What to Wear in Jamaica?

Even if you don’t know exactly where the Caribbean Sea is, you’ve definitely heard of this famous sea, thanks to the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series! Mystery and thrills once became synonymous with this sea area. However, several centuries after the story happened, the Caribbean Sea is no longer plagued by banditry. On the contrary, you can find places to relax yourself on the plenty of islands in this sea. Jamaica is such a famous island country.

If you are a loyal fan of reggae music, then Jamaica is one of the best travel destinations for you! Tourism has now become one of the pillar industries in Jamaica, so the supporting facilities are complete and you can definitely enjoy high-quality services here! In addition, Jamaica's typical tropical style and scenery also attract the attention of tourists from all over the world! If you want to know what to wear when traveling to Jamaica in different seasons, as well as the local clothing culture, then this blog is for you!

A Guideline to Jamaica

Jamaica, located in the northwest of the Caribbean Sea, is the third largest island among the West Indies. The country has a low latitude and distinct tropical rainforest climate features. Therefore, the temperatures are high throughout the year, with no clear distinction between winter and summer, but there is a distinction between dry season and rainy season. So to residents of countries in higher latitudes, Jamaica might be more attractive, since the scenery, climate, food and clothing here are all very different from the environment you are familiar with.

Jamaica's natural scenery and cultural civilization are outstanding and worth visiting. Among them, the attractions that are most worthwhile mainly include:

Blue Mountains: The Blue Mountains in eastern Jamaica are the highest peaks on the island. You are sure to have heard of Blue Mountain coffee, even if you don't know why it has such a name. In fact, Blue Mountain coffee is made from coffee beans produced in the Blue Mountains, hence the name. In addition to the coffee beans, the Blue Mountains has also become well-known because of its fresh air and humid climate. If you love breathing fresh air and are interested in Blue Mountain coffee, Blue Mountain is a tourist attraction you cannot miss during your trip to Jamaica!

Negril Beach: Maybe you have been to many different beaches for vacation and have seen many golden beaches. But you may have never heard of white beaches. As one of the top ten most famous beaches in the world, Negril Beach attracts tourists from all over the world with its 7-mile long white coastline. In the evening, you can also enjoy the breathtaking Caribbean Sea sunset here. If you want to spend an unforgettable romantic vacation with your boyfriend, Negril Beach is definitely your first choice!

Columbus Park: This is the landing place when Columbus first discovered Jamaica, so it is very commemorative. In the park, you can see the statue of Columbus, as well as the remains of 18th-century cannons and artillery towers, which are irreplaceable for learning more about Jamaica's history and culture.

Jamaican Clothing Culture and Features

Jamaica's clothing culture is also very distinctive and has become a significant part of its unique and charming culture. When you come to Jamaica, you will find that the locals' clothing is very colorful and highly saturated. This is one of the very important features of Jamaican clothing. Among the many bright colors, red, gold and green are used most frequently, which is to some extent influenced by Rastafari movement. As for patterns, the ones commonly used on the local residents' clothing mainly include geometric and floral patterns, etc. These colors and patterns are often combined with each other to create a strong visual impact.

In addition, since it is located in the tropics and is hot all year round, the fabrics of local Jamaican clothing also have certain characteristics. Cotton and linen are both fabrics that local residents often use to make clothing, because they both have good moisture absorption and breathability. In addition, when making more ornate clothing for grand occasions, Jamaicans also use soft, smooth and cool fabrics such as silk. When it comes to style and fit, loose-fitting tops and pants take precedence, as tight clothing makes it difficult to stay cool and move around in hot weather.

Jamaica's handicraft technology is very advanced, which can be seen from the local clothing. Many Jamaican clothes have exquisite embroidery or are made through unique printing and dyeing techniques. If you want to buy some local clothing at Jamaica, clothing with exquisite hand-embroidery and special printing or dyeing techniques is definitely the first choice. In addition, you can also choose some hand-woven hats, baskets, etc. as accessories.

