A bandeau bikini is a type of strapless bikini top that fastens in the front or back, or is elastic enough to have no fastener at all.
Strictly speaking, a bandeau has only two edges, although it can be manufactured with a halter strap.
The simplest design for a bikini, the bandeau is a timeless, classic piece of Americana.
The bikini bandeau emerged during the 1940’s when two piece swimsuits made their debut. In the 1950s, the bandeau incorporated foundation to structure contours of the body, while still retaining its simple band shape that emphasized the bare midriff. The bandeau declined in popularity as the string bikini was introduced among swimwear, but was reintroduced in the 1980s with the advent of Spandex. Side stays, v-wire in the center front, O-rings, and the ruched top are all popular design elements of the bandeau bikini.
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What body shapes suit the bandeau bikini?
Bikinis in general look best on women with a smaller build and a larger chest. However, in the case of the bandeau bikini, a smaller chest is actually better because there is less support to hold up a large bosom. Previously bikinis were only worn by smaller women, however, standards have relaxed over the past few decades and bikinis are seen on every beach and at every pool on just about every body type. Women who like bikinis like them mainly because they limit tan lines, due to the fact that so much more skin is exposed than that with a one piece suit. Men like bikinis simply because they look provocative.
How do bandeaus differ from other bikinis?
Now available in a wide array of styles in addition to the bandeau, the bikini has become a staple item in women’s wardrobes. Some of the many different styles include the string bikini, the tankini, and the monokini. The string bikini is characterized by triangular shaped pieces of fabric that cover the woman’s top and bottom area, and are held together by a piece of string. The more-modern tankini has a tank for a top and modest bottoms, while the monokini more resembles a traditional bikini, with a regular bottom and attached bikini style top that shows off the midriff and sides.
How to choose the right bandeau bikini for you
When shopping for a bikini, keep in mind several key elements to ensure that you find the suit that’s right for you. Make sure the bottoms fit properly and aren’t too big or too small. Stick to the correct size and choose styles that flatter your figure. Buy the top that’s the right style for your chest size. Smaller busts look best in a patterned bandeau top while those who are more endowed do best with a string bikini. Once you have the right suit, get to the beach and have a blast.
Volcom Simply Solid Bandeau Bikini Top
This bandeau top bikini is available in five different colors, including black, flame, lemon, purple and turquoise. This flattering padded, bandeau top is ruched in the middle to give it a more shapely appearance, and has spaghetti straps to help keep it in place. Made from nylon, it has a matching bikini bottom available for purchase as well.
Ruched Brazilian Bandeau Bikini Swimsuit
This sexy two piece bandeau swimsuit is available in two patterns, a pale blue ethnic print or a brown snake print. It features a padded bandeau style top with a center ring and removable string, so it can be worn strapless or as a halter. The bikini’s fabric is soft to the touch and has a luxurious quality. The low-cut bikini bottom features a gathered band on either side, and a “Scrunch Butt” style to allow it to lift and contour to your skin.
Volcom Sneak Peek V Wire Bandeau Top
Coming in three patterns of black/white hazzard stripe, black/orange hazzard stripe or multi half assed print, this bandeau top has a v shaped wire gather to offer a sexy sneak peek at your assets. The soft cups are padded although this padding can be removed if you do not need it.
Twist Bandeau Bikini
This stunning two piece bandeau bikini comes in a vibrant yellow, black or white option. It hugs you tight to shape your chest in a flattering way with its twist front and is closed at the back with an adjustable hook closure. It is fully lined and has removable padding in the cups. The bottoms have a sexy scoop front and are also fully lined.
Ujena Classic Tie Bandeau Bikini
This vibrant red lycra blend bandeau bikini has a classic twist style front gathering and ties in the back. The neck tie is removable so you can go strapless to avoid tan lines if you prefer. The scoop bottoms ensure you feel as hot as the bikini’s color and you can enhance your bust with the removable padding or not as suits.
Vegas Bandeau Bikini
This bandeau bikini two piece set comes in baby blue, lilac or nude. The halter neck strap is detachable and the top is closed in the back with a hook fitting. There are glitter crystal embellishments on the top and bottoms and you can use the cup padding or not as suits you best.
Roxy Venice Beach Beatnik Bandeau Bikini Top
This Roxy bandeau bikini top uses an O-ring to shape your breasts. Coming in two chequered patterns featuring purple or black, this bandeau is ideal for eliminating unsightly tan lines. The straps and cup padding are removable and you can buy matching hipster bikini briefs to complete the outfit.
Blue Reef Bandeau Tube Top
This brightly patterned blue bandeau bikini top is a true tube style at the front although it does have a hook closure in the back. The front is extra lined for a seamless and full look. Side stays are used to ensure this top will stay in place. Spaghetti string straps can be added if required along with bikini bottoms.
Full Tilt Bandeau Bikini Top
Coming in various colors such as hot pink, yellow, striped, and black, this cinch front bandeau bikini top is ultimately flexible. The two side strings can either be both tied at the back for a strapless look or one at the back and one around the neck for a halter look. Matching bikini bottoms are available to buy separately.
Diesel Coral Padded Bandeau Bikini Top
For a fairly plain bandeau top with center front ruching, this bikini from the famous Diesel brand is ideal. It comes in a light blue/white mix as well as lime green/purple stripes. The halter string tie is removable for a strapless look.
Hi, I'm Chloe and I write this Bandeau Bra blog. I love the fact that this type of bra is so comfortable and with all the new funky and flirty designs coming onto the market, your choices are endless!