What is a bandeau bra?

“A bandeau bra is a strapless bra that can usually be pulled on over the head with no back closure,” says Sullivan. “Typically, a bandeau bra is made of one piece of fabric at the front and back,” she adds, noting how this type of bra is usually lightweight without any wires or foam cups.

Does a bandeau replace a bra?

“Yes, a bandeau is a type of bra that usually features a light support and structure,” says Sullivan. If you want something with a little more support, Sullivan recommends going for a strapless bra without underwires, which is still just as comfortable as a bandeau.

The 10 Best Bandeau Bras of 2023

Woman wearing bandeau top — A.J. Schokora/Stocksy

A bandeau bra offers lightweight support and provides a natural looking shape. Most importantly, a good bandeau bra stays up—there’s nothing more uncomfortable than dealing with a bandeau that keeps rolling down, or slipping. The best types are those made of fabric that doesn’t budge. You can also opt for types with silicone on the edge or top to help with staying power. There’s a range of bandeaus out there, including lightweight strapless bras, compression-like bands, and those with built-in cups and boning for added shape and support.

Meet the Expert

Sarah Sullivan is the creative director of LIVELY, a bra company that specializes in comfort and fit.

We conducted hours of research and combed through dozens of bandeau bra offerings evaluating them on fabric, support, and how well they stay in place. After consulting with a bra expert and considering dozens of options, we landed on the following.

Ahead, find the best bandeau bras for every type of chest.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau Bra at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

TL Bandeau Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Seamless:

Aerie Bandeau Bralette at Ae.com

Jump to Review

Best Designer:

Fleur Du Mal Bandeau Bra at Fleurdumal.com

Jump to Review

Best Lace:

Spanx Better Bandeau at Macy's

Jump to Review

Best Ribbed:

Sweaty Betty Bandeau Top at Sweatybetty.com

Jump to Review

Best for Large Busts:

Good American Bandeau at Goodamerican.com

Jump to Review

Best Bralette:

Abercrombie & Fitch Bandeau Bralette at Abercrombie.com

Jump to Review

Best Cupped:

Cosabella Micro Bandeau Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Longline:

Free People Bandeau Brami at Freepeople.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

View On Nordstrom View On Net-a-Porter View On Skims.com

Our top pick is the Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau Bra, which offers inclusive sizing from XXS to 4XL, and is made of high-quality, buttery fabric that stays put. We love that it comes in nine neutral colors (plus some bright seasonal color options). The pullover bra also has a ton of great stretch, so it bends with you as you move.

Price at time of publish: $28

Material: Nylon, spandex | Size Range: XXS-4XL

Amazon

View On Amazon

Bandeau bras can double as an undershirt providing natural shape. These top-rated bras from Amazon are our go-to for wearing under dresses with plunging necklines, see-through tops, crochet shirts, and more. They come in over 50 color varieties and are made from a thin, stretchy nylon blend material, which gives them a lightweight feel. We love to wear this bandeau top over our strapless bra for a little more support and shape, but it’s also comfortable on its own under flowing dresses, t-shirts, and more.

Price at time of publish: $18 to $24

Material: Nylon, spandex | Size Range: One size, one size plus

Aerie

View On Ae.com

For a bra that is virtually seamless, the Aerie Real Free Bandeau Bralette is our favorite. This no-show bandeau bra is silky soft in texture (which means it’s also one of the most comfortable bras ever) and is like a cross between a strapless bra and a bandeau top. While it definitely won us over for its seamless style, what also makes this bra one of the bests is the removable padding—so you essentially get two bras in one. It also stays in place and doesn’t roll down like so many other styles we’ve tried.

Price at time of publish: $28

Material: Nylon, lycra | Size Range: XXS-XXL

Fleur Du Mal

View On Fleurdumal.com View On Shopbop.com

This designer bandeau from Fleur Du Mal features a V-neck style bandeau that is sexy and chic, but also functional for those who want a bandeau they can wear under dresses and tops with lower necklines. In addition to its style, we love this top for its sizing—it comes in standard and fuller cup options—and the supportive boning throughout. The lace back detail is a gorgeous touch, too.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: Polyamide, elastane | Size Range: XS-L in standard and full cup

Spanx

View On Macy's View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Spanx

If you want a bra that is comfortable, strapless, and gives a nod to lingerie, consider the Undie-tectable® Better Bandeau.™ It features high-quality construction with a layered design featuring a functional strapless bra and gorgeous lace overlay. The bra also has side support, which aids in shape, and has lined cups for further support. We love its no-slip fabrication; it stay put as you move. Plus, the pop of lace looks so good under dresses and tops with lower necklines.

