The Dwiyet is a full length dress with long sleeves made from brightly coloured cotton, silk, brocade, embossed silk or other rich exquisite material.
The traditional dresses are lined with cotton in the back bodice and sleeves. A piece of cotton is attached at the hem of the dress to weight it. An inner blouse is sewn into the front to allow the wearer to abandon the brassiere if she feels like it. This adaptation was included by the women who were unable to find bras for sale and so, being creative, they sewed their own support into the dress.
The myth of the dwiyet being hot is just that – A MYTH. The cotton lining in the dress is the built-in cooling system. Cotton is the coolest fabric on earth – it breathes. When the body gets hot, it reacts by perspiring.
The sweat soaks into the cotton and the damp fabric against the skin keeps the wearer cool. The long sleeves minimize the area of skin exposed to direct contact with the sun so overall you should be cooler. Have you ever heard men complaining that their long sleeved shirts are too hot?
And do you realise that most of them wear an undershirt as well? Come on ladies, let’s cover up and look elegant. We can look good even if we do not let it all hang out. 
About Delia Cuffy-Weekes
I love traditional things with a passion – I am from Grand Bay and I do my best to educate other people on our culture and preservation of same. I am the President of the Roseau Cultural Group and we continue trying to maintain the things that make us truly Dominican.
In the future (near I hope) we plan to produce a booklet describing the traditional wear through the years and placing it in context so people will better understand our history. Would like to do a video as well to present a well rounded package.
Marcia Charles
sylviasmith
MaDD