Thread: What type of lycra should I order?

OK everyone-

Pretend I don't know anything about fabrics...because I don't.

I'm getting ready to place an order with L. Rose- there are several pieces that I want to pick up.

First, I want performance briefs. I am interested in getting a pair that would match every costume that I have (to make the undergarments look like they're part of the costume), but I'm just ordering 1 at the moment, so that I can see how they fit. I'm right on the edge of 2 sizes, and I don't want to order a bunch of them, only to find that they're not quite right. I am assuming that I want cotton lycra for these, because cotton breathes? Or would nylon lycra be better?

Next, one of my most-loved and most-often-worn Hoda Zaki's is showing more wear- the metallic has worn off the bottom of both bra cups. Here's what the bra looks like:

http://amarasdance.com/bio.htm

The costume is very near retirement- I know that, but it has been a favorite (and I've gained weight and it's one of the only ones that doesn't muffin on me right now), so I'd like to get a few more wearings out of it. I think if I wear a U-top with it, it would be really cute, and the underbust part of the U-top would cover the wear on the bra. To match the Hoda, what kind of fabric should I get? I am assuming lycra, but again, I don't know- nylon or cotton? Or something else entirely?

The third thing I want to buy is a black trumpet skirt with matching U-top. I'm thinking to save fundage (which is a little tight), I should just get a black trumpet skirt to match the U-top I'm already getting. But that would mean the same fabric. I usually see trumpet skirts in either velvet or something fancy. Is a plain-fabric lycra trumpet skirt nice enough? I just don't see them very often- is there a reason why? I'm wondering if I might be better off buying a velvet trumpet and U-top, and that's a possibility- I was just thinking to save $$$ by buying 1 black U-top instead of 2.

I know that there is a lot of fabric knowledge here on Bhuz, and I basically know nothing about fabric types. Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by amarasdance

First, I want performance briefs. [..] I am assuming that I want cotton lycra for these, because cotton breathes? Or would nylon lycra be better?

Some people like nylon underwear and some hate it in real life. Some dancers wear a thong under their performance briefs. Some dancers like shiny undergarments so if they flash the audience, folks know that these are part of the costume, and not a pair of plain ol' Hanes Her Way knickers. I think a lot of dancers do use the top end of the Hanes line (Spandex blend) under their costume, so this might be a way to save a little money on a less-seen part of your costume. Depends...

To match the Hoda, what kind of fabric should I get? I am assuming lycra, but again, I don't know- nylon or cotton? Or something else entirely? [...] I usually see trumpet skirts in either velvet or something fancy. Is a plain-fabric lycra trumpet skirt nice enough? I just don't see them very often- is there a reason why?

Cotton Lycra usually isn't a very stageworthy fabric. It's typically used for exercise clothes, which is why it looks odd as part of a glamorous costume. Solid-colored Lycra was, and still is used, but when you have a minimalist costume, the trend is to use fabrics that are opulent looking (stretch velvet) or are pre-embellished (foiled Spandex), so other decorations aren't as necessary. If it's a plain Lycra with a sheen (as opposed to the sort of matte finish you'd find on a swimsuit), it would be okay for a costume. Otherwise, I think it looks like panne velvet--a bit on the low-end side. If you're trying to match a specific fabric (the Hoda costume), then you might want to send for swatches. Black can be a tough color to match, and a near miss on the Lycra might look worse than a stretch velvet that is totally different.

Still, you have a budget. The average GP audience member doesn't know the ins and outs of costume fabrics, so you have a bit more leeway with them (if you look like a belly dancer to them, that's all they care about), but if you are dancing for upscale crowds and other dancers, you may be judged on these sorts of issues. Sorry, probably not much help here...

Thanks for the response! A few follow-ups:

Re: undergarments: I have worn just about everything under a costume, and right now have dedicates "performance panties" in my costume suitcase. What I'm looking for specifically is something more like a costume and less like regular underwear. Specifically made for each costume to match the color. I'm thinking more like what a cheerleader would wear, less like underwear. That's why I'm not interested in regular panties- I'm trying to get away from that.

Re: The skirt and U-top: I have a budget, but I still can afford to get nice things. I do restaurant work, private parties, and the like, so I'm not interested in getting something that's only hafla-worthy. (Nothing wrong with that, it's just not where I am in my journey.) So cotton lycra is out. What about nylon lycra? For the skirt/top, I am perfectly willing to buy velvet, if that's what looks better. I was simply thinking of saving $35 or so, by only getting 1 U-top, rather than 2. But if it's not pro-enough to use, then it's not saving any money at all.

Maybe I'd be better off getting a nylon lycra U-top specifically to wear with the Hoda, and a velvet u-top and trumpet skirt for use with bedlah.

Any opinion? Again, thanks!

Missed the suggestion to ask for swatches- excellent idea! Thanks- I will do that!

The cotton lycra is thinner and would show all bumps etc underneath. I like it for practice wear but wouldn't do it for a skirt or anything because I find it "unkind". I like the coverage that velvet offers and the luxury velvet is divine and thick...the crushed is also pretty and a tiny bit thinner and it has a very interesting texture. I think they are both flattering as skirt or whatever you want material. I haven't ordered their nylon lycra but I do know that lycra can snag and pill potentially. It could be that the high quality stuff doesn't ??? hopefully someone with experience can pipe in with that info.

I know silk veils attack velvet and not lycra

Originally Posted by amarasdance

Missed the suggestion to ask for swatches- excellent idea! Thanks- I will do that!

They are fabulous about sending out swatches... especially if you call and talk to them and explain all your questions. The last time I called I talked to Shoshanna and she ended up sending a whole page of swatches based on what we'd talked about and added extras with suggestions.