History

Bandeau (plural bandeaux) is a French word, meaning a small band, like an elastic band, not an orchestra!  So, a bandeau is a band of material worn round the body, usually around the bust, like a form of early brassiere.

The bandeau has been with us for a very long time, since Roman times, in fact.  In its simplest form, it is just a strip of cloth,  joined to form a band, and may have a fastening at the back or the front, or just be a continuous band, usually elasticated, and self-supporting.

The boob tube, or tube top, is a form of bandeau and the brassiere and the bikini top are really bandeaux with straps.  However, the bandeau as it is most commonly known today, forms part of a dress or top.  It is usually an elasticated band or bodice, often without supporting straps, allowing the shoulders to be bare.

Bandeau dresses are very popular in many styles, both formal and informal, look at the main pages of our website for a wide variety of bandeau dresses.