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Updated September 29, 2023: This article on the best bandeau bras was updated with additional product picks and new releases for fall, plus information on the different types of bandeau bras available to shop.
What’s a girl to do when her new fall dress or cozy sweater has a sexy exposed back, but she needs serious bust support? Don’t sweat it! The best bandeau bras have you covered — without exposing all your twisted straps, hooks, and styling secrets. Whether you’re looking to show off some décolletage, midriff, or you simply avoid underwire bras at all costs, a bandeau bra will be your secret weapon for seamless shape, support, and lift without sacrificing on style.
If you haven’t bought a bandeau since you were a teenager (relatable), you may need a refresher on what actually constitutes a bandeau bra, as opposed to a strapless or sports bra. “A bandeau bra is usually just one piece of fabric — a ‘band’ around the bust,” explains Silvia Campello, VP of Finance and Planning for Cosabella. “Bandeaus are typically pull-on style with no hook and eye back closure and are wireless, designed for easy and comfortable wear.”
While these simple strapless bras sound perfect on paper, they have a bad reputation for slipping out of place and lacking proper support, but the bandeau has come a long way with new advancements in recent years. Brands like Cosabella have innovated non-slip silicone grip linings, while Skims and Victoria’s Secret incorporate elastane fabrication for second-skin fits that mold to your curves. Other brands such as Neiwa and Torrid utilize mesh lining for ultra-flexible structure and breathability. There are tons of options to choose from that function as well as they style, with new fits and fabrics you may not have tried before.
Besides being a comfortable, wireless bra option, bandeaus are the perfect accompaniment for layering underneath sheer garments like lace dresses or mesh tops, as well as any piece that’s strapless, backless, or low-cut. You can also utilize a stretchy strapless bra in your year-round wardrobe for lounging, everyday wear, or even low-intensity workouts if you don’t care for constricting sports bras.
To help you cut down on your screen time, we did all the searching for you and found the best strapless bandeau bras, no matter if you need a bra for large busts or a bra for small busts.
Top Bandeau Bras for 2023
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Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau Bra
Best Seamless Bandeau
- Sizes: XXS-4X
- Features: Available in 9 nude shade, along with a range of colors
- Materials: Smoothing stretch fabric made of polyamide and elastane
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Skims Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
- Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Kim Kardashian’s Skims’ Fits Everybody lingerie is beloved for its buttery-soft fabrications, flattering fits, and functional support across a range of T-shirt bras, push-up bras, and more. This bandeau is a standout from the line, with nearly 3,000 rave ratings on the brand’s website. Its no-cut, no-wire, and non-padded design fits snug to the body to lift and shape without pesky digging or slipping. This bandeau is available is a large assortment of sizes and nude color options for a infinite styling possibilities.
What reviewers say: “I am a 40DD and my boobs fit into this bandeau — my boobs don’t weigh it down and it fits better than a strapless underwire bra does. Which is a really strong statement. I don’t have to pull it up constantly, it keeps my girls high and dry. I literally can not wait till it restocks so i can buy 1 in every freaking color.”
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve never come across a bandeau bra that didn’t slip all day or flatten my chest. I wore this Skims bandeau to a music festival in sweaty August heat (styled under overalls) and it was the most comfortable part of my outfit. I never had to adjust it throughout the long day, had no underarm irritation from rubbing, and was pleased that it flattered my figure. “
Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau Bra $28 Buy Now at nordstrom
Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau Bra $28 Buy Now at skims
Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau Bra $28 Buy Now at net-a-porter
Free People Amelia Bandeau Bra
Best Ribbed Bandeau
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Material: Ribbed nylon/spandex blend
- Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
There’s no need to layer a strapless bra under a tube top with Free People’s ribbed bandeau. You get the best of both worlds with seamless support and style, thanks to its nylon and spandex blend that stretches and molds to every curve. This bandeau has a slightly elongated fit, so it provides more coverage as a top than other options, but still doubles as a bra that you can wear under any garment.
