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24 photos that show the 30-year evolution of Burning Man's wild fashion

24 photos that show the 30-year evolution of Burning Man's wild fashion

At the same time, there's no telling what outlandish costumes Burning Man attendees will wear on the playa this year.

24 photos that show the 30-year evolution of Burning Man's wild fashion

But there are fashion trends that many attendees follow: like unicorn horns, goggles, LED-lit spacesuits, and sparkling booty-shorts.

But there are fashion trends that many attendees follow: like unicorn horns, goggles, LED-lit spacesuits, and sparkling booty-shorts.

Since Burning Man’s modest start in 1986, its fashion has become wilder and more creative. The photo below shows a pair of attendees in 2015.

Since Burning Man’s modest start in 1986, its fashion has become wilder and more creative. The photo below shows a pair of attendees in 2015.

The early 2010s also marked the beginning of the unicorn horn trend at Burning Man.

The early 2010s also marked the beginning of the unicorn horn trend at Burning Man.

In 2012, the couple below wore faux fur hats, bandannas, and fringe jackets.

In 2012, the couple below wore faux fur hats, bandannas, and fringe jackets.

By 2012, Burning Man had skyrocketed to over 56,000 people.

By 2012, Burning Man had skyrocketed to over 56,000 people.

Goggles and bandannas worn on the face, to protect from sandstorms, also started showing up in more photos.

Goggles and bandannas worn on the face, to protect from sandstorms, also started showing up in more photos.

In the early 2010s, the festival's fashion started becoming more whimsical and circus-like.

In the early 2010s, the festival

Many women started wearing white dresses, which would turn light brown from sand exposure by the end of the event.

Many women started wearing white dresses, which would turn light brown from sand exposure by the end of the event.

Starting around 2000, glow-in-the-dark gear and costumes tricked out with lights became trendy.

Starting around 2000, glow-in-the-dark gear and costumes tricked out with lights became trendy.

People were not afraid to be creative with their costumes.

People were not afraid to be creative with their costumes.

... and so were mohawks.

... and so were mohawks.

The costumes started becoming more elaborate. Bodypaint was popular ...

The costumes started becoming more elaborate. Bodypaint was popular ...

In the late 1990s, festivalgoers began incorporating more props into their ensembles, and were not afraid to show skin. Many also just chose to come nude or only wear bodypaint.

In the late 1990s, festivalgoers began incorporating more props into their ensembles, and were not afraid to show skin. Many also just chose to come nude or only wear bodypaint.

In the 1997 photo below, the man with a pink trench coat and saxophone was literally connected to his art car.

In the 1997 photo below, the man with a pink trench coat and saxophone was literally connected to his art car.

Performers dressed in whimsical, DIY dresses, which often featured large, fluttering sleeves.

Performers dressed in whimsical, DIY dresses, which often featured large, fluttering sleeves.

Drag was a trend at Burning Man in the 1990s. The group pictured below is from the San Francisco-based organization "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," which uses drag and religious symbols to raise money and awareness for LGBT causes.

Drag was a trend at Burning Man in the 1990s. The group pictured below is from the San Francisco-based organization "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," which uses drag and religious symbols to raise money and awareness for LGBT causes.

In 1995, an attendee that went by "Nambla the Clown" adorned their face with gemstones.

In 1995, an attendee that went by "Nambla the Clown" adorned their face with gemstones.

Starting in the early 1990s, many festival attendees also dressed in costumes that challenged gender expectations.

Starting in the early 1990s, many festival attendees also dressed in costumes that challenged gender expectations.

Bands performed in alternative garb and facepaint, too.

Bands performed in alternative garb and facepaint, too.

In August 1993, a man dressed up as Santa Claus in 100-degree temperatures for Burning Man, which had by that time moved to Nevada's Black Rock Desert. Around this time, attendees and their costumes started becoming part of art displays.

In August 1993, a man dressed up as Santa Claus in 100-degree temperatures for Burning Man, which had by that time moved to Nevada

But others still chose to sport casual wear, as seen in this 1991 photo:

But others still chose to sport casual wear, as seen in this 1991 photo:

By 1990, when Burning Man had grown to around 350 attendees, people began experimenting with punk-inspired costumes.

By 1990, when Burning Man had grown to around 350 attendees, people began experimenting with punk-inspired costumes.

Burning Man started in 1986, when a group of 35 people set a "man" made of scrap lumber ablaze on a San Francisco beach. They wore casual jeans, overalls, and t-shirts.

Burning Man started in 1986, when a group of 35 people set a "man" made of scrap lumber ablaze on a San Francisco beach. They wore casual jeans, overalls, and t-shirts.

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