If you’ve spent more than ten minutes researching Burning Man, you’ve probably discovered there is a packing list for absolutely everything. There are lists for socks, hats, goggles, chapstick, hydration, bicycles, and probably a list ranking the best lists. By now, new burners may be wondering if they also need a PhD in underpants.
Good news! They do not. This Burning Man Underwear Guide has one very important message: you almost certainly do not need special underwear for Burning Man. The underwear already sitting in your dresser has probably survived grocery shopping, road trips, awkward family holidays, and Monday mornings. It can survive the playa too.
That said, there are a few tricks worth knowing.
Your Existing Underwear Is Probably Fine
Burning Man has a funny way of convincing people they need to buy absolutely everything new. Resist the temptation. Save that money for things that genuinely matter, like good goggles, shade, hydration supplies, or a comfortable pair of boots. Those items will make a much bigger difference.
Of course, if you were already planning to replace some underwear, this is a great opportunity to choose something better suited to hot weather. Otherwise, pack what you already own and move on to one of the site’s more important guides, like Get Your Playa Prep On, First Aid Kit Guide, Hydration at Burning Man, Storage Bins, What To Wear, Generators, Packing Guide, Bikes, Meal Planning or the Ultimate Food Planning Guide, last-minute tent tips or Footwear & Foot Care.
Your wallet will thank you.
Going Commando? Welcome to the Desert
Atomic Octopus has absolutely no objections to going commando or even going completely naked. Burning Man is full of self expression, and everyone should enjoy it however they feel comfortable.
There is, however, one practical suggestion. Bring a couple of small towels. Not because anyone is judging your life choices. Quite the opposite. The playa contains a surprising number of very hot chairs, benches, art pieces, and random surfaces that spend all day absorbing Nevada sunshine. A small towel tucked into your hydration pack gives you something quick to sit on when the desert decides to remind everyone who’s in charge.
Also, if you’re wearing a kilt, skirt, tutu, or dress without underwear, prepare for playa dust to become… unusually well acquainted with your personal geography. Keep whatever supplies help you stay comfortable and feeling fresh.
Moisture Wicking Is Your Friend
If you decide to shop for new underwear, don’t worry about fancy marketing names. Instead, look for one simple phrase: Moisture wicking. Modern athletic fabrics pull sweat away from your skin, helping you stay cooler during long, hot days on the playa. Cotton works reasonably well, but newer performance fabrics often do even better. Trilo has also become a fan of bamboo viscose, which feels remarkably soft while staying cooler and drier in desert heat.
A Little Playa Magic
One piece of advice Trilo received before his first burn has stood the test of time. Playa dust doesn’t stick nearly as well to silk or satin.
It sounds suspiciously like wizardry, but many experienced burners swear by it. If you’re looking to add one or two specialty items to your collection, silk or satin underwear might be one of the few upgrades that actually earns its place in your duffel bag.
Underwear Guide: The Bottom Line
The best Burning Man Underwear Guide is refreshingly simple. Don’t panic. Don’t overthink it. Don’t let another packing list convince you that your perfectly respectable underwear has somehow become inadequate.
Pack what makes you comfortable. If you want to upgrade, choose moisture wicking fabrics or experiment with bamboo or silk. Then spend the rest of your preparation time reading guides that will have a much bigger impact on your week, like staying hydrated, caring for your feet, organizing your camp, and preparing your bike.
After all, nobody has ever returned from Burning Man saying, “The event was incredible… but I really wish I’d spent another $200 on underwear.”
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