Skirts are a huge part of belly dance costuming, and today I want to introduce you to one of the most common types of belly dance skirts – it’s a mermaid skirt (aka trumpet skirt).
Of course, you KNOW mermaid skirts. It’s such a popular style, you’ve probably worn them or perhaps made a few already.
But did you know belly dance mermaid skirts come in different styles?
And there are some styles that would make you look very pretty, and others that you should avoid!?
So in this tutorial, let me show you 4 different types of belly dance mermaid skirts, how they are constructed, and which one YOU should choose. Let’s get started!
Learn how to make the golden Goddess Skirt (godet skirt) here!
4 Types of Belly Dance Mermaid Skirt Designs
1. Simple panel mermaid skirt
This pretty mermaid skirt is from my 3-panel mermaid skirt tutorial, and if you look at this one carefully, you can see the vertical seams.
I’ve done a 5-panel mermaid skirt previously as well, and you can see vertical seams in this one too.
This type of mermaid skirt is made by sewing together long panels that become wider at the bottom. The flare is made by the shape of these panels.
These mermaid skirts are simple and versatile. And because of the vertical seams, these skirts look great for most people. Apple-shaped dancers may want to try a high-waisted version.
Learn how to make the 3-panel mermaid skirt here.
2. Top and Bottom Mermaid Skirt
I couldn’t think of a better name for this one, but I’m referring to mermaid skirts that have clear top and bottom sections. For example, this fishtail mermaid skirt has a clear top part that’s fitted and the bottom part that’s flared.
This is also a very beautiful and fun style, but this style is not great for short dancers like me. This horizontal seam blocks the vertical flow and can make you look shorter.
Also, if you don’t want to draw attention to the width of your hips, avoid this style. The skirt shrinks towards the bottom, so it really accentuates the width of your hips and thighs.
But it’s a very flattering style for tall dancers and hourglass-shaped dancers!
Learn how to make this fishtail mermaid skirt here.
3. Mermaid & Circle Skirt Hybrid
These skirts are my Daria Mermaid Skirts. They are similar to the Top and Bottom Mermaid Skirts, in that you can clearly see the fitted top section and flared bottom section.
But the biggest difference is that the flare starts much higher, and the bottom half has a lot of volume like a circle skirt. This tiered version also has a lot of volume.
So it creates a nice contrast between the fitted part and the flared bottom part and helps create a beautiful hourglass figure for all body types.
Also, for shorter dancers, this type of diagonal seam really helps too. You can make these Daria Mermaid Skirts with a straight seam, but I recommend a diagonal seam for anyone who wants to look taller for this type of skirt.
Learn to make the Daria Mermaid Skirts here.
4. Mermaid skirt with godets
This style is belly dancers’ favorite!
These mermaid skirts with godets are made of long panels, just like the first style, but the flare is created mainly by the beautiful godets.
Godets are these inserts attached between the panels. The godets create an amazing effect as the dancer twirls! I call this design the Goddess skirt for it makes you feel like a goddess!
This style doesn’t have any horizontal seams, so it suits most people, but make sure the godets are attached at the knee level or higher. That’s key to creating a balanced hourglass figure for most body types.
Learn to make this Goddess Skirt here.
Bonus – Hourglass dress
Now here’s a bonus style. This is not a mermaid skirt, but I want to include this style of dress here because it’s another great option for those who want a nice hourglass figure.
This is my Hourglass Belly Dance Dress, and if you look at the bottom half, it’s shaped like a mermaid skirt. But you can see the seams make curves then fall vertically. This design makes your torso look longer, and creates a beautifully balanced shape. And the extra coverage is a bonus!
Learn to make the Hourglass Dress here.
So there you have 4 types of Belly Dance Mermaid Skirt patterns plus a bonus dress design. Which one is your favorite design?
You can find all the tutorials in the description below, but the Goddess Skirt is only available when my Belly Dance Costume Workshop is open.
But here’s good news – The Belly Dance Costume Workshop is opening up for enrollment next week!
In this workshop, you can learn everything you need to know about making perfectly fitting belly dance costumes – bra top, belt, and Goddess Skirt, all custom made to your measurements – and decorating them professionally.
So you don’t have to guess and pray that the finished costume will fit. We’ll make sure it will fit you well 🙂
The enrollment is going to be open for 1 week only, so make sure to check it out!
Learn more and grab your spot here!
Hope you liked this Belly Dance Mermaid Skirts tutorial, and if you did, please share this tutorial with your dance partners. It’ll be really great to figure out which styles suit everyone in your group and make the skirts together.
And if you’re new to belly dance costume making, check out my FREE email course, Belly Dance Costume Making 101. It’ll give you a great introduction to costume making and beginner-friendly projects!
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
P.S. Pin this image on your skirt idea board 😉
Like what you read? Want to make more costuming bits yourself?
Learn more and sign up for my free email course, Belly Dance Costume Making 101 here!