In a sea of fast fashion and copycat trends, we’ve curated a list of small, unique brands that will make you stand out at your next event.
Festival fashion is a large part of the scene, especially in North America, which allows those to express their unique individuality through clothes and accessories. Often, festival and show attendees will curate an outfit to fit the theme or aesthetic of the event as well. Yet many find difficulties finding unique outfits in a sea of copycat trends and the overwhelming convenience of choosing items on Amazon Prime.
In addition to difficulties in finding unique event outfits, options are limited but growing for men, plus size, and those in search of unisex clothing. Most large companies tailor modeling and availability of items to a select population. Fortunately, many are expanding inclusivity in what they offer. After all, the dance music scene is well-known for its openness to welcome all regardless of differences.
With fast fashion prices and shipping rates, it can be challenging for small businesses to draw in customers with their unique creations, even more so when big fashion companies copy their clothing designs for mass production. Akin to shopping smaller brands outside of the scene, supporting small business owners allows them to build a community and continue their growth. So to help you explore and support these smaller, more inclusive brands, we’ve curated some you should check out for your next festival or show outfits.
From harnesses and fishnets to all-black outfits, techwear and the e-girl aesthetic have taken over the scene in recent years.
The addition of harnesses and garters add a sensual feel to futuristic outfits and have recently overwhelmed the North American scene. Harnesses, garters, and full sets with a cybergoth look can be found on sites like Lilith And Lace. Another brand that could provide a dangerous edge to your look is Dustrial, which sells unisex, femme, and masc clothing items.
If you’re in search of a lethal yet highly durable outfit, look no further than Suspex. Besides their signature Disruption bodysuit, this three-woman team brand offers full outfit sets, bodysuits, and dresses that are sure to resonate with anyone with a dark, industrial aura. Offering items from sizes XS to XXL, Suspex constantly adds new creations to their site.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the ethereality of an outfit can be achieved with brands that offer custom creations.
Many try to match the theme of an event to their outfit, and the ethereal “faerie in the woods” look is on par with festivals that take place at evergreen venues. Offering pre-set fabrics and custom outfit set designs, Bianca Pavlic the Label can take your outfit game to the next level with the use of floral mesh and lace fabric options. Reminiscent of a cottagecore aesthetic, this label offers custom sizing with the measurements you provide.
If you’re searching for ethereal glamour, check out Cervantes Rave Co. and the Etsy shop from Fractal Witch for dazzling, unique top and bottom sets. Cervantes Rave Co offers sets adorned with dainty chains and glittery mesh sure to reflect the stage lights and lasers at any event. Selling a wide array of colors from tassel-adorn fabrics to iridescent sequins, Fractal Witch hand-makes all semi-custom outfits and opens shop periodically depending on order volume after each drop of new designs. Similarly, Indigo Freya and Sew Electric will fulfill your search for dreamy forest pixie looks with their fairy sets and outfits with sequin-studded fabric.
If you intend to stop the show with Instagram-worthy outfits, make sure to check out these shops that offer custom pieces for all sizes and genders.
For those searching for a standout collection of pieces to wear, to match with their significant other, or with a group of friends, UK brands Sassypants the Label and Jade Clark offer a wide array of fabrics, colors, custom designs, and pieces for any fashion statement. Offering clothing in custom measurements and male and unisex items, both brands specialize in the use of mesh fabric additions and trendy brightly-colored prints, which allow customers to grab everyone’s attention both at events and online.
Most known for custom handmade sets featuring tassels and vibrant sequins, CLOUD999 and Rave Til Dawn offer open-ended sizing since custom measurements can be added to each order. CLOUD999’s unique process curates one-of-a-kind sets based on the name given for the creation to allow for maximum creative freedom of the owner. A majority of pieces from Rave Til Dawn, Lime Blonde, and Visorant the Label include sequin-adorned fabrics released periodically.
For those searching to stand out from the crowd, check out Rage Bratz for monthly limited release drops. Limited drops complete the brand’s signature goal inspired by Bratz Dolls, who wear fun prints and unique designs. Euphoric Rave Wear and Syzygy the Label also feature a broad range of sassy fits, using a signature strappy look to nearly all available outfit sets.
If you want funky patterns and cutout designs, Brave by Bri and 1:11 the Label both offer unique sets that dare to mix and match prints for a standout look. These brands will perfectly match your search if you’re not afraid of bold colors and prints in combination with quirky cutout pieces.
Stand out in the crowd even more by accessorizing your outfit or purchasing niche items.
Starting from the top, adding a set of faux ears with unique charms perfect for elevating both cosplay or other outfits from the PlushVonT and Tsukimimi Etsy shops will turn heads with its vast array of color options and charm adornments such as beads, die, bows, and more. If you’re not a fan of ears as a head accessory, grabbing a hat from Discodisiac will take your outfit to the next level. Known for signature poms sold as headwear or earrings, Britts Blossoms pieces make a cute and fluffy addition.
Moving downwards, statement chains with crystal pendants from She’s the Rainbow will add a dazzling iridescence to your look with a wide array of crystals sure to fit any of your manifesting needs. Also offering neckwear, Magical Minnie is sure to add a fun, unique twist with range of available chokers, crafted harnesses, and belts sold on the site.
To stand out even more in the crowd, head over to Dimension G for a wide range of niche and anime-inspired EDM clothing and gear. From t-shirts to fans to bags and hats, this California-based independent brand shows a variety of items for all electronic genres to sport at their next event.
Make independent discoveries of small brands on social media to help support fellow festival and show attendees.
Although we’ve covered a huge range of small brands to shop from, there are hundreds more out there waiting for you to discover. From full outfits to the smallest of accessories, supporting small brands helps enhances the community and allows them to keep events alive with diversity and uniqueness in what is worn. Not only does this allow different expressions through clothing choice, but it helps support fellow ravers’ brands.
Did we miss your favorite small fashion brand in the scene? Let us know on Twitter!
