10 items of clothing for belly dance
I have listed below 10 of the most popular items of clothing which are used for belly dancing.
1. Belly dance hip scarf - this is the basic and first item that every belly dancer needs to start with. If you are a beginner a hip scarf helps you check that the movements of your hips are correct and, when you perform, it enhances your hips’ movements. There are different types of belly dance hip scarves, with coins, with beads, with fringes. The 
choice depends on your taste and the style of belly dance. Instead of hip scarves, hip belts with beads can be used. The difference is that hip belts are rigid, while hip scarves are soft and tied at the front or at the side.
2. Skirts – there are many different types to choose from: fish tail skirts (usually made of velvet and chiffon); chiffon skirts that are long and flowing; gypsy skirts made of a heavier material and quite wide, popular in tribal style.
3. Tops – belly dance tops range from coin or bead bra tops, usually part of the classical cabaret style costume; choli tops, cut just above the navel like the ones that Indian women wear under their sari, used a lot in tribal style; bolero tops, short tops tied in front with a knot.
4. Pantaloons - belly dance pantaloons can be wide at the bottom or tied around the ankles with an elastic band. In this case they are called harem pants or chalwar in Persian
5. Bedleh – this is the cabaret costume, with beaded bra top, bare midriff, beaded hip belt and long skirt.
6. Beledi Dress - also called Gallabiya by belly dancers, is a one piece costume. It can be quite simple, plain and made of cotton, or more decorated with sparkling beads, like the ones used by cabaret belly dancers
7. Thobe Al Nasha'ar or Khalegi dress – this is the dress used in Khaalegi style.
8. Headbands or turbans – cabaret belly dancers sometimes use headbands to hold their hair, while tribal dancers often use turbans.
9. Belly dance shoes – these are similar to ballet soft shoes and they are usually silver or golden, to match the beads in the costume. Footwear is neither essential nor required in belly dance, but these shoes are a good solution if you want to protect your feet but do not want to wear high heels.
10. Sarongs – these are similar to belly dance hip scarves, but longer, just like a long skirt.
