Thread: Mirrored/Coin costume for dummies: I'm the dummy

After reading the two recent threads on these I want to start shopping. It is such a pretty look. But wait- before you give advice, realize who you're dealing with: I didn't even realize the mirrored bras were meant to put OVER a bra. So all this time I'd see just the bra cover and think, "how tacky is that? You can totally see through it!"

Now I know- yes, there is a bra, a deliberate bra underneath. Here are my questions:

1. Do you just buy a colored bra off the rack and tack on the coin/mirrored cover?
(I don't sew so if I have to cover a bra I am hosed but I've got Shira's instructional somewhere)

2. Do you sew stuff on the sides and back of the bra too?

3. Where exactly do you measure your hips to decide what sized belt to buy

4. I visited Cost Less Costumes and they were $700 a set I looked at an ebay link Surida posted and they looked good. ($270) What should I expect to spend?

5. Can you recommend any particular manufacturers? ( I googled ME manufacturers and the results showed a ton of sites. So I assume MEM is not an actual site but a collection of sites that sell these?) I am willing to save up and would like quality of course, but nothing wayyyy to $$. I'm scared I'm going to end up with something that looks like it came from Party for Less....

6. Does anyone have detailed shots of their mirrored/ coin belts and bra sets? I can't tell what they look like from the sites I visted.

7. Does there exist a mirrored set with coins or just one or the other?

8. If it says brass, is it actual heavy, brass or the same tinny stuff on hip scarves? (I know this sound stupid, but I am seriously asking)

9. How do you care for them? If you order gold does it tarnish?


I don't have any costumes yet. Only hip wraps so this is why all the questions. I thought this would be a good start.

I think you have made a good decision to make this your first buy. Very classy adaptable to many styles. I am afraid that if you want the belt and bra to match, you will need to cover the bra. I just covered 2 ...and removed the covering from 2 to start over again. The cup will shrink a size when you cover it so my ds needed a dd. Wall Mart, definitley Wall Mart - for a foam strapless underwire convertable. Use the elastic straps in your zills and replace with grosgrain ribbon. I dont cover the backs of mine because I wear vests with sleeves.


BELLY DANCE MIRROR BRASS COSTUME BRA+DRAP,BELT,HEADPIEC - eBay (item 220389444656 end time May-03-09 01:28:56 PDT)

Now I know- yes, there is a bra, a deliberate bra underneath. Here are my questions:

1. Do you just buy a colored bra off the rack and tack on the coin/mirrored cover?

No, you can't get away with that. Even if the fabric were OK, the bra hardware (rings, sliders, elastic, multiple eyes) is a dead giveaway. You have to cover it.

2. Do you sew stuff on the sides and back of the bra too?

Usually, yes. Otherwise the zig-zag for the elastic = obvious lingerie. Also, you have to reinforce the sides or they'll stretch out under the weight of your coin/mirror set. Some people actually replace the back and sides with their own custom-built strap system.

3. Where exactly do you measure your hips to decide what sized belt to buy

Depends on what looks good on you. I'd say 2"-5" below the navel, depending on how modest you are and how long your body is in that area. You can always take out extra links if you buy too large.

8. If it says brass, is it actual heavy, brass or the same tinny stuff on hip scarves? (I know this sound stupid, but I am seriously asking)

I know this stuff is heavy, unless you're getting the cheapy coin bras. If it's $29.99 on Ebay, you're almost certainly getting the tinny stuff

9. How do you care for them? If you order gold does it tarnish?

Good question! I'd like to know, too.

updated my post with a link. The most work is the jump rings. I carry 2 small pair of plyers with me when I wear the set. If it gets funky looking..all the better. I added some drilled copper coins to my brass set for more color depth.

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

After reading the two recent threads on these I want to start shopping. It is such a pretty look. But wait- before you give advice, realize who you're dealing with: I didn't even realize the mirrored bras were meant to put OVER a bra. So all this time I'd see just the bra cover and think, "how tacky is that? You can totally see through it!"

