The bandeau, a fashion staple from the Eighties and early Noughties, is making a significant return this summer, gracing runways from Gucci to the wardrobes of celebrities like Rihanna.
For 2026, this silhouette has been reimagined with more structured fabrics and sophisticated styling, shedding its previous clubwear connotations.
Luxury stylist Oriona Robb offers her expert advice on how to master this challenging summer trend.
Why is the bandeau back?
“The Eighties bandeau was flashy, paired with everything high-waisted and worn to be seen.
“The early Noughties version chased a similar energy but instead with low-rise jeans, visible tan lines, dressing for the going-out crowd rather than for yourself,” explains Robb.
Today however, Robb notes that lingerie dressing has become more popular, with lace camisoles now cropping up on runways and in high-street shops.
She isn’t surprised, therefore, that the bandeau has made a return. “Once it might have been reduced to a strip of stretchy fabric, but the current iteration is engineered more like a structured top or softened corsetry so that can – or should – be visible.”
This is evident on the runways of Loewe – one look of which actor Sarah Pidgeon wore to the 2026 Met Gala – featuring a chartreuse silk skinny bandeau and column skirt.
The bandeau and different body types
Robb is clear that the bandeau, like any risqué silhouette, should respond to proportion.
“A bandeau isn’t one shape, it’s a starting point. The fit should be doing the work, not the body adjusting to the garment.”
For a fuller bust, opt for “a wider band with real structure rather than a soft stretch tube,” Robb says. “Smaller busts have more freedom here, but always finish with one delicate piece of jewellery to draw the eye up.”
The key principle, she suggests, is to balance the bandeau using other elements of your outfit and frame the bandeau rather than conceal or cover it up.
For example, she suggests those on the more petite side to opt for a cropped or cinched bandeau and something high-waisted to harmonise the silhouette, whereas those who are taller can opt for longer-lined bandeaus while also leaning into the low-waist trend.
River Island Brown Cotton Blend Bandeau Texture Peplum Top, £32
M&S Citrus Asymmetric Lace Hem Bandeau Top, £30
H&M Flared High Jeans, £25.50 (was £29.99)
How to wear it for the daytime
While its routes lie in nightlife, it doesn’t just have to be reserved for clubs or the red carpet.
“Wearing a bandeau in the day means you need structure elsewhere in the outfit or it can look a little too relaxed,” says Robb.
One of the easiest ways to structure an outfit is to use tailoring. “A high-waisted tailored trouser with a blazer worn open is the easiest formula.”
Alternatively, leaning into the louche look is a great way forward. Pairing a bandeau with balloon pants and a linen shirt thrown over the top is a relaxed, on-trend outfit – and perfect for a heatwave.
Then the make or break lies in the accessories, says Robb, who suggests going for a smarter bag or an elevated pair of sandals to avoid the look becoming overly casual or loungewear-esque.
H&M Flounced Bandeau Crop Top, £20 (was £64.99)
Mango Linen Balloon Trousers, £32.99 (was £49.99)
Zara ZW Collection 100% Linen Shirt, £29.99
Dune London Leola Brown Flat Leather Strappy Sandals, £41 (was £69)
Start by layering it – instead of wearing it alone
For those not ready to wear a bandeau as a standalone top, layering is the perfect entry point – and it doesn’t mean just throwing a shirt over the top.
“Under a slouchy slip dress or pinafore with a low neckline is very ‘in’,” says Robb. “That relaxed boho-layering is very on-trend, so using sheer fabrics works well while still being covered.”
The layered look manages to tap into both the bohemian and relaxed trend, while also feeling less intimidating to pull off.
H&M Smocked Rust Brown Beach Tube Top, £10 (was £12.99)
Superdry Ibiza Cami Maxi Dress, £55.99 (was £79.99)
Styling slip-ups to avoid
One of the biggest difficulties of wearing a bandeau is often the fit, as there is little wiggle room – literally – for it to look flattering.
“A wrong fit can work in either direction,” says Robb. “Too tight creates visible lines and discomfort, too loose means you’re adjusting all day, which is inconvenient and annoying.”
It’s not just the bandeau itself – accessories can make or break the silhouette.
“Casual but smart footwear is key, I think,” says Robb, “a heel, loafer, or tailored-ballet flat keeps the look elevated and grown-up.”
