HARD Summer 2025: Loop Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to What to Wear, Where to Stay & What to Bring

  • By: Marina Monroe

Everything you need to slay the biggest weekend in LA

Los Angeles, are you ready? HARD Summer storms back into Hollywood Park on August 2–3, 2025, with a powerhouse lineup led by Dom Dolla, Feid, Four Tet, Gesaffelstein, Busta Rhymes and Kaytranada. From warehouse techno to reggaetón to cutting-edge club sounds, this year’s fest is a genre-melting playground – and Loop Magazine is here to help you prep like a pro.

It’s not just about who’s playing – it’s about how you show up. From fashion inspo and packing tips to the best places to crash between festival days, here’s your full HARD Summer survival guide because you know the assignment: go HARD or go home.

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Photo Courtesy of HARD Summer // Credit: Gina Joy

What to Wear: Looks That Serve and Survive

Let’s be real: HARD Summer is just as much about the fit check as it is the setlist. Whether you’re dancing ‘til sunrise, posing during golden hour, or just trying not to sweat through your look before 4PM, you need a wardrobe that goes hard and holds up.

Here’s how to serve properly – for the girls, the guys, and everyone in between:

FOR THE GIRLS: Bold, breathable, mainstage energy

  • Mesh everything – Tops, skirts, sleeves, bodysuits. Peak rave uniform.
  • Cutouts & strappy fits – Skin is in but keep it intentional.
  • Chainmail minis, rhinestone bras, or sheer dresses – Go ahead, blind the crowd.
  • Sporty sets – Think biker shorts + crop combos with major Y2K energy.
  • Oversized sunglasses, tinted lenses, body glitter, or face gems – Accessory chaos encouraged.
  • Footwear – Platform boots, chunky sneakers, or cushioned sandals (dance-tested only!).

Loop Mag approved places to shop:
iHeartRaves, Dolls Kill, Revolve & FWRD (Loop tip: promo code TULIP = 10% off), Jaded London, Poster Girl, UNIF, SSENSE

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FOR THE GUYS: Rave-ready meets laid-back cool

  • Statement tanks – Let your shoulders breathe. Let the tattoos shine.
  • Baggy cargo shorts or nylon utility pants – Because backpacks are a vibe killer and pockets never ghost.
  • Open button-down, sheer jerseys, satin anything – Bonus for airflow.
  • Vintage tees, oversized denim, or thrifted throwbacks – A little grunge, a little nostalgic, always cool.
  • Bucket hats, crossbody bags, bold socks – Accessories that add personality.
  • Footwear – You want thick soles, cushioned insoles, and zero break-in needed. Trust.

Loop Mag approved places to shop:
Rave Wonderland, ASOS, Nike x Stüssy, Crossroads/thrift shops, SSENSE, The RealReal (designer flex optional)

UNISEX & FLUID FIT VIBES

  • Standout accessories like layered chains, bold sunglasses, or a vintage cap – Build a whole look around one strong piece and suddenly you’re the moment.
  • Oversized jerseys, mesh layers, or deconstructed pieces – Style it up, dress it down, mix and match across the board.
  • Face gems, body paint, wild prints, faux fur – No rules, just energy.
  • Functional fashion – Think hydration packs that double as a look, LED accessories, and matching sets that move with you.

Loop Mag Stylist Tip: If it feels good and makes you want to dance harder, it’s the right fit. Fashion has no binary at HARD – just energy, intention, and owning your lane. So, pick the look that makes you feel like you – even if it’s an LED bikini top and parachute pants or a vintage tee and tinted shades. Your vibe is the statement.

Photo Courtesy of HARD Summer // Credit: Matt Winklemeyer

Where to Stay: Sleep, Recharge, Repeat

The key to surviving a two-day festival? Don’t sleep on your sleep.

Close to the action:

For the luxury lovers:

  • Proper Hotel DTLA – Chic, central, and rooftop-ready.
  • The West Hollywood EDITION – Spa robe meets nightlife energy.
  • Petit Ermitage (West Hollywood) – Loop Mag insider tip: Just off the Sunset Strip, this discreet, boho-luxe boutique hotel is like a whispered secret between the cool kids. Guests get access to the members-only rooftop: a lush, candlelit hideaway with fire pits, velvet daybeds, and an electric late-night scene. You might brush shoulders with an off-duty DJ or a low-key A-lister—though no one’s name-dropping. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard and never needs to.
Photo Courtesy of HARD Summer // Credit: Jamal Eid

What to Bring: Don’t Be That Person

Smart packing = less stress and more dancing.

Your HARD Summer checklist:

  • Empty hydration pack or reusable water bottle – You’ll need it, trust us.
  • Portable charger – Because your phone won’t survive on vibes alone. 
  • Clear bag or belt bag – Clear is the rule, but cute is the goal. Bring a bag that shows off your essentials and your style.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses & SPF lip balm – Musts for that all-day sun.
  • Portable fan or face mist – A mid-day lifesaver.
  • Earplugs – Especially if you’re front row for Gesaffelstein.
  • ID + card/cash – For food trucks, merch, and the essentials.

Optional but clutch: gum, face wipes, mini deodorant, and glitter. 

Who We’re Losing Our Minds Over at HARD

We could talk about this lineup forever (and honestly, we have), but here’s a short list of some artists that Loop Magazine is seriously counting down the seconds for. These are the sets we’ll be talking about all weekend – and probably all year.

  • Gesaffelstein – Dark. Intense. Cinematic. If your soul doesn’t briefly leave your body, you weren’t paying attention.
  • Busta Rhymes – Pure mayhem, pure icon. Expect rapid-fire lyrics, massive energy, and the most fun you can have yelling every word with a thousand strangers.
  • James Hype – The king of transitions. House music with zero warning and endless energy.
  • Crankdat – Loud, unruly, and gloriously over-the-top. Prepare for a serotonin spike and possible whiplash.
  • Habstrakt – Bass heavy and beautifully unhinged. He throws you into a blender- and it slaps. Prepare to sweat through your outfit and thank him for it.
  • Four Tet – We’ve been waiting for this one since we were at the surprise Coachella set with Fred Again… and Skrillex that broke the internet and emotionally damaged half the crowd (in a good way). He’s about to take LA on a full sonic journey. Bring tissues. And electrolytes.

These are just a few sets we’re especially hyped for – but best believe Loop Magazine will be everywhere. We’ll be capturing the sound, the style, and the standout moments that make HARD Summer 2025 the most electric weekend of the year.

Final Vibe Check: HARDer Than Ever

HARD Summer 2025 isn’t just a music festival – it’s LA’s biggest weekend of sound, style, and pure sweaty joy. With its massive new home at Hollywood Park and a genre-defying lineup, it’s built for you to go all in.

Loop Magazine will be there to catch the scene, soak in the music, and celebrate the wildest weekend of the summer. Whether you’re channeling rave royalty or minimalist techno vibes, show up big.

Prep the fits, lock your plans, and get ready to dance HARD.

See you under the lights.

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