Now I know- yes, there is a bra, a deliberate bra underneath. Here are my questions:

5. Can you recommend any particular manufacturers? ( I googled ME manufacturers and the results showed a ton of sites. So I assume MEM is not an actual site but a collection of sites that sell these?) I am willing to save up and would like quality of course, but nothing wayyyy to $$. I'm scared I'm going to end up with something that looks like it came from Party for Less....

The company you are looking for there is Mid-East Mfg, Inc. - Best Sellers

Have fun!

My sets haven't tarnished, but they are a little dirty after 15+ years. Not bad enough for me to do anything about it.

I agree that this is a good start for you. Coin costumes are timeless.

My coin/mirror set is from Costless and it was a coin set that I had them add mirrors to. Or maybe it was the other way around.

You must have a heavy-duty bra to hold up the top, though. I also get my bra bases from WalMart and get a larger size than I wear. I suggest you get a stretch velvet in a dark color. The dark color will hide any sewing flaws andmakes a nice background for the coins. There are a lot of on-line tutorials for this and you can play around with it. If you don't get it right the first time, you can try again.

1. Do you just buy a colored bra off the rack and tack on the coin/mirrored cover?

No. At a minimum, you'll have to replace or cover the sides and straps - and that's assuming you can find a bra with a front that looks like *clothing* NOT *underwear*. A swimsuit bra might be your best bet.

A less than ideal option is to always wear the bra with a keyhole top or vest that hides the straps and back. This works for me because I feel naked in just a bra, so I always wear a top or vest.

Check out the Costume Goddess Bellydance Costume Goddess Tells All: Enter

Or Dawn Brown Davina aka Dawn Devine Brown - Author - Costumer - Dancer - Historian (on the left is a like to her free booklet)

2. Do you sew stuff on the sides and back of the bra too?

Yes, remove the straps and sides/back and replace them with decorative fabric to match the front of the bra. Or, make tubes and just slip the tubes over the sides/back and straps. Then add beads, fringe, etc

3. Where exactly do you measure your hips to decide what sized belt to buy

Measure at the point where you want the belt to sit.

4. I visited Cost Less Costumes and they were $700 a set I looked at an ebay link Surida posted and they looked good. ($270) What should I expect to spend?

IMHO, stick to the lower range. Cost Less Costumes are absolutely stunning - they are a "top of the line" investment kind of costume. But the less expensive ones are almost as pretty and the average person watching you won't know the difference.

5. Can you recommend any particular manufacturers?
6. Does anyone have detailed shots of their mirrored/ coin belts and bra sets?

I bought my mirrored set off Ebay, but I'm not sure from who. Check out Ebay many of the vendors have up close photos of their costumes.

7. Does there exist a mirrored set with coins or just one or the other?
Don't know - but you could add coins to a mirror set or vice versa and then yours will be unique.

8. If it says brass, is it actual heavy, brass or the same tinny stuff on hip scarves?
If the description says "brass", it's probably "real" metal as opposed to the lightweight coins on hipscarves or the super light "tinfoil" coins. You can always ask the vendor specific questions, or ask them for a sample of the coins, or just ask the shipping weight. The heavier the coins, the heavier the shipping weight.

9. How do you care for them? If you order gold does it tarnish?
Quick wipe with a jewelry cloth. My mirror set is only a couple years old so no comment on how it will hold up over time. My real copper coin set is about 25 years old, and the brass medallions still look fine.

1. Do you just buy a colored bra off the rack and tack on the coin/mirrored cover?
what the others said: you need a sturdy bra base. If you don't want to do the braconversion, ask someone who is willing to do it for you!

2. Do you sew stuff on the sides and back of the bra too?
yep, I did.

3. Where exactly do you measure your hips to decide what sized belt to buy
I didn't meassure, just bought the largest size. Figured that I could use the extra parts: the belt was easy to adjust with a pair of pliers.

4. I visited Cost Less Costumes and they were $700 a set I looked at an ebay link Surida posted and they looked good. ($270) What should I expect to spend?
the lower price costumes are also good quality, so I'd stick with those for starters.

5. Can you recommend any particular manufacturers? ( I googled ME manufacturers and the results showed a ton of sites. So I assume MEM is not an actual site but a collection of sites that sell these?) I am willing to save up and would like quality of course, but nothing wayyyy to $$. I'm scared I'm going to end up with something that looks like it came from Party for Less....
I bought mine from Jessenia, but they are the same as the ones on ebay mentioned as mirror/bell set.

