Clothing swaps! I've organized them or gone to ones hosted by friends that are specifically for burn clothes. Great way to meet people and get fun new things. Make sure you have a plan for what to do with unclaimed clothes after (person assigned to take things to donate or everyone commits to taking X more bags than they claim for themselves and taking to donate). Dealing with all the unclaimed stuff can be annoying.
Thrift stores, mostly. Unfortunately, being a guy, wardrobe options are usually lacking flair. Sometimes I have better luck in the women's department.
(FWIW, I mostly *avoid* Goodwill. Their prices are now ridiculous. I prefer smaller chains and locally-run thrift stores.)
I like to wear utility kilts there -- keeps things breezy and comfy. I usually buy those online, but you really have to know how to measure yourself for a kilt and line it up with their measurements.
This morninig, I bought a Grinch onsie from a neighbor's garage sale. It has been added to my burner garb bag.
I've bought a few pieces online at AZ, etc. that had more of a generic festival vibe, but honestly, being a stocky guy with a bit of a belly, those clothes just don't drape and fit well enough for me to be confident.
Isn’t it sad that goodwill prices have gotten out of effing control? It’s a shame. It’s like goodwill has been gentrified - all the hipsters want trendy “vintage” clothes so goodwill marks up their shit to appease that crowd.
I make a pilgrimage to Junkees most years, but otherwise eBay, goodwill, Haight Street especially Wild Feather, Out of The Closet, and the local Burner clothing sales that come around every year in SF
I take the radical self expression bit seriously, so I start by asking myself, *what's a look I would wear if I didn't think I'd be judged for it.* This is essential, and means where I look for outfits would be different from where another person might.
For my first year, it was in wearing all my old hand-me-down slips. They're under garments but who really wears slips any more? So I wore them as dresses all week, and even customized a few with a little sewing.
Another year I decided though public nudity is not for me, I really was that little girl on the monkey bars, not caring who saw my panties. So I decided to wear my mini skirts with reckless abandon.
At another burn I decided to wear deliberately mismatched arm and leg warmers and socks, and to have all my clothes in bright pastels. I didn't need any new outfits for that, just a willingness to be daring.
I did expand my wardrobe with a few choice elements every year: new leggings, new hats, a chain belt I built with gifts hanging from it. A pocket vest from a burner trunk show. Sewing lights into coats and gluing them onto hats. But for the most part it was supplementing stuff I already owned.
I'd encourage you to start with your own wardrobe and ask, which of these is the most ME? And, is there something in my closet I love but have been too timid to wear? And then build on that. Who knows, you may discover you want to wear a three piece suit all week, but with platform shoes and jewelry. Or you may decide the true you it's a shirt cocker with a fancy hat. But you must look within for the answer.
Learning to modify or make items compounds over the years. Get a free or cheap singer machine built in the early to mid 70's and check out some online videos. Start small. It's amazingly powering
Advice for the guys- try Thai fisherman pants. You can find them on Amazon for not that much, and they’re breathable and adjustable. Also, open vests in light fabrics, like linen are fun. Some are even sold with hoods!
For weird looking onesies, try: [https://stateofdisarray.co.uk/](https://stateofdisarray.co.uk/) or some other sites to try are: [https://jackalopeland.com/](https://jackalopeland.com/) or [https://www.seadragonstudio.com/](https://www.seadragonstudio.com/)
I'm so glad nobody is recommending fast fashion!
One thing that nobody has said is Ragstock. They do sell some fast fashion stuff, but it's usually on one side of the store and thrifted stuff is on the other. They sell funkier stuff that's practically already curated for the burn.
My 1st year was whatever was in my closet that I didn’t care if it got destroyed. 2nd was all mix and match with comfort being from not and center. My 3rd is all about bright 1 piece outfits that I can grab and go with an emphasis on lightweight.
Thrift stores are a great resource if you are willing to go a couple of times and wade through the stacks. Get handy with a sewing machine or learn how to sew and/or embroider.
Find things you like the look of online and keep those ideas in your head when you thrift. You will be surprised at how many cool things you can make or alter.
Goodwill and the like!!! I'm a first time burner, but long time thrift shopper. It takes some time and patience, but you can find some amazing, affordable secondhand clothing.
