How to Find the Perfect Belly Dance Outfit for YOUR Body Type

Alright, gorgeous dancers! Let's talk about something that stresses out way too many of my students: finding the perfect belly dance outfit for your unique, beautiful body. I can't tell you how many times I've watched amazing dancers hide their light under ill-fitting costumes because they didn't know what works best for their body type.

Here's the tea, honey: There's a stunning belly dance outfit out there for EVERY body type. You just need to know what to look for! So grab your measuring tape and let's figure out how to make you look and feel absolutely incredible on stage (or in class, or in your living room—no judgment!).

First Things First: Love Your Body!

Before we dive into specific body types, let me get real with you for a second. The BEST belly dance outfit is the one that makes YOU feel confident, comfortable, and like the absolute goddess you are.

Belly dance celebrates ALL bodies. Seriously—this art form was made for curves, softness, and real human bodies. Not Instagram filters and airbrushing. So whatever your shape, size, or proportions, you belong in belly dance. Period!

That said, certain styles and cuts can enhance your natural assets and make you feel even more fabulous. Let's break it down!

Know Your Body Type

Let's identify your general body shape. Remember, most of us are a combination, so just find what resonates most!

The Main Body Types:

• Apple/Round: Fuller midsection, less defined waist, gorgeous curves
• Pear/Triangle: Smaller bust and shoulders, curvy hips and thighs
• Hourglass: Defined waist, bust and hips roughly equal
• Rectangle/Athletic: Straighter silhouette, less defined waist
• Inverted Triangle: Broader shoulders/bust, narrower hips
• Plus Size: Any shape with more overall volume (can be any type above!)

Now let's find YOUR perfect costume!'

All Woman Can Dance.

 

Apple/Round Body Type

If you carry more weight in your midsection and have a less defined waist, you're probably rocking an apple shape. And guess what? You can look STUNNING!

What Works:

Bra Styles:

• Push-up or padded bras: Draw attention upward to your beautiful décolletage
• Heavily beaded or embellished: Creates a focal point above your midsection
• V-neck or plunge styles: Elongates your torso

Belt/Hip Scarf:

• Wear it LOW on your hips: This creates the illusion of a waist by sitting below your fullest part
• Wider belts: Can help define a waist line
• Asymmetrical designs: Diagonal lines are slimming and create movement

Skirt/Bottom:

• A-line or full circle skirts: Flow away from your body, creating a gorgeous silhouette
• High-waisted options: Can help smooth and define
• Avoid: Super tight mermaid cuts or low-rise styles

Pro Tip: Strategic beading and embellishment can create vertical lines that elongate your torso. Look for costumes with vertical patterns or fringe!

Sherill's Secret:

Layer, baby! A sheer overdress or open vest can create beautiful draping lines that skim over your midsection while letting your movements shine through.

Pear/Triangle Body Type

Hello, hip goddesses! If you've got narrower shoulders and bust with curvier hips and thighs, you're working with a classic pear shape—and you were MADE for belly dance!

What Works:

Bra Styles:

• Embellished and dramatic: Go big! Draw attention to your upper body
• Fringe or dangling beads: Creates movement and width up top
• Bright colors or metallics: Make your top half pop
• Halter or wide strap styles: Broadens your shoulder line

Belt/Hip Scarf:

• Streamlined belts: You don't need to add bulk to hips—you've already got gorgeous curves!
• Darker colors on bottom: Can balance your proportions if desired
• V-shaped belts: Points downward to elongate

Skirt/Bottom:

• Straight or slightly flared: You don't need mega volume
• Side slits: Show off those legs and break up the hip line
• Trumpet or mermaid cuts: Actually work beautifully on pear shapes!
• Dark or solid colors: If you want to balance proportions

Pro Tip: You can absolutely rock pants or harem-style bottoms! They're perfect for pear shapes.

Sherill's Secret:

Zaira Belly Dance

 

Play up your shoulders with dramatic sleeve options or shoulder jewelry. Creating width up top balances your naturally gorgeous hip ratio!