6. Does anyone have detailed shots of their mirrored/ coin belts and bra sets? I can't tell what they look like from the sites I visted.
On ebay, and see other thread.

7. Does there exist a mirrored set with coins or just one or the other?
depends on how you look at it. You could glue mirrors to the coinset, and the mirrorset has mirrors on filligree medallions that look like coins from a distance

8. If it says brass, is it actual heavy, brass or the same tinny stuff on hip scarves? (I know this sound stupid, but I am seriously asking)
it's heavy! The weight adds to the whole experience when you're performing. Also: drapes are cold on your tummy untill they're warmed up.

9. How do you care for them? If you order gold does it tarnish?
I like the tarnished look, so haven't done anything to keep them shiny and new. My costume is tarnished gold and it looks okay, in my opinion the blingy gold looks too much like flimsy stamped coins instead of real coins.

Originally Posted by da Sage

1. Do you just buy a colored bra off the rack and tack on the coin/mirrored cover?

No, you can't get away with that. Even if the fabric were OK, the bra hardware (rings, sliders, elastic, multiple eyes) is a dead giveaway. You have to cover it.

2. Do you sew stuff on the sides and back of the bra too?

Usually, yes. Otherwise the zig-zag for the elastic = obvious lingerie. Also, you have to reinforce the sides or they'll stretch out under the weight of your coin/mirror set. Some people actually replace the back and sides with their own custom-built strap system.

Oh yeah you're right! Would look totally obvious.

Originally Posted by SandraDances

You must have a heavy-duty bra to hold up the top, though. I also get my bra bases from WalMart and get a larger size than I wear. I suggest you get a stretch velvet in a dark color.

What are bra bases? And if you cover a bra do you have to re design the straps? I'd just as soon leave them alone, but don't want it to look stupid.

Also, the chain bras look great in front, but are just chains in the back. Should I order extra coins/ mirrors to sew on the back too? I don't like just the look of a chain hanging there. I prefer wearing just the bra and coin bra with no vest or anything over it.

BTW Where does one find belt forms or whatever they are called? I assume you cover these too in matching fabric and sew the coin belt onto that right?


Thanks ladies you rock! I still feel lost but I am learning!:cr:

Sarah Skinner has the same brass mirror sets as Middle East Mfg. for less on her site at Shakemyday by Sarah Skinner. She also has great instructions for how to wear / adjust these costumes.

Most people here seem to be in favor of affixing your belt to a belt base. However, it's not totally necessary if your skirt material matches your bra - you CAN just drape it over the skirt. That's what I do. I have my belt fitted really tight so it doesn't slide around.

Yes, I've been studying her site. I still need to find out what kind of bra to buy. Wouldn't the weight of the brass cause the bra to gape open around the cleavage area?

Belt bases are easy to make. You take a piece of fabric 2.5 times as wide as the medallions. Make it as long as the belt plus a couple of inches. (I did this in two pieces and mounted the belt in two pieces also.) Fold over so that the fabric is inside out, press at the fold line and stitch along the bottom, open edge at what ever the .5 is. So if the medallions are 2 inches, you have a total of 5 inches of fabric. You fold that in half, making it 2.5 inches, then stitch at .5" from the open edge. Turn the whole thing right side out.

After affixing the belt to the base, turn the ends under, add hooks and eyes. Et voila! You have a mounted belt!

As for the bra, yes, you have to make straps out of something. Gros grain ribbon is your friend (I need to trademark that phrase.) Find a great brocade ribbon to use on top of two layers of gros grain. Stitch it on. and configure in a typical way. Then if you want to, stitch the chains to the ribbon and any coins, etc you feel would be right for your costume. Lastly add hooks and eyes.

If you get the right size and shape of bra - teardrop is probably not the best choice - you shouldn't have any problems with unmanageable cleavage. You can also double strap it - halter and over the shoulders. this helps with stability.

{{{HUGS}}}

Okay, I can do that. But don't you sort of have to cut the belt in a sort of curved shape so it sits on your hips without gapping? I've read the Costume Goddess' link but it's a bit challenging.

