A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Your First Belly Dance Costume

One of the most exciting parts of starting belly dance is imagining yourself in those gorgeous, glittering costumes. But before you rush to buy that bedlah (the classic two-piece costume), let's talk about building a practical dance wardrobe that serves you well from your first class through your first performance and beyond.

Starting Simple: Practice Wear

Your dance journey begins in class, and comfort trumps glamour here. You'll want clothing that allows you to see your body's movements while keeping you comfortable through an hour of shimmies, undulations, and stretches.

A fitted top—whether a sports bra, crop top, or form-fitting tank—lets you and your teacher see your torso movements clearly. Pair it with yoga pants, leggings, or stretchy dance pants. Many dancers prefer a bare midriff for visibility, but if that's not comfortable for you, a fitted long top works just as well.

The one essential investment? A hip scarf. Even the simplest coin belt or scarf transforms ordinary workout clothes into dance practice gear. More importantly, it helps you feel and see your hip movements. The coins' jingle provides audio feedback, and the added weight around your hips enhances body awareness.

Building Your Practice Collection

As you progress, you'll want to expand your practice wardrobe with a few key pieces:

• Multiple hip scarves: Different weights and styles affect your movement differently. Heavier scarves help build muscle memory, while lighter ones allow for faster shimmies.
• A practice skirt: Circle skirts and tiered skirts teach you how to work with fabric, a crucial performance skill. They also add beauty to your practice sessions.
• Finger cymbals: When you're ready to add zills to your practice, you'll need a quality pair. Saroyan and Turquoise International are reliable brands.
• A veil: Silk veils are stunning but require care. Many dancers start with a polyester or rayon veil for practice before investing in silk.

Your First Performance Costume

The time has come—your teacher says you're ready to perform. Now what? The costume question suddenly feels very real, and the options are overwhelming.

For your first few performances, consider a "safe" option that won't distract you or cause wardrobe malfunctions. A simple but elegant choice is a fitted long-sleeved or short-sleeved top (perhaps with some beading or embellishment) paired with a flowing skirt and a decorated hip belt. This combination looks polished without the complexity of a traditional bedlah.

If you do want a bedlah for your debut, rental is a smart option. Many teachers rent costumes to students, and specialty shops offer rental programs. This lets you experience performing in a full costume without the significant investment.

Buying Your First Bedlah

When you're ready to invest in your own two-piece costume, approach it thoughtfully. A quality bedlah can cost anywhere from $200 for a ready-made import to $1,000 or more for a custom-designed piece from a respected costume maker.

Consider these factors:

• Fit: The bra should feel secure when you shimmy—nothing should shift or bounce unexpectedly. The belt should sit comfortably on your hips without digging in.
• Construction: Look for secure beading, reinforced straps, and quality closures. Costume malfunctions mid-performance are every dancer's nightmare.
• Versatility: Your first costume should work with multiple skirts and different music. A classic color like black, red, or gold pairs with almost anything.
• Your body type: Different belt shapes flatter different bodies. Try on several styles to see what enhances your natural proportions.

Where to Shop

Egyptian and Turkish designers create stunning work, but sizing can be tricky when ordering internationally. Many dancers start with reputable online retailers like Dahlal, The Hip, or Autumn Wardance, which offer reasonable quality at accessible price points.

As you advance, you might commission custom pieces from designers like Bella, Eman Zaki, or local costume artists. Custom work ensures perfect fit and allows you to create exactly the look you envision.

Don't overlook the secondhand market. Dance communities often have Facebook groups or local swap events where dancers sell gently used costumes. You can find beautiful pieces at a fraction of their original cost.

Caring for Your Investment

A well-maintained costume lasts for years. Always hang your bedlah after performing to prevent crushing the beadwork. Store skirts and veils in breathable bags to prevent dust accumulation and fabric damage.

Minor repairs—reattaching fallen beads or reinforcing straps—are part of every dancer's skill set. Keep a small sewing kit with matching thread, and address issues promptly before they become major problems.