Before I get too deep into a conceited and poisonous rant about the lack of festival fashion for guys, I will make one submission – the summer music festival season has done wonders for the fitness levels of Australian males and for the resurging viability of expensive gym memberships.

Sadly, the backhand of this is that those who spent all winter in pre-season training tend to turn up to their favourite music festivals in more flesh than clothing to showcase their recently perfected torsos. Lightweight, deep-cut singlets and shorts that were previously owned by Olivia Newtown-John in 1981 have permeated music fashion culture for the worst.

Okay, I’m done.

It’s encouraging to see an increasing number of guys who have noted the stigma surrounding the vain approach to music festivals and have made an effort to change it. The current street trends for men, with loose, oversized shirts, relaxed shorts and long, draping tees accommodate a hot, dusty, sweaty days of spent in the mosh. For the lack of structural and tailored creativity, an insurgence of Aztec, Hawaiian, nautical and camouflage prints have ensured there colour and clashing aplenty. It’s the “wear whatever feels good” attitude that has brought so many back from the dark (lit. tan) side and showing their personality through print, rather than pecs. 

The Outfits

The key to successful festival fashion for guys is to not make it look like you’ve tried too hard. Each of these outfits take ideas from current trends but perform them subtley to avoid confusion and looking like a total dork. Outfit 1 tackles the camouflage in a way you don’t look like you’re going into battle in the same way Outfit 2 makes the leopard print shirt very much the hero and Outfit 3 makes floral manly, if that is even achievable. If you’re feeling daring though, chuck on as many prints as you can and party like a viking. 

Outfit 1
Singlet: Rasta Baddies Singlet from Ksubi, $69.95
Shorts: Camo Shorts from Marc By Marc Jacobs, $99.95

Outfit 2
Shirt: Wrangler Naboo Shirt from General Pants Co, $79.95
Shorts: Santa Monica Cut Off Shorts from Stussy, $89.95

Outfit 3
Shirt: Floral Shirt from Insight, $59.95
Shorts: Chambray Shorts from General Pants Co., $49.95

 

Matchy-Matchy. For better or worse, it’s a thing. While often a mis-guided choice, if you have the balls for it and want to be that guy that everyone remembers, perhaps take on an ensemble consisting entirely of matching prints. Here are three from Ksubi that we found for the most adventerous, daring or utterly insane. 

Outift 1.
Muscle: Paradise Muscle Tank, $89.95 
Shorts: Paradise Chainsaw Short, $239.95

Outfit 2. 
Singlet: Mangoes Tank, $79.95
Shorts: Mangoes Boardies, $149.95

Outfit 3.
Muscle: Ref Stripe Muscle, $49.95
Shorts: Ref Stripe Fleece Short, $79.95

 

The Appropriate Shoes

We all do things at music festivals we regret. Make sure your choice of footwear doesn’t compact the shame of having a snooze slumped by some bins while your favourite band plays on stage. Whether it’s a trusty pair of Vans, uber-comfortable sneakers or stylish-yet-still-practical leather sandals, protect your feet with closed-in shoes. You aren’t a hobbit.

1. Black/Black Authentic from Vans, $89.95
2. St&ard Hurache Show from General Pants Co, $79.95
3. Green 574 from New Balance, $120

 

The Accessories

The make or break of an outfit. Accessories need to be approached with caution, as they easily look forced and awkward when used in the wrong situation. Also, as with the nature of music festivals, things can easily become lost and/or damaged, so keep them pretty, but pretty cheap as well if you’re expecting a big one. 

Sunglasses: Oakley Frogskin Wayfarer, $159.95
Sunglasses: Spitfire Clip On, $30.60
Sunglasses: Le Specs Wasteland from Surfstitch, $69.95
Necklace: Marc By Marc Jacob’s Don’t Fuck With My Shit Necklace from Ebay, $125
Necklace: Icon Brand Panadol Lines Necklace from The Iconic, $29.95
Ring: D Knights Skull Ring from Asos, $81.60

 

The Overlooked Accessories

Being prepared is the best way to avoid disappointment at a music festival you have been looking forward to for so long and saved all your pennies to splurge at. If you’re sick of losing everything – take a bag, if you’re sick of losing time -take a watch, and if you’re sick of breaking your phone – get a knock-proof cover. This way you won’t miss anything on stage or anything from your pockets. Sorted.

Bag:  Herschel Settle Backpack from Surfstitch, $89.00
Watch: Nixon Timeteller Plastic, $99.95
iPhone Case: Otterbox iPhone 5 case, $49.95

 

… And if you have read this and happen to be a girl, check out what you should be wearing this festival season here.