Price at time of publish: $48

Material: Nylon, elastane | Size Range: XS-XL

Sweaty Betty

View On Sweatybetty.com

This compression design features a super-comfortable ribbed material and is designed for movement. Think of it as a strapless sports bra, which makes it feel supportive and comfortable during activity. It’s a good option for sweaty activities or hot summer days, too, as the bra is sweat-wicking and breathable.

Price at time of publish: $14

Material: Polyamide, elastane | Size Range: XS-XXL

Good American

View On Goodamerican.com

When shopping for a bandeau that fits large busts, you want something with enough coverage, good size options, and a style that stays in place. This brand has sizing that ranges up to 5XL and uses quality fabric to help offer control and support. As a bonus, the stretchy material feels buttery smooth and soft on the skin. The bra is stylish enough to work on its own with a pair of bike shorts, but also fits comfortably under flowy dresses, blouses, and anything else that calls for a bandeau top underneath. It’s also made of a stretchy cotton blend, which makes it ultra-breathable.

Price at time of publish: $38

Material: Cotton, elastane | Size Range: 2-8

Abercrombie & Fitch

View On Abercrombie.com

This bralette option is two bras in one and comes with detachable and adjustable straps, so you can wear it in numerous ways, including as a cropped cami top, with criss-cross straps, as a halter, or a more traditional strapless bandeau. The bra is also thin enough to hide under a range of fabrics, ribbed for added comfort and stretch, and has a curved hem at the top, which helps create great shape.

Price at time of publish: $12

Material: Nylon, elastane | Size Range: XXS-XL

Cosabella

View On Amazon View On Cosabella.com

For us, a bandeau must feel like a second skin—and this one certainly does. We love the creamy texture of this fabric that feels soft to the touch. It has non-padded cups and supportive side boning, and has grips on the top and bottom of the bra so it stays in place all day without needing to adjust.

Price at time of publish: $39

Material: Polyamide, elastane | Size Range: P-L

Free People

View On Freepeople.com

Longline bandeaus are great because they can double as cropped tube tops, and they provide more coverage than some of the more traditional styles. We love this longline bandeau because it is made of thin, breathable camisole-like material that still offers enough support. It’s also a good option for those with large busts because of the coverage, stretch, and control.

Price at time of publish: $20

Material: Spandex, rayon | Size Range: XS-XL

What to Look For in Bandeau Bras

Support

“Although bandeau bras are usually not the most supportive, they should offer some sort of support throughout the day,” says Sarah Sullivan, the creative director of LIVELY. “When looking for a bandeau, you might want to look for a fabric with a little more weight and hold if you are looking for support,” she adds.

Style

“Sometimes bandeau bras are worn to be seen under oversized tank tops or shirts,” says Sullivan. If that is how you wish to style your bandeau bra, she recommends choosing one with a pop of color.

Comfort and Fit

“There’s nothing worse than a strapless bra or bandeau that you keep having to pull up every second,” says Sullivan (and we second that statement). “Look for one that is just the right fit around so it doesn’t fall or roll throughout the day,” she explains. Additionally, Sullivan says bandeau bras with silicone on the edge or top can also help with staying power.

FAQ

What is a bandeau bra?

“A bandeau bra is a strapless bra that can usually be pulled on over the head with no back closure,” says Sullivan. “Typically, a bandeau bra is made of one piece of fabric at the front and back,” she adds, noting how this type of bra is usually lightweight without any wires or foam cups.
Does a bandeau replace a bra?

“Yes, a bandeau is a type of bra that usually features a light support and structure,” says Sullivan. If you want something with a little more support, Sullivan recommends going for a strapless bra without underwires, which is still just as comfortable as a bandeau.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributing writer Jessie Quinn has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Journalism. She has written for NYLON, Forbes, and more. For this story, she considered dozens of options, evaluating each bra on quality construction, style, comfort, and size range before landing on these top choices.

Meet the 19 Best Smoothing Bras for Comfort and Support