Exploring Dickies’ Deep Roots in Music

To find out where our roots in modern music began you need to head back to 1980s Southern California. It's there we were lifted from our workwear home by the Latino American and Hispanic hip hop scene, largely thanks to 90's hip hop fashion and, of course music, icons like Tupac and Beastie Boys. They helped to take Dickies to a new audience, and it's something that current day heavyweights like Kayne West and A$AP Rocky continue to do.

From there, we didn’t look back. And it didn’t take long before pop-punk and skaters began to adopt our apparel. Towards the end of the 90’s, bands like Blink-182 and Sum 41 were as renowned for their oversized work shorts as they were their music. Ok, perhaps a bit of an exaggeration. But we went hand-in-hand. In a testament to the idea of longevity in product and relationship, Sum 41 will headline the Dickies sponsored stage at Slam Dunk 2022 in the UK.

It didn't stop at pop-punk, though. Chino Moreno of Deftones made the 874 work pants a staple in the alternative metal scene. We’ve stayed firmly in the scene, sponsoring events like Denmark’s illustrious Copenhell festival, which has boasted headliners like Tool, Slipknot and Scorpion.

But if hip-hop, pop-punk and metal’s big guns don’t mean anything to you, we can add the likes of Madonna, Justin Beber and Jaden Smith to the list. But enough of the name drops.

From bands breaking out of their local scene and traveling the length of the country in a splitter van to the world’s biggest festival acts and their road and stage crews, Dickies are right there helping to curate festival style with durable and affordable apparel that looks awesome.

What to wear for a festival 

There are no guidelines or rules. We aren’t the gatekeepers, so you’re not going to find a ‘Hip Hop or Pop Punk starter kit’ here. But for some festival outfit ideas, we can shout out products that have been much-loved festival fits over the years. 

We have to start with the 874 pant. If you could only buy one piece, you need to consider the 874. It’s a classic that spans genres and subcultures and has emerged as a street style must-have. It's always recommended that you size up on the 874, but one size may not be enough depending on your style. It’s been known, especially in the hip hop scene, to jump a few sizes to get that super baggy fit. In terms of other favorites, shorts are always out in force at warm-weather festivals, with the Slim Flex Work Short being the standout option. Just like the 874, you can either keep the default slim fit or make them your own and size up for an oversized finish. The color options on these are great as well and ensure you can pair them with anything. Like the shorts, the Short Sleeve Work Shirt is a really versatile piece. It’s an icon, designed for comfort and manufactured from consciously-sourced recycled fibers. So, a bit of peace of mind to go with the exceptional comfort.  

We might be able to control how your clothes behave, but we can’t say the same about the weather, which is why sometimes, you just need to bring out the sleeves. 

A loved piece in hip hop style is the checked button-down look, which our New Sacramento Shirt does to perfection. It’s timeless, well priced and available in great color options. 

If you want to keep to the long sleeves but are looking for a jacket option check out the Duck Canvas Chore Jacket. With it, you get two quintessential Dickies hits in one; our famous hardwearing Duck Canvas fabric and the workwear stylings of the Chore Jacket. It will take anything you chuck at it and has enough pockets to store all your festival bits. These are available in women’s and men’s options too. 

Coveralls, dungarees and bibs, from Dickies’ classic Duck Canvas Bib to the Pacific Coveralls, there’s not much that needs to be said. Great for layering, and with a front chest pocket to drop your essentials into. 

How to nail your festival outfit 

Now you’ve made your picks; it's time to nail your festival look. If you went for the work shorts, why not get yourself a pair of our Lutak socks, these knee-high socks, pulled up and paired with a pair of Vans, finish off a faultless punk style. It’s a style that doesn’t date. Blink 182’s Travis Barker has been rocking this one for decades, and it’s as fresh as ever.  

Work shirts are ideal for adding an extra layer to but don’t be afraid to add in some color. Check out our ‘How to wear color’ blog if you want some pointers. We’ve got a huge selection of t-shirts that would bring the color with ease. Take your pick! 

Dungarees are fun ones to customize too; chuck a sweatshirt under them, drop a shoulder strap off one shoulder, grab a cross body bag and pull on some funk socks! There are endless ideas, and you can check out more in our what to wear with dungarees blog! 

Be prepared for the unpredictable weather. We’ve got outerwear picks that will work with your fit whilst keeping the wet and wind at bay.  

What to take to a festival

Right, you’re almost ready to hit the festival, it’s time to grab your festival essentials. From day tripper to mainstage headliner, make sure you’ve got everything you need: 

• Hat 
• sunglasses 
• Cross body bag 
• Reusable water bottle 
• Suncream 
• Tent 
• Sleeping Bag 
• Money  
• Phone  
• Ticket, don’t forget your ticket! 

Have you got all of that? You’re ready! We’ll see you at the bar.