South Carolina Carnival 2022 Review
I tried to check out SC carnival last year, but I was a bit too tired…
I tried to check out SC carnival last year, but I was a bit too tired…
I was supposed to attend Atlanta-DeKalb Carnival this year. Due to an unexpected turn of events,…
When ordering your carnival costume, you choose a regular bra or a wire bra. Wire bras are popular, but used to be for individuals/queens. In other words, wire bras are currently mass-produced and won’t be custom made to you when you purchase your costume. As a result, a new masquerader is more likely to encounter complications with fit. You spend so much money on your costume, and it’s important to me that you have a good experience. Here are my tips for ordering your wire bra.
Your band and cup measurements dictate the size of a regular bra, and some wire bras. The band is measured just underneath the breast and serves as an important foundation of your bra. The cup is a reflection of the volume of your breasts.
According to an article by the independent, 80% of women do not wear the right size bra. In turn, this can be a costly mistake for you. In light of this, I recommend you fitted at your local Victoria’s Secret, or lingerie store.
Understanding your “sister size” is important. Sister sizes are groups of a bra-equivalent that is related by the cup’s volume. For example, I wear a 32DDD bra, but I can also wear a 34DD or a 36D. If you are remotely curious about what your sister sizes might be, check out the chart below.
Note: This is a general guideline based on my experience. All bodies and breasts are unique, and you know your ta-ta’s best!
Order your carnival costume in your current size. Some women know their bra sizes change with weight loss. As a result, you might be tempted to order a costume based on a weight loss goal. Wire bras that are slightly too big can be better manipulated than wire bras that are too small. A wire bra too small can cause nipple slips, discomfort and chaffing.
If you notice you don’t see your bra size available, consider ordering by sister size. If you do not see a sister size and have your heart set on wearing a wire bra, contact the band to see if they have options available for you.
Note: Wire bra artisans will create one with your bust, cup height, and cup width in mind. When you register with a band, wire bras are mass-produced with a general guide in mind. Creating a wire bra to support larger busts/breasts requires a lot of skill and additional techniques to ensure comfort of wear and that your lovelies stay in place. Because of this, larger-breasted women may not be offered the option of a wire bra. If your heart is set on wearing a wire bra, I highly recommend @wiredchic_ on Instagram.
Some bands will ask you to select your wire bra by cup size. Remember: a cup size is a measurement of the volume of your breast and does not consider the bust.
Funny story: I registered to play mas with a band and selected a bra according to my bust/cup. At distribution, the band distributed cup size bras. The DDD cup size was almost the size of my face. Luckily for me, they had D cup bras and swapped it out.
My 32DDD breasts have less volume than a woman with 38DDD breasts. A 38DDD woman may fit a DDD cup wire bra, it would be too large for me.
If you are a brand new masquerader and don’t know your cup size, you need to consult your band/section leader immediately before making your selection. If you don’t have clarity, don’t chance it.
To be transparent, not all styles of wire bras work for all breasts, especially since they are mass-produced. If you are not sure if a wire bra will work for you, I encourage you to select a regular bra option.
Depending on the perkiness of your breasts, you may find that some wire bra styles may not work for you, even though it is the right size.
Note: Keep in mind that If you want a custom bra, your costume price will not be reduced.
I have worked with the following stateside artisans below and highly recommend them. Click the hyperlinks below:
Alternatively, I have been following @gingerwirebras for some time, and love her work. She is based in Trinidad.
In conclusion, hope this little bit of information helps you choose your wire bra for a carnival costume. If you have any questions or comments, please comment below, or contact me at hello@americanwinesmatter.com. Alternatively, I can also be reached via DM on Instagram. Be sure to subscribe to my website to stay up to date with my upcoming blogs.
If you’ve made it this far, check out my carnival must-haves!
carnival costume
The first time I decided to play mas, I was confused about many things. My biggest…
My carnival love story started with Atlanta-Dekalb carnival back in 2015. Every year, I look forward…
I had no clue about Charlotte Caribbean Carnival until I moved back to the east coast. For the most part, I knew only of Caribmask, as I had played mas there in 2019. So, if you didn’t know, the festival is happening this year June 24-26, 2020 at the Victoria Yard in Charlotte, NC. Here’s all you need to know, including where to stay, events, buying tickets, and participating in the parade.
Charlotte Caribbean Carnival returns for its second year in June, to commemorate national American-Caribbean heritage month. During the festivities, you can expect to enjoy a festival village of local artists and performers, along with food, exhibits, and other vendors.
The organizers of the festival recommend the Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte City Center.
Like most Caribbean festivals, there are events leading up to the carnival parade. Click the hyperlinks for more information or to purchase tickets:
Saturday, June 25th – Carnival Parade – Click Link for festival village tickets
Saturday, June 25th – The Black Party (After Party)
I currently have no information on the parade route or duration, but I have been told the route is a mile long. I will participate in the parade and give my feedback later on the route. Stay tuned.
If you would like to participate in the parade, you can register with a mas band or bring your own costume. Below is a list of participating bands:
Evah Livin (T-shirt band)
Island Buzz (I will be playing with them this year).
Spyce Trybe (T-shirt band)
If you would like to register to bring your own costume, click here.
I’m pretty excited to check out Charlotte and give you my honest review! If you have any questions or ideas of the next small carnival events I should go to, please leave a comment below, or contact me at hello@americanwinesmatter.com.
Hope to see you on the road!
The Miami carnival parade will take place on October 9, 2022, from 10 AM – 12…
Prepping for carnival does not stop with ordering the costume. Now you have to think about…
On May 10th, there was a major buzz on social media, as it was announced that 6 bands had left Atlanta-Dekalb Carnival 2022 and moved downtown. Citing a reduction of allowed music trucks on the route, the 6 bands felt they would best provide a great experience downtown with its parade route. These bands include:
The Atlanta-Dekalb Carnival parade route was primarily on a state road. Government officials mandated a reduction to 18 trucks on Covington Highway. As a result, many smaller bands agreed to merge with one music truck and one for food, drinks, and other utilities. Below is a list of bands still participating, along with those who have merged:
The parade route has changed. It The ATL-Dekalb Carnival parade route now starts at Covington Hwy near International Roti House 3703 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30032. It will end at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA, 30032.
(Downtown) Atlanta’s carnival parade has been sparse and will realize its largest carnival event since the split in 2014/2015. Their parade route hasn’t changed. Click here to learn about Atlanta Carnival.
Check out my interview with Chigga, the president of the Atlanta Carnival Bandleader’s Association (ACBA).
Some keynotes:
I’m excited to go to Saint Lucia Carnival this year. :: insert internal squee:: I got…
I attended the 2019 Caribmask festival on a whim. Stressed out from work, I registered within…