How Do People Dress in the Caribbean?

In the modern age, clothing worn in the Caribbean is as diverse as the people who make their homes there. Warm, tropical weather and ethnic influences shape the Caribbean wardrobe.

The Caribbean is a region of the world that consists of the Caribbean sea and its surrounding islands. This area is south of the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida coast.

Early clothing borrowed heavily from French Creole styles. Island women wore brightly colored skirts and elaborately folded head wraps--both sexes were also seen in "madras," a type of plaid-like print in vibrant colors.

The Caribbean is very warm, so light fabrics such as linen and cotton are quite common. If long pants are worn, they are often crafted from these airy materials. Light colors are preferred, as very dark hues can be a magnet for heat from the sun.

Much like New York or Paris, the Caribbean region has its own fashion week, where designers show off their latest collections. Resh Couture, Jessica Ogden and Nefertari are just a few of the designers who sent funky, urban-chic designs down the runways. Caribbean Fashion Week will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2010 in Kingston, Jamaica.

Caribbean travelers are urged to pack lightly and sensibly, paying mind to activities and the weather. Some island nations are more conservative than others, so beachwear should not be worn in shops or businesses--save the swimsuits and sarongs for the beach.