What is a bandeau bra?
If you don’t know, a bandeau bra is a type of bra consisting of a band of elastic material worn around a woman’s chest. It is much like a tube top in that it often does not have hooks in the back to close it. Instead, simply pull it over your head and leave it in the stretchy material to support your bra. However, many of these bras come with straps to put them on if you need more support. It is also common for a strapless bandeau bra to have additional support features such as molded cups and underwire.
What can I use it for?
- Wear a colorful model or with a lively print under a transparent blouse or top – for a sexy, but not indecent look.
- Wear a seamless bandeau bra for comfort, under a shirt at work or at home, for maximum comfort.
- Wear a lace bandeau bra under a black shirt, with a couple of top buttons undone.
- Wear a type of bikini top to the beach and get a tan where you normally have tan lines by wearing strappy tops and dresses.
- Wear it under a strapless dress!
But I have big breasts!
You can still enjoy the benefits of this type of bra, although you may need to wear it with straps or get an underwire model, or both. One of the advantages of choosing a model without underwire is the comfort it provides. I would choose a model without underwire, and just wear it with shoulder straps. Think of it like the bra you wear to relax.
What are good brands to look for?
Some of the brands that have bracelets in their lines are Maidenform, Fashion Form, and Braza. These all have models in understated colors, like black and white, good for when you want the bra to be less obvious. A very nice one is the Long Tube Bra from Fashion Form, since it covers more of the upper part of the torso. A great option for when you want to be visible, but not excessively flirtatious. Braza’s Wild Card model comes in a wider range of colors, so if you’re looking for something a little more outgoing, Braza likely has it.
I feel like every woman should try on a bandeau bra at some point – it has a special feel and look that you may have overlooked without even knowing it.