Thread: Topless Dancer!

I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO MAD I could spit!!!!!!!

I've been dancing for about 6 years now, and have never once been happy with the way any of my tops fit!!!!!!!!

I'm a tribal dancer. So, it's not the matching costume thing . . . I know if you custom order a Bella or other designer costume, they fit like a charm. It's harder with tribal . . . especially if you're on a budget.

Coin bras hurt my neck because they are so dang heavy! Halter tops don't give enough support or coverage for my C / D girls. Most tops that you can actually wear a bra with . . . well, let's face it, they look like practice wear.

When I'm performing, I want to look like I'm performing and I want my tops to fit!

I don't like to show a lot of cleavage. And I need lots of support since my boobies are a little on the large side (Don't like when each boob has a shimmy of its own when I do a shoulder shimmy ..l;,) . . .

Please help! If you know of any designers / brands / styles, etc. of tops that would give me coverage, support, and a professional tribal look, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

I actually think it's harder to find a fit with off-the-rack costumes. If you're making your own costume, you can use a bra that already fits you. It doesn't take too much work; you could cover a bra and convert the straps so they criss-cross in the back. This gives more support than a halter and looks a little less like lingerie. Then decorate with coins or whatever you like. There are a lot of ladies on this board who are really skilled in this area and can give great advice!

Something I did when I had to make a tribal costume fast. I bought a U top from L Rose, took a normal lingerie bra and covered the cups only with black fabric. I added a ribbon at the top for decoration, some coins to the cups, and a kuchi pendant in the middle. By wearing the U top over the bra I didn't have to cover the entire bra; the hooks and straps got covered. One thing to keep in mind: if the decorations add any weight, it's a good idea to add some grosgrain ribbon to the sides and/or straps so the bra doesn't get stretched out.

Try contacting Liora at Liora Designs by lioradesigns on Etsy or Liora - Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Artist She does beautiful custom work and as a well-endowed girl designs bras that cover and stay put.

This is Tribalation, a wonderful tribal troupe from Oregon. They are wearing "brolies," made by Gypsy Red Threads: Tribal Style Belly Dance Costumes - Belly Dancing Costumes

They are supportive as well as beautiful tops.

you can convert the straps on your coin bras so they criss cross so they don't hurt your neck. you can wear cholis or halter under bras for more coverage.

I second the criss-crossing straps... it really takes the pressure off the neck!

You could also do halter-style tops as they have more coverage, but sew the straps criss-cross in back instead of tying around the neck.

I stopped covering entire bras with coins because it made me even more top heavy than I already am with boobs and big shoulders. I started just lining the edges with coins instead and I think it looks (and feels) much better:

Originally Posted by dunyah

This is Tribalation, a wonderful tribal troupe from Oregon. They are wearing "brolies," made by Gypsy Red Threads: Tribal Style Belly Dance Costumes - Belly Dancing Costumes

They are supportive as well as beautiful tops.

Yay!!!!!!! This is kind of what I had in mild! PERFECT! Thanks!

Originally Posted by rmcguire

I stopped covering entire bras with coins because it made me even more top heavy than I already am with boobs and big shoulders. I started just lining the edges with coins instead and I think it looks (and feels) much better:

Beautiful design! Love it! You look lovely.

I found that any of the bras I got at L.Rose Designs do not have a tremendous amount of cleavage. I am a 36C so I guess I'm not too big or too small but I know what you mean about individual "shimmies" for each "girl" and L.Rose's products hold them pretty good.

I also suggest both the brolie and the cross strap setup - I'm a 36 H and I wear cross strap bras, I've converted all my purchased halters and I'm not looking back!

I tired fining the "brolies" on etsy, and didn't have any luck . . . how can I get my hands on one of these?

why not wear a choli under your bra? let me find a pic...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/...447cd65795.jpg

Originally Posted by mlacombe

why not wear a choli under your bra? let me find a pic...

That's what I do usually, but sometimes I don't want to wear a choli. Sometimes I like to show bare shoulder and be "lighter" on top . . . . more relaxed.

Originally Posted by Zepora

I tired fining the "brolies" on etsy, and didn't have any luck . . . how can I get my hands on one of these?

