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Scribe is a student-run publication based in the GTA that covers everything from social issues to culture and lifestyle. This spring, we tell stories from the mindset of a 20-something and the conversations shaping their world.
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The style of raves and music festivals in 2025 is set to embrace inclusivity, creativity and self expression. Rave fashion, once closely tied to the underground music scene, has evolved into a vibrant expression of individuality, transcending its roots in dance culture. This evolution mirrors shifts in both music and technology, with a future-driven aesthetic incorporating futuristic themes, holographic prints and digital elements.
How Rave Fashion has changed over time
Rave fashion has undergone significant transformations since the early 1990s, evolving alongside the music that defines the culture. In the early days of the rave scene, fashion was more functional, with iconic pieces like phat pants, visors and boiler suits dominating the dance floors. These pieces were not only comfortable for movement but also practical, with oversized pockets for carrying essentials.
As the years progressed, rave fashion shifted, influenced by the vibrant hip-hop culture of Los Angeles and the neon aesthetics of the cyberpunk era. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw rave fashion embrace bold colors, including striking UV and neon tones and more expressive accessories, such as furry items and kandi bracelets.
Nida Hanif Shaikh and Neha Rawat are fashion management students at Humber Polytechnic with an interest in styling and marketing. Their goal is to better understand the trends influencing the upcoming year. Their observations provide a clear picture of rave culture's future and how it will affect fashion.
If 2024 was the year of orange, 2025 is taking it a step further. “Brighter, more in-your-face colours will dominate,” says Shaikh. Neon oranges, yellows and rusty reds are making a comeback, while celestial yellow and future dusk a midnight blue shade, are predicted to be the year’s breakout colors.
Neon is becoming more and more popular outside of apparel. Aesthetic makeup, face painting and bold lip colors are also anticipated to be seen frequently. Rawat says, gender-neutral makeup trends and face painting are "evolving and breaking traditional norms," allowing people to express their uniqueness at raves.
When it comes to fabrics, texture is everything. Shaikh says she predicts a surge in mesh and silk, which she describes as “sensual and electric.”
Meanwhile, Rawat says, “Leopard prints, animal patterns and fringes are resurging, giving outfits an edge that’s both nostalgic and modern.” She says cotton is also holding its ground as a staple for those prioritizing comfort, ensuring that practicality meets aesthetics.
What's Trending in 2025 Rave Fashion
One of the most exciting trends is the rise of cyberpunk fashion. Shaikh says that “disco-inspired and futuristic designs” are becoming staples for ravers. This includes metallic silvers, LED- infused outfits and accessories that glow as the sun goes down.
“I’ve seen LED strips integrated into clothing, creating an interactive, futuristic look,” Shaikh says. “One woman wore a fairy-like dress that lit up as night fell, blending technology and style in a way I hadn’t imagined.”
Inclusivity is a hallmark of rave fashion, where anyone, regardless of age or gender, can embrace their unique style.
“It’s about freedom of expression,” Rawat says. “I’ve seen people in their 50s and 60s at raves, dressed to the nines in outfits they’ve meticulousy planned for months. It’s amazing how carefree they are.”
Both Rawat and Shaikh agree that rave fashion transcends societal norms, allowing for outfits that might not traditionally align with Western or cultural norms. This sentiment aligns with insights shared by Henry Navarro, a fashion and art expert, who emphasizes the deeper roots of rave culture.
“Rave is definitely a space for people of diverse racial identities and also of diverse gender and sexual identities,” Navarro says.
“It becomes a space for people who don’t see themselves included elsewhere to have a space to be themselves.” HENRY NAVARRO
Social media and technology are fueling the evolution of rave trends.
“Pinterest and Instagram are go-to platforms for inspiration,” says Rawat. Influencers are playing a pivotal role, promoting everything from sustainable fashion to bold new designs. Technology also extends beyond digital platforms.
“AI is creating new fabric variants and designs,” Shaikh says.
Navarro echoes this, noting that the marketplace for rave fashion is often at the forefront of adopting new technologies.
“Many of what I'm seeing right now is the use of emerging technologies in terms of developing unexpected prints and the use of laser cutting,” Navarro says. “But now there is a lot more incorporation of LEDs and certain wearable elements.”
As the rave scene grew, fashion trends evolved with the community's changing tastes. Today, however, the scene is moving away from the brightly colored neon and toward more pastel, euphoric and earthy tones, along with edgier black outfits.
Modern rave fashion also embraces increasingly daring styles, with the introduction of plunge bras, samba bras and sheer tops. Micro-skirts and cut-out shorts are replacing the tutus once favored by festival-goers, reflecting the movement’s shift toward more revealing and customized outfits.
Despite these shifts, rave fashion remains rooted in the culture's foundational values of self- expression, creativity and the desire to escape from the mundane. Trends may change, but the core message of individuality and empowerment continues to be celebrated through every outfit.
What sets rave fashion apart is its ability to empower. “You’re not wearing business casual, you’re wearing something that tells a story,” Rawat says.
From bold winged eyeliner to textured fabrics, every element reflects one's personality. “It’s a reflection of who you are,” she says.
Shaikh emphasizes that rave fashion is about breaking free from reality. “It’s more carefree,” she says. “People don’t overthink their outfits, they focus on how they want to feel and express themselves.”
“I’m excited to see how fabrics evolve,” Rawat says. “More textured pieces and bold prints will dominate. People are going to experiment like never before.”
The inclusiveness, creativity and freedom of expression that are essential to rave culture will continue to influence the fashion industry. Whether you prefer bright colors, futuristic designs, or textured fabrics, 2025 is sure to be a year where uniqueness takes over.
