I know what you’re thinking, “Goddammit Nicky D, how do you look so good all the time?”. Or maybe, “Mmm, that pretty guy’s feet must be sodden, wading through that shin-high mud!”. Or maybe even, “Wow, Nicky D needs to get that #Gorpcore in check!”. Well, you’re in luck, because in the next five minutes, we’ll be exploring all of the above!
Welcome to my guide on festival site fashion and, equally importantly, function…
Do wear: Waterproof socks
Sealskinz are a total gamechanger. Say cheerio to sodden toes which look like wild mushrooms and smell like last week’s milk, and hello to pedicured* feet. Coming in a range of lengths, temperature limits and sizes, there are Sealskinz products for every eventuality.
*Pedicure sold separately.
…and waterproof shoes…
Clarks ATLs are the way to go here. When paired up with the Sealskinz, you can laugh in the face of Mother Nature – they’re Gore-Tex (ooft), made from recycled materials and (importantly) 360 non-slip technology to help negate that slippy trackway. I recently wore them in the -26 degree cold of the Swiss Alps, and the Ibex I crossed were jealous of both the style and dexterity provided.
…AND a waterproof jacket (I promise no more waterproof garms)
I’m Paramo ‘til I die. I picked up a brand new (labels-on) Paramo number from a charity shop in Camberwell for just £13 (!!!) and haven’t looked back! In fact, I’ve looked forwards to more compliments on how great I look.
When choosing your waterproofs, be sure to check windproofness (is that a word?) and breathability: it’s imperative that you have waterproof options that keep you cool when worn on their own, but can also be layered up. We want versatility when on site.
WARNING: I don’t wanna be seeing you out there in “single-use” waterproof ponchos. Remember, there is no “away” to throw to…the planet is burning…jaguars are becoming extinct.
Do wear: loads of hats (not at once durhh)
When in the cold of Milano for a project with my We Are Placemaking colleagues, I just went for the classic beanie to protect my skinhead. But it’s in summer where the hat-game really comes into play.
Last year, I sported a “dusty orange bucket hat” to protect the napper. It was a gift from my bestest-est friend in the whole world, and it was nice to have him with me through the wins and losses of site-life.
Hats are also a useful identifier – wearing one through a build gives you a distinguishing feature when people want to collar you. Be sure to swap it out for something more low-key on the live though, allowing yourself to go incognito and prioritise your interactions…
Do wear: layers (even when it’s a scorcher)
If you don’t layer then you’re not a slayer… Or something like that… They can protect you from the sun (who wants to look like a Squashie?), fight the chill on cold nights but most importantly you can change your look up midway through the day – two outfits in one, ooooh yeah.
Do wear: All the UV combatting clobber
As mentioned above, protect your skin from the sun but also think sunglasses! You can really distinguish yourself through some cat-eyes, or maybe even a pair of goggles! Watch this space…
I know you were wondering, at present I have some Neo-esque numbers but have no pics yet…
Do wear: Pockets
You can never have too many, until you can’t find the one thing you’re looking for… I like to have pockets of pockets which I can keep my pockets in.
Do wear: Tools of all kinds
While it’s always best to leave technical builds to the technically minded amongst us, don’t let that stop you preparing for all eventuality.
Look, I’m not saying go out and buy Leatherman (though some of their sleek black iterations are things of beauty) but something like this from True Utility can be handy when doing a walk-round.
A nimble flashlight can be a good friend too, this guy here is nimble and will fit in either a tac hi-vis or some work trousers.
Do wear: Pre-loved
Apart from my tools, boots and undergarments, I tend to make my wardrobe as pre-loved as possible to minimise my contribution to the climate emergency we find ourselves in.
To be honest, I find older garments tend to have a better shelf life anyways.
Do wear: Bumbags
Not got a belt to store your leatherman? No problem, bumbags are a site worker’s best friend!
Keep your Leatherman, cable-ties, sunscreen and Bunkabin key all in one handy place…just make sure not to lose it!
Don’t wear: A death stare
I’ve got a mean death-stare which I tend to save for special occasions, though on-site is definitely not one of them.
Stressful situations arise and times can be trying, but it’s all part of working in the best industry in the world! #LiveLaughLove
Don’t wear: Your toes out
I love Crocs as much as the next person, but again, there’s a time and a place which isn’t a building site…
They’ve got holes in and it rains a lot in the UK. C’mon now, you do the maths.
Plus, your toes are the last thing I want to see after a night-shift…
Don’t wear: A black Hi-Vis
Do you know what hi-vis stands for? Yeah, black isn’t hi-visibility is it? I know it looks great but being crushed by a telehandler doesn’t…
Same applies for a hi-vis harness: save it for the club.
Don’t wear: Jumpsuits and Dungarees
A lot of faff for a quick wee huh?
Don’t even mention the word: Glitter
Before I get cancelled for “hating fun,” just hear me out: it gets bloody everywhere, your eyes, your sarnies and all kinds of other crevices… and that’s before we get onto the fact that they’re little pieces of death for the sea turtles…
For more hints and tips on how to keep dry and #sweg on site, catch Nicky D on site at Boiler Room and RecFest this year…