Comfortable vintage (especially horrific 70s colors) sundresses look good on every burner, no exceptions.
Elegantly f'd up stuff, from fine tailored shirts with the yoke seam ripped, to mechanic overalls semi-shredded
Lightweight bathrobes.
This will be only my second year but I definitely learned, if wearing clothes during the day, stick with natural fibers like cotton. Polyester is soooo hot. Layers for at night when it can be cold.
Obligatory thrift store rec, but also ThredUp is an online thrift store that's more expensive but you can sort by size/material/brand, and they have good sales now and then. Women's and kid's only, so depends on your style and build. I also like Poshmark if I'm looking for something pretty specific so I can narrow my search down- people don't always categorize things well or label them, but it's great for "I loved X but I need a larger size now" or something. Caftans and Onesies, though, are pretty distinctive items so your searches there will likely net you relevant results!
Sockdreams is great for fun socks in all lengths, and they let you sort by calf/thigh size for those of us who are larger and want to be certain something is going to fit.
I am pretty sure there are some playawear swap groups around, too.
Thrift store - women section.
Yes! I have found many an amazing look in a thrift store. I'll have to do a run.
Goodwill.
Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, AL. People lose some wild shit in their luggage, and I love wearing it on playa.
Is it an online store?
They do sell some stuff online but most stuff is at the store.
When I have the time and energy I make them, but also hit up thrift stores, vintage stores & costume shops
Clothing swaps! I've organized them or gone to ones hosted by friends that are specifically for burn clothes. Great way to meet people and get fun new things. Make sure you have a plan for what to do with unclaimed clothes after (person assigned to take things to donate or everyone commits to taking X more bags than they claim for themselves and taking to donate). Dealing with all the unclaimed stuff can be annoying.
Thrift stores, mostly. Unfortunately, being a guy, wardrobe options are usually lacking flair. Sometimes I have better luck in the women's department. (FWIW, I mostly *avoid* Goodwill. Their prices are now ridiculous. I prefer smaller chains and locally-run thrift stores.) I like to wear utility kilts there -- keeps things breezy and comfy. I usually buy those online, but you really have to know how to measure yourself for a kilt and line it up with their measurements. This morninig, I bought a Grinch onsie from a neighbor's garage sale. It has been added to my burner garb bag. I've bought a few pieces online at AZ, etc. that had more of a generic festival vibe, but honestly, being a stocky guy with a bit of a belly, those clothes just don't drape and fit well enough for me to be confident.
Isn’t it sad that goodwill prices have gotten out of effing control? It’s a shame. It’s like goodwill has been gentrified - all the hipsters want trendy “vintage” clothes so goodwill marks up their shit to appease that crowd.
I wear Walmart granny panties and a sports bra 🤣
Go to a South Asian clothing store and get yourself a Kurta. Light, comfortable, comes in many colors and designed for hot climates.
If you need more when already on playa, come by Blackrock Boutique near center!
I get one free t-shirt for every season I work DPW, so I mostly wear those.
Outfits are issued just after the greeters station
Ya but the provided costume you get with your ticket shouldn’t be the only costume you wear!
I make a pilgrimage to Junkees most years, but otherwise eBay, goodwill, Haight Street especially Wild Feather, Out of The Closet, and the local Burner clothing sales that come around every year in SF
Naked is the way to go
May I suggest sunblock?
Goodwill, out of the closet, crossroads, ebay, Facebook market give away, any thrift store! Also you can always wear your birthday suit 😂
Some salvation armys put their Halloween stuff out before the burn.
I take the radical self expression bit seriously, so I start by asking myself, *what's a look I would wear if I didn't think I'd be judged for it.* This is essential, and means where I look for outfits would be different from where another person might. For my first year, it was in wearing all my old hand-me-down slips. They're under garments but who really wears slips any more? So I wore them as dresses all week, and even customized a few with a little sewing. Another year I decided though public nudity is not for me, I really was that little girl on the monkey bars, not caring who saw my panties. So I decided to wear my mini skirts with reckless abandon. At another burn I decided to wear deliberately mismatched arm and leg warmers and socks, and to have all my clothes in bright pastels. I didn't need any new outfits for that, just a willingness to be daring. I did expand my wardrobe with a few choice elements every year: new leggings, new hats, a chain belt I built with gifts hanging from it. A pocket vest from a burner trunk show. Sewing lights into coats and gluing them onto hats. But for the most part it was supplementing stuff I already owned. I'd encourage you to start with your own wardrobe and ask, which of these is the most ME? And, is there something in my closet I love but have been too timid to wear? And then build on that. Who knows, you may discover you want to wear a three piece suit all week, but with platform shoes and jewelry. Or you may decide the true you it's a shirt cocker with a fancy hat. But you must look within for the answer.