Did you try contacting Joy through the link at Gypsy Red Tribal Threads? Tribal Style Belly Dance Costumes - Belly Dancing Costumes

Originally Posted by dunyah

Did you try contacting Joy through the link at Gypsy Red Tribal Threads? Tribal Style Belly Dance Costumes - Belly Dancing Costumes

Yes. I sent her a message that way . . . haven't heard back yet. Is she good about responding?

Originally Posted by Zepora

Yes. I sent her a message that way . . . haven't heard back yet. Is she good about responding?

I'm not sure. I sent a message to a good friend of hers telling her to tell Joy check out this thread because people are interested in buying brolies. I hope you hear from her soon!

If you sew, these are not difficult to make. PM me, I have a vintage pattern for summer halters and sun tops which translate beautifully into this type of top. I'll be happy to make a copy for you.

{{{HUGS}}}

I'm with troupe Tribalation! and I love those brolis. They are each unique because they're made with vintage textiles, and they fit like a bra so they give support, even to gals with ample cleavage. Here's a color photo of me in a broli-- I just love the colors!!

Picasa Web Albums - Sabine - Tribalfest 2009

I know that Joy has at least 4 or 5 brolis in stock now, and I'll prompt her to get some pics back on etsy. She took them down recently because we took all the goods to a festival in Nebraska, but now I'll tell her she needs to put them back so everyone can have a chance!

Oh, these look fabulous, I'd love to get one! In the past, there was one listed on Etsy, in a small size.

How about a fishnet shirt under a decorated bra...

Originally Posted by salsabelly

How about a fishnet shirt under a decorated bra...

I'm not crazy about fishnet on me. I like the way it looks on other dancers, but never liked that look for myself . . .

Originally Posted by Sabine

I'm with troupe Tribalation! and I love those brolis. They are each unique because they're made with vintage textiles, and they fit like a bra so they give support, even to gals with ample cleavage. Here's a color photo of me in a broli-- I just love the colors!!

Picasa Web Albums - Sabine - Tribalfest 2009

I know that Joy has at least 4 or 5 brolis in stock now, and I'll prompt her to get some pics back on etsy. She took them down recently because we took all the goods to a festival in Nebraska, but now I'll tell her she needs to put them back so everyone can have a chance!

Oh YES! I definitely want one! Please let me know once they are available for purchase!!!!

Have you tried Rajasthani cholis? I saw them a while ago at Silk Road Tribal, the short sleeved ones with fitted cups, not sure whether they are still in stock, it can be hard to find them. They tend to require a bit of work to make the sleeves/shoulders fit. They look very spiffy if that matches your style and offer surprising support, especially when one adds an underbust wider band and maybe bra cups. I love these tops (for my 36Cs).

Hey, I wanted to let you know that Joy from Gypsy Red Tribal Threads has just put her ETSY site back up with those gorgeous "Broli" tops that fit and support so very well!

Gypsy Red Tribal Threads by GypsyRedTribalThread on Etsy

She has just listed a couple of tops and and will be listing more this week.
She has one listed for a well-endowed woman! Woo hoo!

oops
SORRY!

Just wanted to report: I decided to order a brolie from Gypsy Red Tribal. I LOVE it! The price is a bit on the hefty side ($75+s/h), but the product is very nice, and I will get another one, for sure. It is quite simple, but very well and cleverly made. I like the fit a lot, it feels very secure and just "at home" ;-) I will have to make a minor adjustment (the "straps" are a little too long for my particular, short-shouldered build), but that's no biggie. The design is very flattering, it draws the eye away from my shoulders/upper arms and more towards the cleavage, exactly how it should be. So, thumbs up!!!

just FYI: I am still looking for the pattern. It seems to have gotten out of the pattern basket. I am actually thinking I might want to draft this!

{{{HUGS}}}

I'm a 36E/F right now, and I just bought a M/L bamboo bra top from Melodia Designs - it fits fantastic and is very supportive - it crosses in the back, which is perhaps why.

I imagine you could get one of these and decorate it - or even just wear it as is (with a cool vest or something).