Bandeau Bra

A bandeau bra is basically a strapless bra. Styles of strapless bras used to be very limited with only fairly unattractive options available but you can now find a wide range of flirty designs and colors to take your fancy.

Coming from the French word for ‘band’, the bandeau bra is a band of material that is wrapped around a woman’s breasts. Bandeau bras generally have no opening so are put on over the head and are sometimes called tube tops, although some styles are fastened at the back. Most are strapless but either come with removable straps or have hooks to enable you to add bra straps if need be. These straps, if used, are flexible in that they can be used in the classic style or adjusted to the cross back or halter neck designs.

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The support offered by the strapless bandeau bra varies. Some have no support but some offer light support via their shaped cups. The padded bandeau bra with light foam padding gives medium support whilst women looking for extra support should go for the underwire options. Some cups are lined or double lined for extra modesty coverage.

The bandeau strapless bra now comes in many colors and patterns so although the plainer options can be worn as standard bras, the more interesting ones are perfect for layering under either low cut or sheer tops. If you opt for a plainer variety that you do not plan on showing off to the world, make sure that your clothes will not dip too low and reveal the upper band anyway. Some styles of bandeau go from left to right, straight across your chest, while others with ruching in the center give a more traditional look to the bra. These are tucked and gathered at the front to add more interest to the undergarment.

The width of the backs varies quite a bit between styles so it worth trying to find an image of the back before buying. Those that are the true ‘band’ styles are as deep at the back as they are at the front, although many designs do have tapered width backs.

The bandeau style of strapless bra is very versatile making it a huge success with women all over the world. The idea is also seen in bandeau tops and bandeau bikinis. The beauty of many bandeau bras is that they can be worn as casual or sportswear.

Buying guide:

• Check the support offered by the bra is adequate for your needs.
• Check the style of the front will not be too straight for your clothes and go for a more ruched center design if need be.
• Check the depth of the back suits your personal preference as well the clothes you wish to wear over it.
• Check whether the bra goes on over the head or has a hook and eye closure depending on your preferred style.
• Check the sizing of the bra and buy the right size to avoid your breasts squishing out horizontally giving an unflattering look.

Advantages of bandeau bras:

• The seamless bandeau bra is more comfortable than other strapless bras.
• There is usually no messing about with hooks and eyes.
• They are flexible in that they can be worn with straps or not as you desire.
• You can dress them up with fancy bra straps such as rhinestone or other jewelry straps. Steer clear of invisible straps as they look pretty tacky and are only invisible to the blind.
• There are many designs available that are meant to be seen under clothes, making them ideal for layering.
• They are great for new mothers to use as nursing bras. They offer easy access for night time feeds and are comfortable to sleep in.

Disadvantages of bandeau bras:

• Some designs do not have adequate strength in the upper band causing them to slip down over time.
• They do not suit droopy breasts unless you choose an underwire bandeau bra style.
• If you buy the wrong size, a bandeau bra will flatten your assets.

Prices

The cost of a bandeau bra varies from just over $10 up to $70.

Top brands

To ensure a well designed and fitting bandeau bra, you are best sticking with a top manufacturer. Best selling bandeau bras are made by Annette, Hanky Panky, Maidenform and Cosabella, while the bandeau bras with top reviews are made by Maidenform, Braza, Hanky Panky and Fashion Forms.

For something a little bit different why not take a look at the Hanky Panky Giraffe Leopard Signature Lace Bandeau Bra costing $42. You will certainly stand out from the crowd in this fashionable bandeau bra. It is made with Hanky Panky’s signature stretch lace and combines two animal prints – a smaller leopard print design on the trim and a larger giraffe print pattern on the main band. Being made of a print that is meant to be seen, this bra is ideal for layering either under sheer tops or with low cut tops. The cups offer light support as they are wire free. The bra is seamless so is put on over the head.

Summary

Bandeau bras are comfortable, strapless varieties that can be worn by women of most cup sizes by choosing a bra with the right support. They can be worn as day to day bras or can be used as an interesting  layer to dress up an outfit. Everyone should have at least one to see what they are missing out on!