Vazzari started on the dancefloor. Our founder, Michael Vazzari, was dressing for the club and the rave from 16, and that is still who we design for: daters, clubbers and ravers. RankHero estimates "rave outfit" gets around 22,200 searches a month in the UK (RankHero). Here is our guide to dressing for a long night.
The three rules of rave dressing
1. Comfort first
You will dance for hours. Anything that pinches, rubs or overheats will ruin the night.
2. Plan for heat and cold
Warehouses and clubs get hot. Queues, smoking areas and the walk home get cold. Layer so you can adapt.
3. One statement piece
Under strobes and lasers, bold graphics and strong contrast look best. Make one piece the hero.
Outfits for women
The sculpted look
- A printed padded sports bra, such as the Army 2075 Padded Bra
- High-waisted straight jeans and a belt
- An open mesh or light shirt layered on top
- Comfortable boots or trainers
Our padded sports bras use four-way stretch fabric with removable padding, a scoop neckline and racerback. They are made to move.
The long-sleeve crop
- A printed long-sleeve crop top
- Black jeans and a belt
- A cap or bucket hat for festivals
The festival set
- A longline sports bra with matching yoga shorts from our VZI Endurance Series
- A light jacket tied at the waist
- Trainers you can walk miles in
Outfits for men
The club classic
- A bold DCR Society tee, 100% cotton
- Black straight jeans
- Black leather belt
- Boots or clean trainers
Our DCR Society tees were made for exactly this: the club, the rave and the after.
The cool-night layer
- A tee underneath a black graphic hoodie
- Dark jeans and a belt
- Take the hoodie off inside, tie it away, put it back on for the walk home
The festival day
- A cotton tee or rash guard on sunny days
- Jeans with a belt or shorts
- A cap and sun cream
Hair, make-up and accessories
Keep it practical. Sweat-proof make-up, hair tied back or under a cap, and minimal jewellery that will not catch in a crowd. A crossbody bag is safer than a handbag you have to hold.
Shoes
Comfort beats everything. Choose shoes you have already worn in, with good grip and cushioning. Closed shoes protect your feet in a crowd. Avoid brand-new shoes.
Fabrics that work
- Cotton breathes and is comfortable for tees.
- Four-way stretch performance fabric moves with you and dries faster, which is why our activewear works for dancing.
- Avoid heavy layers you cannot take off.
What to carry
- A small crossbody bag that sits close to your body
- Phone, card and ID
- Earplugs designed for music
- A refillable water bottle if the venue allows it
- A light layer for later
Look after yourself
Dancing all night is exercise. Drink water regularly, take breaks, and look out for your friends. On sunny festival days, follow the NHS advice on sun safety: seek shade, cover up and use sunscreen (NHS). Plan how you are getting home before you go.
Rave outfits and the planet
Festival fashion has a reputation for one-wear outfits. Choose pieces you will wear again: a good tee, a sports bra that works at the gym, jeans you live in. Every Vazzari piece is made to order, so nothing is made until it is ordered and there are no unsold piles. That is a better start, and wearing it again and again does the rest.
Outfit by venue
Warehouse rave
Big, hot and often industrial. Wear breathable cotton or performance fabrics, jeans with a belt, and closed shoes. Bring a layer for the queue.
Basement club
Small, dark and sweaty. Keep it simple: a black tee or sports bra, black jeans, a black belt. Bold graphics show up best in low light.
Day festival
Sun, grass and long walks. A printed sports bra or a cotton tee, jeans or shorts, a cap, sun cream and comfortable trainers. Pack a light waterproof: this is the UK.
After-party
Comfortable layers. A hoodie you can throw on over your outfit is the best thing you can bring.
Dressing for the walk home
The night does not end when the music stops. Cold air, rain and a long walk are standard in the UK. A hoodie tied around your waist or stuffed in a small bag is the most useful thing you can carry. Our Classic Cotton and organic hoodies are fleece-lined, so they are properly warm.
FAQ
What should I wear to a rave in the UK?
Comfortable, breathable layers: a statement tee or sports bra, jeans with a belt, comfortable shoes and a light layer for later.
What do guys wear to raves?
A bold graphic tee, black jeans and a belt, comfortable boots or trainers, and a hoodie for the walk home.
What should women wear to a warehouse rave?
A printed sports bra or crop top with high-waisted jeans and a belt, an open layer on top, and comfortable shoes.
What shoes are best for raves?
Closed, broken-in shoes with grip and cushioning.
What should I bring to a rave?
Phone, card, ID, earplugs, a small crossbody bag and a light layer.
Sources
- RankHero, "rave outfit" keyword data: rankhero.com
- NHS, sunscreen and sun safety: nhs.uk
