Rave Clothing For Fashion Conscious Ravers

An Into To Rave Clothing

Rave clothing is something most of us don’t think too hard about. Normally we just chuck on something that we know will be functional and if we can show our love for Drum and Bass at the same time all the better. Depending on where you are going, outdoors, or in a club or to another indoor venue, then you may make decisions in regards to the weather or lack thereof. 

Most people will have one or two favourite raving items that they will wear but many people simply want to make sure that they wear something they don’t mind getting covered in sweat or completely trashed.

In a previous article we covered the way that rave fashion has changed through the years. This was more of a look at the changing style and cultural appropriation as rave music started to become more mainstream. In this article we will be looking at a more practical aspect of rave clothing; the common attire and for those who are looking to get kitted out for their first rave, either at home or at one of the many Drum and Bass festivals across Europe.

Rave Clothing For Men

Rave clothing for men is usually pretty straight forward. Lads can generally get away with wearing very casual attire, especially if they are at an outdoor or illegal rave. If you are anything like the Amen Breaks team, you like to have a good old dance and that generally means you end up pretty damn sweaty. That shouldn’t deter those who like to look a bit more stylish and fashion conscious, so here’s our break down of what mandem should be rocking at the rave.

Hats

Snapbacks are hot. For some people they have become an obsession in much the same way as trainers have. However, it’s important that the snapback you’re wearing is part of the DNB scene. You don’t really want to be wearing a snapback that are more mainstream fashion houses, however, anything to do with skating brands is generally okay. If you can find a customised snapback (like this lovely model here), then all the better. However, people will definitely want to steal it from you, so make sure you keep it firmly on your head.

Trucker or baseball caps are not advised. Not that there’s anything wrong with them, they simply don’t fit in with the scene.

Bucket hats. For us, the jury is out. Most of the Amen Breaks team grew up during the time when bucket hats at raves were cool. We still love them in all shapes and forms. The more loud and colourful the better. However, wearing one at a rave will most definitely identify you as an older head. Again, that shouldn’t bother you, but it’s not a look that is favoured by modern ravers. 

Tops

For guys, there aren’t really that many options, nor does there need to be. A lot of the time you will find that lads will take their shirts off and simply tuck them into their trousers or shorts. You can’t go wrong with a decent t-shirt. One that is preferably clean, has some sort of big logo on it and where possible, related to Drum and Bass. Long gone are the days of wearing button up shirts, so we’d advise against something like this. An oversized shirt is best. You don’t want to have anything that is too fitting; firstly, because if you’re not ripped like a sports model, then your belly is going to on show. If you’re a sweaty mess and your shirt is clinging to you, you’ll probably end up looking like this guy…

Secondly, the fashion and style is simply that clothes are a bit baggier. They give you more freedom of movement.

Depending on where you’re from and how heavy you are into the scene, you may want to wear a polo style style. Again, avoid major fashion houses if you can, a plain one will work best. There is a trend to have all of the buttons done up, however, if you’re actually raving then it is unlikely that you will be wanting to keep them all buttoned up for very long.

Tank tops or vests have been making their way into the scene more recently. These are a great option for those who know they will be getting sweaty but don’t want to remove their top completely. Our Jump Up Mate vest design is a particularly popular choice amongst our customers.

Trousers

There’s really only two types of trouser wear that you should be wearing at a rave. Jeans or jogging bottoms. You should make sure that they have deep pockets too so that you can keep hold of all your goodies and valuables. Losing those whilst off your face is never a good sign. We once saw someone so mangled at a festival that they could barely even talk. This was very early in the morning too so they had been up all night. Fortunately, the good people that we are, made sure that we put his phone, wallet and passport back in his pocket. Sadly, this didn’t help him much as he was later seen panicking at the festival security because he’d lost everything. (A harsh lesson to learn for the man we called Spangal Ballet). If you can’t manage to look after yourself, make sure your trousers have zips!

You definitely don’t want to be wearing skinny jeans and no corduroys. They aren’t fashionable and when you’ve been jogging on the spot for six hours, become very difficult to take off.

Shoes

Keep it simple here, guys. No sandals or flip flops (unless you happen to be at one of Europe’s beach raves), they aren’t durable or sturdy and will leave your feet black and sticky. Your work shoes won’t fare well in the fashion department and will most likely get ruined as well.

