Belly Dancing Suit: Complete Guide to Belly Dance Costumes, Bedlah Sets, Skirts, Tops, and Accessories
A belly dancing suit is a performance outfit designed to complement the movements, music, and visual style of belly dance. These costumes range from glamorous Egyptian-style sets covered in crystals and beadwork to flowing skirts, belly dance dresses, harem pants, coin belts, hip scarves, and practice outfits. For professional stage performances, one of the most recognizable belly dancing suit styles is the bedlah, an ensemble traditionally associated with a decorated top, hip treatment, and skirt or pants.
The word bedlah—also spelled bedleh or badlah—comes from Arabic and means "suit" or "outfit." In belly dance terminology, it commonly describes the cabaret-style costume consisting of an embellished bra or top, hip belt, and skirt.
A good belly dancing suit should do more than look beautiful. It should fit securely, allow unrestricted movement, complement the dance style, and help visually emphasize hip movements, shimmies, turns, torso isolations, and other techniques.
What Is a Belly Dancing Suit?
A belly dancing suit is clothing specifically selected or constructed for belly dance practice or performance.
Depending on the style, a complete costume may include:
Belly dance bra or decorated top
Hip belt
Belly dance skirt
Harem pants
Hip scarf
Beaded fringe
Coins
Crystals or rhinestones
Veil
Arm accessories
Jewelry
Headpiece
Dance shoes
Not every belly dancing outfit includes all of these pieces.
Professional Egyptian-style costumes, folkloric costumes, Turkish belly dance outfits, American Cabaret costumes, fusion costumes, and beginner practice clothing can look very different.
The right costume therefore depends on where and how it will be worn.
What Is a Bedlah Belly Dancing Suit?
The bedlah is one of the most recognizable belly dancing suit designs.
A classic bedlah generally consists of a decorated bra or fitted top, an embellished hip belt or decorated hip area, and a coordinating skirt or pants. Beads, sequins, crystals, coins, embroidery, and fringe may be used to decorate the costume.
Modern costume construction does not always use a completely separate belt.
Many contemporary skirts incorporate the decorated hip section directly into the skirt, creating a more integrated design.
The bedlah is especially associated with professional raqs sharqi and cabaret-style performance.
History of the Belly Dancing Suit
The modern belly dance costume has a more complicated history than many people realize.
The familiar bra-belt-skirt silhouette is not simply an unchanged ancient Middle Eastern costume. Belly dance costume historian Dawn Devine traces the development of the modern bedlah through Western theatrical imagery and early-20th-century entertainment, after which professional performers—particularly in Egypt—adopted and transformed the style.
By the 20th century, Egyptian stage and cinema helped turn glamorous belly dance costuming into an internationally recognized performance style.
The development continued as new materials became available.
Chiffon allowed designers to create flowing skirts, while stretch materials made fitted costumes easier to construct and move in. Costume fashion has continued changing alongside dance itself.
Egyptian Belly Dancing Suit
An Egyptian belly dancing suit is generally designed for Egyptian-style raqs sharqi.
Modern Egyptian performance costumes can include a decorated bra or top combined with a fitted or flowing skirt.
Popular details include:
Rhinestones
Crystal appliqués
Sequins
Beaded fringe
Embroidery
Mesh panels
Decorative straps
Hip embellishments
Side slits
Flowing fabric
The costume should visually complement Egyptian-style movement without interfering with the dancer's technique.
The famous bedlah silhouette became particularly associated with Egyptian professional performance, although costume fashions have changed dramatically from one generation to another.
Belly Dance Bra and Belt Sets
A bra-and-belt combination is a classic foundation for a belly dancing suit.
The bra is not simply an ordinary bra with a few decorations added to it. Professional costume tops generally require enough structure to remain secure throughout turns, shimmies, backbends, traveling steps, and other movements.
Decoration can include crystals, rhinestones, sequins, beads, embroidery, and fringe.
The hip belt performs another visual function.
Because it sits around the hips, its embellishments draw attention toward hip movements.
When the dancer performs a shimmy, hip drop, hip lift, circle, or figure eight, fringe and other embellishments can make that movement even more visible to the audience.
Belly Dancing Suit with Skirt
Skirts are available in numerous silhouettes.
Chiffon Belly Dance Skirt
Chiffon is lightweight and creates flowing movement.
It works particularly well for turns, traveling combinations, and performances where the dancer wants the fabric to move dramatically.
Mermaid Belly Dance Skirt
A mermaid skirt generally fits more closely through the hips before becoming wider toward the bottom.
This silhouette can emphasize the hip line while still allowing movement through the lower portion of the costume.
Circle Skirt
Circle skirts contain substantial amounts of fabric and can create dramatic visual effects during turns.
Slit Skirt
One or more slits can provide additional leg movement while changing the overall silhouette.
The best skirt depends on dance style, choreography, body shape, venue, and personal preference.
Belly Dancing Suit with Harem Pants
Harem pants provide an alternative to a skirt.
They can be used for performance, practice, theatrical costuming, and certain fusion styles.