Another very distinctive feature of Jamaican clothing is the cross-cultural diversity. Whether they are the popular fashion elements from Africa, Europe or America, they can all be found in Jamaica. This is related to not only the population migration and trade exchanges in the history, but also the popular reggae culture in Jamaica. In the formation and development process of reggae music, American blues music also played a certain role, so reggae music is also a symbol of cultural integration. Reggae music lovers have a special liking for colorful and loose-fitting clothing with uniqueness. Therefore, you can also see many young women wearing loose sportswear, jeans, and dresses on the streets of Jamaica. This clothing style is largely influenced by the style of reggae music.

Outfit Ideas for Your Jamaica Trip in Rainy Seasons

Generally speaking, the peak travel season in Jamaica is from December to April of the following year, which is the local dry season. However, during the peak tourist season, various tourist attractions will be relatively crowded, and hotel prices will usually be higher, so some tourists prefer to travel in the off-season, that is the rainy season of Jamaica. So, if you want to travel to Jamaica during the off-season from May to November, what are some fashion tips and considerations for clothing?

A linen vest + a pair of linen wide leg pants

The rainy season brings frequent rainfall and muggy weather, so it is important to choose clothing that is as breathable as possible. Linen is an eco-friendly fabric that can keep you cool and comfortable on hot summer days. A linen vest increases skin exposure, while the loose fit of a pair of linen wide-leg pants makes it a good choice for ventilation and breathability. On the other hand, a pair of linen wide-leg pants will flow and sway with your steps, making you look more elegant and charming.

A tank top + a pair of denim shorts

A knitted slim-fitting vest can perfectly show your figure curves. On the other hand, a pair of denim shorts is also very practical. Even if it rains when you are out, a pair of denim shorts can dry quickly. To make your overall look more fashionable, you can choose a pair of flared or A-line denim shorts.

A printed T-shirt + a pair of cargo pants

Although a basic neutral-colored T-shirt is more versatile, since you are already in Jamaica, you might as well choose a brightly colored T-shirt with delicate embroidery and typical local patterns to make your look more in line with the environment. Together with a pair of overalls and your look will be even more reggae-inspired.

Necessary accessories:

🏖️An umbrella. There is no doubt that an umbrella is the most necessary thing. To cope with the sudden heavy rain, you need to take an umbrella with you no matter where you go definitely. But in addition to its practical function, an umbrella can also become a qualified accessory. Choose an umbrella with a color and pattern that matches your clothes, or just a simple colorless and transparent umbrella can also make your photos more atmospheric.

🏖️A pair of sandals. When traveling in Jamaica, a pair of sandals is the most appropriate choice as footwear. On the one hand, sandals are suitable for wading in water, and there is no need to worry about the shoes getting wet by rain and not drying for a long time. On the other hand, sandals are also suitable for walking on beaches and other terrains. For the sake of fashion, you can choose a pair of cross strap sandals.

Outfit Ideas for Your Jamaica Trip in Dry Seasons

The reason why December to April of the following year is the peak tourist season in Jamaica is not only because it is the dry season with little rain, which makes it convenient for travel, but also because February is reggae music month. Therefore, many reggae music lovers will come to Jamaica in February to participate in various reggae music-related activities. In the dry season, without the trouble of rain, your outfit options will become more diverse. Here are a few examples of outfits for your reference:

An ethnic style maxi dress + a wide-brim hat + a pair of sandals

This look is perfect for the beach vibe. You can choose a bright maxi skirt in Jamaican style, or a maxi skirt with other ethnic elements such as one in Bohemian style. Jamaica is tolerant of various ethnic and cultural imprints. Together with a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sandals, and your fashionable beach outfit is done! Of course, you can also choose a set of bikini, but you need to pay special attention to sun protection on the beach in the dry season!

A halter top + an A-line skirt

If you're sightseeing in the city, you can opt for something well-designed, like a halter top. If you want to cover fat around your hips and legs as possible, an A-line skirt is a good choice. Of course, in order to take more beautiful photos, you can also choose tops and skirts with more delicate details. For example, if you want to create a sweeter styled look, it is good to choose tops and skirts with elements such as ruffles, lace and mesh.

A hoodie with red/green/yellow prints + a pair of ripped jeans

If you are a reggae music lover who has come for Reggae Month, then of course your clothing should reflect the reggae style! Red, green and yellow are the representative colors of reggae culture, so you can choose a hoodie with prints in these three colors as a top and a pair of ripped jeans as a bottom to show your uniqueness!