Bras for Belly Dance Costuming Spring 2012

“Davina, What’s the best bra for making a belly dance costume?

The answer isn’t simple.  There is no one single bra style that will fit and flatter everybody.   Instead, you will have to get out to the stores and try bras on.  When you go to shop for bras, take the kind of padding you would use in your bra and give it the stuff treatment.  You might want to consider going up in cup size and down in band size.  It’s common practice to remove the bra band, so the size is not as relevant, but if you are large busted, you might want to carry some bra extenders so you can try band sizes that are smaller than you would ordinarily wear.  And remember – if you are shopping on line, don’t be afraid to return bras that aren’t working for you!

So, what features bra features should you look for?  I always take these four things into consideration.

• Underwires – Bras with sturdy underwires are more supportive.
• Foam or padded cups – Bras that have substance will provide your costume with a sturdy base to stitch your embellishments to.
• Coverage – Remember – this is a costume and not lingerie. You want to ensure that you have enough coverage to be comfortable in the public eye and with no risk of nipple exposure.
• Budget – Buy the best you can afford – but don’t exceed your budget!

Here are a few of my current favorites to help you get started in your quest.  Good Luck!