Harem pants may be paired with:
Decorated tops
Crop tops
Coin belts
Hip scarves
Vests
Cholis
Beaded belts
They are especially useful when a dancer wants loose, flowing fabric around the legs without wearing a traditional skirt.
Belly Dancing Suit with Coins
Coins are among the most recognizable belly dance costume decorations.
A coin belt or hip scarf can move and create sound as the dancer performs hip movements.
Coin decorations are frequently found on:
Hip scarves
Belts
Tops
Headpieces
Necklaces
Harem pants
A coin hip scarf is particularly popular with beginners because it makes hip movement easy to see and can provide audible feedback during accents.
Professional performance costumes do not have to contain coins, however. Crystal and rhinestone-heavy costumes are also extremely popular.
Belly Dancing Suit with Fringe
Fringe creates movement.
Long beaded fringe attached around the hips can swing dramatically during:
Shimmies
Hip drops
Hip lifts
Figure eights
Turns
Traveling steps
Shorter fringe can provide a subtler effect.
Fringe may also be placed on the bra, shoulders, skirt, or other areas.
The amount of fringe should complement the choreography rather than overpower it.
Crystal Belly Dancing Suits
Modern professional costumes frequently use crystals and rhinestones to create sparkle under stage lighting.
Crystal designs can range from relatively simple accents to elaborate patterns covering much of the costume.
Common placements include:
Bra cups
Necklines
Hip lines
Waistbands
Straps
Skirt appliqués
Fringe
Arm accessories
Stage lighting should be considered when choosing a costume.
Highly reflective stones can create an impressive effect in theaters, restaurants, weddings, and other performance environments.
Belly Dancing Suit Colors
Color can dramatically change the appearance of a costume.
Popular choices include:
Red for a bold and dramatic appearance.
Black for an elegant, sophisticated look.
Gold for a classic glamorous style.
Silver for high sparkle under stage lights.
White for weddings and elegant performances.
Blue for both bright and sophisticated costume designs.
Green for jewel-toned and richly decorated costumes.
Purple for dramatic stage presentation.
Costume color can also be coordinated with music, lighting, troupe members, or the theme of a performance.
Professional Belly Dancing Suit
A professional belly dancing suit needs to meet different requirements from an inexpensive costume intended primarily for parties or casual use.
Professional dancers should consider:
Secure construction
Strong closures
Proper support
Durable stitching
Quality fabric
Secure beadwork
Freedom of movement
Stage appearance
Costume length
Comfort
Fit is particularly important.
A costume that looks beautiful while standing still may perform poorly if the bra shifts, skirt rotates, straps loosen, or decorations catch during movement.
A professional costume should be tested while actually dancing.
Belly Dancing Suit for Beginners
Beginners do not need an expensive stage costume.
For classes, simple practice clothing is usually more useful.
A beginner outfit might include:
Fitted top
Leggings
Yoga pants
Dance pants
Hip scarf
Bare feet or appropriate dance footwear
Fitted clothing allows the instructor and dancer to see hip and torso alignment.
Adding a hip scarf makes the movement of the pelvis easier to observe.
Once a dancer begins performing, investing in a dedicated performance costume becomes more useful.
Belly Dancing Suit for Kids
Children's belly dance costumes should prioritize comfort, security, age-appropriate styling, and freedom of movement.
A children's outfit might include:
Dance top
Full skirt
Harem pants
Vest
Hip scarf
Modest dress
Decorative accessories
All embellishments should be attached securely.
Long fringe, loose jewelry, sharp decorations, and poorly secured pieces can become distracting or unsafe during energetic movement.
Plus Size Belly Dancing Suits
Belly dance costumes can be designed for many different body shapes.
A plus-size belly dancing suit should focus on proper fit rather than simply scaling up a smaller costume.
Important considerations include:
Supportive top construction
Adjustable straps
Comfortable waistbands
Secure closures
Appropriate skirt length
Stretch fabric
Balanced embellishment
Strategic costume design can emphasize the dancer's movement and preferred silhouette.
The goal should always be a costume that allows confident, unrestricted dancing.
Belly Dance Dress vs. Belly Dancing Suit
A belly dance costume does not have to be a two-piece outfit.
Full-length dresses are also used, including highly decorated performance gowns and costumes inspired by styles such as baladi. Belly dance references distinguish these dresses from the two-piece bedlah while recognizing both as established performance options.
A dress may be preferred when the dancer wants:
Greater coverage
A continuous silhouette
A specific Egyptian-inspired look
Different movement characteristics
A particular stage aesthetic
Both dresses and two-piece suits can be highly elaborate.
Belly Dancing Suit for Egyptian Raqs Sharqi
For raqs sharqi, the costume should support the dancer's interpretation of Egyptian music.
Hip embellishments can emphasize accents.
Flowing fabric can enhance turns and traveling movements.
Fringe can emphasize shimmies.
A fitted silhouette can make isolations more visible.
The costume is therefore part of the overall performance rather than something completely separate from the dance.
Turkish Belly Dancing Suit
Turkish-style belly dance costumes may share characteristics with Egyptian bedlah costumes while using different styling, movement, and presentation traditions.
