Is it time to take the spandex plunge?
For years I have been one of the carnival faithful. Annually I would await the launch of my favorite band and watch with anticipation as the costumes rolled out.
The thing is, when the costumes rolled out, I would really be looking at the female costumes to decide which section to try for. The male costumes, for the 7 years I have been playing mas in Trinidad and Jamaica, has not changed much save for location of pockets and colours.
Almost literally, male costumes have been reduced to a choice of different colour board shorts. Costumes like the one at the top of this article are exceptions to the rule and not regular options.
To tell the truth, for the first several years I didn’t give a damn. I would have worn a three piece suit if that was required to hit the road for carnival, but over the years I have started to want more. I think its time to start taking things to the next level or else it will get boring.
As an aspiring muscle man I think I would look pretty good in a costume that was more (or should I say less) than a board shorts. I work out regularly in the gym, (been working out for about 20 years now) and have come to accept that in a few years I will start my inexorable decline to a potbelly, socks and slippers. I want to go all out while I still have what it takes. Put it all out there for the world to see, for 2 days. If girls have wire bras and Tapasexo (still waiting for that to go mainstream), why cant I wear something more appealing than a board shorts?
I am secure enough in my manhood to not worry about what people say and there is enough space in carnival for both straight and not so straight to have their fun.
I think men in tights still need to take responsibility though. No one wants to see a pot belly and have to wonder if a tights is under there somewhere. Also, you may want to show a bit more but PLEASE cover the family jewels up a bit man…for the love of God! What’s going to happen when a girl give you a wine that sweet you??
To the majority of the bands, especially in jamaica! For too long we men have been marginalized. Throw us some costume options nuh man!
SO…for next carnival, will I trod bravely into the great unknown. Will I leave my comfort zone of road narcissism in search of an even more, and greater road narcissism (just for 2 days).
Lets see how it goes!
What are your views?
SPANDEX OR SHORTS?
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I completely agree with you. I live in Germany and I train sometimes in the gym with very short spandex shorts. Like thishttp://hotmensfashion.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=165:joe-snyder-cheek-boxer-a-style-that-enhances-your-image&catid=39:roknewspager-frontpage-1or thishttp://images.cloud.worthpoint.com/wpimages/images/images1/1/0409/22/1_fea27a…I love them!!of course I am discreet and i am not around putting on my bulge on everyones faces…. and nobody seem to really care :)greetings!!!And I enjoy the way I look and never been told anything!
Lol. I have to agree with you on this one. In my opinion, if the spandex contents are functional, a waistband with covering bits is absolutely mandatory (even though sensitivity would be reduced..lol) or else you might as well just jump in shoes and headpiece alone ( something our kids may be doing in 20 years). The point is to look better, not obscene. In terms of the separation factor from the bumsee…is it much different from a thin pair of board shorts and a underwear? Millimeters separate the bottom and the “pal/friend” in any case:)Sent from my iPad
I’m a bit divided on this one. For example, the male model in the silver costume looks fantasmic, however, the guy in the gold speedo is completely creeping me out.Besdies the body factor, we also have to take in the ‘buddy’ factor and how it’ll look in the speedos if you don’t decide to wear ur belt. Because the thought of that thin piece of material (hopefully ur wearing underwear underneath) is what separates mr. gold bloomers from my bottom is quiiiiite disconcerting :s
I hear you TTcarnivalbaby. I’m actually in the gym typing this response. Have to earn the right to stretch on that spandex:)!!Sent from my iPhone 4
I say go for it! Once a guy has the body for it i prefer the short shorts to board shorts.