Beaded dresses are loved and admired by many women, whether they are looking for something to wear on special occasions, or just a decorated garment for everyday wear.

There are two different groups into which beaded dresses can be divided: that of the bead decoration, where the beads are an addition to the basic dress; and actual beaded dresses, where parts or all of the basic dress are made completely from beads.

The latter is obviously much rarer, and also much more expensive, since the dress is made from hundreds of beads. The more common form of beaded dresses is the decorated cloth dress.

In this instance, the beads are usually sewn into a pattern; this is either a floral or an abstract design. Small beads are attached to the cloth using embroidery thread, and this forms the pattern.

Beaded dresses range from very simple garments, with only a few areas of embroidery, to beaded dresses where the clothing is actually stiff with small beads.

The latter example was very fashionable in previous centuries, where elaborate beaded costumes were worn by nobles and royalty.

Sometimes these beaded dresses were worn over increasingly patterned undergarments, and the cut of the cloth in the dress allowed the latter’s hem to show through.

Dresses made from beads are a lot more complicated, and as a consequence are more expensive. The amount of work needed to create these beaded dresses is also greater.

Fine beadwork like this, where the beads have to be stitched tightly together in order to bend like cloth, and without holes, is a time-consuming project.