Ask the Belly Dance Costume Goddess: Fitting a Belt

I didn't. Mainly because how narrow the belt base was and I did it in two part which allowed me to angle a little bit. If you were going to do a base where the chains that have the bells, etc, on them are sewn down, then I would suggest the more complicated way with darts, etc. But my discovery with just the narrow band, you don't have to get that involved.

And you need a hard cup bra. The ones from Walmart and Target work fine for this.

{{{HUGS}}}

I don't use belt bases for my coin costumes. I always use some sort of wrap between my belt and skirt, though, to protect the skirt and to cover the skirt band.

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

1. Do you just buy a colored bra off the rack and tack on the coin/mirrored cover?

First, I have to disagree with everyone who has said that this is a great first choice for a costume. If you don't sew, even more so. They are a pain in the butt in myriad ways.

Let me count the ways:

getting them on the bra: a lingerie bra off the rack may not support the weight of the bra cover. Reinforcement is needed.

You may start sewing it onto a bra and realize that it is not quite going to fit the way you need it to. You may need to add chain or jump rings between some of the pieces to get it to hang right on the bra base.

2. Do you sew stuff on the sides and back of the bra too?

The bra cover will not sufficiently cover the straps and band so those have to be covered.

3. Where exactly do you measure your hips to decide what sized belt to buy

same as for any costume. Where you want the top of the belt to ride (what often gets called "high hip". max booty probably doesn't matter. But...wait for it... for the costume to really be functional you need to attach the belt to a belt base just like you attached the bra to a bra base. This is to make the costume look neat, finished, pulled together. Otherwise, the waistband of your skirt will be on prominent display, plus all the pressure of holding the belt up goes to the jump rings.

What should I expect to spend?

The Indian import ones in the $250 range are a huge pain in the butt because the mirrors come unglued, the jump rings are cheap, soft metal that constantly bend open, causing the costume to come apart and shred chiffon skirts, veils, long hair, etc. Had one, messed around with it for 2 yrs, never wore it, sold it.

The ones in the $700 range are a pain in the butt because they still have to be attached to base bra and belt, plus for me they are so heavy that I have trouble getting the belt to stay up. I've had mine over a year, working on it off and on, still not ready to wear.

5. Can you recommend any particular manufacturers?

real coin ones: coin belts by Susie. Search for a past thread. don't know if she does mirrored ones. Half the price of costless but similar quality.

Mid-East Manufacturers does have their own website. It's Mid East not ME or Middle Eastern. They sell the cheapie ones.

6. Does anyone have detailed shots of their mirrored/ coin belts and bra sets? I can't tell what they look like from the sites I visted.

Google Sara Skinner's website. She has photos of real and cheapie ones.

I don't have any costumes yet. I thought this would be a good start.

Save yourself a huge headache and buy a beaded bedlah in a color you like for around $300. Get a coin one later when you've developed sewing skills and a tolerance for costuming projects that eat time and effort.

Originally Posted by anala

Hahahahaha!!! ..l;,..l;,..l;,

But what does it mean? Does it want a tip?

Ezmas husband did this months ago when I bought what Ezma and I called the "Copper Jaws" set from her. I have just been waiting to pop it up....

What are bra bases?

*It's the bra that is covered with fabric then the coin cover.

And if you cover a bra do you have to re design the straps? I'd just as soon leave them alone, but don't want it to look stupid.

*Not necessarily re-design, but at least cover them. Elastic wears out over time, you may also find that the weight of the coin/mirror cover causes the straps to stretch out.

*So, if you don't want to mess with the straps a whole lot, but do want to wear just the bra, I suggest making narrow tubes of the fabric that you'll use to cover the bra base (or something very similar, or something totally different, up to you!!). Cut the straps off the back, stuff the straps into the tubes. Cover the bra, add the coin/mirror cover. Put the bra on, and have someone else pin the straps (hidden inside the tubes) into place on the back, then sew them back into place.

*What I like to do is remove the straps completely and replace them with an X strap pattern (the straps cross in the back making an X).. this X formation helps distribute the weight of the coin/mirror bra. The straps are permanently attached at the back, and hook on at the top of the cups.

