Costume advice please!

Amethyst · 01-30-2010, 07:55 AM

Hi all, in 8 weeks time I have my second belly dance group performance coming up, my first one at intermediate level!

I want to buy a proper costume this time (last time I was wearing just a cheap belly dance sequined top and skirt with hip belt). I want the costume to fit me well! Especially on my boobs! I am a size 33 C (though wear 32 d bras as you cannot get 33 C bras in the UK shops). It seems that I have to get a made for measure costume

I have found one site in the UK that do made for measure costumes at a fairly affordable price - though I prefer more Egyptian styles
Made To Measure Costumes Belly Dance Costumes Hip Scarves Belly Dancing Accessories

My belly dance teacher bought in a costume for me to try in this weeks class and the top and hip scarf are very beautiful! A few women in the class said it looked lovely as well. The thing is that the bra back was about 1-1.5 inch too big, and the halter neck straps was about 2 inches too long (I am 5 ft 3 inches) the cups seemed to fit me fine. Also, the hip scarf that does up with Velcro on the inside was about 2 inches too long. So if I bought this costume I would have to get it adjusted (and that may be too expensive for me!). I could adjust the hip scarf, just add some more Velcro, but I don't want to mess with the top!

Here is the costume

Does anyone have any costume advice? "help" lol

Daimona · 01-30-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amethyst

My belly dance teacher bought in a costume for me to try in this weeks class and the top and hip scarf are very beautiful! A few women in the class said it looked lovely as well. The thing is that the bra back was about 1-1.5 inch too big, and the halter neck straps was about 2 inches too long (I am 5 ft 3 inches) the cups seemed to fit me fine. Also, the hip scarf that does up with Velcro on the inside was about 2 inches too long. So if I bought this costume I would have to get it adjusted (and that may be too expensive for me!). I could adjust the hip scarf, just add some more Velcro, but I don't want to mess with the top!

How nice of your teacher to bring a costume for you to try on.

It doesn't sound like a big problem to me if you really want this costume. Most pre-made non-custom-made costumes needs adjustments anyway. All you need is basic sewing skills and a good friend.

For the bra: As long as the cups fit, the back straps and neck straps are easily fixable. You just have to adjust the hooks (and maybe add some additional Velcro where the straps overlap).
The belt: This one could be trickier; it depends on the belt construction and how it fits.
If you are lucky, all you need to do is relocate the hooks (don’t rely on Velcro only). If it needs major surgery to fit, you'll find a description here: Ask the Belly Dance Costume Goddess: Altering a Purchased Belt

Remember that both the belt and bra needs to fit snugly to look good on you. Ask a friend to pin marks for the new hooks while you try it on and help you decide what needs to be done; minor adjustment (i.e. relocating the hooks) or major alterations?

Amethyst · 01-30-2010, 11:54 AM

Thanks for the advice Daimona!

The belly dance school that I attend has an online shop, I saw the costume online and enquired about it and the teacher said she can get my teacher to bring it into class for me to try. Yes I think it is worth me buying it as it is looks beautiful (and better than it looks in the pic). I remembered that my aunt used to work in a clothes factory, so she is experienced in adjusting clothes, so I can ask her if she can help me with altering the costume.

Daimona · 01-30-2010, 12:26 PM

In case you didn't know: Basic sewing skills for relocating hooks on costumes (or knowing someone who can help you doing it) are one of the skills required to be a dancer..

Remember to practice in your costume before your performance to be sure it behaves well and that you have enough time for last-minute adjustments if needed.

Rassi · 01-31-2010, 08:16 PM

You, or a friend, really need to have basic sewing skills to make minor adjustments to costumes. Many costumes come without hooks and eyes or with hooks and eyes just basted on so you can move them yourself. It would also be helpful to learn how to add padding to bras and remove or add fringe to a bra.

I also suggest that you get some diaper pins. You should always pin the back of your bra and the belt, front, both sides, and back, before performing. Diaper pins are stronger then regular safety pins so they're easier to get through layers of fabric and a thicker belt. Plus, they lock shut so they won't accidently pop open and stab you during a performance.

01-30-2010, 07:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
Amethyst Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: London Posts: 30	Costume advice please! Hi all, in 8 weeks time I have my second belly dance group performance coming up, my first one at intermediate level! I want to buy a proper costume this time (last time I was wearing just a cheap belly dance sequined top and skirt with hip belt). I want the costume to fit me well! Especially on my boobs! I am a size 33 C (though wear 32 d bras as you cannot get 33 C bras in the UK shops). It seems that I have to get a made for measure costume I have found one site in the UK that do made for measure costumes at a fairly affordable price - though I prefer more Egyptian styles Made To Measure Costumes Belly Dance Costumes Hip Scarves Belly Dancing Accessories My belly dance teacher bought in a costume for me to try in this weeks class and the top and hip scarf are very beautiful! A few women in the class said it looked lovely as well. The thing is that the bra back was about 1-1.5 inch too big, and the halter neck straps was about 2 inches too long (I am 5 ft 3 inches) the cups seemed to fit me fine. Also, the hip scarf that does up with Velcro on the inside was about 2 inches too long. So if I bought this costume I would have to get it adjusted (and that may be too expensive for me!). I could adjust the hip scarf, just add some more Velcro, but I don't want to mess with the top! Here is the costume Does anyone have any costume advice? "help" lol

01-30-2010, 12:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
Daimona Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 807	In case you didn't know: Basic sewing skills for relocating hooks on costumes (or knowing someone who can help you doing it) are one of the skills required to be a dancer.. Remember to practice in your costume before your performance to be sure it behaves well and that you have enough time for last-minute adjustments if needed. __________________ -- Daim.

01-30-2010, 11:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Amethyst Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: London Posts: 30	Thanks for the advice Daimona! The belly dance school that I attend has an online shop, I saw the costume online and enquired about it and the teacher said she can get my teacher to bring it into class for me to try. Yes I think it is worth me buying it as it is looks beautiful (and better than it looks in the pic). I remembered that my aunt used to work in a clothes factory, so she is experienced in adjusting clothes, so I can ask her if she can help me with altering the costume.

01-31-2010, 08:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
Rassi Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 106	You, or a friend, really need to have basic sewing skills to make minor adjustments to costumes. Many costumes come without hooks and eyes or with hooks and eyes just basted on so you can move them yourself. It would also be helpful to learn how to add padding to bras and remove or add fringe to a bra. I also suggest that you get some diaper pins. You should always pin the back of your bra and the belt, front, both sides, and back, before performing. Diaper pins are stronger then regular safety pins so they're easier to get through layers of fabric and a thicker belt. Plus, they lock shut so they won't accidently pop open and stab you during a performance.