Traditional Jamaican Clothing Styles are Part of Our Heritage

Quadrille Dress

The quadrille dress is a Jamaican folk costume, worn by women during celebrations, specifically when they perform the so-called quadrille dance. Interestingly enough, Jamaica’s not the only Caribbean country where women wear quadrille dress. This type of women’s clothing has also been observed in Haiti, where it’s called karabela, in St. Lucia, where it’s called a Kwadril dress, and in Dominica.

The quadrille dress or bandana skirt, as Jamaicans like to call it, is made out of white and red cotton plaid. Another version of the bandana skirt incorporates white and maroon plaid.

Bush Jacket

Also called a guayabera or a Yucatan Shirt, this type of summer outfit is not a Jamaican folk costume, nevertheless found its way into the people’s wardrobes. The bush jacket can be described as light summer shits, typically worn outside of the pants, with two rows of vertical lines running along the front and the back of the shirt.

Guayaberas can be made from cotton, silk or linen, and can be either long or short-sleeved. Men typically wear this type of summer shirt too formal events, like weddings or during office hours.

Kariba suit

One of the best choices in men’s formal attire is the so-called Kariba suit, a two-piece suit adapted for Jamaica’s tropical climate. History reveals that the design has been introduced in the early 70s by fashion designers who grew weary of having had to follow the European standards in style suits.

Few know this, but the short-sleeved version of the Kariba suit was popularised by the People’s National Party’s leader, Michael Manly. Interestingly enough, in 1972, Manly declared during a Parliament session that Kariba suit is the perfect alternative to the more conservative European black suit and went on meeting Queen Elizabeth II in one.

For Babies & Toddlers

Now that we’ve talked about traditional clothing for men and women have a look at these Jamaican styled baby onesies for your little one or some Jamaican flag coloured outfits for your toddler.