Most probably, you might have heard about bandage dresses. However, what is a bandage dress? Can they make you attractive by complimenting your figure? Here is all you need to know. Each woman out there has her interests. The bandage dress is not new to the fashion industry, but their quality and degree have been improved throughout recent years.
Do not think that these kinds of garments are only for models, and celebrities can wear these smart, marvelous dresses. Of course, any interested lady can give a try and see!
Almost all of the ladies worldwide love to have a go-to dress that can make her feel fabulous and glamorous. When considering the bandage dress, that is the ideal thing. The dress offers a form fit that can accent your curves.
You can face the world with happiness, confidence, knowing that you look the best and attractive.
Table of Contents
What is a bandage dress?
Here’s the deal:
Simply, a bandage dress resembles its name. Of course, it snugly fits with your body like a bandage. The term “bandage” is known to the layers of material that make up the dress and give it a clear-cut look and a feel.
This dress is a tight-fitting dress. In order to get the appearance, the dress is made from multiple thin strips from cloth sewn together when the individual strips shaped like bandages.
Azzedine Alaïa created the bandage dress for the first time, and it is pretty much closely associated with the famous designer Herve Leger. The material of the dress tucks and supports all the curves of your body. It even bulges your body. Yeah, it creates a smooth silhouette.
The dress is tight, firm, and even has the characteristics of shapewear. High-quality bandage dress material consists of a blend of spandex, nylon, and rayon. These materials almost like a second skin, and they stretch to shape and highlight your body curves.
History of the bandage dress
The history of a bandage dress goes to the evolution of women and their roles in society. Form-fitting dresses have made their first appearance in 1986.
Here is the real story!
This collection of dresses was released by a renowned fashion designer named Azzedine Alaia. (The “King of Cling.”)
During the year of 1990, designer Herve Leger introduced the fashion icon of the bandage dress that we see today. Silhouette styles initially came to the stage in the 1960s, and they continued to go on runways throughout the 1970s.
They can trace the curves of a woman’s body, and consequently, you can remove the need for petticoats and other bothersome undergarments.
These bandage styles have been proved to be visually stimulating, sensible, and much comfortable to wear. When Alaia released the “Cling Collection,” the fashion world was pretty much ready and eager to embrace it.
For many ladies, they are closet staples. They are worn to various events, and they provide confidence to the wearer, including a lot of celebrities.
How to identify high-quality bandage dresses?
A high-quality bandage dress must have the following characteristics. Of course, the following factors are the standards of good quality.
Fabric:
The fabric of any high-quality bandage dress should have a blend of rayon, nylon, and spandex. You might come across dresses made of polyester or other materials. But, they are not high- quality bandage dresses.
Durability:
Your dress must feel sturdy in its construction, and it has a minimum weight close to 2 pounds for a standard dress with a short sleeve or sleeveless fit. A quality bandage dress will weigh 50% to 80% more than cheaper dresses.
Sheen:
A subtle shine or gloss should be visible on the fabric. The silk-like qualities of the fabric item give that shine.
Stretch:
The dress should easily stretch up to 3 to 4 inches across your body. In the full stretch length, it should not be a see-through dress at all.
Comfort:
Even though the dress fitting is tight, the dress should be comfortable to wear like a second skin. The construction and strength of the dress should provide excellent support to your curves and shape to your body.
The Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of these dresses varies in the size of the dress and production. Dressmakers produce over 30,000 dresses per month. Bandage dress factories have two primary departments or areas of production.
Looms area that knit the dress material and manufacture, the sewing area sews together the dress.
In between these areas of processes, there is the part of the washing and drying of the newly knitting material and cutting the clothing material into pattern-based sizes.
After that, the dress goes through an inspection stage that will clean up loose fabric ends and imperfections. The last step is ironing and attaching a label.
The material of the clothing is not generic to all dresses. Colors and material designs are made in quantity for one batch of dresses at a time. As a result, you cannot buy generic bandage material because it is unique to dress designs.
