How to Wear a Flamenco Shawl

Most people assume that the beautiful embroidered flamenco shawl (manton) is worn over the shoulders, as in the picture above.

Not for dancing!  Only the small mantoncillo is worn that way when dancing - a large shawl would restrict the arms and conceal body movement too much.  You will sometimes see photos of a dancer with a large shawl around her shoulders, but it's a pretty safe bet she is about to take it off and use it as a working shawl.

However, a large flamenco shawl can be very effective wrapped around the upper body to create a top, in either a traditional or sarong style.

You can wear the shawl on its own, but I always recommend wearing a cami top underneath to protect the shawl from sweat, fake tan and body oils.  Most people wear a cami top with spaghetti straps so it isn't noticeable - it does need to be in a toning colour, though, because it will show at the back.   If that feels too bare, you will have to hunt for a sleeved lycra top in a shade that matches the base color of the shawl exactly.  That can be hard to do except with a black or red shawl - but if you can manage it, it can look great.

Hint - don't use a leotard under a shawl, or you'll have to undress completely when you go to the toilet!

Photo credit:  iliturgitana