What to Wear to a Festival: Outfit Guide for Men

Music is art, and so is clothing. So, it’s no surprise that festivals across the globe that integrate these two aspects of society have been popular since the days of Woodstock. Fabulous clothing and great tunes. What more could a man want? Festivals are appreciations of celebrated musical talent on a grand scale. Still, in many ways, these gatherings, like all events in human history, are just as much about the attendees’ clothing. While there may be no strict attire guidelines, we have compiled some helpful tips on what men should wear to a festival.

Festival Outfits for Men

Mirrored Sunglasses

There is something celebratory about a pair of mirrored sunglasses. They’re a brighter choice for eyewear; a festival is perfect for experimenting with color. Worn with a basic tee, a pair of mirrored sunnies can distinguish your aesthetic. They will also be a lifesaver when you’ve been in the sun all day. There are a bunch of different styles that work well with mirrored lenses. Wayfarers and aviators are typically the most obvious choices, but we recommend opting for a great pair of round mirrored sunglasses. Round sunnies will lend a little classicism to your festival get-up, not to mention they are a flattering choice for most face shapes.

Hat

Like sunglasses, hats are accessories at the intersection of practicality and style. They are excellent focal points for outfits and create a statement if you’re after something simple yet bold. The obvious choice is a snapback. Novel caps are boyish and work well for keeping your hair (especially if it is long) out of your way. A cap in washed-out denim is an excellent choice as it’s versatile and classic. Brighter caps can also inject a bit of color into monochrome clothing choices. After something a little different? A fedora can also work, but ensure it is in a neutral color and possesses masculine proportions. For references, think Indiana Jones.

Shoes

Don’t misconstrue the word ‘comfortable’ for ‘dowdy.’ Festival or not, shoes always need to be stylish, so be conscious of what you wear on your feet for the long day ahead. White sneakers have emerged as the quintessential casual shoe, perfect for versatility and comfort. Festivals can get messy, so if it’s a pair you love, buy another one in case they get super dirty. Boots can also be great and work well in rusty browns and black colors. Boots are also the perfect accompaniment to an outfit that may be slightly more bohemian-inspired or not period-specific. All in all, ensure you have a comfortable pair that will withstand all your festival expeditions.

Accessories

Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t want your accessories to look too cliché, so it’s best to interpret boho-inspired accessories more subtly for your festival wear. Pitti Uomo shows us a revival of the boho accessory trend for menswear, particularly in beaded bracelets and folk-revived pieces. A single bracelet or minimalist necklace works perfectly, particularly with denim or loose chambray shirts. The key here is to opt for an inspired look that takes bohemian style elements but reworks them for a modern aesthetic.

Backpack

A trusty backpack is a necessity for festival endeavors. You will want light styles with appropriate room for your supplies. You also want to sling it conveniently over your shoulders without fear of losing your contents. If you bring a camera, ensure you have a durable case you can put it into even when it is in your backpack. As for bag colors, opt for classic tones to ensure that they can be worn repeatedly with your everyday personal style.

Printed Shirt

The best print shirts for festivals are versions done in lightweight materials and decorated with bold, vivid graphics. Loosely buttoned, these shirts are super comfortable and will be a source of gratitude after a long day. Our top pick for prints? Floral print shirts, but you must pick florals in more grown-up styles. You will want the florals to register more mature and reinvented instead of reminding everyone in your vicinity of kiddie Hawaiian print shirts. Recent street style have also seen florals as one of the most prominent trends for fashion weeks.

Denim

The ultimate for youthful, edgy looks, denim is a quintessential festival staple. Don’t hesitate to invest in great denim pieces; they can be worn countlessly, particularly in everyday casual wear. If you are unsure what kind of wash you should go for, a mid-toned blue is universally flattering, not to mention a great accompaniment with most colors. Light-wash denim is also stylish, and you will find abundant inspiration in recent street styles. Black denim is also an obvious choice, working phenomenally with white and other bright and neutral colors. Opt for overalls, ripped denim, and reinvented denim shirts and jackets if you want something attention-grabbing.

T-Shirt

You can never go wrong with a classic T-shirt, particularly in white, grey, or black tones. A faded stripe tee can also work, but remember that you want to put some style into your festival wear, so keep looking for unique accessories that can liven up a simplistic tee. Clothing with bold statements and slogans has also been trending in our street style reports, making them a recently popularised trend you can adapt for festivals. Find exciting pieces that will complement your other clothing choices adequately.

What to Wear If It is Raining at a Festival

Don’t let the rain ruin your festival season. It’s best to plan and know what weather you are in for. Check the weather forecast and plot your clothing choices accordingly. A lightweight windbreaker is always handy and will ensure you are not lugging a heavy jacket around the festival grounds. Investing in Wellington gumboots may be on the cards for some men, but if they aren’t your thing, opt for a pair of rubber trainers for practicality and comfort. Remember that conservative colors like black, navy, and a great khaki will always be a good idea and will work with many of your clothing choices.

Roger Grindstead

Fashion Designer / Writer

Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.