What to Wear to a Paint and Sip Night

Paint and sip nights are casual, social, and fun—but they're also messier than you might expect. Before you grab your favorite date-night outfit, here's what you actually need to know about dressing for paint night.

The Short Answer

Wear something you wouldn't cry over if it got paint on it. Acrylic paint doesn't wash out of most fabrics once it dries.

What to Wear

Tops

Best choices:

Dark-colored t-shirts or blouses
Patterned tops that hide stains
Layers you can remove (studios can get warm)

Avoid:

White or light-colored tops
Silk, cashmere, or dry-clean-only fabrics
Flowy sleeves that might drag through your palette
Your favorite anything

Most studios provide aprons, but paint has a way of finding the one spot your apron doesn't cover.

Bottoms

Jeans are the go-to choice. Dark wash hides any stray paint better than light denim.

Leggings work fine too, but keep in mind you'll be sitting for 2-3 hours. Choose something comfortable.

Skip: Light-colored pants, anything white, or that new pair of trousers you just bought.

Shoes

You'll be sitting at a table, so almost any closed-toe shoe works. Paint occasionally ends up on the floor, so don't wear shoes you're precious about.

Slip-ons are convenient since you might need to step outside or use the restroom.

Accessories

Leave at home:

Bracelets and watches (they get in the way and collect paint)
Long dangling jewelry (might dip into paint)
Rings with settings that trap paint

Fine to wear:

Small earrings
Simple necklaces
Hair accessories to keep hair back

What Paint and Sip Studios Provide

Most studios give you everything you need:

Canvas
Paints
Brushes
Easel
Apron
Paper towels and water cup

Some studios include wine or drinks in the ticket price. Others let you bring your own. Check before you go.

What to Bring

The studio provides art supplies, but consider bringing:

A hair tie if you have long hair
Cash for tips (for your instructor)
Your own drinks if the studio is BYOB
A large bag to carry your wet painting home

Your painting will still be wet when you leave. Most studios give you a carrier bag or box, but having your own large tote doesn't hurt.

What Happens at a Paint and Sip

Here's the typical flow:

Before Class (15-20 minutes)

Arrive a bit early to:

Check in and get your seat
Grab your drinks
Chat with friends or meet people at your table
Put on your apron

The Painting Session (2-2.5 hours)

An instructor leads the group step-by-step through a painting. They'll demonstrate each section on their own canvas, then give you time to replicate it.

You don't need any experience. The instructor breaks everything down into simple steps.

The pace is relaxed. Most people chat, drink, and have fun while painting. It's not meant to be serious art instruction.

After Class (10-15 minutes)

Pack up your (still wet) painting, tip your instructor if you'd like, and head out.

Will My Painting Look Good?

Probably better than you expect, actually.

The paintings are designed to be achievable by complete beginners. The instructor walks you through each step, often painting right alongside you.

That said, your painting won't look identical to the sample. That's part of the charm. Each person's version comes out slightly different.

Tips for a better result:

Follow the steps in order (don't jump ahead)
Less paint on your brush often looks better
Let layers dry briefly between steps
Don't overthink it

Is Paint and Sip Right for You?

Great for:

Date nights
Girls' nights out
Team building events
Birthday celebrations
Anyone who wants a casual, social creative experience

Maybe not ideal if:

You want serious art instruction
You prefer quiet, focused environments
You don't drink and would feel out of place (though you don't have to drink)
You want to create an original piece (everyone paints the same image)

FAQ

Do I need any art experience?

None at all. The instructor guides you through every step. Most attendees have never painted before.

Can I go alone?

Absolutely. You'll likely be seated at a table with others and can socialize as much or as little as you want. Many people make new friends at paint nights.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

That's totally fine. Most studios offer non-alcoholic options like soda, sparkling water, or mocktails. Nobody will pressure you to drink.

How long does it take?

Most sessions run 2-2.5 hours, including setup and cleanup.

Can I take my painting home the same night?

Yes, but it will still be wet. Handle it carefully and let it dry flat when you get home. Full drying takes 24-48 hours depending on how thick you applied the paint.

Ready to try it? Look for paint and sip studios in your area—they're a fun, low-pressure way to try painting without committing to a full art class.