1.The Bandana Costume
The Bandana Costume
The costume for women consists of a wide ankle length bandana skirt gathered at the waist. The skirt is designed in a “three sister” style with frills of white lace in between each tier. A crinoline is worn underneath to hold the skirt out, giving it extra bounce. A bandana waistband is worn to accentuate the waistline.
A white cotton peasant blouse with ruffled neckline and puffed sleeves, trimmed with bandana material and white lace, is worn with the skirt.
Accessories include a bandana head tie, knotted to form a bow at the back of the head.
Red low-heeled leather shoes and matching red earrings and beads adorn arms and neckline.
The costume for men include white cotton long sleeved shirt, bandana waistcoat, bandana cravat, black trousers, black leather shoes and Panama straw hat.
*The red and white plaid cotton bandana material represents the traditional folk costume for women in Jamaica and became the “National Costume” when the Queen of England visited Jamaica in 1953.
Our costume is an example of the Jamaican National Costume.
2. The Calico and Bandana Costume
Calico and Bandana costume
The costume for women consists of a wide angle length skirt gathered at the waist. Skirts are made from calico material, with a frill at the bottom made from the bandana material. A crinoline is worn underneath to hold the skirt out, giving it extra bounce. A bandana waistband is worn to accentuate the waistline.
A calico peasant blouse with puffed sleeves and ruffled neckline, trimmed with a bandana frill, is worn with the skirt.
Accessories include a bandana or calico head tie, knotted to form a bow at the back of the head. Red low-heeled leather shoes and matching red earrings and beads adorn arms and neckline.
The costume for men include red cotton long sleeved shirt, calico waistcoat trimmed with bandana, bandana cravat, black trousers, black leather shoes and Panama straw hat or black Bowler/Top hat.
*The calico material is also a traditional folk material and is sometimes combined with the bandana in the Jamaica National Costume.
3. The Black Green and Gold Costume
Black, Green and Gold costume
The costume for women consists of a mid-calf length, wide three sisters style skirt in black, green and yellow colours. Skirt are made from muslin material and held out by an attached crinoline. A matching black green and gold waistband is worn.
A white muslin peasant blouse with ruffled neckline, puffed sleeves and with a white muslin frill around the neckline and sleeves, is worn with the skirt.
Accessories include a black, green and gold head tie, knotted to form a bow on the right side of the head. Black leather shoes and matching black, green and yellow earrings and beads adorn arms and neckline.
The costume for men include white cotton long sleeved shirt, green waistcoat, yellow cravat, black trousers, black leather shoes and Panama straw hat.
*This costume represents the colours of the Jamaican flag. The Black is symbolic for hardship, resilience and creativity. The Green represents fertility of the land and Yellow/Gold represents the sunshine.
4. The Workshop/ Summer Costume
Workshop / Summer costume
The costume for women consists of a wide circular skirt in black, green, or yellow, extending just below the knee. Skirts are made from cotton material and decorated with contrasting yellow, black or green coloured ribbons.
A contrasting coloured T-shirt in black, yellow or green is worn with the skirt and a black, green and yellow waistband accentuates the waistline.
Accessories include a black, green and yellow head tie, knotted to form a bow at the side of the head. Black leather shoes and matching black, green and yellow earrings and beads adorn arms and neckline.
The costume for men include a cotton Polo neck T shirt in yellow or green, worn with a black, green and yellow waist sash, black trousers, and black shoes.
*This costume also represents the colours of the Jamaican flag, our country of origin.
5. The Ballroom Costume
Ballroom costume
The costume for women consists of a wide ankle length skirt, gathered at the waist. Skirts are made from muslin material, each representing the vibrant colours of the rainbow, i.e. red, orange, blue, green and purple. A matching long satin waistband is tied in a large bow hanging down at the back of the skirt.
A peasant style blouse, in a colour similar to each skirt, has a ruffled neckline, puffed sleeves and a satin frill around the neckline and sleeves.
Accessories include a tiara, diamante earrings, neck and hand jewellery, and white leather shoes. Women carry fans.
The costume for men include white cotton long sleeved shirt, black jacket, waistband and cravat of a similar colour to his female partner, black trousers, black leather shoes and a black Bowler/Top hat.
*This costume is symbolic of our ancestors’ love of vibrant colours and sparkling jewellery and exemplifies post emancipation Victorian dress style in Jamaica.
