Many anarchists, especially those on the internet, are concerned about what to wear for the N9 anarchist bloc. Most internet anarchists see protests as a fashion challenge and can spend days debating what they should or shoudn’t wear before deciding not to go to a demonstration anyway. To make things easier N9 have drawn up a catwalk list of essential items all anarchists, indeed all protesters, should consider when preparing for a demonstration.

Hat

Woolly hats are ideal old skool headgear to keep in your body warmth but a baseball cap is more useful for preventing photographic intrusion and preserving a degree of personal privacy. Preferably one without distinctive logo. Wear low for that extra fashionista look.

Scarf

With the winter cold of November a scarf is essential clothing on a demonstration to keep yourself warm, especially wrapped around the mouth and nose area. Remember it is NOT unlawful to cover your face during a demonstration [it is unlawful to refuse to remove facial coverings when asked by police but only when a Section 60 order is in place - see our N9 legal page]. Plus the more active you are the more you need to keep your face warm.

Big Jacket

Practicality dictates a good, strong jacket with plenty of pockets and a big hood is essential demonstration-wear at any time of year. Padded if possible for that extra little bit of security and protection. Preferably something nondescript and generic without any obvious standout features. Colour of course is at the discretion of the fashion-conscious anarchist.

Hooded top (street name: hoody)

Layer, layers, layers. The classic hooded top will never go out of fashion and it has definitely earned its place as part of the arsenal of essential garments in the radicals wardrobe. Not only good for keeping you warm,  but also good for making a positive id from unwanted sources more difficult. One with a draw string hood is ideal protester-wear for keeping out the cold and camera lenses.

Sturdy boots

Comfortable yet strong. Should be able to withstand being accidentally stamped on by the forces of law and order as they go about their business but good for running in if you find yourself needing to move quickly. Keeping mobile is the healthy option – good for the blood circulation and raises the body temperature.

Gloves

Necessary to keep your hands from going numb (especially when holding flag and banner poles etc). Good for gripping otherwise slippery or difficult objects and a little extra padding if one of Tomlinson’s killers decides to pull you out of the crowd. But perhaps most useful, gloves don’t leave smudgy finger marks behind.

Bustcard

No-one ever thinks they are going to get arrested on a demonstration, and regardless of what you have or haven’t been doing, it’s good practice to have a bustcard with you at all times just in case. This is there to help you during the arrest and detention process and contains invaluable basic information about your rights.
More legal information and advice about demonstrations:
♦ Legal Defence and Monitoring Group
♦ Green and Black Cross

See the rest of the list here: http://n9anarchistbloc.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/protest-chic-a-guide-on-what-to-wear-and-bring-on-a-demonstration/