Depending on the costume designer, Turkish-inspired suits may feature:
Beaded bra tops
Decorative belts
High skirt slits
Fringe
Crystals
Bold colors
Dramatic embellishment
Dancers should choose costumes appropriate to the specific dance and music rather than treating all regional belly dance traditions as identical.
How Should a Belly Dancing Suit Fit?
A performance costume should feel secure before the dancer goes onstage.
Check the top while performing:
Shimmies
Turns
Arm movements
Undulations
Hip drops
Backbends, if used
Traveling combinations
The skirt should also remain correctly positioned.
If the costume moves independently from the dancer's body, adjustments may be necessary.
Closures should be secure and reinforced when needed.
How to Choose a Belly Dancing Suit
Start with the dance style.
An Egyptian raqs sharqi performance may call for a different costume than a folkloric, fusion, or theatrical routine.
Next, consider the venue.
A large theater may benefit from bold colors and strong sparkle, while a restaurant performance may put the audience much closer to the dancer, making costume construction details more noticeable.
Also consider:
Body measurements
Music
Choreography
Coverage
Fabric
Color
Embellishments
Budget
Durability
The best belly dancing suit combines appearance with practical performance.
How to Care for a Belly Dancing Suit
Professional belly dance costumes require careful handling because many contain delicate beadwork, crystals, fringe, embroidery, and specialty fabrics.
After performing, allow the costume to air out before storage.
Avoid crushing heavily decorated sections.
Check periodically for:
Loose beads
Missing crystals
Damaged hooks
Stretched elastic
Loose straps
Torn fabric
Damaged fringe
Delicate costumes often require hand cleaning or specialized care rather than ordinary machine washing. Costume-care guidance also emphasizes careful storage and protection of beadwork and embellishments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Belly Dancing Suits
What is a belly dancing suit called?
One of the most common terms is bedlah, which refers to a belly dance costume or suit and commonly describes a decorated bra, hip belt, and skirt ensemble.
What does bedlah mean?
Bedlah means "suit" or "outfit" in Arabic.
What is included in a belly dancing suit?
A complete outfit may include a decorated top, belt, skirt or pants, hip scarf, veil, jewelry, arm accessories, and other embellishments.
What do professional belly dancers wear?
Professional dancers may wear bedlah sets, fitted costumes, belly dance dresses, decorated skirts, harem pants, or costumes specifically designed for their regional dance style.
What is an Egyptian belly dance costume called?
The term bedlah is widely associated with professional Egyptian-style belly dance costuming.
What is a belly dance hip scarf?
A hip scarf is worn around the hips and may contain coins, beads, sequins, or fringe. It helps visually emphasize hip movements.
Why do belly dancers wear coins?
Coins add visual and audible movement during shimmies, hip drops, and other hip articulations.
Why do belly dance costumes have fringe?
Fringe moves in response to the dancer's body and can make shimmies and hip accents more visible.
Can beginners wear belly dancing suits?
Yes, although beginners generally need only comfortable fitted practice clothing and a hip scarf for classes.
Do belly dancers have to show their stomach?
No. Belly dance can be performed in two-piece costumes, dresses, tunics, and other outfits providing different levels of coverage.
Can belly dancing suits have pants?
Yes. Harem pants and other dance pants can be incorporated into belly dance costumes, including some bedlah ensembles.
What is the difference between a belly dancing suit and a belly dance dress?
A belly dancing suit commonly refers to a multi-piece costume, while a belly dance dress is generally a one-piece garment. Both can be used for professional performances.
How should I measure for a belly dancing suit?
Measure the bust, underbust, waist, upper hip, fullest hip, and desired skirt length. Follow the specific designer's sizing chart because belly dance costume sizing is not standardized.
Should a belly dance costume be tight?
It should be secure enough to stay correctly positioned during vigorous movement without restricting breathing, hip articulation, torso movement, or leg movement.
What is the best fabric for a belly dancing suit?
Common materials include chiffon, stretch mesh, Lycra-type stretch fabrics, velvet, and other performance textiles. The best choice depends on the desired silhouette and costume design.
What color belly dancing suit is best?
There is no single best color. Red, black, gold, silver, blue, green, white, and purple are all popular. Choose a color that complements the dancer, music, stage lighting, and overall performance.
How do you clean a belly dancing suit?
Follow the garment maker's instructions. Highly decorated costumes generally require careful cleaning because machine washing can damage beadwork, crystals, fringe, padding, and structural components.
How much does a professional belly dancing suit cost?
Prices vary substantially according to whether the costume is mass-produced, handmade, custom fitted, or created by a professional designer. Materials, crystal work, beadwork, construction complexity, and customization all affect the price.
What should I look for when buying a belly dancing suit?
Look for secure construction, correct measurements, quality fabric, reinforced closures, well-attached embellishments, comfortable movement, appropriate coverage, and a design suited to your dance style.
What is the best belly dancing suit for performances?
The best belly dancing suit is one that remains secure during every movement, complements the dance style, allows unrestricted technique, and creates the desired visual effect under performance conditions. A classic bedlah with a decorated top, emphasized hip line, and coordinating skirt remains one of the most recognizable options, while dresses, harem-pant costumes, and modern Egyptian designs provide many additional choices.
