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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A more recent innovation is the strapless bra, which gives women the freedom to explore a wider array of wardrobe choices.

If you do not already have one, check out our top picks for five of the best strapless bras on the market today.

We also explain the different types of strapless bra that you can find.

If you want to check out the pros and cons of strapless bras, please scroll down to the section below.

Or if you just need help finding one that fits perfectly, please read on for our strapless bra buying guide below.

Top Picks

Maidenform Smooth Strapless Bra

Ultimately comfortable and stays put

This Maidenform strapless bra is our pick for being the best strapless bra. It is seamless and uses a laminated microfiber wing to provide a secure fit and stop any unsightly back bulges. There are strips of silicone on the bone channels to prevent slippage while the molded cup’s foam incorporates a thin mesh for superior shaping and uplift. Hand washable, the seamless, tag-free Maidenform is manufactured from both nylon and spandex, providing the ultimate in comfort without showing through your clothes or falling down. Available in black, body beige and almond, the convertible straps of the Maidenform ensure versatility in sizes 34A to 38D. For a bra that stays put and is completely smooth and bump free under your clothes – this is it!

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Fantasie Molded Strapless Bra

For all round support at the top, bottom and sides

With microfiber wing panels to offer extra support, this Fantasie Bra features molded foam cups for smooth, seam-free natural shaping. The firm, supportive fit of cotton-filled cups feels soft against your skin while the foam molded underwire adds shape rather than size. The perfect seamless accessory is ideal for fitted clothing and the two position removable straps make this convertible strapless bra multipurpose. Made from a polyester/nylon/spandex blend, the Fantasie is available in black, nude and white in band sizes of 30-42 and cup sizes B-G.

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Nubra Strapless Backless Bra

Easy to wear and allows you to alter the look of your cleavage daily

For a fit unlike any other, the Nubra uses two silicone cups, a skin friendly adhesive and a front closure to enhance fullness and cleavage while giving freedom and comfort from a lack of straps as well as side wings. The revolutionary Nubra sticks to your body and becomes almost a part of you. It can be positioned in a variety of ways to give maximum cleavage. These self-adhesive, backless strapless bras are easily cleaned with soap and water and are available in sizes ranging from B to D cup. The adhesive regenerates after cleaning, so just position them where you want, press on and you’re away again. Better than any breast augmentation, the flesh-colored Nubra guarantees a perfect fit every time.

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Lilyette Convertible Strapless Bra

Guaranteed to stay in place

Boasting the best fit and security of any other strapless bra on the market today, this Lilyette convertible strapless bra is essential for the full figure woman. The seamless smooth shaping and luxurious soft fabrication promise to stay in place thanks to a patented Stay There Power Band, no matter what the activity. Made from lycra and nylon, this adaptable everyday bra can convert from strapless to normal straps to halter or criss cross for maximize use. Available in sizes ranging from 34B to 42 DD and available in black, body beige and white, this strapless bra is the perfect solution to summer’s versatile tops and winter’s strapless gowns.

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Glamorise Complete Comfort Strapless Bra

Wire free and strapless designed for the fuller figure

This Glamorise Strapless Bra is a lace-trimmed bandeau style bra with shirred elastic on the top and bottom to ensure that it stays in place. It is available in black, white and blush, and was designed to flatter fuller figures ranging from size 34-48 with both flexibility and comfort. Featuring molded, adjustable wire-free cups that fit all women size B, C and D, this nylon/polyester/lycra combination strapless bra utilizes a three column, five row hook and eye back enclosure to keep the bra secure.

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Types of Strapless Bra

Convertible strapless bras

This strapless number comes with straps that are detachable. As well as being able to use straps in the normal position, they can also often be positioned in a halter neck or criss cross style.

Plus size strapless bras

Larger breasted women can find it problematic to find bras that do the job, especially in the strapless varieties. Even finding a sexy bra with straps can be a job, so to find one without straps can seem impossible. Look for bras that have wider hems as this means there will be more support to keep the bra from slipping. You will also need underwiring to effectively cup your breasts and keep them in place while also producing a firmer silhouette. Strapless bras can be ideal for plus size women to help them feel more natural and to avoid the distortions caused by thick straps pulling ‘everything’ up.

Backless strapless bras

A backless strapless bra is the answer when you want to wear a tiny top or evening gown where the material is hardly there. They are especially popular to create a natural looking cleavage without the hint of a bra in sight. There are no straps, no backs, and no seams. So what on earth is there? Just two self adhesive cups with a clasp in the center. You just position this amazing invention in a number of different ways for a number of different looks, press down to stick onto your skin and cinch together with the clasp to create cleavage. Position high for fuller looking breasts, position low for a more natural look. They are easy to remove and clean and the regenerating adhesive means they can be worn over and over again.

