Hello summer! Hello cold beers! And hello music festival season! If you guys have no idea what to wear for the occasion, use this as your spirit guide – here with the intention of directing you towards some festival-appropriate wear while still remaining comfortable.

1. The Outfit

I’m going to start this by advising you not to take your shirts off. It’s just not pleasant for anyone. I’m sorry, but even the co-creator of Stereosonic has slammed this roided up bro-culture that has been (weirdly) picked up by Australians. What’s wrong with enjoying the music with your shirts on? (The answer is nothing). And on that note, let’s make 2015 the year that we get rid of the stringlet as well…

Try a printed short-sleeved shirt or if you insist on going for singlet, try a muscle tee or something in a nautical print – girls are always a big fan of stripes on guys. In terms of shorts, you guys seem to do pretty well considering you don’t often have an issue with length. Again, printed is super rad or don’t be afraid to try fitted denim shorts if you haven’t before – they’re probably the most durable in a festival situation. Also what better way to show off those legs you’ve been workin’ on all winter?

Muscle Tank, General Pants Co., $24.95
Channel Disco Tee, Ksubi, $69.95
Ringo Tee, Jack London, $39.00
Hoff Short, Cotton On, $29.95
Denim Shorts, ASOS, $42.31

 

Jack London tee, Cotton On shorts

 

2. The Shoes

Sneakers or boots are the way to go for guys. Always yes to Converses and Vans, and those aesthetically pleasing Nike Frees/Roshe variations are also a popular choice – although I’m a bigger fan of the Adidas Superstars or New Balances on guys. If you’re just keen on a pair that you can wreck, forget about or even lose at a music festival, just go for the standard canvas slip-on or lace up. No frills, just thrills.

Canvas Lace-up sneakers, ASOS, $15.01
Plimsolls, ASOS, $34.62
Nike Free Run, Foot Locker, $159.95
New Balance 446, Hype DC, $109.95

 

ASOS canvas lace-up sneakers

3. The Accessories

Hats

I actually love dudes in hats – if you can pull it off, it’s just so good. Always yes to a felt hat with a good brim but don’t mistake that for a fedora, please. A fedora would just create a 3 metre exclusion radius of space around you. Bucket hats are also a thing now apparently and they’re taking over music festivals. So like it or not, at least it counts as being sun smart right…?

Bucket hat, Stüssy, $29.95
Pork Pie Hat, ASOS, $34.62
Brixton Messer Hat, Realstore, $100.00

Brixton Messer Hat

 

Sunglasses

Pair that hat with a good pair of sunnies and you’re good to go. They’ll shade your eyes from those damaging sun rays and mask your eyes from those pesky laser light shows that seem all too “distracting” by the end of the night. I’d opt for a green or blue mirrored pair, or definitely something in tortoiseshell. And as I said in the girls’ guide, if you’re planning to get completely wrecked it would be advisable to go for a cheaper, more disposable pair.

Rico Sunglasses, Cotton On, $14.95
Illesteva Sunglasses, Surfstitch, $180.00
Ray Ban Sunglasses, Shades, $240.00

Illesteva Sunglasses

 

4. The Essentials

Sunscreen

You might be wondering why I need to even mention this but you’d be surprised how many guys I see at the end of a 12 hour day who basically resemble a tomato. Skin cancer is not yo friend so seriously, get around the SPF30+ and thank me later. It’s not a once-off miracle thing either, you’re also going to need to re-apply during the day FYI.

Maybe look into a lip balm as well while you’re at it because chapped lips just ain’t fresh (or comfortable for that matter) after a day of sun exposure

Cancer Council SPF50+ Active Sunscreen, Chemist Warehouse, $12.99
Facial Fuel No-Shine Lip Balm, Kiehl’s, $10.00

In the end, it doesn’t matter what you wear because you’re there for the music right? But here’s to hoping that we’ve helped guide your way if you had no idea what to wear. And if you’re a lady who’s stumbled upon this page, check out our girls guide for ideas and tips for the festival season.