Hourglass Body Type

You've got curves in all the "right" places with a defined waist? Lucky you! The good news: almost everything looks great on you. The challenge: not overwhelming your natural proportions.

What Works:

Bra Styles:

• Fitted and supportive: Show off that beautiful bust without spillage
• Balconette or demi-cup: Perfect for hourglass figures
• Moderate embellishment: You don't need to go crazy—your shape speaks for itself

Belt/Hip Scarf:

• EMPHASIZE THAT WAIST: This is your power zone!
• Fitted belts at natural waist: Shows off your gorgeous proportions
• Medium width: Wide enough to define, not so wide it hides your waist

Skirt/Bottom:

• Fitted through hips, then flares: Follows your natural curves
• Mermaid cuts: Made for you, honey!
• High-waisted styles: Celebrates your waist-to-hip ratio

Pro Tip: Balance is key. If you go dramatic on top, keep the bottom simpler, and vice versa.

Sherill's Secret:

You can pull off the classic two-piece bedlah beautifully! Don't hide your gorgeous proportions under too many layers.

Rectangle/Athletic Body Type

Straighter silhouette with less defined waist? You've got that strong, athletic look—and we can create curves for days!

What Works:

Bra Styles:

• Push-up and padding: Create fullness up top
• Horizontal embellishment: Adds width to bust
• Ruffles, fringe, or texture: Creates dimension

Belt/Hip Scarf:

• VOLUME, baby: This is where you create curves!
• Wide, heavily embellished belts: Adds dimension to your midsection
• Multiple layers: Hip scarf over belt creates depth
• Diagonal draping: Creates the illusion of curves

Skirt/Bottom:

• Full, gathered skirts: Adds volume to hips
• Ruffled or tiered styles: Creates curves
• Side hip drapes: Adds width
• Avoid: Super sleek, straight cuts that emphasize straightness

Pro Tip: Don't be afraid of embellishment everywhere! You can handle more decorative elements without looking overwhelmed.

Sherill's Secret:

Layering is your best friend! Wear a hip scarf over your belt, add an overdress, pile on the jewelry. You're creating curves through clever styling!

Inverted Triangle Body Type

Broader shoulders and bust with narrower hips? You've got that strong, powerful look! Let's create balance.

What Works:

Bra Styles:

• Simple and supportive: You've got presence up top—no need to add more
• Minimal embellishment: Keep it elegant
• Darker colors: Can minimize if you want
• Good support is crucial: Make sure you're secure!

Belt/Hip Scarf:

• GO BIG: Add volume to your lower half
• Wide, dramatic belts: Creates hip presence
• Light, bright colors: Draws eyes down
• Lots of fringe or coins: Adds movement and width to hips

Skirt/Bottom:

• Full, voluminous skirts: Balance your proportions
• Light colors or patterns: Draws attention to lower body
• Ruffles, tiers, or gathering: Adds curves to hips
• Avoid: Sleek, tight bottoms that emphasize narrow hips

Pro Tip: Consider a beautiful shrug or arm drapes that soften your shoulder line while adding elegance.

Sherill's Secret:

Draw the eye downward with statement hip jewelry, elaborate belt work, and flowing skirts. You're creating harmony between your strong shoulders and hips!

Plus-Size Belly Dancers (All Body Types!)

Listen up, my curvy queens: Plus-size belly dancers are STUNNING, and there are amazing costume options for you! You can be plus-size AND any of the above body types, so read those sections too!

General Plus-Size Costume Tips:

What Works:

• Proper support: Invest in a well-fitted bra with good support. This is non-negotiable!
• Strategic coverage: Cover what makes you comfortable while showing off what you love
• Quality fabrics: Look for materials with good stretch and recovery
• Custom or plus-size specific: Don't squeeze into too-small costumes. Get the right size!

