A pair of tights, sneakers and socks, water bottle, a rag and whistle are recommended gears for the men who jump Carnival and add a headband or visor to the other necessities for comfort while moving to the soca beat during Carnival. "WHEN IT comes to Carnival I want to feel as cool and comfortable as possible, so I wear as next to nothing as I can."
This was the view of Sonyae Marshall who told The Gleaner she has never missed a year of the Carnival Road March.
This Sunday will be the zenith of the Carnival Week activities.
When that day dawns, with its promise of colour and excitement, socaphiles will be preparing to hit the road for an all-day of non-stop gyrating and marching.
Miss Marshall said her Carnival attire will not just be skimpy, because it was ideal for the bacchanal feel of Carnival, but because it is practical.
"What I usually wear is a short tights, tube top, ankle-length bobby socks and soft sneakers. Sometimes I wear my hat or use the kerchief that they give out and tie my head from the sun.
"I don't drive my car or travel with my keys. The money that I carry, I stuff in my tights," she said.
Mark Murphy, who is now a Christian and has given up Carnival activities, recommends "sweat clothing".
"People going to Carnival should dress as if they are going to the gym. They should wear either sweat shorts or top or tights and definitely sneakers. And they should not forget their igloo," he advised.
Patrice Browne told The Gleaner that her usual dress for Carnival was short shorts and a small blouse.
"But I have to buy shoes for Carnival, especially the Road March. Even if I wear sneakers, when I finish jumping and wining everything (shoes) mash up and are too dirty," she said.
George Foote, who said he has never missed a Road March and attends most of the Carnival events, told The Gleaner that for Carnival he wears "mostly shorts and muscle shirts."
"Although I travel with my water bottle to wet down myself when the heat gets too much, I usually dress light. T-shirt with cut off sleeves, shorts that don't past my knee and sneakers is the lick," he said.
Danielle Lee, a director of Jamaica Carnival, advised that "comfortable, cool clothing" should be the order of the day for Carnival.
"Especially for people following the parade, comfortable shoes, preferable sneakers, are a must. Shoes should not be tight and should have good cushioning. People should wear caps or visors, or anything to keep the sun off their heads. And they should not forget sunblock.
"I wouldn't suggest that anyone wears make-up on the road, but then it's up to them," she said.
Miss Lee warned Carnival participants against wearing valuable jewellery and to keep limited cash on their person.
Patrice Walters, of the sporting goods store, SportplayaZ, told The Gleaner that an Easter sale was now on that "would be ideal for Carnival participants".
"We have tights in different lengths, sports bras, tank tops, all forms of athletic footwear and socks. We also have head and wrist bands, peak caps, towels and waterbottles and draw-string tote bags to carry it all," she said.
