So, the style that I'm grappling with today is the bandeau.
My upcoming annual getaway with my sister Calliope and her two boys is a cruise again. Since it's the end of the season, I hit the sale racks for some new swimwear this week. There were a ton of bandeau tops. This is not a look I've ever worn, but it's not one that I dislike inherently. Afterall, I love strapless tops and showing my shoulders! But not a single one worked out for me.
I don't think of myself as very busty - I'm just a little bigger than average and have a very healthy respect for gravity. But I had 2 major problems with all of the bandeaus. First, there was not enough vertical coverage. I'm small around the ribcage, and the size I needed around was not big enough over the bust. Second, not a single one I tried on felt either supportive or secure at all (I didn't even bother to do a bounce test).
So, I'm wondering who wears this style? Is it another look that only works for the small busted woman or pretty young things who haven't fully developed or experienced the effects of gravity yet? The ruffles on this one definitely would add volume to a small bust.
Or is it a bit more of a lifestyle situation? When I'm in a bathing suit, I'm generally being active - I sunburn too easily to ever enjoy tanning. And I can not imagine that any of the bandeaus I tried on would have stayed put if I were to jump off a boat or dock, go down a waterslide, or do any of the active things I normally do on beach vacations. Seriously, I want to avoid any scuba-related wardrobe malfunctions.
I also found that on my body, they made me look flat (a third problem, I suppose) and were not particularly flattering. I also think wearing a too-small size for the sake of cleavage is just silly.
Anyway, are you a fan or wearer of the bandeau bikini? I have nothing against them, per se. I was just surprised that not a single one worked for me and am feeling turned off to the whole style now. Please share!
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| J Crew |
My upcoming annual getaway with my sister Calliope and her two boys is a cruise again. Since it's the end of the season, I hit the sale racks for some new swimwear this week. There were a ton of bandeau tops. This is not a look I've ever worn, but it's not one that I dislike inherently. Afterall, I love strapless tops and showing my shoulders! But not a single one worked out for me.
I don't think of myself as very busty - I'm just a little bigger than average and have a very healthy respect for gravity. But I had 2 major problems with all of the bandeaus. First, there was not enough vertical coverage. I'm small around the ribcage, and the size I needed around was not big enough over the bust. Second, not a single one I tried on felt either supportive or secure at all (I didn't even bother to do a bounce test).
 |
| Ondademar |
Or is it a bit more of a lifestyle situation? When I'm in a bathing suit, I'm generally being active - I sunburn too easily to ever enjoy tanning. And I can not imagine that any of the bandeaus I tried on would have stayed put if I were to jump off a boat or dock, go down a waterslide, or do any of the active things I normally do on beach vacations. Seriously, I want to avoid any scuba-related wardrobe malfunctions.
I also found that on my body, they made me look flat (a third problem, I suppose) and were not particularly flattering. I also think wearing a too-small size for the sake of cleavage is just silly.
 |
| Clearly looking teed off that she's in the wrong size bikini top. It can't be comfy. |
Anyway, are you a fan or wearer of the bandeau bikini? I have nothing against them, per se. I was just surprised that not a single one worked for me and am feeling turned off to the whole style now. Please share!
