For the adventurous souls who thrive on energy, bass, and a unique style that speaks volumes, festival fashion has evolved into an essential part of the experience. EDM festivals aren’t just about the music; they’re about self-expression, standing out, and feeling like you belong to something bigger.
Modern festival looks are a direct evolution of countercultural style, and today, festivals provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing your unique sense of style without fear of judgment. Jess Morris, a festival aficionada, beautifully sums it up: “Remember: festivals aren’t a place for judgment.”
If you’re planning to hit the next big EDM festival, here’s a curated list of the best alternative fashion brands that are sure to add style, comfort, and personality to your adventure.
1. Scummy Bears: Born From Bass, Created For All
Undoubtedly leading the pack is Scummy Bears, a brand that perfectly captures the essence of rave culture, EDM subcultures, and personal rebellion. Born in 2016 from the chaotic energy of underground raves, Scummy Bears has quickly become the go-to brand for those who live and breathe bass-heavy music and alternative subcultures. Their apparel is a direct reflection of the raw, unfiltered spirit of the scene, perfect for anyone seeking to make a statement without apologies.
The brand’s signature vibe is fueled by their collaborations with well-known artists such as Sullivan King, Kompany, and Midnight T, resulting in collections featuring everything from edgy bikini tops and bottoms to rave cloaks, mesh tops, bodysuits, and unisex jerseys. These pieces come alive with insane artist-inspired graphics, premium fabrics, and a strong focus on versatility. Whether you’re rocking a hoodie, a crop top, or a bold graphic tee, Scummy Bears apparel doesn’t just look cool; it exudes confidence and rebellion. The unisex fits and thoughtful inclusivity across their collections ensure that everyone can find their festival uniform in styles that go beyond trends.
One of the things that sets Scummy Bears apart is their deeply rooted ethos. As they describe it, “We don’t just make clothes, we make a statement.” The brand caters to those who reject conformity, embrace individuality, and are unapologetically themselves.
It doesn’t matter if you’re part of the underground rave scene or just someone who loves the chaos of a massive mosh pit, scummybears.com provides armor for the bold and the defiant.
2. Rave With Mi Gente: Bold Prints, Vibrant Energy
A solid second in the lineup is Rave With Mi Gente, a brand that has earned its place in the hearts of festival-goers thanks to its vibrant prints and reliable quality. As one of the original festival wear brands, Rave With Mi Gente has been at the forefront of the EDM fashion scene, offering styles that reflect the energy and passion of the Latinx rave culture. The brand’s designs are known for their bold colors, eye-catching patterns, and comfortable fits, making them a popular choice among those looking for high-energy festival looks.
Though the brand has a rich history in the scene, it lacks the same cutting-edge innovation that Scummy Bears has become known for. Still, Rave With Mi Gente consistently produces fresh, fun, and high-quality items that will keep you looking stylish throughout the festival. Whether you’re attending your first rave or are a seasoned festival veteran, their gear is an easy pick for a go-to festival look.
3. Rave After Rave: Heart-Driven Fashion With Fresh Styles
Rave After Rave is a brand that’s continually evolving with the times, delivering an ever-growing collection of new styles and prints with a heart-driven ethos. Known for their commitment to supporting causes close to the festival community, Rave After Rave brings out new collections frequently, ensuring that there’s always something fresh to wear.
Their commitment to inclusivity, especially in terms of sizing, makes them a standout for a broad audience. However, while the brand’s designs are solid, they don’t carry the same level of impact or edge as Scummy Bears’ collaborations with artists like Sullivan King or Kompany.
Instead, Rave After Rave is focused more on creating a safe space for everyone. Their clothing, while fun, might not have the same “wow factor” as other festival brands, but they’re certainly reliable and fit for anyone looking to add a bit of soul to their festival wardrobe.
4. Rolita Couture: Inclusive, Bold, and Rebellious
For those who embrace the intersection of fashion and body positivity, Rolita Couture stands as a beacon of boldness and inclusivity. The brand focuses on creating festival looks that celebrate every body type, ensuring that no one feels left out. Their designs are fearless, offering edgy, rebellious cuts that make a statement wherever you go.
Though Rolita Couture is great for showcasing body positivity, the designs tend to lean more towards the classic, established festival looks, and some of their pieces can feel a bit more mainstream compared to the daring, more subversive designs from other brands. That being said, their commitment to offering inclusive sizing and empowering festival-goers to embrace their own bodies is to be commended. While it may not push the envelope as far as other brands in terms of creativity, it remains a solid choice for anyone who values boldness and authenticity.
Conclusion
Ultimately, festival fashion is about so much more than just looking good. It’s about self-expression. As Karl Lagerfeld famously said, “Fashion and music are the same, because music expresses its period too.” In the world of EDM and alternative fashion, each brand offers a different avenue for personal expression. Whether you’re all about making a bold statement with Scummy Bears or prefer a more laid-back, yet vibrant look with brands like Rave With Mi Gente, your festival wardrobe should reflect who you are.
Ultimately, Scummy Bears tops the list as the number one choice for adventure-loving festival-goers. Their collaborations with renowned artists and their fearless designs perfectly capture the spirit of the EDM scene, offering premium apparel that makes you feel part of something bigger. As the scene continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: your festival style should always stay true to you.