What DJs Wear And Why

Music

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by Barbara Yakimchuk

What DJs Wear And Why

25 Sept 2025

Dubai is a city where DJ sets feel like part of every resident’s DNA — and you don’t even need to step into a nightclub to sense it. You might catch KLO spinning at Soul Kitchen — the spot we love for its ceviche tabbouleh — or Kito Jempere sharing his latest vinyl gems at Honeycomb, the perfect place for evening drinks with a friend. From beach clubs to parties, pop-ups to private gatherings — wherever you go, there is a DJ behind the decks.

And while the playlists set the mood, there is another choice every DJ makes before the night begins: their outfit. That is what this is all about — cool styles, funny stories, and some unexpected fashion picks, with insights shared by our favourites, KLO and Kito Jempere.

Comfort or style?

First things first — DJ gig is a performance. Your style isn’t separate from the music; it is a part of how you express your personality. Many DJs say their look should reflect both the mood of the set and who they are as an artist.

A few things to keep in mind:

Think about the length of the set. Some DJs play short slots before handing over to the next act, while others can be on for four, five or even six hours straight. (I was stunned when KLO told me she once played that long without a single chance to sit down or take a breather.) Whatever you wear has to work for the duration.
Layer up if you are unsure. In Dubai especially, the setting can change everything — you might be indoors with the air-condition blasting, on a rooftop in the shade, or at a beach club where it suddenly gets chilly once the sun sets. Layers give you flexibility, so you can adapt without losing your look.
Choose footwear wisely. DJs aren’t just standing still pressing play — they are moving, dancing, keeping time with the beat and shifting across the booth. That is why heels or strappy sandals usually aren’t the best idea. Comfortable trainers or boots with good support will save you on a long night.

Instagram: @_._.babyb

I was chatting recently with my friend Errortica. She is a sprinter — all drama and impact for an hour on stage. I am more of a marathon runner: I need looks that will carry me through a five-hour set, comfortable yet still sharp.

Take my set at Honeycomb Hi-Fi a couple of weeks ago. I wore an oversized T-shirt with a cheeky twist on the Good Looking Records logo, reworked into “Bad Looking Records”. It was comfortable, on-theme, and the colour palette worked perfectly in the dimly lit listening bar. All in all, a casual but balanced look.

Alex, on the other hand, would go for an outfit that might not be as comfortable but makes a stronger statement, often with full make-up to match. In the end, it is about tailoring your look to the kind of artist you are and the setting you are in. — Kito Jempere

One of my absolute must-haves behind the DJ booth is a pair of comfortable shoes. I usually start out in heels or little heeled boots because I enjoy feeling taller behind the booth and I love the effect it creates.
But let’s be honest, playing for five hours straight in heels just isn’t human. So I always make sure I have got a pair of comfy flip-flops or sandals tucked away to slip on at the end of the night. It is the only way to survive those marathon sets. — KLO

Instagram: @klo_____________

Something you should never wear

Like any profession, DJing has its own style “no-gos”. Of course, every rule has its exceptions, but there are a few guidelines worth keeping in mind:

Restrictive or long clothing. Anything that limits your movement or risks catching on the equipment is a no. Comfort and freedom to move are essential when you are behind the decks.
Noisy jewellery. Statement rings and bold earrings can complete a look, but if they clatter against the mixer they will interfere with the sound — and in the worst case, could even damage expensive kit.
Clothes that slip or ride up. Distracting for you, distracting for the crowd. As KLO put it, best avoided altogether. (Funny story, by the way — read it below!)
Overly branded outfits. Backing a favourite brand is fine — and if you are sponsored, it is expected. But when you end up looking like a walking advert, it takes away from your presence as an artist.

Long sleeves have always carried a bit of symbolism — even in old tales, they were worn by those who didn’t work, while the working class rolled theirs up. The same logic applies behind the decks: long sleeves can knock the tonearm, drag across a fader, and cause no end of trouble.— Kito Jempere

I had a pretty bad accident once with the wrong choice of clothing. I was wearing a backless bodysuit that was a bit too small, and I nearly had a slip-up. Luckily I managed to keep it together, but it was uncomfortable all night. I wouldn’t try that again unless I was sure the outfit would stay put. — KLO

Cool picks from Dubai DJs

For a bit of inspiration, let’s take a look at the outfits of the DJs we love to watch and listen to. After all, the perfect outfit for a DJ set can just as easily double as the perfect look for your Friday night out. And even if you are not behind the decks, it is still all part of the fun!

Kito Jempere goes for fun T-shirts that suit the occasion and keep him comfortable.

Instagram: @kitojempere

KLO’s outfits always look like they have stepped straight off the cover of a fashion magazine — yet they still let her dance freely and move with ease.