There is a version of festival dressing that exists on social media and a version that exists in a field in Somerset in August, and they are not the same thing. The good news is that comfortable and practical does not have to mean dull. The trick is choosing clothing that copes with a 20 degree swing between afternoon and 2am.
Start with layers, not outfits
The most useful way to think about festival clothing is in three layers you can add and remove through the day:
- A base layer that sits against the skin. Cotton t-shirts are fine in the dry, but cotton stays wet once it is wet. A synthetic or merino top is far better if rain is forecast.
- A mid layer for warmth. A hoodie, fleece or light insulated jacket. This is the item people most often leave in the tent and most often regret.
- An outer layer that is genuinely waterproof rather than shower resistant.
Carrying a mid layer and a waterproof in a small bag all day is mildly annoying. Not having them at midnight is much worse.
Footwear: the decision that matters most
You will walk a lot further than you expect, often on uneven ground, and wet feet ruin a festival faster than almost anything.
- Wellies are unbeatable in mud but are hot, heavy and rub badly over long distances. Wear thick socks and consider an insole.
- Walking boots or waterproof trainers are the better all-round choice for a dry or mixed forecast, because they are comfortable to walk in all day.
- Take two pairs if you have room, so one can dry.
- Break new footwear in before you go. Blisters on day one are a three-day problem.
- Sandals and flip flops are for the campsite and the showers only.
The wet weather kit that works
A proper waterproof jacket with a hood beats a poncho, which beats a plastic mac, which beats an umbrella. Umbrellas are frequently banned in arenas and are hopeless in wind anyway. Waterproof trousers are unglamorous and completely transform a wet day.
Whatever you wear, put a dry set of clothes in a sealed bag in the tent. Getting into genuinely dry clothing at the end of a wet day is the difference between a bad night and a fine one.
Hot weather is a risk too
British festival heat catches people out because they are dressed for rain. A wide brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, high factor sun cream reapplied through the day, loose light clothing and a refillable water bottle are the whole list. Shade at UK festivals is scarce and usually crowded.
Night is colder than you think
Clear skies after a warm day make for cold nights, and campsite temperatures in single figures are normal even in midsummer. Pack a warm hat and a spare pair of thick socks specifically for sleeping. Never sleep in clothing you have sweated in, because damp clothing will keep you cold all night.
Small things that make a difference
- More socks and underwear than days you are staying.
- A bag that closes properly and sits across the body, ideally with a waterproof cover or a dry bag inside.
- Zip pockets, or a small pouch worn under clothing for phone and cards.
- Glitter and face paint are fine, but check the festival's policy, as many now ask for biodegradable products only.
- Anything you would be upset to ruin should stay at home.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wear wellies to a UK festival?
Only if the forecast or the ground is genuinely wet. For a dry weekend, waterproof walking shoes or boots are far more comfortable over the distances involved.
What should I wear at night at a festival?
Layers you can add as it cools, including a warm mid layer and a hat. Campsite temperatures often drop into single figures even in summer.
Are umbrellas allowed at festivals?
Frequently not in arenas, because they block views and are a hazard in crowds. A waterproof jacket is the reliable option.
How many changes of clothes do I need for a weekend?
One set per day is generous for outer layers, but take extra socks and underwear, plus one complete dry set kept sealed in the tent for emergencies.
