Flamenco Shawl Top (Traditional)
The traditional way to create a top from a flamenco shawl is to wrap the main part of the shawl around the front of your body and then create shoulder straps with the ends.
Note - it can be quite difficult to wrap the shawl around you by yourself. It's well worth having someone to help you, at least until you get the hang of it.
You will need at least 4 safety pins.
- Fold the shawl into a triangle. Take hold of one end with each hand, with the folded edge along the top and the two fringed sides hanging down.
- Place the folded edge of the shawl across your bust and adjust it so the point hangs straight down in the centre.
- Pin the shawl to your bra or top where it meets the shoulder straps. Don't worry about concealing the pins or making it neat - this is just to keep the shawl centred temporarily, while you do the rest.
- Take the two ends behind your back and cross them over (swap hands).
- This is where you need flexible arms, or a friend to help - bring one end up over each shoulder.
- Pull each end down to meet the folded edge of the shawl and pin together
- You should now have a shawl which looks as though it has shoulder straps from the front, and is crossed over at the back, as in the picture below.
Hints:
* Always pin roughly at first so you can get your hands free. You can then take your time to adjust the shawl perfectly and get the safety pins out of sight.
* The shawl will stay in place more securely if you pin it to your bra or top as well as to itself.
* If you have a smaller shawl (or are well-endowed) you may find the ends won't reach far enough to pin to the folded edge. If you only use your shawl as a costume, you can sew a piece of matching ribbon to each end to bridge the gap. Or wear a matching sleeved top underneath and pin the ends to the top.
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
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