Trinidad Carnival is not one outfit situation. It is a week of different events, each with its own dress code, vibe and practical requirements. Get it wrong and you will be uncomfortable, overdressed for J'ouvert or underprepared for the heat. Get it right and you will look the part at every single event.
Here is exactly what to wear at every stage.
J'ouvert Morning
J'ouvert happens before sunrise — usually 3am to 9am. Paint, mud, chocolate and oil get thrown on everything. This is not the place for your good trainers.
What to wear:
- Old clothes you genuinely do not mind throwing away afterwards
- Dark colours (black or navy) so paint shows less before it goes everywhere anyway
- Old flip flops or cheap trainers — not your good ones
- Bring plastic bags to wrap your phone and valuables
What NOT to wear:
- White (it will be destroyed immediately)
- Anything expensive
- Open-toed sandals if you are going deep into the crowd
Top tip: buy a cheap white t-shirt from a market stall on the night and let the paint artists have their way with it. You will get incredible photos.
Road March Monday and Tuesday (Mas)
This is the main event. You play mas in your costume, following a truck with a sound system from morning through to evening. This is what most people picture when they think of Trinidad Carnival.
Your costume: Your mas band (Tribe, YUMA, Bliss, Harts etc) provides your official costume — a decorated bikini-style costume with headpiece, arm bands and leg pieces for women, or a pair of shorts and accessories for men. You collect this before the event.
What to add:
- Fishnet stockings — bring two pairs, one always runs
- Silicone nipple covers under your costume top
- Skin-toned seamless thong (no visible lines)
- Body chain or jewellery to accessorise
- Caribbean flag arm sleeves for sun protection
- Flag headband or bandana
Footwear: Comfortable trainers are essential. You will be on your feet and walking miles. Pretty does not beat practical here. Many people wear Nike Air Max, New Balance or similar cushioned trainers.
Bag: A thigh bag or bum bag is essential — you need your hands free and your valuables secure all day.
Fetes and Parties
Fetes are the parties that happen throughout the week before and after mas. They range from beach parties to concert-style events at venue grounds.
The vibe: Smart casual to dressy casual. Think a nice co-ord set, bodycon dress, linen trousers, a nice top with jeans. You want to look good but be able to dance freely.
Beach fetes: Swimwear or a bikini top with shorts is acceptable. Bring a light cover-up for travelling to and from.
All-inclusive fetes: These are more dressed up — think going-out clothes. Some have dress codes. Check before you go.
What to Pack Overall
- 2–3 casual daytime outfits for exploring Port of Spain
- Comfortable sandals for day-to-day walking
- Sun cream — SPF 50+, reapply constantly
- Portable charger — your phone battery will not survive the day otherwise
- Hydration sachets or electrolytes
- Small umbrella or packable rain jacket (it can shower suddenly)
Use the TriniTravels interactive packing list to tick everything off before you travel — it is broken down by event and carnival destination.
One Final Note
Comfort beats style every time at carnival. The people having the best time are not the ones in the most elaborate outfits — they are the ones whose feet do not hurt at 3pm. Plan your looks, look amazing, but never sacrifice comfort for appearance.