Turkish belly dancing clothes reflect the sensual, flirty style of Turkish belly dancing, which can be one of the most revealing of styles on the cabaret circuit. Although, some Turkish dancers do prefer to cover up slightly more and use scarves and veils which can give the effect of appearing mysterious and alluring.
Belly dancing styles and clothing can vary quite significantly by region, and there are countries such as Egypt that insist on a more modest approach by dancers, that costumes be less revealing and midriffs covered.
Turkish belly dancing clothes continue to be more risqué and can include plunging bras, and bare midriff down to the hips, where the skirt can be split to show the full length of the legs. An alternative part of the costume to a skirt is harem pants which are a loose fit and gathered at the ankle. Turkish belly dancing skirts and pants are of very lightweight material, silks, satins, and sheer chiffon, which floats and adds to the graceful movements of the dance.
The hip belt, a wide piece of material sometimes attached to the skirt, is worn low on the hip to emphasise the hip movements and to extend the length of the legs some dancers wear high heels. Veils and scarves and other props further enhance the playfulness of Turkish belly dancing.
The costume materials are beautifully colourful and the bra and hip belts are usually highly decorative with fringes of coins, sequins and beads. The silver and gold coins are particularly traditional relating to when dancers were given them as reward for their performance.
As the popularity of the dance gained momentum throughout the twentieth century it was the classic style of Turkish belly dancing clothes which became synonymous with belly dancing in the Western world.
The amazingly talented Turkish belly dancer Didem on the Ibo Show wearing some beautiful Turkish belly dancing clothes.