Why are Irish dancing dresses so expensive?

Answer 1

The dresses are usually designed and made by hand. Very rarely do you see two dresses with the same patterns. Also, the fabric is expensive.

Answer 2

Traditionally the intricate Celtic designs on Irish dance costumes were hand embroidered, but with the introduction of embroidery machines the designs on each dress have become more abundant, even done with a machine you will appreciate that this is very time consuming, and time means money.

If you want have a go at making one yourself, I found this site which gives instructions for making one with applique designs.

The second site shows some some dresses made incorporating Irish lace which I think gives a stunning effect.

The third site offers dress kits and embroidery designs "Available either as iron-on transfers or can be pre-embroidered onto the panels of your dress kit."

Answer 3

Irish Dance Dressmakers

Answer 4

Cos the irish-americans take the dance competitions seriuosly and have more disposable income. They sent their kids to the comps in eire, dressed to the nines. the irish used dance in their Sunday best, but couldn't compare with the visual flair, so they started buying the fancy gear aswell. the dress-makers realised the had cornered a niche, and hey-presto!

Answer 5

Are they? Where can you buy them? I'm of Irish descent and would love to have one. I would guess that they would probably be expensive because they would have to come from Ireland, and a lot of stuff from Ireland is hand made.
I have a couple of Irish linen blouses that cost over $200.00 each, but I bought them at a little shop on Vancouver Island.
I also have a Scottish Kilt that cost about $500.00, but it was custom made in Scotland. I had to send my measurements and it took 8 weeks to get it.

Answer 6

Any sort of dancing outfit is expensive. However you can buy these second hand. My mam used to sell my little sisters. If your in Ireland, check the Buy and Sell, or the Evening Herald. If your outside of Ireland, you should ask the irish dance teacher does she know where you can buy them second hand.

Answer 7

humorous that human beings think of that those (rather undesirable) outfits are area of Irish way of existence, whilst in certainty they do no longer seem to be. the human beings who stored the form of existence alive, the country people who lived on farms or in distant village, ought to truly have adequate funds to gown themselves in user-friendly outfits and shoes, under no circumstances recommendations purchase nasty, wasteful tat like those outfits. No, those 'creations' are American, plastic Paddy, efforts that have little to do with actual Irish way of existence. and that i'm no longer even going into those hideous wigs the ladies folk positioned on now ... by using the way, i'm Irish and stay in eire.

Answer 8

material....and make. They are not easy to make. Also...every dance costume is expensive. A simple gown for ballroom can be 8,000 dollars...and a skimpy salsa outfit is more. Comes with the dance.

Answer 9

I believe, like all dance outfits, they are custom made. It takes a lot of hours to make them.

Answer 10

The dresses i believe are very heavily embroidered and made from velvet/linen? this would certainly push up the price me thinks!