Full size and specia costume needs???

Souzan · 07-08-2007, 08:44 AM

From a plus size mature dancer--its darned hard to find costumes that fit, flatter, and have all the style and glam that can be found in the smaller sizes.

It is not just a matter of taking a size 6 costume and enlarging it to a size 18. We all have the parts on ourselves that we don't like. When you are taller or bigger boned or carrying extra weight or fighting menopausal belly fat or worried about those lovely tricep wings, those problem parts can get in the way of finding the right costume.

So what things do you look for, what problems do you have with the fit and style of commercially available costuming, what do you want to cover or to flatter? What solutions have you come up with?

(long term goal here is to morph some ideas into a post-retirement career)

Souzan

danidance · 07-08-2007, 09:07 AM

The thing I hate most are badly designed bras for larger dancers. With the exception of a few Pharonics - most costumes have too thin straps and they are positioned so that the fat pooches at the underam are accentuated.

A nice halter configuration with a wider strap really helps that and is generally more flattering on a figure types, IMO. So, why don't more costumers use it? ah well. Eman uses that style really nicely.

It would be great to have more dress options also in flattering styles. One that I think is really nice is a fitted sheer overdress type of thing. Pharonics has one costume right now with a removable 3/4 top but I can't find the link now. It's really pretty and a great idea.

dunyah · 07-08-2007, 11:02 AM

A well-fitting and flattering bra is essential. Straps that cross in the back rather than a halter-style (hard on my neck!). Flattering sleeves. Tummy covered or with strategic cut-outs that create a flattering shape. Skirts that aren't too sheer. Designs that are elegant rather than too fussy. These are the things I like in a costume.

I have two L Rose Beledi dresses that I wear with bedlah, and I love those. I have an assiut beledi dress that I wear with bra and hip scarf and a little mini skirt underneath--love that one. I am working on a Gypsy-inspired red and black satin skirt and vest with sleeves to wear with a coin bra and belt. I will use a black body stocking for this one to give tummy coverage.

I like the idea of a sheer over-tunic like a ghawazee coat--cut under the boobs to show the bra, worn over another skirt and under the belt (hope that makes sense). But I don't have anything like that right now.

I am thinking of making or buying a choli-type top with three-quarter sleeves and a little chiffon or other "panel" thingy that covers the front of the belly. I think when you have more belly than you would like, coverings help distract the eye.

Souzan · 07-08-2007, 12:51 PM

I have a definite apple-shape thing going that gets worse as I get older. The Costume Goddess shows a pretty lace beledy dresss with flared skirt and sleeves as a good look for that figure type. And I have a Madame Able dress along the same lines as that general fit. Very ornately bodice, mesh sleeves and godets in the skirt that are also heavily decorated, and flattering sweetheart neckline. Wear your own bra underneath. Sort of very fancy folkloric look.

But for the American or Egyptian cabaret style it is a little harder to find something glamorous and flattering so that the audience notices how lovely your cotume is while admiring your dancing rather then thinking "Oh here is another big gal covering up her stomach." So that the question of size or shape is not even an issue.

Last night I performed at a fellow dancer's B'day party at a restaurant and wore a purple and green iris Neckelmann's with black Sharifwear beaded pants and gypsy tie top with black Sugarpetals net. When I stepped into the room heard this little collective "oooooooooh" sound and hope it wasn't a gasp of horror.

BTW, Sharifwear is really plus-size friendly. The larger size ranges seem to be cut slightly differently than the smaller sizes rather than just made bigger. If anything, they are generous. Thank you, Sharifwear!

Souzan

Souzan

kahaz · 07-08-2007, 06:36 PM

On this topic, back at the end of May there was a thread that had a link that led to a supplier (a bhuzzer, I think!) that carried a range of costumes that included a traditional choli top that had built in bra cups. It looked cool, but I was on vacation on a borrowed computer so it didn't get bookmarked. I think the name began with an M...which I hope rings a bell for someone!

Help?

Kitty

Souzan · 07-08-2007, 10:09 PM

Kitty, I cant find that thread but I know we have talked about this sort of subject in other posts.

I've seen instructions for sewing bras into cholis for more endowed tribal and fusion gals. bellydance patterns has pattern for top with incorporated bra that can be done as either tribal/faux gypsy style or made from lycra and decorated differently for cabaret.

Yep, crossed straps. More supportive than halter style.

Souzan

valeskah · 07-09-2007, 07:22 AM

We definitely need more supportive cabaret bras, and bras with larger (deeper) cups rather than just wider flat ones. Yay for the crossed back straps!

I also have trouble finding bras or tops that fit my long waist.

I'm also metamorphing from a generous hourglass into pear shape, so I'm constantly looking for something that will reduce my very jiggly tum (as well as jiggly upper arms etc etc).