Must-consider things before purchasing a bandage dress
At this time, purchasing garments via dress retailers and online stores has become a trend. When making purchases online, most of us just compare the prices of different products.
By surfing on the web, you will be able to find hundreds of retailers that offer bandage dresses for different prices. But, it is necessary to consider more features than the price before purchasing a bandage dress.
Bandage dress fabric
The polyester material is widely used for manufacturing bandage dresses. But, such dresses are pretty cheap and low-quality. It would be best if you buy high-quality bandage dresses that are made of a blend of rayon, nylon, or spandex.
Why is that?
Rayon is an item of clothing like silk fabric that can be tear and snag resistant. By blending spandex with nylon, it is possible to create a material that can cling to your body just like a second skin.
The high-quality dresses are good enough to double as shapewear, and they are also comfortable to wear for an extended time. Yeah, a standard high-quality bandage dress should weigh close to 2 pounds.
The Retailer
Before going for a retailer, keep in mind to read their customer reviews. You should go to their social media pages and learn more about the brand and their customer satisfaction reviews. Find out what people out there are saying.
If there are delighted customers, they always share their excitement, and they will leave feedback.
Free Shipping
There can be hidden costs even after your checkout. So make sure to read the full details of the store’s shipping options. Remember, the price in the headline often does not include the cost of their shipping service. Try to choose a store that offers free shipping and expedited shipping.
Return Policies
Some stores have fair return policies, and others will give you a headache. An expensive dress with a good return policy is worth a cheap one with a policy that you cannot return.
A way to compare the return policies is to look at their return period. The shorter the time is, the stricter the return policy. It would be best if you will try to go for a policy that is longer than 30 days.
Customer Service
It is wiser to look for the telephone numbers, live chats, or other means of contact visible on the website. Try to find that if you can speak with a human when you have a problem with your order.
Sizes
In practice, we can see considerable differences in available dress sizes among different retailers. Therefore, do not forget to take a look at the size charts thoroughly. Moreover, check out the customer reviews to get a better idea regarding the retailer about their sizing policies.
The different types of bandage dresses
There are only a few different types of bandage dresses. Actually, these are not considered as styles. Mostly the type of dress depends on the weave of the dress.
Traditional dresses do have designs that resemble a bandage wrapped around the body. The clothing is not flat, but it has a set of bandage-like ridges.
Cut out bandage dress
This bandage dress is a simple cut out dress, and it is the perfect way to show off the attractive features of your body. If it is your waist, then go for a cut in the dress just above the hips, or you can take the plunge in your deep V neck dress.
Long bandage dress
This is the same bandage dress, but it goes below your knee or goes all the way down to your ankles.
Two-piece bandage dress
You may know that two-piece dresses are called dress sets, although the two dresses describe the same outfit idea. It is the same for a bandage dress as well—bandage dress sewing in two individual pieces.
The two-piece bandage dress’s silhouette appears like a regular bandage dress, and the top and the bottom are fitted.
Crisscross bandage dress
Knee-length bandage dress
The bandage dress extends up to your knee level.
Short bandage dress
This bandage dress is above your knee level.
V neck bandage dress
Size Considerations
Bandage dress comes in all sizes you are seeking, X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large sizes, some styles in X-Large sizes, or Plus Sizes. Sizes are not standard with all retailers but vary in practice, sometimes on a large scale. Check the size charts and measurements before buying.
Plus size bandage dresses
Manufacturing bandage dress plus size is a kind of challenge for designers as the stretching of the material or the fabric does not support larger sizes.
How to take care of your bandage dress?
When you have found the perfect bandage dress, it is time to take the best care of it.
- Washing
- Dry cleaning
If you believe that you do not want to risk washing your dress at your home, then dry cleaning becomes the best option for you. This will take the cleaning out of your responsibility, but it is an expensive way.
