Belly Dancing Costumes

Belly dancing costumes are a really fascinating subject. The stereo-typed outfit we usually think of today is a long way from being traditional.
Like most people my first idea was formed by cartoon images of dancers wearing flimsy harem pants, a skimpy bra top and a yashmak. You'know,like "I love Jeanie",boy does that date me!
Anyway there's some truth in the stereo-type and many dancers do wear either harem style pants or a skirt, have a bare midriff area, maybe a hip scarf or belt, a bra or corset style top and often some sort of head-dress.
As I've got more interested I've discovered that this is only a very limited view of belly dancing costumes. There are lots of different styles of costume, as well as styles of dancing.
I'm going to explore many different styles and traditions of belly dancing costumes. We'll take a look at the origins of the various parts of the belly dancer's outfit and how these parts have been changed and mixed with other dance traditions to form American Tribal Dance costumes. We might even take a look at some of the really exciting new styles, like 'steam punk' and 'gothic belly dancing'. Who knew?
I'll also be investigating antique belly dancing costumes in prints, paintings and if I can I'll try to get some museum photos.
I've got some great links to DIY costume sites that I'll be reviewing. If you know more there will be a chance for you to add them too.
I'm also going to have a good look round sites like Etsy where we'll find lots of crafts people and artists who make great belly dancing costumes and accessories