Also, the chain bras look great in front, but are just chains in the back. Should I order extra coins/ mirrors to sew on the back too? I don't like just the look of a chain hanging there. I prefer wearing just the bra and coin bra with no vest or anything over it.

*Then yes, order extra medallions, chains and coins. OR buy two or three belly drapes or headpieces and use them to decorate the sides and back.

*You can even use the extra medallions or coins to decorate the shoulder straps.

BTW Where does one find belt forms or whatever they are called? I assume you cover these too in matching fabric and sew the coin belt onto that right?

*I think Artemis Imports (Artemis Imports) carries belt forms but I'm not sure.

*You do not need a belt form for a coin/medallion belt. **IF** the belt itself is sturdy enough, you can just fasten it right over the top of your skirts/pants. My real coin belt is sturdy enough for this.

*But, my mirror/medallion belt off Ebay is not. The chain is kinda weak and doesn't handle stress well. I used an old strap off a back pack as the belt "base" for my mirror/medallion belt.

Thanks ladies you rock! I still feel lost but I am learning!

Oh how funny!!! I had the copper bedlah, and when I put it on, felt like it was eating me alive. I was afraid of the costume, it wore me, I didn't wear it!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

Okay, I can do that. But don't you sort of have to cut the belt in a sort of curved shape so it sits on your hips without gapping? I've read the Costume Goddess' link but it's a bit challenging.

Ask the Belly Dance Costume Goddess: Fitting a Belt

If the belt base is narrow enough, darts are not necessary. The "base" for my mirror/medallion set is a 1" wide strap from an old back pack. No need for darts and the medallions hide the band completely.

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

Yes, I've been studying her site. I still need to find out what kind of bra to buy. Wouldn't the weight of the brass cause the bra to gape open around the cleavage area?

The weight of the brass can do horrible things to a bra!!! My real coin bra is re-enforced with coat hanger wire. Because that's what I happened to have on hand when I was making it - at the very last minute, of course!

Pick the hardest cup bra you can find. Some people use spray fabric stiffener. Some people dip the cups in fabric glue. Some people use the plastic needlepoint mesh to re-enforce the cups. I do NOT recommend cutting up an old coat hanger :)

Thanks Nitewindz. These are all great tips. I knew it would become more involved as I got deeper into it. But I want it to look good.

Sedonia, good points about the cheap jump rings etc. I will watch out for that. Also didn't know they came unassembled and you may have to glue on your mirrors, etc. I am still leaning toward giving this a try. I may wait until MED Fest so I can actually see them and examine the quality.

I think sewing the coin belt onto a belt form would look more put together and perhaps save my skirt from being shredded. Will keep searching.

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

Sedonia, good points about the cheap jump rings etc. I will watch out for that. Also didn't know they came unassembled and you may have to glue on your mirrors, etc. I am still leaning toward giving this a try. I may wait until MED Fest so I can actually see them and examine the quality.

I am going to agree and disagree with Sedonia. I have had to replace soem of the jump rings on my MEM costume. I have opted for split rings and carry a package with me along with a pair of needle nose pliers. But i do this with any of my three coin costumes, so pointing a finger at MEM as being inferior really isn't fair. It seems to come with the territory.

The other thing is that as far as I know, MEM costumes do not require assembly. Adjustment, yes, assembly no. There are big medallions on the left side which need to be adjusted, but unless you get a defective costume, this is not my experience.

I have heard that the mirrors do pop off and need to be reapplied. As I don't have a mirror set, I ca't cmment on that. I added crystals to mine.

{{{HUGS}}}

Anybody familiar with this from Dahlal:
https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?...1&s1=1151&s2=0

If that link doesn't act right look for:
AA86
Ancient Reflections II Set
$284.85

I'm seeking reviews before I buy it.

hi darbla, im also interested in the ancient reflections II from dahlal, wo will follow this thread.

oh also, can someone confirm it looks like this one in real life: http://www.bhuz.com/forum/bellydance...n-costume.html
as they make it look a bit different on the belt on the dalal website ...thanks

The one on Dahlal has mirrors on the medallions. The one on the swap does not.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by anala

Shimmy til yer tail falls off!