- Washing Machine
Washing a bandage dress in the washing machine can be risky. But, if you think you want to give it a try, then go with the lowest and gentlest cycle.
- Hand Washing
This is the best option for washing any dress at home. This way, the bandage dress can be placed flat during the cleaning process. By placing the dress flat, you will be able to keep the dresses’ shape and elasticity.
Just use soapy water and soak the dress under the water a few times. Do not wring the dress out or squeeze it. Gently push the excess water out or let it dry on its’ own.
- Quick Clean
If you only have a little stain, soak that area with cold water and rub with bit of soap. Rinse off the area and then pat dry.
- Drying
Drying the bandage dress is simple.
Place your dress flat on a clothes rack or above on a towel. Leave it to air dry and give it a turn occasionally. Remember, do not hang the dress on a hanger when drying. If you do so, the dress will become out of shape, and it directly affects the elasticity of the dress.
- Ironing
You should iron a bandage dress while it is still damp. Bring your iron to low heat, and iron the dress from inside. This will not give you iron marks. When you need to iron a completely dried, it is best to put a damp cloth between the dress and the iron.
Bodycon Dress vs. Bandage Dress
The fabric of a bandage dress is different from a bodycon dress. A classic bodycon dress is a more tailored, relaxed fit, but it does not offer you the feeling of a second skin like a bandage dress.
On the other hand, a bodycon dress can rock your curves, but it does not shape up your body. Of course, it is a fitted dress, but it does not offer figure-hugging or supporting features.
That is why a bodycon dress becomes a better option for petite women. Instead of hugging your body like a glove, a bodycon dress will trace your silhouette.
This dress is usually worn in warmer weather as it is a relaxed fit, and the fabrics are lighter. Another important point that we would like to highlight here is that the bodycon dress is unable to provide any support for your shape.
Selecting a bandage dress for you
Think about your complexion!
You can buy a bandage dress tailored to complement your figure and show off a gorgeous silhouette. But it is necessary to think about the dress color of the dress before making the purchase.
Just, consider whether the color of the dress goes with your skin tone or not. Whether it is a royal blue bandage dress, white bandage dress, a black bandage dress, a hot pink bandage dress, or an orange bandage dress, make sure to go with the best color option that can highlight you.
The right color can make you attractive, look bright, healthy, and also vibrant. If you got the right color, there is no need of applying loads of makeup on your face.
Of course, the right color has the potential of bringing out the undertones in your skin color in a way that will you a natural glow.
Select a dress that will suit your body type
It is crucial to pay attention to the body type before picking up a bandage dress. Moreover, make sure whether your dress has the right look or not. Another important point that we would like to emphasize here is that the right dress can highlight your best assets.
Match your hairstyles with your bandage dress neckline
When selecting a hairstyle for your bandage dress, first consider your mood, the neckline of the dress, and the length of your dress. If your neckline shows off a lot of skin, you should wear your hair back.
How to match your bandage dress with a coat?
The purpose of wearing a coat is to enhance your dress and not to hide your dress or add any unnecessary pounds to your figure. The trick is to select a coat that can boost a flattering cut and a dress that draws attention to your body curves that you need to show off.
Cropped Jackets
When you wear a short shrug coat or a cropped jacket over your bandage dress is a foolproof solution. The cropped jacket should be a one that ends at or above your waistline.
When you keep the coat unbuttoned or unzipped, you can create a flattering vertical line to your dress that runs down the front of your body.
When wearing a bandage dress for an informal event or are in an adventurous mood, you can go ahead with boleros, cropped leather jackets, denim jackets, or similar. In case of attending a formal occasion, go with a cropped, fitted blazer.
Make sure that these coats will fit you like a glove, at the shoulders and sleeves, if you need to get the maximum impact.
Denim coats and jackets
Denim will not be the right choice for formal dances and events, but they work perfectly for any casual parties and dances. Try your bandage dress with a denim coat, warm, bright accessories, and shoes in a matching color for a fresh put-together look.
