For many, the mention of a "bellydance" conjures the mental picture of a woman dancing in a bra and belt of jangling coins. The coin bra is indeed a staple of contemporary bellydance costuming; however, many might be surprised to learn that it is actually an American invention.

Most professional dancers prefer to make their own coin bras or purchase from designers who specialize in the item. Some mass-produced coin bras are available, and these less expensive versions are suitable for student dancers or those who want to dress as a bellydancer for a costume party, play, or themed event.


Coin bra by Stephanie Barto, decorated with Kuchi beaded trim and coins from Pakistan

According to quite a few authorities on the history of bellydance, coin bras were first created by Bob Mackie in his work as a costume designer for Hollywood films. Others aren't quite so sure it was Mackie, but most all agree that the coin bra has it's roots in Hollywood movies.

Coin bras made their debut as bellydance gear in the 1970's and are particularly popular today with tribal bellydance and Rennaisance Faire enthusiasts. Although they aren't authentic to the Middle East, coin bras have become an authentic part of American bellydance attire which often reflects a fusion-style interpretation of historical costuming. The popularity of coin bras in America has even inspired quite a few dancers living in the Middle East to embrace the look. Also, many costuming vendors in India and Pakistan are now creating coin bras to sell to American and European dancers, and/or selling pre-drilled or pendant-equipped coins from their country to dancers who want to make their own bras. http://www.shira.net/debunking.htm http://www.silvex.org/tribalbra&beltsets.htm

If you want to buy a pre-made coin bra for professional use, look to designers and vendors who specify that they use authentic coins and a quality bra base. For a less expensive coin bra suitable for student shows, Halloween, or theatrical costuming, you will find mass-produced bras made of thin silver or gold faux coins available from many online vendors.

For dancers planning to make their own coin bra, a critical component of success is selecting an appropriate bra to serve as the base. You should start with a sturdy, foam-cupped underwire bra that will be flattering and hold it's shape under the stress of dance movement and the weight of the coins. If you don't want to remove the existing side straps, you should make sure your base has opaque straps free of lace or other decorative lingerie detail. Upper lingerie straps will always need to be removed; quilt binding tape works well for replacing these straps, or you can create straps from buckram covered in the fabric of your choice. Pre-drilled ethnic coins to cover the base can be found via online vendors such as Silvex Trade, or purchased from numerous Ebay sellers who specialize in importing bellydance costuming components. http://www.blackswantribe.com.au/coinbra.html http://bellydancingdiva.com/2009/08/how-to-make-a-belly-dance-bra/ http://www.silvex.org

Click here for instructions and helpful tips on how to make your own bellydance bra


Coin bra by Stephanie Barto featuring American pennies
with Kuchi textile and metal trims