Traditional Mas Characters - Fancy Sailor Unisex T-Shirt

Traditional Mas Characters - Fancy Sailor

The Fancy Sailor was an off-shoot of the King Sailor. The fancy sailor costume consists of papier-mâché headpieces, decorated and painted to look like birds, animals or plants. The sailor outfit is decorated with ribbons, medals, braiding, swans down and other embellishments to match the headpieces.

One of the most known and beloved of the Traditional Carnival Characters, the Sailor Mas was introduced in the 1880s when British, French and American naval ships came to Trinidad. The costume, which is relatively lightweight and inexpensive when compared to other traditional Carnival costumes, typically consists of a beret with the name of the ship on the rim of the beret, a tight-fitting short sleeve bow-necked striped jersey, bell-bottomed Melton pants, and black or white shoes.

There are several dances to go along with the Sailor Mas portrayal, such as the Crab, Marrico, Pachanga, Rock de Boat, Skip Jack and the Camel Walk.

There are several variations on the Sailor Mas including:

• Free French Sailor
• King Sailor
• White Sailor
• Fancy Sailor
• Flour Bag Sailor (made out of flour bag with a sailor cap and tie)
• Redhead Sailor (with a hood with red hair on his head made out of rope and red dye)
• Head Mas Sailor (with a head mask representing the band’s concept)
• Fireman
• and the Sea Bees (with blue dungarees and blue chamber shirts with a white sailor cap).

There are also Fancy Sea Bees, which were popularised by the Dem Fortunates Steelband of Belmont.

References/Credit:
-National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago

This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Side-seamed

Size Guide

Traditional Mas Characters

Carnival is one of the most unifying events and creative extravaganzas. It is an expression of culture that encapsulates music, dance, colorful costumes, pageantry, and performance in a highly spirited festival of energy for many countries. The Traditional Mas Characters became overshadowed by more modern, 'bikini and bead' costumes throughout the years. Fortunately, many people still love to play classic characters (mas) on the streets during carnival, preserving traditions and heritage.

Collection conceptualized by Trini Jungle Juice and art Made in Paris by Trinbagonian artist Neishel.

TJJ x Neishel

Art Made in Paris by Trinbagonian artist Neishel.