I just want to ask if what do table magicians or table hoppers wear if they go to the restaurant that they are performing? is it ok to wear a semi formal attire?

thank you!

While you do NOT want to look like a one-man three-ring circus, you will want to wear something that sets you apart from the wait staff. For God's sake, don't wear a Tux. Doug Henning got us out of them; we should stay out of them. Follow this link: http://www.shopformagic.com/products/vest/index.htm The pictures are of my friend, Tom McCarthy, a successful restaurant and bar magician, and myself during my restaurant and bar magic days.

Did I see you SMILE in one of those pics, dpe?????

Tom MADE me pose for those pictures. He promised that it would help my career.

Ei I have seen the link. nice smile there dpe. what kind of fabric are you wearing in that picture?

I don't think they'll hurt your career. They show you've got range, 666 Not just one note. A little contradiction in character is always good. Adds layers. And interest for the audience.

Sparkel kind.

Dpe666
Really nice stuff.
Al

Tuxes are appropriate for certain venues, most restaurants wouldn't be one of them. New Years Eve in upscale ones it may be most appropriate.

I use a white labcoat with bright suspenders and tie and red bowler sometimes, sportcoat most often, and a vest sometimes. It depends on the venue and style of the restaurant. All have sufficient pockets for restaurant work.

Those vests looked awfull. I would not be caught dead with one of those. It looked like a witch thru up on them.
If you don't want to wear a tux, you can combine diffrent types of clothing - Also knows as layering.
Start with the thinest clothing and work your way out. Remeber to match colors, you do not want to look like a clown.
Grey - pink, green, white.
Black - white, red, purpule.

Here's a suggestion for a nice outfit.
The socks must be black, not white.
Allen-Edmonds Broadstreet wingtips look sophisticated with a slick black suit, or even a pair of flat-front black chinos or dress pants and a classic collared shirt.
Wear some flat-black dress pants.
The wardolf belt from Kenneth Cole would go great with the pants. It's sleek, has a brushed stainless steel buckle that gives it a powerful modern touch. don't get one with a small buckle.
Since it's fall, I would urge you to stay away from bright colors. The right colors to wear are, white, brown, dark red, dark purple etc.
Get a long sleeve button down shirt. Get one that has stripes of colors - Like brown, purple, black. Or you could get a white shirt with black pin stripes.
One more thing. When wearing fancy pants, always tuck in.

I'll agree with Tor, those vests are not a good chioce, in my opinion. If you want people to respect magic and you as a performer, then a vest with a rabbit pattern and sequins all over it is not the way to go.

My vests came from a Men's suit shop and were fitted with additional pockets by a tailor. I also have tux vets on hand for more formal gigs.