What to Wear to a Music Festival in the UK and USA: Cool Looks, Styling Advice, and Best Brands

Music festivals are more than live music—they're style showcases, personal expression zones, and practical endurance tests. Whether you're braving the rain at Glastonbury or dancing in the heat of Coachella, your outfit needs to do more than look good. It has to keep you comfortable, handle unpredictable conditions, and still reflect your style.

Here’s your detailed guide on what to wear to UK and US music festivals, from essential layers to standout statement pieces. Plus, discover how Tellar.co.uk helps you shop smarter by finding your correct size in over 1,500+ fashion brands.

UK vs USA Festival Fashion: Know the Scene

UK music festivals (e.g. Glastonbury, Wireless, Reading & Leeds) demand a weatherproof wardrobe. Think mud, rain, temperature shifts—festival-goers often have to balance fashion with survival gear. Layering, waterproofing, and hard-wearing footwear are essential.

In contrast, US festivals (Coachella, Lollapalooza, Governor’s Ball) tend to be hot, dry, and often desert-based. Lightweight fabrics, breathable outfits, and sun protection take priority. You’re dressing for sun, not storms.

Despite the climate differences, comfort, functionality, and personal style remain key across the board.

Festival Outfit Planning: Key Advice

1. Fabric Matters

Choose breathable materials that help you stay cool (or warm). Lightweight cotton, bamboo, mesh, and moisture-wicking synthetics are great choices. Avoid denim if you’re expecting rain—it soaks and clings.

2. Layer for Longevity

In the UK, layering is crucial: base layers, waterproof jackets, hoodies, and leggings. In the USA, pack a shirt or light jacket for post-sunset chills. Layering lets you adapt to heat, rain, or nightfall without changing outfits completely.

3. Footwear First

Your shoes matter more than anything else. UK fields demand wellies or tough boots with grip—Dr. Martens, Hunter boots, or platform Chelsea boots are popular. In the US, comfort reigns: opt for cushioned sandals, cowboy boots, or canvas trainers like Converse or Vans.

4. Hands-Free Bags

Crossbody bags, bum bags, or mini backpacks are essential. Pick something lightweight, water-resistant, and secure—ideal for keeping your essentials close without weighing you down.

5. Hats, Glasses & Accessories

Wide-brim hats or bucket hats protect from both rain and sun. Add statement sunglasses, layered jewellery, and a bandana or scarf for style and practicality (especially in dusty settings).

Cool Festival Looks to Try

🎸 Indie Grunge (UK Classic)

Oversized vintage tee
Cargo shorts or utility trousers
Check shirt tied around the waist
Bucket hat and stompy boots

✨ Y2K Nostalgia (USA Favourite)

Metallic halterneck or mesh crop
Baggy jeans or cut-offs
Butterfly clips and tinted sunglasses
Platform sandals or combat boots

🐚 Boho Glam (Global Favourite)

Crochet bralette or embroidered blouse
Flowy midi skirt or paperbag shorts
Kimono or tassel jacket
Sandals or fringe ankle boots

☔ Weather-Ready Chic (UK Must-Have)

Waterproof anorak or festival poncho
Quick-dry leggings or shorts
Lightweight knit jumper or thermal base
Fold-up wellies and waterproof belt bag

Festival Brand Recommendations

✅ Affordable & Trendy

Jaded London – Great for bold prints, cut-outs, and festival drama.
Monki – Perfect for Y2K pieces, oversized silhouettes, and playful accessories.
Bershka – Affordable partywear with strong seasonal edits.

✅ Premium & Practical

Free People – Boho staples like crochet, fringe, and artisan textures.
Ganni – Quirky Scandi looks with high-quality fabrics.
Pangaia – Sustainable, breathable basics that hold up under pressure.

✅ Utility Focused

Rains – Waterproof outerwear that’s stylish and functional.
Barbour – Iconic British brand ideal for outdoorsy festival layering.
Hunter – The classic wellie brand, now with fashion-forward designs.

How to Get the Right Size for Festival Brands

Buying outfits from different brands—especially online—means playing a dangerous game with sizing. A size 10 in one brand might feel like a 14 in another. And when you’ve got limited time before your festival, there’s no room for sizing errors or time-consuming returns.

That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

🔎 Tellar.co.uk: Your Festival Fit Fix

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool. It matches your exact body measurements to the sizing charts of over 1,500+ brands—helping you buy the right size the first time.

How it works:

Visit www.tellar.co.uk
Create a free profile with your chest, waist, and hip measurements.
Select a store or brand.
Get instant size recommendations based on your shape and that brand’s real sizing data.

Why it matters:

You avoid returns and wrong fits
You save money and time
You confidently order festival looks from any store

Whether you're buying cargo trousers from Jaded London or a sequin bralette from ASOS, Tellar ensures you know your exact size in that brand before you buy.

✨ Why Festival Shoppers Use Tellar

“Does this brand run small?” Tellar tells you.
“What size should I order in inches/cm?” Tellar knows.
“Can I compare sizing between stores?” Yes—Tellar makes it easy.

Planning your outfits for Glastonbury, Coachella, or Latitude? Use Tellar to build your wardrobe confidently with accurate sizing across every brand you love.

📲 Stay Connected with Tellar

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

Final Word

Festival fashion is about freedom, creativity, and functionality. Whether you’re navigating muddy UK fields or dry California heat, your outfit should empower you to feel amazing and move freely. And with Tellar.co.uk, you’ll always know exactly what size to order—no matter the brand, style, or country.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Get started at www.tellar.co.uk.