Thread: What's your coverup look like?

Forever searching for a coverup, I found a caftan at lunch for the low low price of $5.99. Lightweight poly/satin, machine washable. V-neck so I could add a zipper easily, perfect length, and they had just the one. I did not get it. Because....it's patterned. All over. Mottled 2" red and purple rectangles with mottled paisleys and 'Indian' elephants, which don't stand out & I didn't notice immediately. The price is right but sadly the colors & pattern...not so much. Guess I'm just partial to solids.

Got me wondering though what everyone's coverup looks like. Solid color? Pattern? Satin? Silk? Cotton? Embellishments? Buttons? Zipper? Pull-over? Ties? Tell me about it! ..g.:

My favorite piece is a cotton moire with soutache embroidery, floor length and big enough to go over 25 yard skirts, deep teal green from Sheherazade Imports. It was pricey and is not too elegant, but it is highly practical and a great color/fabric/design. I added snaps along the front.

I have a warm weather one that is light blue semi-sheer chiffon with sequins and embroidery, and a cold weather one that is burgundy velvet with gold trim. Both button in the front.

My cover up is actually a converted nightgown pattern made in heavy bridal satin. Instead of seaming the front as the pattern directed, I hemmed the front seams of the two pieces, and then put a couple of matching frog closures at the top. If you can sew, there are a lot of nightgown and robe patterns that can be tweaked and made up in decorative fabrics, so the end product won't look like you should be wearing it to bed.

Mine were both made by my daughter, who owns bedlah peels. Both are patterned. One is a beautiful green silk and the other black with gold thread throughout. My daughter also does most of hers with either plain fabric or with fancy thread throughout.
I guess it is all what you want?
If you are looking to have one made just for you you can contact her, she makes them to order.

I have two favorite cover ups. One is the "cloakimono" frm Geishamoth. She makes them with a front clasp so they are easy to pull on over a costume. Voluminous robe to cover eveything. Huge hood, so you can cover a headdress and preserve the mystique. Button-closure pocket on the inside for your keys and wallet--YES!!!
It was a little spendy, but it's a costume piece in itself! I love Geishamoth; she made this one in a custom extra-long length for me.



My other favorite is a velour patterened number from India. It buttons in the front with about 10 small buttons from sternum to navel. (I hate doing the over-the-head thing while in costume, so front buttons are good!) My hubby found it for me at an India clothing store in Portland. Only drawback is it's slightly fitted so if I have a big bulky belt on it looks a little chunky.



I also have one more batik-print robe from India that I like because it's heavy cloth and has pockets. Good for getting to performances in the cold.

Hm, not sure why those photos did not show. If you're interested, you can see the Geishamoth robe here:
Picasa Web Albums - Sabine - Sabine & Trib...

and the velour robe here:
Picasa Web Albums - Sabine - Sabine

one of mine looks similiar to this one... although i do have a few. :)

Black Sheer Belly Dance Cover Up - At DancingRahana.com

My winter one is a heavy bright red cotton with black stitchery in the front. It goes over the head so I would like to either open the front and put a hook on it or ..g.: go shopping for another!

In the summer I wrap myself in a hot pink acrylic veil. I don't like using acrylic veils to dance so I use them for this purpose instead.

I've seen dancers use satiny kimono type cover-ups and I'd love to get one that goes all the way to the floor.

Rahana, your cover-up is GORGEOUS. I think when I get another one it will be black.

I have a black and red georgette abaya with red and white floral embroidery. Its only drawback is that it's a pull-over. I keep thinking I should have a go at opening the front and installing snaps, but I'm afraid I'll destroy it.

This is an old picture, but it gives you the idea!

Originally Posted by Sabine

Hm, not sure why those photos did not show. If you're interested, you can see the Geishamoth robe here:
Picasa Web Albums - Sabine - Sabine & Trib...

and the velour robe here:
Picasa Web Albums - Sabine - Sabine

Love the geishmoth, I should ask find out if she has any/can make one.

My favorite is from Samra Fashions in India. It's silk, has a false front panel (looks like two layers), and a hood! The hood is totally unnecessary, but looks cool hanging in back. Jade green with shimmering gold threads; a gold tassel in front. I can send you pics if you write to me at shaia@milwaukeebellydance.com. I bought it from a Sharifwear vendor, so I'm not sure if Sharifwear sells it, or if she bought it from Samra Fashions.

I have the ugliest coverup for certain Tokyo locations...I do so love it. I am sorry.

I just a black Aziza velvet caftan from Tina that I love! Going to figure out how to put a zipper or hooks in it so I don't have to wrestle it on over my head. Its my first "official" caftan. I've made do before with various veils, kimono robes, etc but nothing that was as pretty as this one. :-)

Crap. That's what mine looks like. It looks like I'm wearing a giant mumu. I wish to do something to change that before too long. My winter coverup is usually a large hooded velvet deep blue cloak....now IT is gorgeous, and was a gift from a dear friend who saw me coveting it in her closet.

Oh, and my friend has one that she says makes her look like "Mrs. Roper" from 3s Company :-)

My favorite is a turquoise and multicolor burnout velvet duster coat with a beaded peacock design on it, and beaded fringe along the sleeves and edges. (Thanks, Azhia!) I tie it closed with a turquoise sash. It has a very Titanic-era feel to it. In fact, most people see me arrive in it and think it's my costume!

I don't know what I'd do without that coverup - most of the ones I've seen are fugly, or they totally swim on my small physique.

Our troupe coverups, from Jewel of India:

Mine is a black assuit "coat" for want of a better word. It's open at the front, so I've sewn on little hook and eye fastenings.

A) I love assuit and
B) I wanted a cover-up that was fully open at the front so I wouldn't need to pull it over my head.

I love it! I think it was £80-£90 on eBay.

Originally Posted by Sonja2

Crap. That's what mine looks like. It looks like I'm wearing a giant mumu. I wish to do something to change that before too long. My winter coverup is usually a large hooded velvet deep blue cloak....now IT is gorgeous, and was a gift from a dear friend who saw me coveting it in her closet.

I do also have a tasteful green velvet one with gold embroidery that I altered so it opens in the front...but it's not half as fun as my ugly cover-up.

My favorite comment on the ugly one comes from my friend's boyfriend who said "You certainly look...like you're ready...for anything"

Great cover ups!

I don't have one as I just use my veil to cover up, and I don't really leave the back stage area.

But, I would love to make one. When I get started I will post in one of the "What I am working on..." threads.