What reviewers say: “I love the style, fit, and feel. I’m usually a 32DD bra size. It’s not too tight but stays in place well. It’s a nice soft fabric. I plan to wear it under oversized shirts.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $21
Free People Amelia Bandeau Bra $28 $21 Buy Now at saks fifth avenue
Commando Double Take Bandeau
Best Bandeau with Back Detailing
- Size range: S-L
- Colorways: Black, Mocha, Carmel, Ivory
- Materials: Microfiber front with sheer lace back
- Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Backless dresses and tops are always a great idea, but it can be tricky to find the right bra to wear if you’re in need of bust support. Enter Commando’s Double Take bandeau. Its raw-edge microfiber offers all the soft comfort and support to keep you secure, while its scallop lace back panel offers a pretty flair you can pair with other pieces or wear as-is as a cute top.
What reviewers say: “Let me start by saying I have yet to find a strapless bra that is perfectly comfy. That said, this one is the closest I’ve found. Fabric is light (no lining, so consider the top you wear it with — headlights, ahem!), and the stretch isn’t binding anywhere.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Commando Double Take Bandeau $64 Buy Now at saks fifth avenue
Cosabella Never Say Never Flirtie Bandeau Bra
Best Lace Bandeau
- Sizes: XS-XL (28A-38D), also available in Curvy Sizes (30DD – 40H)
- Materials: Made of soft, stretch scalloped lace
- Features: Silicone lining to prevent slippage
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
A lace bandeau is a great wardrobe staple because it’s a comfortable bra you can wear out without feeling exposed. Cosabella’s Never Say Never Flirtie Bandeau is a bestseller for its soft-stretch Italian lace and large range of color and size options. It features no-slip silicone lining and comfortable side boning for added shaping and support, similar to what you’d find in a bralette.
What reviewers say: “This has been a fun addition to show a peak through tops or when I don’t feel like wearing a bra.This was a great purchase. Very comfortable, soft, and no adjusting needed.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $36
Cosabella Never Say Never Flirtie Bandeau $36 Buy Now at amazon
Cosabella Free-Cut Micro Curvy Bandeau
Best Bandeau for Large Busts
- Sizes: XS-XL (30DD – 40H)
- Materials: 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane
- Features: Non-padded cups lined with power mesh for extra support
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Campello recommends Cosabella’s Free-Cut Micro Curvy Bandeau as an everyday bra for large busts. Its seamless microfiber material feels lightweight and smooth with plenty of structural support from power mesh lining and side boning. The cups are non-padded, held up by reliable elastic bands under the bust, plus slip-resistant silicone panels. Grab it in black or beige as a neutral building block to any outfit or a trusty tube top you won’t need to pull up throughout the day.
Price upon publish date of this article: $99.75
Cosabella Free-Cut Micro Curvy Bandeau $99.75 Buy Now at amazon
Ahh by Rhonda Shear Angel Seamless Underwire Bandeau
Best Bandeau with Support
- Sizes: XS-3X
- Features: Underwire for additional support
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If you want a defined bust without straps or harsh wires, this Rhonda Shear bandeau is a top-rated option. Its knit material cinches in the middle of the cups to prevent the appearance of the dreaded uniboob, while its softly lined underwire support adds lift to to chest. It has a soft, elastic fabric feel that’s smooth on the skin for flexible comfort.
What reviewers say: “I have NEVER found a bandeau to work for my 34DDD bust. The band is always gigantic or the boob area is entirely too small, it just never works. I was SO skeptical ordering a medium. I was like there’s no way in h*ll this will work for me. WRONG. It’s great. Seriously. It has such stretch and the underwire actually fits too. It won’t give you much lift, but it does separate and doesn’t squish them to the sides. The band is REALLY stretchy and I have zero issues with it falling down. The fabric is thin so it won’t help you much if it’s ahem, cold. I still love it though. I’ll be ordering in every color.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Ahh by Rhonda Shear Seamless Underwire Bandeau $24 Buy Now at amazon
Boao Padded Strapless Bandeau Pack
Best Bandeau Value Pack
- Sizes: S-3XL
- Colorways: Comes in assorted packs of three
- Features: Removable padding
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Boao‘s bestselling bandeau bras on Amazon come in bargain bundles at impressive prices. This three-pack of padded bandeaus is available in an assortment of color options to suit your style and stock your wardrobe. They’re made of smooth fabric that holds snug to your body and keep everything secure. If you peek at the reviews, you’ll find that shoppers with large busts give these bras their stamp of approval.
