Bellydance costumes require a precise fit to your individual body.  It is unlikely that a retail purchased costume will fit properly - it will need alteration unless the costume was custom tailored for you.  Reinforcing the seams of retail purchased costumes is recommended to ensure proper strength during performance.

Strong, long hand-sewing needles and straight pins will be needed to handle the multiple layers of fabric and beadwork.  Safety pins and tailor's chalk may be useful in making your alterations.

Polyester threads are less likely to break and are available in a variety of colors - usually with good fastness.

Beadwork
Inspect your costume beadwork thoroughly, looking for loose ends and beads.  Resecure loose beadwork and tack down loose ends.

While making alterations to your costume, make sure to remove the excess beadwork when tucking seams; save these materials, you may be able to apply them somewhere else on the costume or use them on future repairs.

Belt
The belt should fit snugly to prevent sliding during your dance routine.  You may want to use large safety pins to pin the skirt and belt together, reducing unexpected shifting.  Grosgrain ribbon can be hidden on the inside of the belt to help with pinning.

If adjusting your belt in a small amount (less than 3/4 inch) you may be able to simply move the fasteners.  If adjusting the belt by an inch or more, you will need to open the seams at both sides of the belt making sure to keep the alteration symmetrical.

If the belt is not lined, you may want to add a liner while you have the seams open.  Lining the belt helps keep it comfortable against your skin and protect the costume from perspiration.

Bra
Make sure the cups are in the correct location and if you plan to use padding, use the padding in all of your fittings.  You may need to remove and reinstall straps to accommodate your unique figure.

The bra should fit very snug to ensure you don't show more than you want.  Whether or not you make alterations to the bra, spend some time to reinforce the seams.

If the bra is not lined, you may want to add a liner while you have the seams open.  Lining the bra helps keep it comfortable against your skin and protect the costume from perspiration.

Skirt / Pants
When hemming, make sure you remove the excess material and keep the hem at a safe level to prevent tripping.  Wear the same shoes for fitting the hem that you will be wearing when you perform.

Upkeep
After each performance, inspect your beadwork, seams, and fasteners.  Make any needed repairs and spot clean by hand as necessary.

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