works in progress

Dress:              Standard Deadhead dress is similar to something the average hippie’s style.  It could be described as sloppy and a little unconventional to some extent.  Comfort is the main objective in finding something to wear.  Most of a Deadhead’s wardrobe might consist of clothing made of cotton, corduroy, or even hemp.  While on the road, a Deadhead may wear the same clothing for several days at a time.  While not all Deadheads are unhygienic, some do this without showering.

            For the ladies, long, flowy skirts are typical, paired with a t-shirt or halter tops for warm summer days.  Cotton dresses are comfy at shows or on long roadtrips.  Pajama pants or old jeans are also characteristic of a lady Deadhead.  Hand sewn shoulder bags made of cotton or corduroy are common amongst this group, as well as hemp sandals or comfortable boots.  Some of the women’s Deadhead styles are influenced from Indian culture – sequined belts and cotton gauze Indian dresses are popular.

                        The men wear mostly t-shirts and patchy cargos, occasionally made out of corduroy.  Sandals are the preferred form of footwear.  Many Deadheads wear Baja hoodies, which are affectionately referred to as “drug rugs”.

                        Crocheted hats are worn by both sexes, as well as scarves and bandanas.  Hemp jewelry made with elaborate glass beads is very common.  Perhaps the most favored sort of clothing (regardless of its type) is tie-dye in the community.  Tie-dyed skull and rose t-shirts will be found in the majority at a gathering of Deadheads.

                        There are clothing stores that cater to the styles of this group and those like it.  Locally, the head shop Sunshine Daydream is well-known.  In the back, they sell pipes and bongs, but in the front of the store, tie-dyed t-shirts, pants, handbags, tapestries, sweatshirts come in all sorts of colors and varieties.  Grateful Dead merchandise is plentiful, and you can see Jerry Garcia’s face on shirts and many reprinted show posters.  Hemp and beads,   

           

GLOSSARY

far out (adj.) –

1.      a term used to describe something that’s good;   The light show at the gig had me zoning.  It was far out!

2.      …or a little strange;   Watch out for Tex.  He’s a nice guy, but ever since that bad trip he’s been a little far out.

gig (n.) –

1.      an event at which people gather to either gather to play music or to listen to it;   Are you going to the gig tonight?  I heard Phish is going to be there.

trip (n.) –

1.      an experience one has while using LSD;   I took three hits and had the most intense trip of my life!

trippy flippin’ (v.) –

1.      consuming psychedelic mushrooms and LSD at the same time;   I had already eaten my shrooms, but I couldn’t turn down free acid.  Trippy flippin’ is an intense journey.

family (n.) --

1.      a term of endearment referring to members of Deadhead community, used by members of the Deadhead community;   It feels good to be home here at Camp Zoe, surrounded by all of my family.

      dirty satchel (n.) –

1.      a small bag, usually padded, used to carry and conceal pipes or illegal substances;   I dropped my dirty satchel on concrete yesterday.  Good thing that it’s padded or my pipe would’ve shattered.