The colorful and sexy Samba costumes we know today are the product of years of change.
Samba Costumes Through the Years
When you think of Samba, you probably think of tiny outfits, full of vibrant colors, feathers, and other embellishments. Although they are beautiful costumes made to allow the dancer to stand out, they didn’t always look the way they do today.
Before the 1930s, Samba costumes were more elaborate but when the price of the materials started to increase, the use of certain ornaments started to decline. However, those who danced the Samba would still purchase materials for their costumes but they started to be a little simpler, usually involving light colored fabric to minimize the impact of the heat.
The first official parade happened in Rio de Janeiro, in 1932. Slowly over the years, the look of the costumes started to change and less fabric was involved in the making of them. The two-piece bikini was adopted around the 1950s.
In 1970, the Sambódromo, or Sambadrome —a parade designated area— was built and that was where the main parade was held —and still is. Carnivals became the sophisticated industry they are today during that period, which is why carnival costumes are more elaborate.
Then came the 80s, an era that had a distinct impact on everything from the music industry to —you know— Samba costumes. It was a time when the bigger and more notorious things were, the better. This was when costumes went full out on color and sparkle.
Over the years, light-colored outfits and masks have slowly disappeared from the Carnival scene, and feathers, sequins, beads and colorful fabrics have taken over. Today, outfits are smaller and floats are bigger than ever.
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