Your ticket are in the pocket. Then comes the question that matters next: what are you going to wear? Every hardcore event has its own unwritten rules. An acetate tracksuit that you appreciate in December at the AFAS Dome will have you sweating it out within an hour at E3 Beach in July. And if you walk into the Brabanthallen in March wearing a bomber jacket, you’ll spend the rest of the evening queuing at the cloakroom.

On this page, you’ll find what works and what doesn’t for each festival. Below that, you’ll find the basics that apply everywhere — useful if you’ve never been before, or if your event isn’t listed.

The calendar: which festivals are when

Dates as announced. Always check the festival’s official website before planning your trip.

Indoor or outdoor: that’s the most important question

If you take away just one thing from this page, let it be this. The difference between a good and a bad festival day rarely comes down to which brand you’re wearing, but almost always to whether you’ve dressed for the conditions.

Indoor: warmer than you think

In a sold-out venue with ten thousand people, the temperature rises quickly. You’ll be there for six to eight hours, dancing, with nowhere to get any fresh air. The classic mistake is dressing for the cold outside instead of the heat inside.

That’s why you should work with layers. Under your jacket, wear something you can comfortably spend the whole evening in: a T-shirt or a lightweight tracksuit jacket. As soon as you’re inside, your jacket goes to the cloakroom. If you prefer to wear a tracksuit, choose one made from a lighter material, or unzip the jacket without looking out of place.

Also think about the journey home. Stepping outside at four in the morning, sweaty and into the December cold, is no fun. A bomber jacket or winter coat in the cloakroom isn’t a luxury.

Outdoor: the weather determines everything

At an outdoor event, you have to deal with much more: sun, rain, wind, mud and temperature differences of sometimes fifteen degrees between midday and night.

In summer, a combination of a T-shirt and shorts works better than a full tracksuit — unless you’re staying into the evening, because then you’ll still want those long trousers. That’s why many visitors bring a lightweight tracksuit jacket that can be worn around their waist during the day and put on in the evening.

And then there’s the colour. Light-coloured trousers don’t survive a festival day on the grounds after a rain shower. If you’re going to an outdoor event where rain is in the air, choose dark colours.

The basics of a gabber outfit

Regardless of the event, the outfit consists of the same components. Here’s how to choose them.

The tracksuit

The most recognisable part, and for many people the heart of the outfit. A tracksuit from Australian or 100% Hardcore is an investment that will last for years, provided you choose the right size. One thing to keep in mind: Australian runs smaller than you may be used to. Not sure which size to choose? Read our guide first on which Australian tracksuit is right for you.

Shirt and trousers separately

Not everyone wants to wear a full tracksuit, and on warm days it’s simply not practical. A T-shirt with tracksuit trousers is just as much a part of the scene — and gives you more room to mix and match. Football shirts are particularly popular at outdoor events.

The shoes

This is where most of the damage happens. You’ll be standing and dancing all day; this is not the time to break in a brand-new pair of Air Max. Wear shoes your feet are already used to, or buy them well in advance so you can wear them a few times beforehand.

Going outdoors and rain is forecast? Expect your shoes to take a beating. Some people deliberately keep an old pair aside for this.

The accessories

A bum bag is more practical at a festival than any other type of bag: your hands stay free and your belongings stay with you. A cap, good socks and — at outdoor events — a flag complete the look. That flag isn’t just for show, by the way: it’s the easiest way to find your friends again in a crowd.

Seven things you can save yourself from

• New shoes on the day itself. Blisters after two hours, and you’ve still got six more to go.
• Dressing too warmly for an indoor event. It’s warm inside. Always.
• No jacket for the journey home. Going out into the winter cold while sweaty is the fastest way to get sick.
• Light colours on a muddy festival site. A shame to ruin a nice tracksuit.
• Everything in your trouser pockets. Jumping and full pockets don’t mix. Take a bum bag.
• Ordering at the last minute. If it doesn’t fit, you won’t have time to exchange it.
• Skipping the size chart. Especially with Australian — their tracksuits really do run smaller.

For the gabberinas

The basics are the same, but the fit isn’t. In our women’s collection, you’ll find tracksuits, shirts and trousers designed for a woman’s body, instead of a men’s size that you have to somehow make work.

The same rules apply otherwise: layers at indoor events, dark colours if it might get wet outdoors, and shoes you can comfortably stand in all day.

Frequently asked questions

> What should you wear to a hardcore festival?

A tracksuit from Australian or 100% Hardcore, or a T-shirt with tracksuit trousers, combined with sneakers such as Nike Air Max. At indoor events, dress lighter than you might expect because it gets warm inside the venue. At outdoor events, dress according to the weather and choose dark colours if rain is expected.

> Do I have to wear a tracksuit?

No. A shirt with tracksuit trousers is just as much a part of the scene, and is often more comfortable on warm days. There is no dress code — what matters is that you feel at home.

> What shoes do you wear to a gabber party?

Nike Air Max is the classic answer, with the BW, 90, 95 and TN being the best-known models. More important than the model is that you’ve already broken them in. A full day at a festival is not the time to try out new shoes.

> What should you bring to a festival with camping?

Plan on one complete outfit per day plus a spare, extra socks and underwear, a rain jacket or windbreaker, and shoes that can handle mud. There’s no washing machine, so dark clothing is more practical than light colours.

> How do I know which size I need?

You’ll find a size chart with every product. Pay attention with Australian: their tracksuits run smaller than you may be used to, so it’s better to measure yourself than to guess. Still not sure? Send us a message via WhatsApp — we’ll be happy to help.

> How quickly will my order be delivered?

If you order before 4:00 PM on working days, your package will be shipped the same day. Orders over €45 are shipped free of charge.

Still don’t have an outfit?

We’ve been an official dealer of many Hardcore brands such as Australian and 100% Hardcore since 2005, and we go to the same festivals as you do. If you can’t decide, send us a message — we’ll look together at what works best for the event you’re going to.

View the complete collection or go directly to the tracksuits.