Some people just love to show their patriotism by wearing the national colours on Independence Day.

Just as the stars and stripes of the USA and the rasta colours of green, yellow and red, associated with Bob Marley and Jamaica, have come to make their own fashion statements internationally, so, too, do we make our own statement here whenever August 31 rolls around.

Many of the older folks even remember when in the late 60s and 70s, the "best-dressed men" came out in all their glory with full "tux and even tails", done up in the national colours, of course, to take part in the Independence Day parade and literally strut around town all day.

Though the men no longer come out in their "tux and tails", patriotic feelings are still running high. This much was evident when earlier this week, the Express visited popular clothing stores in downtown Port of Spain.

With Independence Day just mere days away, red clothing was the highlight in every store window.

From skirts to dresses, pants, tops and accessories, red was the order of the day.

Sales clerk Crissie Carter from Something Swanky, located in Aboutique Mall, said, "People love to wear our national colours, and during this time while some customers would come in and buy a black or white outfit, red is usually the colour customers want for Independence Day."

Many shoppers in downtown Port of Spain said they wear the national colours for Independence Day every year

because of the feeling of liberty and pride it brings.

Sales clerk Nadiydah Roome, from Finesse Couture, said, "We carry all shades of red clothing, and people usually want that colour for Independence Day."

Angela Elcock, 60, said, "I think wearing red, white and black for Independence Day is too much for me, but I like to show my patriotism with either a red handbag or nice pair of red shoes."

And although red was the most sought-after colour by customers, sales clerk Slyma James, from Flirt clothing store, located on Frederick Street, said, "July and August is all about colour, not just red but purple, orange and yellow. Customers are not afraid to try bright colours, but red is the most popular colour for Independence Day."