Definition of Terms

Fashion: A prevailing style of dress at a given time. It is constantly changing.

Style: A type of garment that has specific characteristics that makes it unique.

Fad: A style that is popular for a short period of time.

Vogue: What is in style at the moment; in fashion. We say it's in vogue.

Classic: A style that stays in fashion for a long time.

Reasons For Wearing Clothes

Protection: Clothes protect the body from direct exposure to sunshine, heat, cold and wind. E.g
Fireman wears clothes to protect from heat and smoke; lab assistants wear coats and aprons to
protect clothing from soiling.

Self-Expression: People wear clothing to express themselves and their personality. Trendy
and stylish image you want people to have of you. Disciplinary and psychological problems.

Decoration: Clothing improves physical appearance. Adoring the body. E.g., Wedding
ceremony

Ceremonies: Cultural heritage, e.g., Jamaica Day, Independence Day, Baby’s Christening,
Graduation

Status: Clothing may be worn to indicate rank or status. E.g., Lawyer, Police Officer, Judge,
Pilot, Nurses, Immigration Officer.

Group Identity: Clothing may be used to identify people from different groups. E.g., Immaculate
Students, Boy Scouts, Girl Guide, Nurses.

Guidelines For Selecting Clothes

Age: Choose colours that are suitable for your personality, complexion and body size.

Comfort: Choose clothes that fit comfortably.

Climate: Choose fabric and style features suited to the climate. E.g. Jamaica- cotton, linen,
cotton blends etc.

Occasion: Choose style and fabric suited to the occasion.

Figure Type: Purchase clothes that will compliment (suit) your figure type. E.g., Heavy- choose
V-neck, vertical lines and plain colour; Slender- Choose bold prints and plaids. Wear two-piece
(2) clothing.

Budget (Money Available): Buy clothes you can afford.

Cultural Influences on Fashion in Jamaica

African

Dashiki-This is a colorful and unique garment that covers the upper part of the body. It is often
paired with drawstring pants. Dashiki garments are worn in formal and informal occasions and
for a variety of ceremonies.

Other types of African clothing- Boubou (type of dashiki),Kente, Kaba and Yoruba

Chinese
The Hanfu- Hanfu is the traditional style of clothing worn by the Han Chinese.
Cheongsam (qipao)- The cheongsam, also known as the qipao, is a type of Chinese form-
fitting garment of Manchu origin. It is a high-necked, closely fitted and often short-sleeved dress
with the skirt portion slit partway up the side.

Indian

Indian Saree (sari)

The most traditional Indian garment, a saree (pronounced sah-ree), consists of three pieces:
- Petticoat skirt
- Cropped blouse
- Six-yard fabric
The saree itself is pleated, wrapped, and elegantly draped across your shoulder. With dozens of
different ways to style it, sarees can look different depending on their region of origin — or even
the type of function you’re attending.
Lengha choli
A lengha (pronounced leng-ah) is typically a 3-piece outfit composed of:

- Skirt (lengha)
- Cropped blouse (choli)
- Scarf (dupatta)

Spanish
Women’s clothing from the southern provinces of Spain was bright, bold and very
feminine. Vibrant colored dresses, or trajes de faraleas, with layers of ruffles are
characteristic of dresses and skirts in this region. Floral patterns and polka dots
were favorite patterns for Spanish women. Bodices were tight and sleeves
usually consisted of layers of ruffles.
The flamenco dress, also known as sevillana dress or gypsy dress, is also the
clothing that flamenco dancers wear is their performances and is one of the most
characteristic and colorful elements of this universal art.

Mantilla -- a long lace or silk veil that women wear over their heads and
shoulders. The mantilla is the Spanish equivalent of the veil worn by Moorish
women. The mantilla was made popular because women could not enter a
Catholic church without covering their heads.
Peineta -- a tortoise-shell comb used to hold the mantilla. Although popular in the
19th century, Spanish and Latin women still wear the peineta during special
occasions such as weddings and religious ceremonies.

Traje corto -- short jackets with high waistbands worn with a white shirt by males.
Many times the waistband is colored. Men often wear the traje corto with the
sombrero de alanche, a wide-brimmed hat.

European/British
Jackets and Coats

A men's green waxed jacket with brown corduroy collar.

English country jackets usually include waxed and quilted jackets. The traditional
style is dark olive green with a brown corduroy collar which is based on the
original colour palette used when they were first produced, which also included
navy as opposed to dark olive green. A gilet is also a popular style of country
jacket. Tweed jackets and coats are also worn to protect against weather due to
the durability of the material. Fleece jackets and gilets have also become part of
country attire in Britain.

Tweed suits and sport coats

Tweed uses natural colours to blend into the natural environment.
Tweed suits, normally consisting of a jacket, waistcoat and trousers (or skirt)
have been an icon of the English country since the 1840s. Today tweed suits
remain popular, with some choosing the style for business as well as pleasure.
However, people very rarely wear the full three piece when outdoors, usually only
at events; the suit is traditionally worn with a Tattersall or Gingham shirt and
optionally a tie or neck scarf for women. Some also choose to wear a knitwear
sweater or jumper for warmth and to remain casual.
Japanese

The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. Kimonos, which are generally made
of silk, have large sleeves and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the
heels. They are tied with a wide belt called an obi.