What is a Bandage Dress? The Return of Bandage Dresses
The thing is, bandage dresses are coming back this year. If you're interested in shopping bandage dresses this year, let's dive in.
In this article:
- What is a Bandage Dress?
What is a Bandage Dress?
A genuine bandage dress gets built strip by strip. Each piece of fabric gets cut to exact specifications and sewn together in a particular sequence. It's like architectural engineering, but for clothes.
The strips don't just look cool (though they definitely do). Each one pulls in a slightly different direction, creating targeted compression.
What is the Difference Between Bodycon Dresses and Bandage Dresses?
The distinction between a bodycon dress and a bandage dress lies in their construction. A bodycon dress is defined as any form-fitting dress made from stretchy material designed to embrace the wearer's curves. In contrast, bandage dresses are a specific type of bodycon dress that appear to be made from strips of fabric stitched together.
Are Bandage Dresses Still In?
Short answer: yes, but they've grown up a lot since their early 2000s heyday.
The bandage dresses making waves right now aren't the ultra-short, ultra-tight club wear versions that dominated the scene when Kim Kardashian was first becoming famous. Today's versions have learned some manners. They come in longer lengths, softer fabrics, and styles that work for more than just Saturday night.
What Body Types are Bandage Dresses For?
Alright, time for some truth-telling. I'm going to save you from making the same mistakes I made when I first discovered bandage dresses.
For the Hourglass Shape
If you've got curves in all the "right" places – meaning your bust and hips measure roughly the same with a significantly smaller waist – then congratulations, you've won the bandage dress lottery. These dresses were basically designed with your body in mind.
The compression works with your natural proportions instead of fighting against them. Your waist gets highlighted, your curves get celebrated, and everything just... works. If this is your body type, invest in quality pieces because they're going to make you feel incredible. Looking for more hourglass body type dress style tip, check out here.
For Petite Frames
Midi-length bandage dresses are pure magic on shorter frames. They hit right at that sweet spot – usually mid-calf – that makes your legs look longer while keeping the proportions balanced. I have a burgundy midi bandage dress that I've worn to work events, dinner dates, and even a wedding, and it works for all of them.
Skip the floor-length options unless you're planning to get them hemmed professionally.
Mini bandage dresses can work too, but be strategic. Choose styles that hit mid-thigh rather than super short – you want to look sophisticated, not like you raided a teenager's closet.
For Tall Women: Floor-Length Bandage Dresses or Bandage Minis
Floor-length bandage dresses on tall women? Pure drama in the best possible way.
On the flip side, tall women can pull off bandage minis without looking inappropriate. The contrast between a fitted bodice and long, lean legs creates this striking visual that's both elegant and eye-catching.
The key for tall women is embracing your height instead of trying to minimize it. Bandage dresses already make a statement – use your stature to make it even more powerful.
Popular Colours for Bandage Dresses That You Have to Try
Colour choice can make or break a bandage dress look. Some shades just work better with the construction and styling of these pieces.
Black Bandage Dresses
House of CB black bandage mini dress
Black bandage dresses are slimming, sophisticated, and works for virtually every skin tone and many occasions(think dinner dates, art gallery openings, and girls' nights out).
White Bandage Dresses
BodyconCollection White Heidi Bandage Mini Dress
White bandage dresses have this incredible ability to look both fresh and powerful. I was skeptical at first – white can be unforgiving – but a well-constructed white bandage dress is absolutely stunning.
Red Bandage Dresses
Ohpolly Cut-Out Bodycon Mini Dress in Red
Nothing announces your presence quite like a red bandage dress. I have a cherry red one that I call my "confidence dress" because it's impossible to feel anything but powerful while wearing it.
Gold Bandage Dresses
Herve Leger THE METALLIC SANDRA DRESS
Metallic gold bandage dresses are having their moment, and I completely understand the appeal. The way they catch light is mesmerizing, and they photograph incredibly well.
Pink Bandage Dresses
House of CB pink icing mini bandage dress
Pink bandage dresses span the spectrum from subtle blush to bold fuchsia, and each shade brings something different to the table.
Where to Buy Bandage Dresses
This section could save you serious money and major disappointment. Not all bandage dresses are created equal, and knowing where to shop makes all the difference.
Hervé Léger
When people talk about bandage dresses, they're often thinking of Hervé Léger without realizing it. This brand literally invented the modern bandage dress, and their quality remains unmatched.
Yes, Hervé Léger dresses are expensive – Original Bandage Collection priced from $300 to $1700+ . But if you want the ultimate bandage dress experience, this is it.
House of CB
House of CB has mastered the art of creating bandage-style dresses that capture much of what makes Hervé Léger special, but at prices that won't require selling a kidney.
Their bandage pieces typically range from £149-£160, and the quality is genuinely impressive. I own three House of CB dresses, and they've all held up beautifully over time.
Ever-Pretty UK
For those seeking that bodycon dress(more flattering ) without the designer investment, Ever-Pretty UK offers an impressive selection of occasion dresses.
