My Burning Man Wardrobe Guide
Dreaded hair, Dusty-white skin, Sparkling eyes.
Burning Man is for the free spirits, the wild ones, those questioning the status-quo.
Express yourself.
Seeing everyone’s creativity shine through the way they dress is one of my favorite things about Burning Man. I personally love being able to show my creative side by expressing my wild and free spirited self. After going to Burning Man for 4 years and spending money on way to many articles of clothing, I’ve finally nailed down the sweet spot between functionality, comfort, and wild. Below I outline my recommendations of what to wear and what not to wear at Burning Man. What you think is going to be cute and fun to wear versus reality.
Before you even start planning, think about the reality of Burning Man. You are in a hot desert and all you want to do it let loose and be free. I’ve learned that the last thing you want to wear during the day is anything tight or long sleeved like pants or a fishnet shirt. Tight or heavy jewelry is also a no-no. I always end up taking off my chokers and thick necklaces, they feel restricting and heavy on the neck.
Let’s dive in.
Day-Time Wardrobe Must Haves:
Here I am wearing my pink scarf as a top, cotton Victoria's Secret booty shorts, and I'm accessorizing with a gypsy belt, coin necklace from Forever 21, and bangle bracelets! I'm also wearing my go-to black knee high socks and combat boots!
Cotton Booty Shorts -
I wear cotton booty shorts every single day! The cotton allows you to breathe and they are extremely comfortable, functional, and sexy! Victoria's Secret has the best.
Comfortable Lacey Bra’s or Pasties -
My go-to everyday top is a comfortable, sexy bra which I accessorize with jewelry, scarves, gloves, tights, etc. I also recommend wearing pasties, if you dare! It’s the freest feeling and yields the highest comfort in the heat.
A Scarf -
If you can invest in only one accessory, invest in a scarf. I bought my pink scarf outside of a church in Barcelona for one euro five years ago and it was the best investment I've ever made. My pink scarf has been my favorite accessory at every Burn. I usually wear it around my waist as a sarong but it is also great for wrapping around your face and head during a sand storm, wrapping it around your neck as a top (see photo on the right), or around your hair when the heat hits.
Body Jewelry + Accessories –
Accessorize! Burning Man is all about the steam punk, “Mad Max” vibe so bring out your inner desert badass through accessories. Here’s a list of some of my favorite jewelry pieces and accessories:
- Body Chain
- Chokers (make sure they are comfortable - fabric and velvet ones are the best!)
- LED Choker (for the night time)
- Leg Wraps
- Knee High Socks
- A Scarf
- Fun Sunglasses with Reflective Lenses
- Fingerless Gloves
- Steam Punk Hat/ Sailor Hat
- Body Paint
- Face Paint (silver and gold)
- PASTIES
Combat Boots –
I wear one pair of shoes at burning man at all times (day and night) and they are a pair of combat boots that I bought at Target for forty dollars, four years ago. I’ve worn them every year since my first Burn. Your shoes will get ruined and covered in Playa dust so chalk it up, prepare to give zero fucks, and surrender a pair of combat boots to the Playa.
Night-time Wardrobe Must Haves:
Fur Coat -
Wearing our Spirit Hood Faux Fur Coats!
You need a Fur Coat at night! Temperatures drop in the desert at night and a fur coat is all you need to stay warm and cozy for your night out. Again, don’t bring your moms really expensive fur coat to Burning Man. Invest in one that you can surrender to the Playa and wash afterwards!
My favorite Fur Coats are made by Spirit Hoods. I sew LED lights in mine so I’m lit up at night!
If you don’t want to sew LED lights, shop one of my favorite Light Up Coats by J Valentine from Amazon below!
LEGGINGS:
The weather is so different each year at Burning Man. Like I’ve said before, the nights are very cold, so I recommend getting a fun pair of leggings that you can wear.
Teeki makes my favorite leggings. They are so soft, comfortable, and come in the wildest patterns!
LED Lights + Accessories –
The goal is to be as lit up as possible during the night. Here are a few tips for looking cute and shining bright!
Tips:
I hope my wardrobe guide helps you nail down your style for Burning Man. Remember that it’s more about comfort and self expression than anything. Cotton and stretchy materials are preferred because they breathe and move with you. Below are a few of my favorite websites and places for fun burning man shopping!
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- Amazon
- This is where I get all my LED lights, body paint, cheap jewelry, leg wraps, and knee high socks
- Target
- Perfect for combat boots, underwear, etc
- Goodwill Stores
- This is where I get all my fun bras and shirts. I love going to goodwill and making my own clothes out of old items.
- Goodwill is also a great place to find shoes or an old fur coat.
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Xoxo,
Erin