What reviewers say: “I’ve ordered a few different styles of these and this brand is the first one that I can actually use the pads with. I’m a larger woman with larger “girls” and all the other brands would have pads made for much smaller breasts and the pad would look like a weird tiny pita bread outline under your shirt. This brand is the FIRST one that actually took the time to make the pad a size that would correlate to the actual size of the bra that was ordered. Yay! These are not supportive bras but they aren’t meant to be. They are tube tops types which is great if you need something to wear that’s for modestly and comfort under a shirt rather than support. If you want support go with an uncomfortable underwire strapless bra.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $21
Torrid Longline Bandeau With 4-Way Stretch
Best Plus-Size Bandeau
- Sizes: M-6X
- Features: Adjustable, removable straps
- Materials: Made of four-way stretch lace
Torrid’s Longline Bandeau Bra gives you different support options depending on your outfit with removable, adjustable straps. Constructed with four-way stretch lace, mesh lining, and removable cups, this bandeau is ultra comfortable, breathable, and versatile for everyday wear. It can even be worn as a cute crop top with a midi skirt in the warmer months.
What reviewers say: “I bought this specifically to wear as a strapless bra without the pain or hassle of underwire, and this worked out amazingly! It feels comfortable and fitting. It didn’t slip down and I’m top heavy so strapless is hard to do.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $44.90
Torrid Longline Bandeau $44.90 Buy Now at torrid
Gymshark Bandeau Sports Bra
Best Bandeau Sports Bra
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Features: Adjustable straps and removable padding
- Best for: Low-impact workouts
- Gymshark Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If you’re looking for a bandeau bra that can withstand low-impact workouts, try Gymshark’s Bandeau Sports Bra. The fitness essential features adjustable straps and removable padding for a better fit and structure you can customize. Made of a polyester and elastane blend, the stretchy style offers support and comfort for walks, yoga, or stretching.
What reviewers say: “So soft and comfortable! I play competitive volleyball and this sports bra lets me move freely without pinching or the material sliding around and making me readjust the fit. I love it!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
Fleur du Mal Bandeau Bra
Best Luxury Bandeau
- Sizes: S-L
- Features: Bone detailing in the front, lace in the back
- Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
- Farfetch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.1/5 stars
It’s no surprise Fleur du Mal has you covered for a luxe, splurge-worthy bandeau. The brand’s Charlotte Bandeau Bra features a sweetheart neckline with boning for extra support and shape. In the back, the band is made of a pretty lace detailing. And the brand even makes a matching pair of lace underwear to complete the lingerie look.
What reviewers say: “This bra has become a wardrobe staple for me! It has great hold and lift (no slipping). It does not open in back, so you have to pull it on over your head, but it slides perfectly into place. Works great as outerwear too with a jacket.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $98
Calvin Klein Womens CK One Mesh Unlined Wireless Bandeau
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Materials: Stretchy knit fabric
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Some days you just want to be super cozy and chill, and that’s when this Calvin Klein bandeau comes in handy. Whether you’re lounging around the house, running errands, or wanting to look sporty without actually being sporty, this cozy knit bandeau is a must. It features an ultra-sleek microfiber material for a smooth finish and an exceptional performance elasticized logo band that will ensure it stays in place. Complete the look with cute and comfortable jogger.
What reviewers say: “I love this bra! It feels great and fits true to size. Great holding support!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
Calvin Klein Womens CK One Mesh Unlined Wireless Bandeau $26 Buy Now at amazon
Good American Leather Bandeau
Best Fashion Bandeau
- Sizes: 0-8 (XS-5XL)
- Materials: Faux leather
- Good American Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
For a bandeau that’s more fashion than function, Good American’s faux Leather Bandeau is ready to serve some looks. Style this statement bandeau underneath a blazer for a night out, and you’re sure to get all the compliments. The brand’s faux leather fabric is made of lightweight, breathable, and buttery soft polyurethane for comfortable wear.
What reviewers say: “Best buy! Great fit, stays up, and works so well with so many different looks from day to night.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $69
Aerie Smoothez Bandeau Bralette
Best Bandeau Bra With Padding
- Sizes: XXS-XL
- Colors: Sand, True Black
- Materials: 70% Nylon, 30% Lycra
- Features: Removable padding
- Aerie Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
If your biggest concern is that your bandeau bra always slides down, Aerie’s Smoothez Bralette is made for you. It consists of super smooth fabric with a grip along the inside, ensuring it doesn’t slide down. It also features removable padding, giving you different options on how you would like to wear it.