I've been looking for a fabulous larger sized, flattering and interesting cabaret dress for the longest time. I've now started making one, but it'd be so much easier to buy one which was already gorgeous!

Valeskah.

lizajuk · 07-09-2007, 09:08 AM

I've just bought a Madam A from Kay at Faridadance here in the UK and it has two sets of straps. Although the cleavage is the there, the cups give both support and coverage. The skirt has a deep "belt"( Samia style?) and the whole effect is substantial but I think very glamourous and there are very long gauntlets. I have a matching body to go into "Soheir Zaki" mode.There are photos of it on the fashion show at BDSS UK on ikonography website and it was obviously thought out for the bigger dancer it fits. When I put it on, I thought ahhhh I can still wear a 2 piece!

On Sat I saw a fellow dancer in a wonderful black and silver dress and Eman had designed it for her just as she did me. Those lovely loooonnngg sleeves and that fabulous material.The best designers understand that larger older women still get up there and they know just what suits. It's the same with Mandy here at Shimmyshop in the UK, she has some lovely outfits for plus size gals.

Souzan · 07-09-2007, 10:50 AM

Love my Madame A bedlah with double straps and deep cups. Fit so well I didn't have to do one bit of alteration to it other than make sure straps were securely tacked down.

Bras and arms seem to be a big issue with all of us. Wouldn't it be wonderful if designers offered choices in accessories--so you could chose between arm bands or long gauntlets.

Don't know exactly what I am going to do with all this info yet, but I am working on putting comments together in tabular form and sharing. Maybe send a table of comments and suggestions to the major vendors or posting somewhere.

So keep the ieas coming.

Souzan

lizajuk · 07-09-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Souzan

Love my Madame A bedlah with double straps and deep cups. Fit so well I didn't have to do one bit of alteration to it other than make sure straps were securely tacked down.

Bras and arms seem to be a big issue with all of us. Wouldn't it be wonderful if designers offered choices in accessories--so you could chose between arm bands or long gauntlets.

Don't know exactly what I am going to do with all this info yet, but I am working on putting comments together in tabular form and sharing. Maybe send a table of comments and suggestions to the major vendors or posting somewhere.

So keep the ieas coming.

Souzan

The last Pharoanics I got did indeed include wristlets and long gauntlets and the Sim I bought from Nila had both sleeves to attach to vest and nice long gauntlets.

Souzan · 07-09-2007, 10:52 AM

Here is another one...back fat rolls and back bra fat lumps. I usually wear a Sugarpetals powernet body suit to smooth them out, especially under lycra and velvet dresses or tops. But what if dresses had some powernet built in? Like one piece swim suits sometimes do...

Souzan

jody · 07-09-2007, 06:46 PM

Here is a costume that would work for a larger dancer. Choli-stle bra with flared sleeves, wide belt, full-skirt. The slit up the front still makes it sexy and one could easily wear with a body stocking if needed.
http://bellydancestore.biz/gallery.p...tId=5046&no=5&
Just thought it might be of interest to those who are looking for this size or type.

Here is another, I am sure it comes iwth matching sleeves.
http://bellydancestore.biz/gallery.p...d=3044&no=248&

bethsoren · 07-10-2007, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Souzan

Here is another one...back fat rolls and back bra fat lumps.

Even though crossing back straps are more comfortable, this is why I always wear a halter!!

bdaddiction · 07-10-2007, 10:14 PM

Although, I have never purchased a "real" costume as of it, the suggestions of designers help. I would like to purchase one at the end of this year. I have my eyes on a couple.

Bodystockings are a must! It smooths my tummy out. I actually love them because I can pin my belt and skirt to it, so they don't move around. The skirt and belt ride up my behind and don't stay on my hips. I use Sugarpetals and a vendor in Australia that is on EBAY. I have also made a black lace camisole into a body stocking. I love that thing!

Elastic waist skirts are a problem. This year I realized the hip scarf does not cover that problem, but the belts do.

I cover my arms and love playing with different styles:

I love making long gauntlets. I have made them in black lace and a shimmery black velvet. Oh they are fun to add to the costume. I used the pattern on the Costume Goddess.

I have purchased a choli that can go under the bra from Lygia. It has flared sleeves and I love it. Just recently I made a gypsy top from the same material as my veil. The pattern was from a gypsy costume, McCalls I believe. Wearing these under my bra, gives me plenty of chest and back coverage.

zumarrad · 07-11-2007, 06:45 AM

Another big thumbs up to deep cups and strong straps. Halter is indeed flattering to everybody, but unfortunately if your boobs are really big you need some kind of additional strappage to save your neck.

