Flamenco dresses are part of the intricate movements of dancers. The dancing element of flamenco is believed to be related to East Indian styles, as there are similar elements in flamenco dancing and East Indian dances such as outturned legs, sharp arm angles, spread fingers and percussion-like foot taps. The dances, which are performed in 2/4 time, also utilize Andalusian traditions such as finger cymbals, tambourines and elaborate costume-like outfits. The colorful outfits help draw attention to not only the dancing but to the melodic pieces that are at the center of the movements.
Flamenco dresses were originally the dresses that were worn by women in Andalusia who went with livestock traders to the Prado de San Sebastián during Seville's Feria de Abril in 1847. During the nineteenth century, women began to wear these dresses during livestock fairs, which also be came devoted to the dresses. As the art of flamenco began to gain acceptance at the same time, those dresses became a part of the dancers' wardrobes. The flamenco dress began to become more elaborate as flowers, costume jewelry, ribbons and silk shawls were added to the overlook look. Some of the basic premises of the dress have remained, as it is still figure hugging and contains a skirt that has layers of flounces.
The flamenco dress has changed with the times, reflecting the evolving styles of Spain. This is why in the '60s, the dress featured a miniskirt. In the '80s, the dress was filled with laces and ribbons. In the '90s, it became more modest, with fewer additions, and more sensual, with materials that showed off women's curves more. During this time period, women began to wear silk materials and plainer colors. In the twenty-first century, the flamenco dress has gone back to its roots, with poplin materials. Some dresses have become two piece ensembles, and dancers have begun to wear flowers in their hair.
There are certain characteristics that distinguish flamenco dresses from other types of dresses. The dresses are usually tight fitting in the body part of the dress until they flare out, usually below the hip area or as they fall down as the knees. A pie-shaped piece of fabric called a godget is sewn into the skirts to create this flair effect. The dresses are sometimes made in two pieces, and it is usually best for the skirt to be less elaborate and looser fitting because of the intricate steps of flamenco dancing. The skirts often reach down to the shoes. Most flamenco dresses and skirts have ruffles, which can come in different styles. This includes circular and gathered ruffles, the latter of which are rectangular in shape.
Most flamenco dresses have sleeves, which can go below or above the elbow or down to the wrist, which are narrow but proportioned in a way that it is possible for the dancers to move their arms. While ruffles are most often part of the bottom part of flamenco outfits, some feature ruffles on the sleeves as well, creating a puffy look to the sleeves. Flamenco dresses often have higher cut necklines, with different shapes. These can include V-shape, square, sweetheart and round. The bodice of flamenco dresses often has a lining, which aids dancers as they sweat. This lining often only reaches down to where the skirt flairs or the ruffles are sewn in so as not to hinder the movement of the dancers.
In Spain, there is a thriving fashion industry that is centered around flamenco dresses. According to the Asociación de Empresarios de la Moda Flamenca, Spanish companies make over 120 million euros a year on flamenco outfits and accessories. The manufacturers of flamenco dresses, which total about 30, are centered near Seville. The dresses have also inspired designers. There is an annual international fashion show, the Salón Internacional de Moda Flamenca, which is dedicated to flamenco designs. There are also designers, such as Yves Saint Laurent and Vittorio & Lucchino, who have incorporated flamenco dresses into their lines.