Thread: To Halter or Not to Halter.. that is the Question...

I notice that most modern costumes seem to be halters if I'm not mistaken...Is there a reason for this other than fashion? Does halter give better lift or cleavage?

Also, if I don't sew the straps halter since the straps are not elastic how exactly do I get into the bra? lol Since I'd want the straps nice and snug for uplift but it seems like it might be a trip getting my arms through lol....

Many dancers favor the halter because of the cleavage they create, but the pressure on the back of the neck can pinch nerves...find what works for you.

Bella tends to make costumes where the straps cross-cross in back and attach to hooks on the inside of the costume.

I actually think I may prefer it traditionally non halter style but how would I get proper uplift (meaning short straps) and still be able to get the bra on since the short straps won't stretch or give like a traditional bra?..c::

Originally Posted by Zarafshan

I actually think I may prefer it traditionally non halter style but how would I get proper uplift (meaning short straps) and still be able to get the bra on since the short straps won't stretch or give like a traditional bra?..c::

Depends on how good you are at putting bras on in general. I've never had any trouble doing and undoing bras with clasps behind my back but some people struggle.

If your average and gig is going to be haflas and such, you can usually get help, if you're doing restaurants and places you have to be solo...

I change halters to cross in the back straps. One strap can be permanent and then the second can be hooked in the front. Or you can hook both in the front to make it even easier. Since the halter straps probably won't be quite long enough to make the X in the back, you may have to add some length to each by making coordinating pieces or simply making new straps altogether.

I prefer criss cross straps... they are more stable, feel more comfortable, and usually stay on even if a hook breaks or something. It can be difficult to get into the bra by yourself though.

I like wearing halter-style bras, but only when they are very light. The beaded bella bras can be a bit hard on the neck, so I prefer to wear those with criss-cross straps, similar look but more support.

I think a lot of people have halters because they are easier to make (in addition to the cleavage benefit). Unless you have a dress form or someone fitting you in person, it can be difficult to figure out where to place the straps in the back. But with a halter it's much easier. I prefer regular straps for comfort reasons and I'm not able to get myself in and out of criss-cross straps.

I like crisscross straps better than halter tops. They are more comfortable and I feel they are sturdier. If my closures fail, I know the top will stay in place. They are a little tricky to get into sometimes, so they take a little practice.

Halters kill my neck. It's a little better if the fastening is not right at the back of the neck, but not much. Not good at all if you are very busty. Straps that cross in the back give similar shaping benefits in the front but are easier on your body.

If you like crisscross straps but have trouble getting into them, fastening them in the front (hooks inside the cups) makes it very easy, as Souzan said. Kina offered another great solution a while back: regular over-the-shoulder straps, but with a big hook and eye between the shoulder blades that you fasten to create a racer-back effect. I'll see if I can find the pics.

Good advice here! http://www.bhuz.com/forum/belly-danc...r-halters.html

I much prefer criss-cross straps in back. I don't have any problems getting in them.

I prefer criss cross straps, halters hurt my neck. I have some with fixed straps, and others I've altered so the straps fasten in front.

Originally Posted by Zarafshan

I actually think I may prefer it traditionally non halter style but how would I get proper uplift (meaning short straps) and still be able to get the bra on since the short straps won't stretch or give like a traditional bra?..c::

i make my bras that way. i have to clasp the stretchy bra band in back, then the dance fabric band behind my back, then snap the stretchy band to the non-stretchy covered band so that they don't ride apart. im a little person tho, rib cage only 32''. but i sew in non-stretch straps in a crisscross. ^_^
it gives the same lift but no pressure on the back of the neck. i wear some of my stretchy non-dance bras that way too tho, so i practice a similar but easier situation a lot.

Originally Posted by ozma

If your average and gig is going to be haflas and such, you can usually get help, if you're doing restaurants and places you have to be solo...

. . . you might want to consider putting on the bra part at home! I do that with certain costumes for pro gigs. Of course, I usually have someone around who can help me. Even if I don't have a helper, then I want to do most of my sweating over and swearing at the costume while I'm still at home . . .

Deborah

Re: halters:

The halter styles that I have are not true halters, in that they really hang from the neck. Instead, a few of mine are engineered such that the bulk of the weight is shifted to a tab of fabric just a bit below the neck and then further absorbed by straps running diagonally down to the back band. Imagine a trapazoidal shape: short horizontal segment at the top (the tab just below the neck) and a longer horizontal segment at the bottom (the back band); two diagonal back straps link the top tab to the back band. In my costumes made like this, the top tab opens and closes with substantial hooks, supplemented (by me) with snaps.

If making a costume bra like this yourself, you can put a tiny amount of elastic in the diagonal back straps; if you need to shorten diagonal back straps in a ready-made costume, you can add a bit of elastic while you're altering them.

Deborah