Luxe cardigans
Cardigans look great when they are paired with a bandage dress. But they must be brushed cotton, luxurious cashmere, and good wool. Make sure to avoid synthetic fabrics that will give your bandage dress a second and an unkempt look.
Bikini and One Piece Bandage Swimsuits
When looking into a bikini and one-piece swimsuits in bandage material, they are sexy and stylish. These dresses are not like any other type of swimwear. They are colorful and strappy dresses, which are made for showing off your curves and skin.
Bandage material in nylon, rayon, and spandex will offer a great fit in swimwear because the clothing is reliable, sturdy, and flexible. This fabric ensures that the swimsuit lifts your curves and hugs your body in all the correct places.
It is really safe for short periods in water, and they will not lose shape or form when wet.
FAQ
What does bandage dress mean?
These dresses are made of a stretchy fabric with an appearance of being wrapped and hugged around your body (indeed, just like a bandage!).
Bandage dresses play a role as tight dresses, while the soothing fabric works to outline and support your natural silhouette look beautifully.
This can be the perfect party dress for a woman with attractive curves. If you have a nicely- shaped body, then a bandage dress is the right choice for you.
Can you wear a bandage dress to a wedding?
Absolutely Yes!
A bandage dress can be the best option for a party or a wedding. But, of course, you have to grab a few statement pieces of jewelry to bright your bandage dress to perfection. This dress goes very well with elegant jewelry.
That kind of combination can make these dresses ideal for wearing for weddings.
How to stretch a bandage dress?
The fabric that is used for manufacturing these dresses comprises of stretchy materials most of the time. Manufacturers use a combination of spandex, rayon, and nylon in order to make these stretchy materials.
Consequently, the fabric is pretty resistant to snagging or tears.
On the other hand, the fabric is really comfortable and soft to the touch, and it makes the dress really breathable. Therefore, you can conveniently wear bandage dresses for extended times.
Are bandage dresses flattering?
The short answer is yes!
These dresses are super versatile and ultra-flattering.
What do you wear under a fitted dress?
Whether it is a bandage dress or any other fitted dress, it is very important to consider what to wear underneath.
Here, we would like to mention a few of the ideal underwear ideas for a fitted dress like a bandage dress.
Thongs/G-strings-
Appropriate for: Bodycon dresses and skirts, tight-fitting pants and shorts
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Seamless panties
Appropriate for: Bodycon dresses and skirts, tight-fitting pants and shorts
Appropriate for: Anything tight-fitting and A-line silhouettes
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Seamless bras
Appropriate for: Tight-fitting tops and dresses
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Push-up bras
Appropriate for: Low-cut necklines
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Low-cut bras
Appropriate for: Low-cut necklines
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Convertible strap
Appropriate for: Halter dresses, toga dresses, and low-back dresses
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Slip dresses
Appropriate for: See-through dresses
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Low back teddy
Appropriate for: Low necklines, low armholes, high leg slits, halter dresses, and low-back dresses
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Strapless bodysuit
This is great for strapless dresses.
Do bandage dresses hold you in?
Bandage dresses are sturdy and tight in nature. On the other hand, these dresses are pretty much durable.
To give you a clear image, we would like to make an example.
Just think about the fit of a surgical glove to your hand. The fit of these dresses is pretty similar to that. In other words, we can state that fit is similar to a second skin, and they can hug the body curves to smoothen and shape up you to perfection.
Do bandage dresses look good on everyone?
There is no need of considering the body type, your age, or the to wear a bandage dress. The decision is in your hand. The bandage dress flatters on most women, and even they have the added benefit of improving posture.
Do bandage dresses make you look slimmer?
They cannot make you look slim. But, the fabrics and clothing used to make the top of the line bandage fashion will offer no slack or a loose spot on your body. They are specifically designed to form fit and highlight your curves and exact shape.