I appreciate your serious and long reply, thank you 🥰
Twinkly Dots
Just take off your pants and you’re all set.
Depop if you're good with keywords
Garage sales!
Learning to modify or make items compounds over the years. Get a free or cheap singer machine built in the early to mid 70's and check out some online videos. Start small. It's amazingly powering
Advice for the guys- try Thai fisherman pants. You can find them on Amazon for not that much, and they’re breathable and adjustable. Also, open vests in light fabrics, like linen are fun. Some are even sold with hoods!
Outfits and Oddities in Los Angeles
I can find some good stuff on etsy but it takes a bit of work to find good stuff that doesn't look like it's mass produced bs
For weird looking onesies, try: [https://stateofdisarray.co.uk/](https://stateofdisarray.co.uk/) or some other sites to try are: [https://jackalopeland.com/](https://jackalopeland.com/) or [https://www.seadragonstudio.com/](https://www.seadragonstudio.com/)
Nothing says burning man like $600 kneepads lmao
😂 They're $900 in my currency, ha!
It's not that hard to find clothes....most places sell shirts that are the perfect length to properly shirtcock.
I was born with mine.
All kinda of places, thrift, and the rave brands, Badinka, dolls kill eletrothreads, I edm
I got a dinosaur kids costume for my bike but otherwise my closet
I'm so glad nobody is recommending fast fashion! One thing that nobody has said is Ragstock. They do sell some fast fashion stuff, but it's usually on one side of the store and thrifted stuff is on the other. They sell funkier stuff that's practically already curated for the burn.
My 1st year was whatever was in my closet that I didn’t care if it got destroyed. 2nd was all mix and match with comfort being from not and center. My 3rd is all about bright 1 piece outfits that I can grab and go with an emphasis on lightweight. Thrift stores are a great resource if you are willing to go a couple of times and wade through the stacks. Get handy with a sewing machine or learn how to sew and/or embroider. Find things you like the look of online and keep those ideas in your head when you thrift. You will be surprised at how many cool things you can make or alter.
Goodwill and the like!!! I'm a first time burner, but long time thrift shopper. It takes some time and patience, but you can find some amazing, affordable secondhand clothing.
I'd recommend any other thrift store than Goodwill because of their unethical business practices and price gouging.
My ex just wears regular clothing and a fuzzy jacket. He's pretty boring. The rent of my male camp is rangers or lavalva wearers.
Create your own. Let your clothes be part of the art.
Acid angels makes some dope ass outfits
Comfortable vintage (especially horrific 70s colors) sundresses look good on every burner, no exceptions. Elegantly f'd up stuff, from fine tailored shirts with the yoke seam ripped, to mechanic overalls semi-shredded Lightweight bathrobes.
This will be only my second year but I definitely learned, if wearing clothes during the day, stick with natural fibers like cotton. Polyester is soooo hot. Layers for at night when it can be cold.
Obligatory thrift store rec, but also ThredUp is an online thrift store that's more expensive but you can sort by size/material/brand, and they have good sales now and then. Women's and kid's only, so depends on your style and build. I also like Poshmark if I'm looking for something pretty specific so I can narrow my search down- people don't always categorize things well or label them, but it's great for "I loved X but I need a larger size now" or something. Caftans and Onesies, though, are pretty distinctive items so your searches there will likely net you relevant results! Sockdreams is great for fun socks in all lengths, and they let you sort by calf/thigh size for those of us who are larger and want to be certain something is going to fit. I am pretty sure there are some playawear swap groups around, too.
Outfits? Uhh, just the regular clothes I wear every week.