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<< Back --- Table of Contents --- Forward >> Clothing and Accessories - Hints and Tips Basic requirements of what to wear - what clothing should do for you
Skirts, dresses and kilts are the perfect playawear, no matter your gender. If you have never worn a skirt before, there is no better time than Burning Man. Skirts are comfortable and convenient in the port-a-potties. Thrift shops usually have lots of 'one size fits all' skirts. Note: long skirts can be a problem on a bike. Plan some way to keep the skirt out of the spokes and chain. Togas, sarongs, and other 'large pieces of fabric' are wonderful, fun clothes on the playa. Togas require 4 to 6 yards of fabric...a sarong about 2 yards or so. Uh, a loincloth takes only half a yard, maybe? Do a Google search on "how to tie a toga" (or sarong) for ideas...or just bring your fabric to the playa and have someone help you! Cleaning your clothes after the playa is not too difficult. Playa dust comes right out in the washer. Costumes like elaborate belly dancing outfits that can't be washed are a problem...and if you bring them to Burning Man, they will get dusty! A sun hat is a necessity. Get something with a broad brim and a chin strap. Add a handkerchief to the back with small safety pins to protect the back of your neck. Straw hats are nice but sorta fragile. Some outdoor wear companies make foldable, non-crushable fabric hats with broad brims. An umbrella can be good for personal mobile shade, but don't take it out in a windstorm! Don't forget your sunglasses. And don't forget your *extra* sunglasses. Bring at least two pairs. Really. Don't bring your $150 Zingispendos...get some comfortable cheap ones with fun frames and good eye coverage. Love your feet. Bring lots of good fluffy sox. Bring some brand new sox. Pair them up with comfy shoes. Bring at least two pairs of comfy walking shoes or boots. You can bring uncomfortable shoes too. Just make sure those aren't the only shoes you brought. Some people really like flip-flops and sandals on the playa. Others go barefoot all week. Be very careful about this: your feet can dry out and end up with painful cracks. Or the tops of your feet may get sunburned. Dust protection for your face A dust protecting scarf is an essential part of your playa clothing. This is a light-weight, thin, "see through" piece of fabric that can wrapped around your entire head during a dust storm, protecting your eyes, mouth and hair. Any fabric store will have something suitable. Between dust storms, a dust scarf can be used as a shawl, see-through skirt, cape, or belly dancing veil Dust scarf requirements - what to look for at the fabric store
The playa is desert, so it makes sense to wear the same clothing that desert dwellers have worn for thousands of years. Do a search on turban, shemagh, caftan, sirwal, dishdasha, abaya or nisqab to see a variety of clothing that has been 'desert tested'. Day or night, lingerie is delicious fun. Don't you just love the feel of silky smooth satin against your skin? This is another 'easy find' at the thrift shop: you should be able to find lots of colors and styles. Seems like every Burning Man includes an impromptu gathering of burners in red lingerie. Be prepared to play "Red Rover"! You will want your bathrobe, jammies and slippers. Burning Man is sorta like one big slumber party. Enjoy your mornings...stroll about in your robe and slippers with a cup of coffee. Go visit the neighbors. You'll be glad you did. It's cold at night. And some years, it's cold in the day time too. Bring warm clothes. Long underwear and tights will fit under almost any outfit to keep you warm on the inside, while you are fashionable on the outside. Ear warmers, hats and gloves are good to have with you, even if you never wear them. Bring a raincoat so it doesn't rain. Putting on makeup can be fun! It's Halloween every day at Burning Man. Be aware that some types of make up are *very* difficult to wash off: this can be a real problem on the water-impaired playa. Put a layer of lotion on first, under your make up: this will help prevent the make up from soaking into your skin. Accessories: jewelry, hats, gloves, veils, etc. Your local thrift shop probably has lots of interesting items in this category. Get out the glue gun and create your own playa accessories. Lighted accessories are wonderful, if not essential, at night. Handkerchiefs are handy for all sorts of things: bring several. Bring a pair of sturdy work gloves. The playa dust is hard on your hands, especially when you are working unpacking or erecting shelter. << Back --- Table of Contents --- Forward >>
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