Counter Culture / June 16, 2022

So Dryrobes at festivals are a thing now, apparently

Image: Dryrobe
Counter Culture / June 16, 2022

So Dryrobes at festivals are a thing now, apparently

Words: Ellen Kenny

Of course, at nearly two hundred euro for the classic Dryrobe, you would most likely end up buying a Dryrobe to attend your festival only to realise you have just wasted your money on a tent with sleeves.

We’ve all seen festival fashion growing and evolving to meet the the latest trends. The audience’s style choices truly define a festival’s aesthetic, from leather jackets punctured with safety pins at Glastonbury in the 1970s to influencers’ #OOTD at Coachella today.

The clothes maketh the festival. And now it looks Ireland is setting out to create its own distinct festival styles… with Dryrobes.

That’s right- the oversized outdoor garments are making their way from the boots of Range Rovers at Forty Foot to all your favourite summer festivals.

The gear gained a cult-like following during the height of lockdown when regular sea swimmers were invaded by first-timers who stuck out like affluent fishes out of water in oversized ponchos.

A minor rivalry emerged at the time, with some labeling the Dryrobe “culture war” as a sign of a socio-economic divide. In Dublin’s popular swimming spot, the Forty Foot, unofficial signs emerged warning “Dryrobe wankers” to stay away from the area.

No such signs at Beyond The Pale. Despite very mild weather, many attendees looked ready for the second coming of Noah’s Ark in their giant waterproof robes. From our own observations, dozens of people geared up were mistaken for tents on the field last week.

So after taking over your beaches, Dryrobes are now taking over your festivals. At €185 for a branded Dryrobe, we suspect many may stick with their trusty and crusty raincoats and fleeces at Body and Soul this weekend.

Image: Dryrobe

Or maybe those donning the Robe are the true pioneers of the Irish festival scene? When it comes to weather, Ireland is no Coachella. Looking at the upcoming weather this Body and Soul weekend, perhaps these Dryrobe diehards are the only ones truly preparing for the slush-fest to come.

And the size of some of these Dryrobes really are something you could sleep and live in. Maybe after the festival season, you can repurpose your Dryrobe on Daft.ie as a studio apartment in Dublin 8 for €1700 a month.

Of course, at nearly two hundred euro for the classic Dryrobe, you would most likely end up buying a Dryrobe to attend your festival only to realise you have just wasted your money on a tent with sleeves.

If you still want to test out the newest festival trends, maybe try it on your dog first- they’re only fifty euro!

Image: Dryrobe

Elsewhere on District: Avril Stanley on the evolution, rebirth and future of Body & Soul