A strapless bikini top that hugs the bust is known as a bandeau. Bandeau bikinis, sometimes called bandinis, have been popular for the bulk of the bikini’s life on our beaches and poolsides. The bandeau bikini owes much of this popularity to the fact that bandeau style tops came into fashion on one piece swimsuits in the mid 1940s.
Variations on the bandeau bikini include: the twist, such as La Blanca’s Twisted Bandeau Bikini; the halter, like Anika Brazil’s Shell Bandeau Bikini; and the ring, such as LeTarte’s Striped Bandeau Bikini. Though it’s hard to imagine much variety being possible with such a small piece of fabric, there are scores of variations on this classic design. Other popular designers bandeau bikinis on offer include Juicy Couture’s striped swimsuit, Milly’s strapless bandeau bikini in a variety of geometric patterns, and the fetching Tiger-Print Bandeau Bikini by Michael Kors. Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Max Azria and Shoshanna also make trendy bandeau bikinis.
Also, it’s worth remembering that bandeau bikini tops can be mixed with bikini bottoms that suit you – particularly this season, when mix and match bikinis are trendy. There are bandeau variations on the tankini top as well – though these are harder to find. Before you buy, visit some local shops to work out whether the bandeau bikini will suit your body – women with larger busts find the suit provides a good minimising effect, but those who are flat chested find a bandeau bikini top makes them look even flatter.
When shopping for a bandeau bikini online, it’s best to buy from a reputable seller with a clear return policy so you can exchange the suit for a different size if you need to. And always beware of excessive postage charges as these can negate the savings you gain by purchasing your designer bikini online.
© Summer Bikinis.co.uk 2007