What to buy for a UK festival weekend
A UK festival weekend tests clothing in ways an ordinary summer does not. One afternoon can bring hot sun, the next a downpour and a muddy field, and nights can be surprisingly cold. Before buying anything, decide how you will get there and where you will sleep, because that shapes how much you can carry and how much you can change.
Start with the weather and the walking. Choose layers that work together, such as a light t-shirt, a warm hoodie and a packable waterproof, rather than one bulky piece. Shoes matter more than most men expect: you will cover long distances on uneven ground, so comfort and grip count for more than fashion. Keep the rest of the list simple and focused on what you will actually wear.
How to choose the right festival kit
Begin with the criteria that matter most in the field. Look for fabrics that breathe in the heat and dry reasonably quickly after rain, and make sure each layer fits comfortably over the one beneath it. Footwear should have proper grip and cushioning, because you will be walking for hours on grass, gravel and mud. There are trade-offs here: a heavy waterproof keeps you dry but is hard to carry in the afternoon, while a packable jacket is easier to stash but offers less protection in a long downpour. Open sandals dry quickly and suit camp, but they give no protection on a muddy walk to the stage.
For the basics, think about the time you will spend in each set of clothes. If you are camping, plan for a dry set of clothes to change into each evening and keep it in a waterproof bag in the tent. If you are going home each night, you can pack fewer items, but you will still want a warm layer for the journey back. Underwear and socks are often overlooked, yet fresh pairs make a noticeable difference over three long days. Pack one pair per day plus a spare, and choose socks that suit the shoes you are wearing rather than the weather alone.
Wear your new shoes at home first, and pack one spare set of dry clothes for the evenings, because mud and cold nights catch out most first-time festival goers.
From the editors
The most common mistakes are predictable. Many men pack for the heat only and forget how cold the nights can be. Others buy brand-new shoes and wear them for the first time at the festival, which often ends in blisters. Cotton hoodies can stay wet for hours, so a synthetic or blended layer is often more practical. Finally, avoid wearing anything you would be upset to lose in mud. Keep your palette to two or three colours so the layers mix easily, and choose one statement piece if you want to show some personal style.
What you really need to buy
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Lightweight hoodie or sweatshirt
A mid-weight hoodie is the most useful layer for cool evenings and early mornings. Choose one that dries reasonably quickly and fits comfortably over a t-shirt.
Search termsmen's hoodie festival · lightweight hoodie · layering sweatshirt
Our recommendationmoneyclothing.comBest for layersComfortable walking trainers
Trainers with good grip and cushioning will carry you across grass, gravel and mud. Break them in at home before the weekend so you are not wearing new shoes on the first day.
Search termsmen's trainers festival · walking trainers · grippy sneakers
Our recommendationendclothing.comGood for trainersClogs or sandals for camp
A slip-on pair gives your feet a break at night and is quick to put on for a trip to the toilets or showers. Choose a style that is easy to rinse off after muddy days.
Search termsfestival clogs men · camp sandals · men's slides
Our recommendationcrocs.co.ukBest for camp footwearBoxer shorts and underwear
Pack one fresh pair for each day and a spare for emergencies. Quick-drying or breathable cotton blends are more comfortable in heat and when you are sweating a lot.
Search termsmen's boxer shorts · festival underwear · underwear pack
Our recommendationonthatass.comBest for fresh underwearCushioned socks
Socks matter more than most men expect, because damp feet cause rubbing and discomfort. Pick a mix of thicker pairs for trainers and lighter ones for warm days.
Search termsmen's socks festival · cushioned socks · sports socks
Our recommendationsockshop.co.ukGood for socksSmall crossbody bag
A compact bag keeps your phone, wallet and tickets secure and leaves your hands free. Choose one with a zip and a strap you can wear across the body in crowds.
Search termsmen's crossbody bag · festival bag · small shoulder bag
Our recommendationca.allsaints.comGood for bags and shirts
Where to start shopping
Begin by checking the forecast for the days you will be there and deciding whether you are camping or travelling each night. That tells you how many outfits to buy and how much you can carry. Next, sort footwear first, since it has the biggest effect on comfort. At crocs.co.uk you can find clogs and slides for camp, and then choose a pair of trainers with good grip for walking. Once your footwear is settled, build your layers at moneyclothing.com, where hoodies, t-shirts and shorts can be combined in different ways. Finally, add fresh underwear and socks at onthatass.com, buying enough for each day plus a spare. Wear your new items at home for a day or two before the festival to check the fit.
Before you order
- Check the weather forecast for each day and the nights.
- Decide whether you are camping or going home each night.
- Break in your trainers at home before the festival.
- Pack one pair of underwear and socks per day plus a spare.
- Choose at least one warm, layerable hoodie or jacket.
- Keep a dry set of clothes in a waterproof bag for the evenings.
- Check the store's returns terms before you order.
The stores at a glance
moneyclothing.com
Best for layersMoney Clothing carries hoodies, t-shirts, shorts and jackets that suit the layered look needed for changeable UK festival weather.
Recommended for Lightweight hoodie or sweatshirt
crocs.co.uk
Best for camp footwearCrocs at crocs.co.uk offers clogs, sandals and slides that are easy to slip on at camp and comfortable after long days on your feet.
Recommended for Clogs or sandals for camp
onthatass.com
Best for fresh underwearON THAT ASS sells men's boxer shorts and underwear, and its subscription option suits anyone who wants a fresh pair for every day of the weekend.
Recommended for Boxer shorts and underwear
ca.allsaints.com
Good for bags and shirtsALLSAINTS offers men's clothing, shoes and small bags, useful if you want a more considered look that still works in a crowd.
Recommended for Small crossbody bag
sockshop.co.uk
Good for socksSOCKSHOP sells socks and underwear, so you can pick a pair of cushioned socks that will not bunch in trainers or wellies all weekend.
Recommended for Cushioned socks
endclothing.com
Good for trainersEND. stocks sneakers from streetwear and fashion brands, which suits the walking shoe you will wear from the car park to the main stage.
Recommended for Comfortable walking trainers
drmartens.com
Good for sturdy bootsDr. Martens offers boots and shoes that handle mud and wet grass better than lightweight trainers, though they are heavier to carry.
pockets.co.uk
Good for style-led buysPockets sells designer menswear online, a sensible choice if you want one standout jacket or shirt that still fits the practical brief.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need waterproof boots for a UK festival?
Not always. Water-resistant trainers with good grip often manage fine in the usual mix of grass and mud. Boots are heavier to carry, so consider them only if you expect very wet conditions.
How many outfits should I pack?
Plan one outfit per day plus a spare set for muddy or wet days. If you are camping, keep a dry set in a waterproof bag for the evenings and the journey home.
Are shorts enough for a festival?
Shorts work well during the day, but add a hoodie or light jacket for cooler evenings. Layers you can add or remove are more practical than a single heavy piece.
Should I buy everything new?
Buying a few key items new, such as trainers and a waterproof layer, makes sense. Wear them at home first so you know they are comfortable before the weekend.
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