Thread: Inspiration Needed - Coverups

Hey All,
Can you post some photos of your favorite coverups? I'm in need of one but I don't have a clue about what style I want to go with. I need inspiration.

I ordered this burgundy cut velvet caftan from Craft India (:: Craft India Overseas ::). They made it to my measurements. I requested that they make it shorter, their usual caftan in this style is ankle-length. I added the frog closure on the front because the closure it came with was a lace-up closure that was too high above the bust. I wanted something more Ghawazee-coat like. I order from Craft India once or twice a year when they have special discounts or free shipping.

I also ordered the burgundy silk harem pants from them.

That's cute!

I have a dark teal soutache-embroidery kaftan that opens in the front. It is not very glitzy, but I love the fact that it is spacious and a bit understated, yet very Middle-Eastern. Got it from Sheherazade Imports at Rakkasah. It wasn't cheap, though - I think $90 or 95 (ouch!).

We had tunics made to wear with harem pants. They go down to our ankles and are tucked and belted when used as a costume piece. We use it for a coverup unbelted. We used a simple bathrobe pattern and made them from silk essence fabric and decorated with pretty trim.

eShakti - Designer Tops, Dresses, Skirts, Pants, Yogawear, Caftans

I just bought the black empire waist! Up till the end of the month they give you $25 off when you register with them. I didn't realize this and they e-mailed me to let me know they were taking $25 off of my purchase. Great customer service!

Ooh, Dunyah, I love yours. And I also like the styles on the eShakti site. Thanks.

If you're likely to make one (or know someone who can make one for you), I suggest taking a look at the "Caravan" category of Folkwear patterns: Folkwear Sewing Patterns: Caravan styles

If you don't mind pulling it over your head, you can make either the Gaza dress or the Syrian dress. Another option is to make a version of the Egyptian shirt that's floor length instead of the hip length shown on the envelope.

This web site has some thobes that can be used as coverups - I'd suggest getting one a size larger than you would normally wear to allow some roominess to fit over your costume. AlHannah Islamic Clothing : Muslim Arabic Thobes, Disdasha, and Caftans

Or, if you prefer something that opens down the front, there's the Turkish coat or Moroccan burnoose.

I don't have a pic but my favorite coverup is the top of a salwar kameez set! The fabric is gorgeous and it has pretty embroidery loaded with French knots all over. It had a long placket that ran the length of the front so I opened that up with a seam ripper, add hooks and ta-daa! A lovely lightweight coverup for the princely sum of $2.50 (what can I say it was yellow tag day at the St. Vincent thrift store!)

~~Kimahri

I definately want something that does not have to be pulled over my head. We live in the desert and static is a real problem. Not to mention the risk of messing up hair and makeup.

I'll probably make my own unless I find something nice that I can afford.

An inexpensive option - check Thrift Stores, Goodwill and Salvation Army for either choir robes or graduation gowns. They zip down the front, have long sleeves and are usually a functional length. I try to find the Tall ones so I don't have to add a contrasting border along the lower edge. I usually add lose elastic or simply gather the edge of the sleeves on a ribbon to keep the fabric from sliding all around. (Not fitted, just enough to keep the volume of fabric from being a bother and to cover the accessories but still allow for easy use.)

They are washable. I have embellished a few but I try to insure anything added is also washable. I did embellish one for a raffle, it was quite elaborate and brought a tidy sum for charity. Not washable but it was lovely. That also allowed me to clean-out my sewing stash of various bits of trim and sequins.

My daughter makes cover ups her business is called bedlah Peels. You can email her at:

slynch@1990@yahoo.com

Her myspace is:

MySpace.com - Bedlah Peels Bellydance Coverups - 28 - Female - BUFFALO, New York - www.myspace.com/bedlahpeels

She can make it to order in your sleeve and body measurement with the fabric of your choice or you can buy from stock.
They all open down the front. I love wearing mine!
Shameless plug from Mama, sorry..g.:

Originally Posted by faaria

Shameless plug from Mama, sorry..g.:

No shame in that! They are very pretty. I love the sleeve style.

I do also, never have to worry about the costume sleeves no matter how big they are they always fit under!

I sure do love my cloakimono from Geishamoth:
Picasa Web Albums - Sabine - Sabine & Trib...

These are great--they have a pocket inside, a huge hood to go over your fancy hairdo or headdress, and it opens in front so you don't have to pull it over your head. Plus you look like you can star in Lord of the Rings.

I have a tasteful velvet coverup...but it isn't the cover up I love. The cover up I love is super ugly. A dance mate's boyfriend once tactfully put it "You look like you're ready for...anything." I love my super ugly coverup, but it isn't right for most shows.

Buggirl's Increasingly Strange Tokyo Tales... - Minutia

That coverup is gloriously ugly! Respect!

Originally Posted by Khalida

That coverup is gloriously ugly! Respect!

I'll second that.

Sabine, I love yours. I have a cloak that I wear to renaissance fairs that is reminiscent of this. I wore it as a cover up at an outdoor winter show but it is too hot for most other events.