How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love DIY Pride Outfits (Without Going Broke)

By HOAR Team 4 July, 2025 5 mins read 82 Views

Look, I'll be honest with you.

Last year I dropped nearly £200 on a Pride outfit that I wore for exactly four hours before spilling rainbow cocktail all over it. My friend Sarah still brings it up whenever we talk about money disasters. "Remember when you bought that sequined disaster?" she'll say, laughing. Yeah, thanks Sarah.

But here's the thing - this year I'm doing it differently. London Pride is happening today, and I've figured out how to create show-stopping looks without emptying my bank account. After some trial and error (and one minor fabric paint incident that nearly ruined my kitchen table), I've got four solid ways to make Pride outfits that actually work.

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The Tie-Dye Revelation That Changed Everything

God, I feel stupid for not thinking of this sooner. Tie-dye is literally perfect for Pride - every piece comes out unique, just like all of us. Plus it's basically impossible to mess up. I mean, you can mess it up, but it still looks intentional somehow.

Start with a basic white t-shirt (I got mine from Primark for £3). But don't stop there - socks, trousers, even trainers work. My mate Dave tie-dyed his canvas shoes last month and they look incredible. The hobbycraft.co.uk website has tons of ideas if you need inspiration, though honestly, just wing it.

Pro tip: do this outside or your kitchen will look like a unicorn exploded. Trust me on this one.

Flag Fashion (Yes, Really)

This sounds ridiculous until you try it. You can grab a massive 9ft by 6ft rainbow flag from Tesco for £3.99 - cheaper than most tops, and way more versatile.

The cross-neck dress trick blew my mind when I first saw it. Wrap the flag horizontally around your body, pull the top ends together below your throat, cross them, and tie behind your neck. It's like a toga but make it gay. Takes about thirty seconds and looks like you spent hours planning it.

Different Pride movements have their own flags too, so you can get specific with your support.

When Your Inner Artist Gets Loose

Fabric paints and a white t-shirt. That's it. That's the whole thing.

Wash the shirt first (no fabric softener - learned that the hard way when my paint just slid right off). Iron it flat, stick some cardboard inside so the paint doesn't bleed through. Then just... go wild. Rainbow hearts, personal slogans, whatever community colors you want to celebrate.

I painted "Love Wins" on mine in rainbow letters and honestly? It looks better than half the stuff I've bought online. Sometimes the wonky, handmade look is exactly what you want.

Go Big or Go Home

This is where you get to be completely over the top. Body glitter, feathers, those battery-powered fairy lights that come in every color imaginable. Mesh fabrics, rainbow tights, iron-on patches shaped like hearts and rainbows.

The key is layering. Start with your base (tie-dyed shirt, painted top, flag dress) and then add everything else until you look like you could lead a parade. Which, honestly, you probably could at this point.

My editor bet me £20 that I couldn't make a Pride outfit for under £15 total. His response when I showed up to the office in my creation: "already updating my expense account."

Listen, Pride is about celebrating who you are and supporting your community. Your outfit should reflect that joy and authenticity - not drain your savings account. These DIY approaches let you create something personal and meaningful while keeping your wallet happy.

Now go make something fabulous. And maybe put down some newspaper first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of money?

Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.

What is the role of central banks in the economy?

Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.

What are the main functions of money?

The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.

What is the importance of financial literacy?

Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.

What is a budget deficit?

A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.

How can I start saving for retirement?

To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.

What are the different types of money?

The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.

Statistics

A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.

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How To

How To Understand and Use Credit Cards Wisely

Understanding credit cards involves knowing how they work, including interest rates, fees, and benefits. Choose a credit card that aligns with your spending habits, whether for rewards, cash back, or low interest. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score. Use your card for regular expenses to build credit but avoid overspending; stick to your budget. Regularly check your statements for errors and fraudulent charges. Finally, understand the terms of your card, including rewards expiration and annual fees, to maximize benefits while minimizing costs.

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