Strapless push up bras

Coming in a number of designs, the strapless push up bra has two main features – it is strapless obviously and it changes the shape of your breasts. Its intention is to deepen your cleavage. Self adhesive bras do this via a clasp that when shut pulls the breasts together. Fabric bras do this via padding on the sides that pushes the breasts together. Newer styles achieve the push up factor via polycarbonate padding that is shaped like a hand and holds the breasts for support. They are ideal for women with saggy breasts.

Padded strapless bras

For women with small breasts, the padded strapless bra can offer the answer. It uses padding to achieve the appearance of a larger chest size. It also offers authenticity to this larger bust as how can a large chest that is not held up with straps be anything but real? Padding can also be used to protect your modesty when the weather turns cold, to provide for a smoother silhouette or to give extra support.

Bandeau strapless bra

And of course we can’t forget the strapless bandeau bra, to which this site is dedicated. Made from a band of material that is usually seamless and claspless and put on over the head, there are many fun and flirty styles to choose from for every chest size.

Pros & Cons of the Strapless Bra

Every woman should have a strapless bra in her wardrobe. They are essential when you need support without wanting to show off bra straps, perhaps when wearing an evening gown or a top with spaghetti straps. See through straps on bras are another option, but they are never as invisible as you would like. And unless you are small chested, don’t even think about going braless. A bra is needed for modesty and to improve shape and cleavage.

On the downside they are typically more pricey than normal bras and can leave women feeling bare and exposed. If you choose to wear one, don’t feel self conscious – be confident with your sexy new look. As they are designed to form fit the women who wear them, designing a practical bra has been a challenge for manufacturers due to the variations of women’s shapes and sizes. Often either too big or too small, some women tend to fall in between available sizes and the bra does not provide the correct fit. This results in the bra slipping down or falling off entirely. See our buying guide below to ensure this doesn’t happen to you. Some strapless bras can also be uncomfortable due to the boning and elastic required to hold them in place. Check out our top picks above for those tried and tested for comfort.

Strapless Bra Buying Guide To Find The Perfect Fit

A correctly fitting strapless bra should be horizontal across the chest and not ride up in the back. The bra should be firm but comfortable and not dig into the chest or breast areas. The underwire should lie flat in the front against the sternum and the cups should enclose the breasts with a smooth line where the fabric at the top of the cup ends. The nipple must be centered in the cup and the breast should not bulge out over the tops or sides. The back of the strapless bra should not ride up but remain parallel to the ground and support the breasts with the band around the rib cage. And, the wearer should be able to breathe and move easily without the bra slipping or falling down.

Don’t miss out …

… on these wonderful bras. They have come on a long way to ensure your comfort and modesty. Don’t keep them for special occasions – buy now to feel sexy and free every day.

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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!

Maidenform Dream Bandeau Bra

This bandeau bra comes in three colors being white, body beige and black. It is wireless and strapless and perfect for layering with sheer tops and blouses. Its stretchy cups support the breasts with their molded contours and light foam padding. The material is ultra soft and ruched at the front to give a defined shape. The elastic underband is thick and gives extra support to the breasts. Whilst this bra is strapless it does come with strap loops front and back should you want to dress it up ever with some fancy bejeweled bra straps. It is a seamless design meaning it is put on over the head and the back is narrower than most bras in this style. Reviewers are impressed with the comfortable snug feeling as well as the ease of wearing being seamless and strapless.

Braza Wild Card Bandeau Bra

This simple bra offers seamless, wireless and strapless support. It is fairly cheap and cheerful and comes with color choices of ivory, taupe and black. It has clear straps that can be used or not and converted to halter or cross back straps for a change from their classic use. It is also ruched at the front to give a more defined shape and the top is a snug fit helping it stay in place. The back is quite deep so does not narrow down like regular bras. Reviewers are impressed with the comfort of this bra and how it keeps everything where it ought to be. The design and fabric are well liked by women of all sizes.

Hanky Panky Tee Shirt Bandeau Bra

This bandeau bra is great when you do not want a normal bra to show through your clothing. It covers you up perfectly and is ideal for your first layer under sheer blouses or tops. It is very comfortable being made of 90% cotton with the stretch coming from a 10% spandex mix. It comes in no less than nine colors, so there is sure to be one to suit the look you are after. It is a bralette so there is little in terms of support so is better suited for smaller breasts. It is seamless so is put on over the head and the back is quite narrow for a bandeau bra. Reviewers find it a fun and comfortable style. The material is super soft and the bra works well with layering.

Other bandeau bras that receive top reviews include the Fashion Forms Bandeau Bra collection. Their Lace, Padded Tube and Strapless varieties are particularly popular – see our other article for more details.

Annette Swappers Reversible Bandeau Bra

• Reversible so ultimately flexible
• Wire free
• Light support bralette
• Seamless

Seamless so goes on over the head, tagless for comfort and completely reversible. One side is black and the other is colored to be ultimately flexible. There are four colors being blueberry, espressoreo, sky cream and vanilla. Spaghetti straps are removable and come in the same two colors as the bra. They can be left off to make the bra strapless or used in the halter, classic or cross back styles. The cups are wireless for comfort but lined and shaped to offer light support without padding. The back is quite deep so does not narrow down like regular bras. This bra is so many things in one small package that is really is the best bandeau bra and will suit anyone of any age for any occasion.

