One of the most magical parts of EDM festivals is the originality in fashion. On the dance floor, there are no rules, as we see everything from bodysuits, fuzzy legwarmers and impossibly tall platforms, to custom-made pieces, intricate perler necklaces and custom kandi bracelets, to comfort first–artist jerseys, baggie pants and a sleek pashmina.
Rave fashion is an interesting paradox. At its core, the goal is to be authentic to yourself and your own unique sense of style. All the same, as communities come together, certain styles spread from person to person, group to group, scene to scene, until certain clothing items, fabrics, accessories and aesthetics become dominant trends within the scene.
If you’ve been to any local raves or festivals in the past few months, chances are you are somewhat familiar with the most predominant style choices in the scene and equally likely you’ve seen unique takes on some of the most popular styles. Some of it is based on trends, some of it is based on personal taste and pretty much all of it can be seen at a festival like the upcoming System Overload, a dubstep festival. Here are some rave trends being carried into 2026 that you can expect to see ravers representing at the upcoming festival.
2016 festival trends
As you may have seen all across social media, 2026 is the new 2016, and expect to see some of that energy reflected in this year’s festival culture.
From the return of DIY festival bras to animal hats with built-in paws, the return of 2016 fashion trends symbolizes a desire to return to the golden age of the rave era, where dubstep was being brought to the forefront by early pioneers in the scene and festival floors had not yet been flooded with phone screens.
With many people criticizing how influencer culture has taken over the rave scene, 2026 demands a transition away from performative fashion. More and more, the ravers who go hardest are realizing they often end the night in a jersey, hat and sunglasses covering their elaborate fits, hair and makeup–so why not start the night there?
Build-your-own outfits
In 2026, buying new fits for each rave is out. Now, it’s all about taking a few base layers to the next level with bundles of accessories.
For a bit of warmth or cover, animal-themed and fuzzy hats are all the rage, as well as vibrant, colorful pashminas ranging in thickness and materials. Layering tops, tights, belts and other pieces are all ways to make endless combinations out of a few pieces and the perfect way to creatively show off pieces in your closet for System Overload.
Bry Whigham, who has been raving since 2019, considers herself alternative and uses raves as an opportunity to display her unique sense of style.
“[If] I see a piece of clothing that I feel like I can make something out of, I will buy [it],” she said. “I create mostly in my head, [but] sometimes I’ll do a vision board if I have a specific theme I’m going for.”
Go with the flow
Not only are raves becoming more mainstream, but so does the culture that accompanies it–making kandi, DIY-ing outfits, and, of course, flow arts.
From those ultra-fast spinning flowstars to hypnotic spinning poi balls to waving around various staffs and objects, more and more ravers are starting to express themselves through the performance art.
Some of the most popular flow trends on social media in 2025? Gloving, flow stars, poi with LED patterns and LED orbiters–glowing, patterned circles that can be spun on a string. As flow arts become more popular, more and more community meet-ups and groups are starting in the Valley, including Arizona Flow Artists, who started just last month and has already gained 400 followers.
“I think the community and movement attracts people,” Arizona Flow Artists organizer, who chose to remain anonymous, stated.
Functionally fabulous
It’s good to want to look your best at a festival, but with an event like System going until 2 a.m. and lasting nearly eight hours, you’ll want to make sure you feel just as good as you look.
While some people feel their best in micro-clothing, layers upon layers, or imposingly tall platform boots–and more power to you if you do–erring on the side of comfort is best if you don’t know what works for you yet. Comfy shoes, layers that are easy to throw on and off like a hoodie or pashmina, a set of ear buds or plugs to protect your hearing from the bass and a Camelback or backpack with a bottle holder for your water are all key things any raver needs to make the most of their night.
In the past year, ravers have been bringing functionality to a new level, investing in tools and tech to keep festival goers safe, keep everything together, and help them stay connected with your rave group. Things like the Clutch Loop which can help you hold onto your phone or the Totem necklace which works to direct you to your friends can help make events like System Overload more stress-free.
Sustainable-Forward Fashion
Just as buying new fits for each festival is going out of style, more and more ravers are starting to either make their own pieces.
One particular sustainable item that’s been in the limelight are crochet hats–colorful beanies, bucket hats and floppy tops with artist names and logos, kandi or other trinkets stitched into them.
“They’re expressive without being overcomplicated, and they let people show personality instantly, not to mention how cute they look!” Rhyse Kuechenmeister, a longtime raver and independent fashion designer, said.
Rhyse grew up crocheting pieces for ski races and listening to EDM music, attending her first rave in 2017. Those worlds would collide when she crocheted her first piece in 2023–a bikini top for Subtronics’ Antifractal tour which would lead to her developing her own business, LocalCryptid in November of last year.
“That piece felt like the turning point,” Rhyse said. “It showed me crochet could belong in the EDM space in a bold, playful way.
Whether you’re layering thrifted pieces, crocheting your own top, or throwing on your most broken-in boots, the best outfit is the one that lets you dance without thinking about it. Trends may circle back to 2016 and beyond, but at a festival like System Overload, the spirit stays the same: show up as yourself and let the music do the rest.
“The culture is rooted in self-expression, freedom, and creativity, so even when trends cycle through, there’s always space to break them, remix them, or ignore them entirely.” Rhyse said.