Trainers or skate shoes will do the job. Your brand new, white Nike Air Max will handle the job, but only wear those if you are prepared to spend the next day cleaning them with a toothbrush. 

Rave Clothing For Women

Rave clothing for the ladies is a stark contrast to that of the men. Women’s rave attire is a lot more expressive, colourful and generally more fun. The wonderful thing about women at raves is, by and large, they don’t tend to get hassled like they do when going to a normal club night or out in the town. The short and revealing outfits they wear don’t draw the same unwanted attention at a rave as they would elsewhere (Disclaimer: We are aware that this a quite a broad and sweeping statement, however, from most of the women we know who go to raves, generally tell us that they have a positive experience with people in the crowd and feel far less threatened than at other events. If you feel this is to the contrary, please leave us a message in the comments telling us why and about your experience).

So, let’s get down to the wide and wonderful world of women’s rave fashion.

Women’s Hats

We begin with an immediate contradiction to that of the men. Women can get away with wearing anything on their heads. Snapbacks, trucker hats or bucket hats. It doesn’t matter, it all looks great. Perhaps it’s the fact that women are able to accessories to add extra style to their headgear that makes it look good, either way, women can wear whatever style of hat and it’s completely fine. 

Women’s Tops

Women can get really creative with the things they can wear. Layering tops is always a good idea as they are able to take them off as the night goes on to cool down. T-shirts are always a mainstay, but vest with a sports bra underneath are also great options. 

Crop tops have recently been making a comeback. They give the best of both worlds by being lightweight enough to keep you cool whilst also allowing you to be covered enough if the night air is a bit chilly. 

Depending on where you go, it’s also been known for girls to wear partial or complete swimsuits. These are also great ideas as they are supportive and sturdy allowing you to move around as much as you like. If they get stuff on them then they remain easy to clean and generally won’t stain.

Bottoms

Again, women get the best out of this section. Shorts, skirts or even jogging bottoms can be worn. Anything goes and generally the more colourful the better. Long skirts aren’t advised though. They will get in the way and no doubt will end up covered in gunk. Skirts usually don’t come with pockets so if you are looking to travel light, you’ll want to be wearing something that has pockets to keep your phone and other essentials on you. 

Leggings can be a great choice for women at a rave. They are lightweight and allow for lots of movement. If you’re outside then it will also provide some protection against the elements. Again, they don’t have pockets, as we’re sure you are aware so you will need to have either a bag or jacket that has pockets. 

Shoes

Our general advice here is not to wear heels. Prolonged periods in heels is difficult enough and the high energy dancing will not so your feet any favours. Also, if you’ve had plenty to drink, tottering around in heels will make life all the more difficult for you. Having said that, at more organised events, it’s not unknown to see women wearing heels, but they tend to not do so much dancing. As ever, the choice is yours.

As with the guys, trainers is generally the best option, however, toe-covering sandals or pumps could be worn. Just make sure you don’t mind your feet getting dirty as they often don’t provide much protection from the grime on the floor. 

Bonus Rave Items

Accessories are always helpful. What has come into fashion lately, and for good reason, is the bum bag or fanny pack. They go round your waist or shoulder and mean you have a safe place for all of your items to go in. You don’t have to worry about things falling out or sticky fingers getting into them. They’re a super great option for everyone. We will also be adding these into the store shortly, so keep and eye out for them.

Sunglasses or one sort or another make for good rave clothing accessories. They help to shield your eyes from the sun in a day rave and also stop people seeing just how wobbly you are at night.

Rave Clothing Is Optional

We don’t proclaim to be the highest authority on fashion. We know what we like to wear at raves and know what works for us. The choice for what you want to wear is always down to you and the general rule of thumb is, if you like and it makes you feel good then wear it. Raves are places of no judgement and you should never go to a rave with the aim of being the most fashionable person there. People just don’t care.  Rave clothing is more functional than fashionable, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear anything that looks good. Turn up and have a great time. Make memories not fashion statements. 

You can browse our complete range of rave clothing from our shop here and we will be adding many more pieces in all areas listed in the article above.