Hanky Panky Signature Lace Lined Bandeau Bra

• Pretty lace trim ideal for layering
• Wire free
• Light support
• Seamless

Having lace, scalloped trims on the top and bottom of this strapless bandeau bra means it can be worn with lower cut blouses for more formal occasions. It is seamless so goes on over the head. Its sheer stretch lace band has a mesh lining to conceal the bust but in a subtle way. It offers light support to the bust with lined, wireless and pad free cups. It comes in six colors being white, chai, guava pink, freesia, powder blue and black and the back is quite narrow for a bandeau bra.

Maidenform Dream Bandeau Bra

• Ruched front to give defined shape
• Wire free
• Medium support
• Seamless

This bandeau strapless bra comes in three colors being white, body beige and black. It is wireless and strapless and perfect for layering with sheer tops and blouses. Its stretchy cups support the breasts with their molded contours and light foam padding. The material is ultra soft and ruched at the front to give a defined shape. The elastic underband is thick and gives extra support to the breasts. Whilst this bra is strapless it does come with strap loops front and back should you want to dress it up ever with some fancy bejeweled bra straps. It is a seamless design meaning it is put on over the head and the back is narrower than most bras in this style.

Cosabella Thea Underwire Bandeau Bra

• Underwire hidden by lace bandeau
• Underwired
• Extra support
• Hook and eye closure

This lace bandeau bra is for ladies that need more support. It has underwired cups but these are hidden under the lace bandeau providing you with support but the popular bandeau look. The bra straps are convertible (from classic to cross back or halter styles) as well as removable. The cups are molded, contoured and have light foam padding in addition to their underwire and the sides are boned all giving you extra support. They also enhance your cleavage as they are placed close together. The bra has a traditional hook and eye back closure and is available in both black and white.

Combine your strapless bandeau bra with a top that lets it peak out. Ideas include jackets, button up blouses where you leave the top few buttons undone, or deep scooped or v-necks. Try using colors in similar or contrasting shades for maximum impact. Exact color matches do not really work. Pattern or print designs or a lace bandeau bra will also work well with plain tops.

Alternatively you can combine them with tops made from sheer fabrics so that they can be seen easily. Bandeau bras with lined cups are best here.

You can also dress up a layered look using an off the shoulder top by combining with your bandeau bra and designer bra straps. Attach one of the many beaded, rhinestone or decorative fabric straps to your bandeau for a unique and fashionable look.

Sometimes layering can appear bulky. To avoid this work with loose garments over your figure hugging bandeau bra. Also keep your accessories to a minimum to avoid over cluttering your look.

Check out these great bandeau bras to use as part of a layered look:

Hanky Panky Signature Lace Lined	Cosabella Thea Underwire	Hanky Panky Giraffe Leopard Signature Lace	Hanky Panky Tee Shirt
Beautiful lace trim not to be missed	This beautiful lace trim should be seen	A gorgeous animal print that should not be hidden	A range of colors great to match any outfit

Fashion Forms Lace Bandeau Bra – wireless, hook and eye closure

A bandeau bra great for layering with low cut tops due to its scalloped lace edges. The cups are wireless and have removable contour pads which can be used or not. The sheer floral lace fabric is lined in the cups for modesty. The top and bottom edges are elasticated to ensure a custom fit. The sides are seamless although the back is a hook and eye closure. There are loops should you wish to attach regular or fashionable bra straps but none are included. This bra comes in black and white. Reviewers loved the prettiness of this bra as well as the flexibility of the convertible straps. The padding is great for pretty good support but is not over the top.

Fashion Forms Padded Tube Bra – wireless, seamless

This comfortable bandeau bra is seamless and has molded padded cups. The cups shape and support your breasts giving a fuller cup look. The ruched gathering in the center gives extra definition and added interest but the back is quite deep. Although this is a bandeau strapless bra, there are loops to attach bra straps if you so desire. This bra comes in white, nude and black. Reviewers love the comfort of this bra as it feels as though you do not have one on. However the cups are not really big enough for larger women. Smaller chests are enhanced with the padded cups but for larger breasts the cups of the Braza Wild Card are bigger.

Fashion Forms Strapless Bandeau Bra – under wired, seamless

This bandeau bra offers a two in one combination of bandeau style with under wired support. It is an underwire bra with a bandeau cover which keeps the support secret. The cups are molded, contoured and underwire giving you shape and support. There is also side boning for extra support. The bra is strapless but stays put thanks to elastic inside the top and bottom edges. It comes in white, nude and black with adjustable straps that can either be removed or worn classically, cross backed or in a halter style.