What reviewers say: “This is the most comfortable bandeau bra I’ve ever tried! I tried miscellaneous wired and wireless bandeau bras from competitors and random discount stores but nothing compares to this one! Soft, comfortable, smooth & seamless fabric. With a rubber-type grip material all along the back. I wore this bra unbothered all at Disney! Definitely recommend!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.96
Aerie Smoothez Bandeau Bralette $39.95 $29.96 Buy Now at aerie
Angool Strapless Comfort Wireless Bra
Best Bandeau Bra for Small Chest
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colors: Black, beige, brown, blue, pink, green
- Materials: Nylon and spandex microfiber
- Features: Slip-resistant silicone
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Angool offers some of the most affordable bandeau bras on the market that boast rave reviews. This strapless and wireless option is priced below 20 dollars and comes in an assortment of neutral and color options. The bra features slip-resistant silicone bands that lock it in place — so much so that customers are amazed that it can double as a sports bra. Angool’s fabric is resistant to abrasion, lightweight, and breathable, so it’s comfortable in every season, whether you’re layering or wearing it as a top.
What reviewers say: “I wear a size 12 in clothing and a 36G in bra size. I’ve spent the last 30 years looking for a wireless, strapless bra for large breasted women that would properly hold in place so I can wear my shoulders out. THIS IS IT! After all this time I finally found it! The rubber lining holds the bra in place. I jump, run, bend over and it’s always in place. The stretchy material is extremely comfortable. I have been convinced — this is my new everyday bra.I am so very happy with my purchase. Get it, you wont regret it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $17.99
Angool Strapless Comfort Wireless Bra $23.99 $17.99 Buy Now At Amazon
Lively No-Wire Strapless Bra Bundle
- Sizes: 32A-38DDD
- Colors: Jet black/toasted almond
- Materials: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex
- Features: Adjustable, removable straps, Adjustable band with 3-level hook-and-eye closure for that perfect “you fit”
- Lively Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.2/5 stars
Lively’s No-Wire Strapless Bra Bundle includes the most supportive bandeau bras for big busts, while still allowing for some cleavage. They feature lightly padded foam cups and boning at the sides of the bra for extra structure and support. The best part is the no-slip strip at the top of the cups, which helps them to stay in place all day long.
What reviewers say: “Oh my gosh, I haven’t wore my new bra all day but just the little time I have I love them! They got here super fast, I wanna say less than 5 days. They do not shift, perfect sizing. I have always ordered mine of vs but I needed a strapless that would actually stay up. Found one, plus their super cute!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $86.40
Lively No-Wire Strapless Bra Bundle $96 $86.40 Buy Now at lively
Victoria’s Secret Pink Base Stretch Bandeau Bra
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colors: Pink, light brown, brown, black, cream
- Materials: Polyamide, elastane
- Features: 4-way stretch, double layers
- Victoria’s Secret Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
This Barbie bandeau bra is designed to be your staple “base layer” under all kinds of outfits. It’s constructed with four-way stretch from an elastane fabric blend and is double layered at the front and back for a structured hold to your bust. Plus, it’s sized according to your typical bra size for a more accurate fit. Aside from this punchy pink colorway, the Base Stretch Bandeau Bra also comes in neutrals for effortless styling.
What reviewers say: “It’s so soft and comfortable!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24.95
Victoria’s Secret Pink Base Stretch Bandeau Bra $24.95 Buy Now At Victoria’s Secret
Etam Strapless Wireless Stretchy Organic Cotton Bra
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: Black, white, and beige
- Materials: Cotton, elastane
- Features: Made of 50% organic cotton, wireless
If you’re looking for a simple solution to strapless support, Etam’s bandeau bra is fuss-free and flattering. It’s made of super stretchy organic cotton knit that’s designed for barely-there comfort. There’s no wires, boning, or cups — just soft fabric that holds you in a seamless and secure fit.
