress and a sport coat, and reported that the transition felt seamless.
Another traveler on the Blue Train described a stricter approach: “Even in the lounge car, the staff asked me to replace my jeans with trousers. The train’s brand is all about timeless elegance, so they enforce it everywhere.”
These anecdotes underline a simple rule-if the train markets itself as “all‑in‑luxury,” expect a tighter dress code, especially during meals and events.
What Happens If You Dress Inappropriately?
Rail staff are trained to handle dress‑code breaches delicately. Typically, they’ll approach you discreetly and suggest a change. In most cases, they’ll offer a spare jacket or direct you to the onboard wardrobe service (a small fee may apply). Refusing to comply can lead to being seated at a separate table or, in extreme cases, asked to disembark at the next station.
Because the experience is built around a shared sense of elegance, most guests appreciate the reminder and comply without drama.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Daytime travel on Orient Express - dark denim OK if paired with blazer.
- Evening dinner - jacket & tie for men, cocktail dress for women.
- Special events - full formal wear; no jeans.
- Other luxury trains - generally no denim at any time.
- Always carry a “formal kit” (shirt, tie, dress, or blazer).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear ripped or distressed jeans on the Orient Express?
No. The train’s policy requires denim to be clean, dark, and free of rips. Distressed styles are considered too casual for the luxury setting.
Do I need a jacket for the daytime lounge?
A jacket isn’t mandatory during daytime, but it elevates a denim outfit to business‑casual and avoids any looks‑good‑but‑not‑formal issues.
Is there a fee for using the onboard wardrobe service?
Yes, most trains charge a modest fee (usually €20‑€30) for borrowing a tuxedo, dress, or extra accessories.
What should I wear on the Glacier Express?
The Glacier Express is casual‑friendly. Jeans, hoodies, and comfortable shoes are perfectly fine for the entire journey.
Can children wear jeans on the Orient Express?
Children are allowed to wear neat denim during daytime, but they must also follow the same evening dress code - a smart shirt and trousers or a tidy dress.
Final Thoughts
Jeans can be part of your Orient Express wardrobe, but only under the right circumstances. Treat the train as a floating five‑star hotel: keep daytime looks refined, swap into formal wear for meals and events, and respect the tradition of elegance. By planning ahead and packing a smart blazer or a dress, you’ll enjoy the romance of the rails without any wardrobe hiccups.