How to dress for a day at a beer garden

Beer gardens have become a popular choice for those seeking food and drinks in outdoor spaces. Unlike most other outdoor spaces that serve alcohol, these spots are surrounded by trees and other forms of greenery.

Some of the best beer gardens in Perth today include Hadiqa, a Moroccan-themed restaurant in a lush, green setting, and The Left Bank, which faces the Swan River for incredible views of the water and passing yachts. Due to their unique setting, decor, and sceneries, beer gardens also make for great event venues.

However, their outdoor setting also means guests should be prepared for the Australian heat. Recently, Western Australia has broken several weather records owing to a severe heatwave in the state’s south. The heat peaked before midday for many spots around metropolitan Perth, with a maximum of 42.6°C degrees Celcius, exceeding the forecast of 41°C.

As such, dressing appropriately for a day or night out at a beer garden is essential. Not only will this ensure comfort, but the right look can also provide much-needed protection from the sun. Below, we’ll be sharing some tips for dressing for a day at a beer garden:

Wearing breathable fabrics

First things first, you should prioritise breathable fabrics. While it can be tempting to dress up and look stylish for an outing at a beer garden, it’s important to ensure you’re still comfortable and aren’t drenched in sweat by the end of the day. Nowadays, there are many “temperature-regulating” materials for T-shirts and tops. Brands like Praire tend to use a blend of highly breathable fabrics such as Australian Merino wool and eucalyptus fibre to make breathable and moisture-wicking clothing.

Breathable fabrics are also lightweight and comfortable to wear without being too thin. Some moisture-wicking clothing also helps reduce sweating, even when the sun is at its peak.

Using sun-protective accessories

On top of appropriate clothing, you can also accessorise to benefit from style points as well as additional protection. Sun-protective accessories can help prevent sunburn and, for your eyes, retinal damage that can cause pain or discomfort. As such, sunglasses with polarised lenses like those from sports performance brand Oakley can help prevent serious eye conditions. The Sutro, for example, provides wide-lensed protection and comes in various colourways for style points to elevate your Instagram-worthy beer garden snaps.

Similarly, other sun-protective accessories can help protect the skin. On particularly hot afternoons, for example, broad-rimmed hats and even fedoras are effective for covering your head and neck from harmful UV rays.

Adjusting footwear

Finally, you should also consider adjusting your footwear. While it may be tempting to wear closed shoes or sneakers for comfort, it’s important to keep in mind that feet — at times, ankles — can swell in the heat, causing blisters. So, while some footwear may look great or complement your outfit perfectly, they may not be the best in terms of temperature and weather compatibility. Instead, consider opting for more breathable and lightweight alternatives than your go-to sneakers. Your feet will also thank you for giving them some air in mid-day heat.

Open shoes or sandals can still be fashionable! Raffia sandals, which have been trending recently, go well with white linen dresses or matching two-piece sets. Whether a beach-themed beer garden or a minimalist patio, you won’t have to compromise your look.

Ultimately, while having pints in your go-to beer garden can be a refreshing experience, it’s still important to pay attention to temperature-friendly clothing and accessories. Not only are they more comfortable, but they also help protect you from potentially harmful sun damage to your eyes, skin, or hair.