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.95
Etam Strapless Wireless Stretchy Organic Cotton Bra $29.95 Buy Now At Etam
What Is a Bandeau Bra: Bandeau Bra vs Strapless Bra
A bandeau bra is a strapless bra silhouette that usually features a stretchy fabric with a band on top and bottom for support. These bras work great with strapless tops and dresses or off-shoulder tops and dresses. Plus, they provide much-needed coverage without any bra straps showing.
So how does a bandeau bra differ from a stapless bra? “A strapless bra has an underwire and a back hook and eye closure — just like a bra, without the straps,” says Campello. Thus, bandeau bras can easily be slipped on either over the head or from the feet upward. Additionally, bandeau bras usually come with removable padding and no underwire, unlike strapless bras.
How to Know Your Perfect Bandeau Bra Size
“Support in a bandeau comes from the band, so it is key that you get the right size so you have adequate support,” says Campello. She advises measuring your bust when you’re not wearing any other sports bra, minimizer bra, or padded bra. To ensure you’re holding the measuring tape parallel to the floor, Campello recommends having a friend or significant other help you (if you do measure on your own, make sure to look into a mirror while you’re measuring).
Here are Campello’s tips for measuring your bandeau bra size:
- Wrap a measuring tape snugly around your rib cage, underneath your bust. Measure in inches and round up to the nearest whole number.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust and round to the nearest whole number
- Subtract your band size from your cup size. Count each inch of differences as one cup size.
How to Find the Best Bandeau Bra
- Look for slip-proof design details: “Bandeaus with side boning help it stay up and add support,” Campello says. “Silicone grips at the top and bottom help the bandeau stay in place. Invest in quality styles that are comfortable and supportive.”
- Large busts need extra support: If you have a larger chest, Campello recommends looking for “double layer fabrics and power mesh lining for added support.”
- Determine your best size: Even if you’re buying a wireless style, Campello advises you still measure yourself and follow the brand’s size chart to get your best fitting bandeau. If it’s too big, you’ll have constant slippage and won’t get the support you need. And if it’s too small, it’ll be too constricting or cause your breasts to spill over the top. For Campello’s tips on how to measure to determine your bandeau bra size, scroll to the bottom of this story.
- Determine how you plan to wear it: If you’re looking for a bandeau to layer under summer tanks or linen dresses, go for a lightweight fabric that won’t slip. If you want the bandeau to be visible, look for design elements like lace or scallop detailing that are meant to be shown off with a backless or low-cut style. If you want something with more support, make sure you go for a bandeau with padding or lining that has removable straps.
How We Selected the Best Bandeau Bras
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To curate the best bandeau bras, we first interviewed a bra expert for key intel on the style and specific product recommendations for different bust sizes and styling functions. We browsed through popular retailers and compared customer reviews to determine which bandeau bras were most comfortable and satisfactory for other shoppers. We paid special attention to fabrication, support, size range, color options, and versatility when selecting these bandeau bras, and made sure to cross-check with Google’s new Top-Quality Store Badge (a rating that indicates retailers with quick shipping, clear return policies, and positive shopper reviews). We also employed research across the bra market and considered our own editor product testing. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Silvia Campello is the VP of Finance and Planning for Cosabella. Founded in 1983 by husband and wife duo Valeria and Ugo Campello, Cosabella’s range of luxurious intimates are all made in Italy. Known for its top-rated underwear and bra styles, the brand recently launched new micro-cut bandeaus as its most recent bandeau bra style offering.
Meet the Authors
Lauren Alexis Fisher is a fashion writer and editor in New York with nearly a decade of experience in the fashion industry. She was previously the digital market editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she researched and wrote fashion and trend stories on everything from apparel to the best bras and lingerie. She currently contributes to publications including WWD, Cosmopolitan, and Bustle, where she highlights all the best fashion buys online. Fisher wrote the initial version of this bandeau bra story, which was published in 2022.
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits stories on the latest clothing and shoe trends. She is at the forefront of all consumer trends with a keen eye for the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy, and love. As a female, she is always searching for the best bras since there are so many that suit different occasions and outfits. Chwatt has updated this best bandeau bras story for 2023 with the latest product releases and more expert shopping advice.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. She updated this story for the best bandeau bras on September 29th, 2023, with new releases and product picks for fall.