If there’s one thing we can say about the people of the islands, it’s that we know how to dress! The first thing that comes to mind is probably carnival costumes, so we’re not gonna talk about that. Instead, this month’s post will look at fashions in the Caribbean both old and new

Mesh Marina

Also known as string vests

These vests seem to be synonymous with Jamaican culture. Everyone wears them, regardless of age, gender or stature. They’re fashionable, simple and most importantly, functional – their aim is to ensure the wearer stays cool and dry, which is important on a tropical island

But did you know they aren’t actually native to Jamaica?

In a case of ‘who wore it best’, Jamaicans would absolutely win, but mesh marinas actually originated 5,000 miles away in Norway back in the 1930s by an army captain. An outdoor clothing brand then started to manufacture the vests for military personnel, the British and Americans started wearing them not long after. Mesh marina found its way to Jamaica in the 1950s and then became increasingly popular from the 70s onwards thanks to reggae and dancehall culture

Since then, the Jamaican mesh marina (yes, I’m claiming it as Jamaican) has shot to popularity. It can be seen everywhere, from Burberry catwalks to fast fashion brand to music videos (shoutout Ms Fenty). However, as always, it’s important to appreciate the cultural impact small big island has had on the world

Madras/Bandana/Calico

For those familiar with (West) African culture, you’ve likely heard of Kente, Ankara, Aso Ebi etc – the beautiful, traditional fabrics of Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone etc. There is a big misconception that the islands have no traditional clothes, other than batty riders and carnival costumes (side-eye!). Well I’m here to dispel that myth!

Different islands have different fabrics, Jamaica’s red and white Bandana is vastly different to the brightly coloured Madras of various francophone islands, and it’s Madras that we’ll be focusing on today.

The story of Madras

The name originates from it home in India, the city of Madras (later renamed Chennai by the Indian government). The lightweight cotton became popular and so the British of course decided to capitalise on that, they shipped it off the their various colonies. It is believed that the Tartan-like Madras we see throughout the Caribbean was influenced by the Scottish regiments stationed there – which makes perfect sense.

I don’t know how much you know about Scottish Clan culture, but each Clan has a different Tartan style/colour. Similarly, each island that wears Madras has adopted a different colour palette. Some islands such as St Lucia and The Antillean Islands have even named Madras as their national costume

Living here in the UK, these traditional fabrics aren’t the easiest thing to find. So, I want to give a little shoutout to Sakafet London who is working hard to keep Madras alive over here. She also made the skirt I’m wearing in the cover pic!

Clarks

I don’t care what anyone says, Clarks is a Jamaican brand.

Clarks the brand was founded back in 1825 in Somerset, England. They started off with a slipper and then worked their way up to the vast range we know and love today.

Clarks first entered the Jamaican market in the 1920s, and as with most things imported from England, they quickly became a status symbol. The shoes really started to blow up from the 1950s onwards, between Windrushers shipping them back home, people smuggling them into Jamaica via coffins (true story!) and reggae culture, Clarks became a staple in Jamaican culture.

Unsurprisingly, Clarks are still incredibly popular in Jamaica and her diaspora. So popular in fact, that Clarks finally started to acknowledge the impact Jamaica has had on their profit margins. In 2021 they released a collection dedicated to Jamaica, and have regularly featured Jamaican artists and celebrities in their campaigns

The Caribbean is full of fashionistas and we have been originators of fashion trends worldwide. We also have our own fashion week!

Until next time

Ri x