How to Dress for Burning Man
You've finally decided to go to Burning Man. You've chosen your theme camp and stocked up on water from your local bulk warehouse. You've bought a tent, packed your sleeping bag, and checked your air mattress for holes. Now it's time for the fun part: the clothes.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Faux fur fabric
- Dust mask or bandanna
- Comfortable shoes
- Wide, brimmed hat
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Dare to be different. Burning Man is a time to leave the "default world" behind and try something new. Maybe last week you were an office manager in casual business attire, but at Burning Man you're a barber at the Scissor Farm in a white lab coat and not much more. Perhaps you spend your weekends lounging on the couch in a T-shirt and your favorite pair of jeans, but at Burning man you'll be swing dancing on top of a double-decker bus in shiny silver pants and a large pink and purple fur coat. This is a time to forget all those fashion rules and just have fun.
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Consider the bare essentials and go nude. Many take advantage of the desert's sunny days and just let it all hang out. Black Rock City just wouldn't be complete without its naked residents. Try shedding your clothes along with your inhibitions and you may discover that you're more of a free spirit than you realized. You're sure to find a body-painting camp that will decorate your body with anything from flowers and peace signs to tiger stripes and polka dots.
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Wear a costume. You never know when you're going to be invited to a robot prom or a superhero soiree. Wearing a costume is a great way to get into the spirit of the many unique events you'll find at Burning Man. A truly unique or memorable costume might even earn you a "Playa Name," so don't be surprised if all of your new friends only know you as Supergirl by the end of the week.
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Beat the heat -- there's no getting away from it because days at Burning Man are hot, hot, hot. Bring along comfortable shorts, bathing suit tops, and a wide-brimmed hat. Skirts are a great way to stay cool, and it's not uncommon to see even men sporting a sarong or kilt in the hot sun.
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Snuggle up with warm night attire. The Black Rock Desert may have some sweltering days, but don't forget about those chilly nights. Nighttime temperatures can get down in the 40s. Burners keep warm in style with faux fur duds in every color and style imaginable. Check your local fabric stores for fabrics that are not only warm and fuzzy, but also wild and colorful. Some cities with large Burner populations even have special Burning Man sales and sections in the months prior to the event. You can try your hand at sewing a big cuddly coat or a snuggly pair of pants, or have a friend help you out.
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Tips & Warnings
Peruse local thrift stores and garage sales for funky, unique clothing at a low price.
Winds can get pretty strong in the Black Rock Desert. Make sure your sun hat has a cord to hold it on tight, or run a colorful ribbon through the brim and around your chin for a bit of fashion and function. Moreover, don't forget that dust mask or bandanna to keep the dust out of your lungs.
The harsh weather and desert sand can wreak havoc on clothing and shoes. Don't plan on wearing anything that requires special care. Shoes can become so dirty, dry, and cracked that many Burners set them aside as "Playa shoes" and only bring them out once a year.
Resist the urge to wear sandals or other open-toed shoes, even in the desert heat. The combination of hot dry weather and sand can damage the skin of your feet, resulting in a condition dubbed "Playa foot." If you don't protect your feet you'll be pampering your feet with medicated lotion for weeks after you get home.
Bring plenty of comfortable shoes. Your silver platform shoes may look cool, but after a few hours of running around the desert and attending dance parties, you'll be missing those comfy black tennis shoes you left back at your tent.
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