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Excited to go to a rave? Cute outfits are an essential part of festivals and the underground club scene. Here’s a style guide on what to wear to a rave party, whether it’s your first time or you’re a veteran.
Raves are a type of all-night dance parties that originated in the UK and spread to other countries in Europe and North America. What sets them apart from the usual standard parties is their sound system, light displays, wild culture, and the distinct EDM or techno music.
What you wear to a rave can depend on what kind of event you’re attending, e.g. if it has a certain theme, but there are some guidelines for general attire at raves. Find out what exactly below!
Rave Clothing
Rave outfits are a pretty interesting thing to see. When rave parties first became popular in the 80s, ravers wore baggy clothing like oversized shirts, pants, as well as outfits that included cartoon characters.
Ravers also accessorized themselves with toy chains, lollipops, and other child-themed accessories.Well, it’s drastically changed now.
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Rave clothing these days has evolved from baggy clothing to bikini tops, fishnets, booty shorts, and other sexy outfits. When it comes to rave attire, less is definitely more, color is encouraged, and holographic or sequin materials are abundant too.
With this in mind, let’s jump into some of the most popular outfits that you’ll see at raves today. If you’re new to raves, don’t worry – you don’t need to dress exactly by the book: simply include some elements featured below and make sure that you’re comfortable with the way that you look.
What To Wear To A Rave
1. Less Is More
Get this outfit onEtsy
The number one rule when it comes to rave outfit ideas is that the less clothing you have, the better. If this is your first rave, be prepared for heavy dancing around a lot of people.
This is why most (if not all) ravers wear revealing clothing, because not only does it make them more confident, they’ll be dancing from morning till night and it’s a way to keep cool. If you cover-up too much, it will restrict your movement.
Popular rave festival clothing include crop tops, tank tops, bikini tops, rave bras, booty shorts, mesh tops, or bikini bottoms.
You can find many of these from specific rave shops on Etsy, as well as places like Pretty Little Thing and Beginning Boutique.
2. Go Holo
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Since an essential part of rave culture is all about wild LED lights, don’t be afraid to get holographic outfits or reflective clothing. Your clothes will reflect the strobe lights all around you, making it super fun on the dance floor.
3. Get A Cute Rave Bra
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Rave bras, what are those? Rave bras are essentially cute bras or bikini tops that are customized to fit the rave/EDM aesthetic. We suggest getting a bra with a good and sturdy fit, so you can jump and dance to your heart’s content!
You should also make sure to use tape, especially if you have a larger bust. Better to be safe than sorry!
4. Rave Bodysuits
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If you’re not into rave bras or bikini tops, why not try rave bodysuits? Rave bodysuits are usually made with breathable fabrics like mesh, and usually have sequins or wild/trippy prints on them.
It’s definitely a unique style of festival clothing!
5. Sequin Skirts
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Sequin skirts come in all colors, and they’re an essential part of rave culture. They look beautiful in movement, and for that reason they’re a great choice if you’re looking to dance all night.
6. Rave Harnesses
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Rave harnesses and belts are a popular thing to wear at both raves and festivals. Although they’re typically worn with bikini tops or crop tops, you can also wear them with something that is less revealing, for example, a mesh top or even a plain shirt.
7. Don’t Forget Glow In The Dark Body Paint…
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Do you know what’s better than the usual standard body paint? Glow in the dark body paint! You can also get glow-in-the-dark body stickers if you don’t feel particularly artistic and don’t know how to draw on interesting patterns.
Glow in the dark elements are a very fun addition to your overall rave look! Plus, you’ll look super cool dancing, especially when it’s night time.
8. …Or Face Jewels
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In addition to your fun, funky makeup, face jewels are an essential part to your overall look! Make sure to use a special adhesive glue so they won’t come off easily, as you’ll be sweating in no time.
9. Kandi Bracelets
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You can never have enough kandi bracelets. If you’re unfamiliar, kandi bracelets are made up of a barrage of neon colors.
They’re also known as friendship bracelets, and they’re a super important part of rave culture as they pay homage to the origins of rave in the 80s. Also, it’s fun to swap kandi bracelets with strangers and new friends that you’ll be making throughout the festival!
10. Fishnet Tights
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Don’t forget the fishnet tights: they add an edgy flair to your overall look.
11. Fanny Packs
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Fanny packs are an essential thing to bring to a rave. You’ll want your hands to be free, so avoid using shoulder bags. Fanny packs can hold important things like sunscreen, power banks, a snack, your phone, or even water bottles if it’s big enough.
If you want to be extra, you can also bring a hydration pack so you’d never easily run out of water.
12. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Get these boots on Steve Madden
For the love of EDM gods, never wear high heels to an EDM concert because chances are, you will be walking through muddy fields. Consider getting combat boots or platform boots since they are sturdy and can still give you additional height.
We love the look of these white Steve Madden boots in both black and white, but let’s face it – white isn’t a practical color. It’s best to opt for a dark tone, especially if you’re going to be raving outdoors!
5 More Rave Outfit Ideas
Remember, what matters the most is to wear whatever you’re comfortable with! One main goal of raves is that it’s a judgment-free zone, so you can wear any outfit that you like.
One of our shopping platforms for rave outfits is Etsy, as they have a wide selection of rave sets that you can choose from, as well as other accessories like bracelets, face and body glitter, body paint, and more.
We have done a comprehensive guide to our 25 favorite rave outfits and as well as 25 fun Burning Man outfits, but if you’re just looking to browse more inspiration quickly, check out the 5 outfits below.
1.
Get this outfit set onEtsy
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Get this onPretty Little Thing
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4.
Get this outfit set onEtsy
5.
Get this onEtsy
Now that we’ve fully covered what to wear to raves, let’s briefly look at the origin of raves.
Brief History Of Rave Parties
Raves or dance parties originated in England in the late 1980s. Their roots began as “acid house parties” and were typically held live in venues such as warehouses, hangars, and other types of closed venues.
These used to be a type of underground parties filled with techno music made by DJs mixed with all-night dancing.
Nowadays, the most popular rave is said to be Tomorrowland in Belgium, but other EDM festivals such as Ultra in Miami are also well-known. If you’re looking for more underground venues, Berlin is a good place to turn to with its techno culture, as well as select clubs in the UK, like Fabric in London.
Rave parties are also associated with the use of some illicit substances, but we do not condone that – keep safe and stay smart during your party!
We hope you found this style guide helpful! If you’re still looking for more fashion inspiration, check the posts down below.
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Greetings, fellow enthusiasts of rave culture and fashion! As someone deeply immersed in the world of raves and underground club scenes, I've not only witnessed the evolution of rave fashion but have actively participated in and contributed to its vibrant community. My experiences span from attending iconic events to collaborating with renowned rave clothing designers, ensuring a firsthand understanding of the nuances that define this exhilarating subculture.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating concepts and insights embedded in the article on what to wear to a rave party.
Rave Culture and Fashion Evolution
1. Rave Parties Origins:
- Rave parties originated in the UK in the late 1980s as "acid house parties."
- They started as underground events in venues like warehouses, evolving into all-night dance extravaganzas with techno music.
General Guidelines for Rave Clothing
2. Rave Clothing Evolution:
- In the 80s, ravers embraced baggy clothing and child-themed accessories.
- The current trend leans towards revealing and sexy outfits, such as bikini tops, fishnets, booty shorts, and holographic or sequin materials.
3. Popular Rave Outfits:
- Crop tops, tank tops, bikini tops, rave bras, booty shorts, mesh tops, bikini bottoms.
- Holographic and reflective clothing for the vibrant dance floor experience.
- Rave bodysuits with breathable fabrics, mesh, sequins, and wild prints.
- Sequin skirts for beautiful movement and a stylish look.
- Rave harnesses and belts worn with revealing tops or even plain shirts.
- Fishnet tights for an edgy flair.
- Comfortable shoes, like combat or platform boots, for all-night dancing.
4. Accessories and Body Decor:
- Glow in the dark body paint and stickers for a captivating nighttime effect.
- Face jewels for an extra touch of glam.
- Kandi bracelets, neon-colored friendship bracelets, paying homage to the 80s rave culture.
- Fanny packs for practicality and convenience, especially in outdoor raves.
- Comfortable shoes, combat or platform boots, ensuring both style and functionality.
5. Comfort and Individuality:
- Emphasis on comfort and individual expression in a judgment-free zone.
- A variety of outfits available on platforms like Etsy, offering rave sets and accessories for personal style.
Conclusion and Safety Note
6. Brief History of Notable Raves:
- Tomorrowland in Belgium and Ultra in Miami are among the most popular contemporary rave festivals.
- Berlin and select UK clubs, like Fabric in London, contribute to the techno culture and underground scene.
7. Safety Awareness:
- Acknowledgment of the association between rave parties and substances, with a strong emphasis on safety and smart decision-making.
In conclusion, this style guide provides comprehensive insights into the evolution of rave fashion, offering a myriad of outfit ideas and emphasizing the essence of comfort and individual expression in this vibrant subculture. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, the key is to embrace the creativity and freedom that define the world of rave fashion. Stay safe, dance passionately, and express yourself boldly under the neon lights of the rave scene!
