Thread: HELP!!! Figuring out proper size/fit for Egyptian hip belts

okay, I've now purchased 2 Egyptian bedlahs (cupped butt style belts) that do not fit b/c my lower hip is 2" bigger than my bottom hip! So frustrating, the 2 costumes I just bought, are a smidge too small.

so how do you properly figure out what size Egyptian hip belts you need?

do you go by your lower hip (larger measurements) and fix the upper hip (smaller measurements) i..e with elastic?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

I need to prevent this from happening in the future....ladies look out, there may be 2 more costumes posted on the swap....

I've given up on those belts because they're just problematic on my weird body type. If you're feeling ambitious, you might be able to dart your belt so it hugs your butt better....but that's definitely not for the faint of heart ,r:;

for future purchases, you might consider a 2 piece belt. this will allow you to angle the pieces to fit your body better at the belt top.

for your current ones, can you add an angled extender piece to the side closure?
i go by the lower hip measurement and adjust the top accordingly with angling the closure, wide elastic casing, etc.

have you experimented with how high/low you wear the belts and placement of skirt underneath. sometimes, where you wear your skirt under the belt can make a big difference too.

If they're two piece belts I would wear the front piece straight and the back piece angled down at the hips if that makes sense. I've also tried the darting. I think in general, though, egyptian style cupped butt belts work best with people who are flat butted - not bubble butted like myself. I've tried both high end cupped butt belts and low end, and neither are flattering!

Originally Posted by lilya

I think in general, though, egyptian style cupped butt belts work best with people who are flat butted - not bubble butted like myself. I've tried both high end cupped butt belts and low end, and neither are flattering!

Maybe this is why they don't work on me. I have a bubble butt. A small bubble, yes. But a bubble, nonetheless! ,r:;

Glad to know it's not just me!

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

I've given up on those belts because they're just problematic on my weird body type. If you're feeling ambitious, you might be able to dart your belt so it hugs your butt better....but that's definitely not for the faint of heart ,r:;

thanks, okay, so what about that gold, bronze beauty you had on the swap???

Originally Posted by lilya

If they're two piece belts I would wear the front piece straight and the back piece angled down at the hips if that makes sense. I've also tried the darting. I think in general, though, egyptian style cupped butt belts work best with people who are flat butted - not bubble butted like myself. I've tried both high end cupped butt belts and low end, and neither are flattering!

unfortunetly they are both 1-piece belts.

most of the belts I have are 1-piece. The older ones I have are too big and have elastic in them to cinch them tighter; which works to a certain extent.

the 2 "new" ones, well are slightly too small well they fit the upper hip but not the lower hip

ah-huh! I understand, that's the problem, too much booty in the back! ..l;,

Originally Posted by lilya

I think in general, though, egyptian style cupped butt belts work best with people who are flat butted - not bubble butted like myself.

Not true! I have a girlfriend booty and the cupped belts work great for me! I also tend to wear the older style AmCab costumes because they tend to be narrow with lots of fringe, thus not mattering that much about upper and lower hip measurement. Many also have what I call a Wonder Woman Belt buckle in front which allows some angling when the belt wraps around.

I am going to second Sabrina on the question of the extender. Would this be a possibility?

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

for future purchases, you might consider a 2 piece belt. this will allow you to angle the pieces to fit your body better at the belt top.

for your current ones, can you add an angled extender piece to the side closure?
i go by the lower hip measurement and adjust the top accordingly with angling the closure, wide elastic casing, etc.

have you experimented with how high/low you wear the belts and placement of skirt underneath. sometimes, where you wear your skirt under the belt can make a big difference too.

I have experimented with how high/low, I usually have a "set" spot where I like to wear them, obviously if need be I'd adjust.

by an extender piece? what do you mean? what do folks usually use to try to extend the belt?

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

Not true! I have a girlfriend booty and the cupped belts work great for me! I also tend to wear the older style AmCab costumes because they tend to be narrow with lots of fringe, thus not mattering that much about upper and lower hip measurement. Many also have what I call a Wonder Woman Belt buckle in front which allows some angling when the belt wraps around.

I am going to second Sabrina on the question of the extender. Would this be a possibility?

{{{HUGS}}}

Yeah I have a g-friend booty too. I think that is why I'm starting to REALLY like the Necklemann's belts, they are thinner so no nned to worry about low and high hip measurements, however, I don't totally like their style all the time.

Originally Posted by SaNoorah

thanks, okay, so what about that gold, bronze beauty you had on the swap???

It's so hard to say, because everybody's bod is different ,r:;

I have no hips and a bubble butt, so the belt "sat" really funny on me, even when I elasticized the top of the belt.

Then again, I think the belt was about 33.5" across and I really need a 28" belt. You're a bit hippier than I am, so there's a possibility it could work on you...sorry I'm not very helpful!

other suggestions?

It's probably easier to adjust to make smaller than to make larger. Meaning, go with the lower hip measurement when deciding whether to purchase and accordingly adjust the upper hip. I think this is often the case with the Egyptian belts, no? Haven't worn or purchased one (ever) but it's the most common problem when I was repairing & adjusting others' costumes.

As for belt that is too small, you can extend with extra beading (harvested from other parts) + 2 layers of the thickest grade Pellon + under fabric + "show" fabric (the fabric that will show underneath the beadwork).