What to wear to a music festival
Dress in layers you can add and remove: a tee, a hoodie, a packable rain jacket and boots or trainers that can get muddy. A small cross-body bag keeps your hands free and your phone safe.
Two outfits that work
Tee, denim shorts, rain jacket, boots
- loose cotton tee
- denim shorts or midi skirt
- packable rain jacket
- ankle boots or wellies
- small cross-body bag
Shorts and a tee keep you cool by day, the rain jacket doubles as a windbreaker at night, and boots handle mud and crowds.
Tee, quick-dry shorts, hoodie, sturdy boots
- dark cotton tee
- quick-dry shorts or trousers
- navy hoodie for the night
- packable rain jacket
- sturdy boots or wellies
A hoodie for the cold small hours and quick-dry shorts mean you only carry one extra layer, and sturdy boots protect your feet from trampling.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Loose cotton, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of water; sandals only if you can keep your feet safe in crowds. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A tee with a hoodie in the bag, and boots or trainers you do not mind getting dirty. |
| ColdBelow 10° | Thermal base layer, hoodie, rain jacket, warm hat, thick socks and waterproof boots; campsite nights get cold. |
Do and don’t
- Wear broken-in boots or trainers with a good sole
- Dress in layers and keep a rain jacket in your bag
- Carry a small cross-body bag worn in front
- Bring earplugs; they protect your hearing and fit in a pocket
- Wear new shoes or flip-flops in the crowd
- Wear anything you would be upset to lose or ruin
- Bring a large bag; many sites cap the size
- Rely on a phone alone; carry some cash and a paper wristband card if needed
Check the night before
- Check the site rules on bag size and what you may bring
- Pack a rain jacket, hoodie, spare socks and a small towel
- Put your phone, card, ID and earplugs in a zip bag
- Charge a power bank
- Break in your shoes the week before
Questions people ask
What shoes should I wear to a music festival?
Sturdy boots, wellies or trainers you have already broken in. Avoid flip-flops, where people step on your feet, and avoid white shoes.
What should I wear if it rains?
A packable rain jacket, quick-dry layers and shoes you do not mind getting wet. Cotton jeans stay wet for hours; shorts or quick-dry trousers are better.
How many outfits do I need for a multi-day festival?
Two or three tops, one base outfit you can wear twice, spare socks and one dry layer. Wash nothing; plan to re-wear.
Is it better to wear dark or light clothes?
Dark clothes hide mud and dust. Add one bright piece so friends can find you in a crowd.
Pick Music festival in FeinLens and see what you already own
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