Dear Editor: Time to bury thongs; let Carnival costumes return to bikini and beads

“[…] The modern thong and beads era, while bold and unapologetic, often leans too far into the realm of impracticality. The disappearing thong, in particular, vanishes in part into crevices of unknown depth, leaving little to the imagination and often sacrificing comfort for shock value.

“The bikini, on the other hand, has long been a symbol of freedom and effortless confidence. With the added embellishment of beads—whether along the straps, adorning the edges, or woven into cover-ups—the ensemble maintains a flirty charm without becoming overwhelming…”

The following Letter to the Editor on Trinidad and Tobago Carnival costumes was submitted to Wired868 by Orson Rogers of Belmont, Port of Spain:

A masquerader for the Lost Tribe shows off her 2024 Carnival costume.
Photo: Lost Tribe.

Carnival fashion is a cycle, constantly reinventing itself while drawing from past inspirations. Amid the ever-evolving Carnival wear trends, it’s time to bring back the classic bikini and beads (something I never thought that I would utter)—a look that balanced playfulness with sophistication.

The modern thong and beads era, while bold and unapologetic, often leans too far into the realm of impracticality. The disappearing thong, in particular, vanishes in part into crevices of unknown depth, leaving little to the imagination and often sacrificing comfort for shock value.

The bikini, on the other hand, has long been a symbol of freedom and effortless confidence. With the added embellishment of beads—whether along the straps, adorning the edges, or woven into cover-ups—the ensemble maintains a flirty charm without becoming overwhelming.

A carnival masquerader shows off her thong.

Unlike the barely-there nature of thong swimwear, the bikini offers versatility. It flatters different body types which we need in Trinidad Carnival, while still allowing for self-expression.

Beyond aesthetics, comfort is key. The disappearing thong may make a statement, but practicality and ease should not be overlooked.

Constant adjustments and the inevitable discomfort make it a high-maintenance choice (how are bathroom trips managed on a hot Carnival Tuesday?).

A well-fitted bikini with beaded accents and accessories provides movement, style, and just the right amount of allure—without the perpetual concern of wardrobe malfunctions. And it allows me to maintain a degree of decorum in mixed company.

Hip hop star Nicki Minaj sports a bikini and beads-themed Carnival costume for her Pound The Alarm music video.

As fashion continues to evolve, perhaps it’s time to revisit styles that embraced both sensuality and wearability. Let’s bring back the bikini and beads—a timeless combination that exudes confidence while leaving a little to the imagination.

More from Wired868
PNM names ‘Penny’ as opposition leader; Rowley revokes posts of Imbert and Gadsby-Dolly

The People’s National Movement (PNM) has appointed Arima MP Pennelope Beckles as its opposition leader. Beckles, 64, was endorsed by Read more

Dear Editor: Much can be accomplished, once UNC doesn’t alienate any segment of T&T’s population!

Congratulations to the people of Trinidad and Tobago on a relatively peaceful and safe electoral process. Now that the ‘carnival Read more

MFO: Ghany Poll used “questionable methodology”; rigor and transparency needed in public opinion research

“[…] Knowing public opinion helps parties in the closing weeks of an election… Well-done opinion polls that are made public Read more

Dear Editor: Aren’t we fed up of political games? Don’t we want better than this?

“[…] Surely, we are supposed to be fed up and tired of the mess perpetrated on us by politicians who Read more

Demming: Sandals offer must be fair to all—why I split with TDC over MOU

“[…] The now-infamous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), exposed thanks to Afra Raymond’s successful legal challenge, showed a lopsided agreement. The Read more

Dear Editor: Appeal Court ruling on buggery drives home importance of constitutional reform

“[…] The [Appeal] Court ruled that, despite modern thinking and growing public support for human rights, parts of our Constitution Read more

Check Also

PNM names ‘Penny’ as opposition leader; Rowley revokes posts of Imbert and Gadsby-Dolly

The People’s National Movement (PNM) has appointed Arima MP Pennelope Beckles as its opposition leader. …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.