Souzan · 07-11-2007, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zumarrad

Another big thumbs up to deep cups and strong straps. Halter is indeed flattering to everybody, but unfortunately if your boobs are really big you need some kind of additional strappage to save your neck.

Here is a way you can get both. Use two sets of straps with one set a s a halter and one set crossed in the back. Or you could also set the inner set on an angle and cross them in the front before they go behind the neck. That would be a nice look to cover some excessive cleavage.

Souzan

jody · 07-11-2007, 06:23 PM

Ok, just saw these on Ebay from bellydancestore. They appear to fit larger bust or hip sizes, would look fine with a body stocking if needed , and very reasonably priced. You can also see she is considering best offers, which she usually accepts within reason.

This one is an Abla (or so it says)
http://cgi.ebay.com/CLEARANCE-belly-... cmdZViewItem

This one says fits up to E cup
http://cgi.ebay.com/CLEARANCE-belly-... cmdZViewItem

Another E cup
http://cgi.ebay.com/belly-dance-cost... cmdZViewItem

Traditional set with fuller cup and hips
http://cgi.ebay.com/CLEARANCE-belly-... cmdZViewItem

E cup bra with very large belt
http://cgi.ebay.com/belly-dance-cost... cmdZViewItem

Souzan · 07-11-2007, 06:37 PM

Hi Jody,

Black dress arrived and it is really lovely. And fits like a glove except that I will need to do something with the bra. Maybe just put in a larger cup or add some fabric under the arm for extra side boob coverage. I am going to make new straps so they are long enough to criss cross in back. I love this dress!!! A friend has similar black lycra with gold, green, iris beads and sequins and on stage she looks like green fire!

Souzan

jody · 07-11-2007, 11:19 PM

Souzan,
I am so glad it fits. I was just able to watch my short performance on a DVD today in that dress. Good thing I sold it first, cause I proably would have kept it had I realized how pretty it looked! I think it is a very flattering shape with such lovely beadwork. Post a pic when you are able.
Enjoy!

bdaddiction · 07-11-2007, 11:24 PM

The bellydancestore has a nice selection. Thanks.

07-18-2007, 07:21 AM

[quote=dunyah;31304]

I like the idea of a sheer over-tunic like a ghawazee coat--cut under the boobs to show the bra, worn over another skirt and under the belt (hope that makes sense). But I don't have anything like that right now.

QUOTE]

I have a red chiffon tunic that i wear just as described by dunyah and I love it with my gold and copper bedlah.
I have been working in a swimwear boutique recently and I'm learning heaps too. larger/older ladies come in with all sorts of body anxiety. a good bra top needs plenty of side width and support, wider straps are more flattering on mature women too and most prefer cross over adjustable straps.
In full body costumes where the fabric crosses over at the front between the boobs is a very flattering look on plus sizes. so are vertical stipes especially just two light coloured, wide stripes down the torso just over the hip line it creates an illusion of slenderness.
regardless of age I prefer to see dancers in a dress but thats just me, not that I'm a prude or anything far from it (I'm a nude sunbather), I like the silhouette and form of a dancer.

Souzan · 07-18-2007, 11:09 AM

Hi Nigma,

I have floating, gauzy tunics that work really well with bedlah. They are simple envelope shape with sides partialy stitched leaving wide arm holes and slits at the hip. At a dancers swap meet I bought one for $5 in purple silk chiffon. It had gold piping around the neck and was covered with small gold metallic dots. The fabric is so sheer. It went perfectly with my purple and gold Madame Abla skirt and gold Abla bra and belt. The beautiful bra was visible through the generous armholes and sparkled under the sheer silk fabric. I wore the belt over the tunic and bloused it up a bit. Wore this when doing a birthday show for a friend and her party guests and got many compliments because it was so elegant and sparkly. Since then I have started making them to match other skirts. I used red silk chiffon for one that I made and glued very small AB rhinestones on it. Again, very elegant and sparkly!

Souzan

Kalirah · 07-18-2007, 12:33 PM

When our troupe brought Margo Abdo O'Dell from MN up for a workshop she performed in a beautiful purple costume where the bra was built into a lycra vest with 3/4 sleeves. I've been looking for one ever since

I'd add a body stocking though.
http://www.bhuz.com/index.php?cmd=/p.../view/id_2574/

MariaAya · 07-18-2007, 03:37 PM

Having all the things above in mind, and looking for a sexy, classy and dancable costume that really is me, and doesnt cost me a fortune also lol, decided to start designing my own costumes (my university degree is restoring ancient greek art, so had years of designing costumes also lol).
Found a tailor at Cairo and gave him my designs, the results was WOW !!!
Now this is becoming to a co-operation and I'm gonna design a new collection for Classy and Curvy bellydancers.
We dont just need bigger size, but costumes that show our personality as dancers also.
In this video you can see the second one he did for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v