Bra Styles:

• Wide, supportive straps: Halters can be uncomfortable for larger busts
• Full coverage if needed: Nothing wrong with more coverage—can be beautiful!
• Professional fit: Consider getting professionally fitted or custom-made

Belt/Hip Scarf:

• Longer fringe/coins: Proportional to your body size
• Sturdy construction: You need quality that won't break mid-shimmy!
• Proper length: Make sure it actually fits around you comfortably

Skirt/Bottom:

• Flow and movement: Let fabric drape and flow
• Quality elastic: Waistbands should be comfortable, not cutting in
• Consider custom: Many plus-size dancers find custom costumes worth the investment

Styling Secrets:

• Vertical lines: Elongate your silhouette
• One focal point: Don't compete with yourself—choose where you want eyes to go
• Confidence: Seriously, this is your best accessory!

Sherill's Secret for Plus-Size Dancers:

Don't go too matchy-matchy or you'll look like a decorated sausage (sorry, but it's true!). Break up solid blocks of color with contrasting elements, interesting draping, or strategic skin show. And NEVER apologize for taking up space—you're magnificent!

Universal Tips for ALL Body Types

No matter your shape, these tips will help you look amazing:

The Fit is EVERYTHING

• Bras should support without spillage: If you're popping out, go up a cup size
• Belts should sit comfortably: Not sliding down, not cutting in
• Bottoms should move with you: Not falling down or restricting movement
• When in doubt, size up: Better slightly loose than too tight!

Color Considerations

• Darker colors: Can minimize areas (if that's your goal)
• Bright colors: Draw attention and highlight
• Monochrome: Can elongate your silhouette
• Contrast: Can define and separate areas
• Skin tone matters: Some colors will make you glow, others wash you out

Embellishment Strategy

• Vertical patterns: Elongate
• Horizontal patterns: Widen
• Diagonal patterns: Create curves and movement
• All-over embellishment: Can overwhelm smaller frames
• Strategic placement: Draws eyes where you want them

Don't Forget:

• Comfortable shoes: You can't dance well if your feet hurt!
• Hair and makeup: Complete your look
• Jewelry: Adds polish but don't overdo it
• Confidence: I'm serious—it's the best accessory!

Where to Shop for Your Body Type

Online Options:

• Dahlal International: Great range of sizes
• Egypt Bazar: Affordable options, many sizes
• Bella Luna Bellydance: Plus-size friendly
• Etsy: Custom makers who work with all sizes
• eBay: Budget-friendly, check measurements carefully

Custom Makers:

If you're outside standard sizing or want something perfect for YOUR body, consider a custom costume. Yes, they're pricier, but they'll fit like a dream!

Try Before You Perform

Whatever you choose, PRACTICE in your costume before the big day!

• Dance in it at home
• Make sure nothing shifts, slips, or malfunctions
• Check from all angles (mirrors or video)
• Adjust anything that doesn't feel right
• Have backup safety pins handy!

The Real Secret to Looking Amazing

You want to know the honest truth? The best belly dance outfit is the one that makes YOU feel like a million bucks.

I've seen dancers in simple practice clothes who looked stunning because they owned it. And I've seen dancers in $1000 custom costumes who looked uncomfortable because they were self-conscious.

Choose costumes that:

• Fit your body well
• Allow you to move freely
• Make you feel confident
• Reflect your personal style
• Work within your budget

Don't let anyone tell you that you "can't" wear something because of your body type. These are guidelines, not rules! If you want to rock that two-piece as a plus-size dancer? DO IT. Want to wear full coverage as a petite dancer? GORGEOUS!

 

Your Body is a Belly Dance Body

I'm going to say it louder for the people in the back: YOUR BODY IS A BELLY DANCE BODY.

Whether you're curvy, straight, thick, thin, short, tall, or anywhere in between—you belong in belly dance, and you deserve to feel beautiful in your costume.

Use these tips as a starting point, but trust your own instincts. Try things on. Experiment. Ask for opinions from trusted friends. And most importantly, choose costumes that make you excited to dance!

Now go forth and find that perfect outfit that makes you feel like the absolute goddess you are! And when you're out there shimmying in your perfectly-fitted, confidence-boosting costume, remember: you look AMAZING! 💃✨

What's your body type, and what costume styles do you love? Share your tips in the comments!