Bikini Buys » Bandeau Bikinis

Volcom Flower Affair Bikini | Feminine Rosette Decorated Pink Bandeau Swim Top

LaurenK — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:42:32 +0000

Volcom embraces its feminine side with this Flower Affair swim top.

This melon colored bandeau bikini top is exceptionally girly. The soft ruffle only runs along one side, but that's probably enough frills for most tastes. The large floral rosette in the center is another feminine touch. And of course, nothing says girly girl like a shock of sugary pink. The feminine effect is tempered a little in the aqua color, but only slightly. So I figure, why not go to extremes and make a real statement of girl power?

It's just a shame that Volcom's focused so much on the Flower Affair's surface appeal. Underneath that this bikini top is as basic as they come. There's no underwire beneath the bust, and no padding in the cups. You'll need to feel comfortable in your own skin to wear this swim top, because it'll do nothing to enhance your figure.

However perhaps we shouldn't expect too much. This bikini top is only $47.95 after all. That's a bargain for swimwear, especially when it's as well made as this Volcom bikini top. Its only frills are on the surface, but they'll be enough to impress girly girls with tight purse strings.

Get this Volcom Flower Affair Bikini Top:

Available to buy at Amazon

Juicy Couture Miss Divine Bandeau | Navy Blue Gold Buttons Swim Top

LaurenK — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:06:37 +0000

Juicy Couture sets the style standard with this Miss Divine bandeau swim top.

The label's come a long way since its heady pink velour-loving heyday. These days the American fashion house is experimenting with more timeless colors and more fashion forward designs, and it's better for it. I love the restraint shown here, something we'd never have associated with Juicy Couture in the past.

The navy blue fabric is a classic choice, but it's made much more interesting with the addition of golden buttons. The row of accents brings a real regality to the design that aspiring princesses are sure to warm to. I also appreciate the gentle shirring which helps hide any problem areas.

The absence of a shoulder strap is a real misstep though. While we'll appreciate the line-free tanning, it's a wardrobe disaster waiting to happen once you hit the waves. A removable shoestring would have added the security we crave without compromising the design.

The lack of strap is a small thing, but it's significant enough to make me hesitate to spend $151 on this bandeau swim top. That's not small change, especially when you've got to buy the briefs to match. It might suit anyone who spends a lot of time on the sand, but water babies may like to look elsewhere.

Get this Juicy Couture Miss Divine Bandeau Top:

Available to buy at Amazon

Bikini Lab Love Story Bandeau | Handkerchief Style Floral Swim Top

LaurenK — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:16:45 +0000

Bikini Lab gets girly with this Love Story Bandeau bikini top.

We've seen many bandeau style bikini tops before, but never one quite like this. Bikini Lab calls it a handkerchief, and I can easily imagine that it's made with a large one! The floral printed fabric swatch appears to be casually wrapped around the body, yet its pretty pleats manage to fall just so. Some pretty ruching along the top of the bikini give it that final feminine flourish.

I'm sure this bikini top will be too girly for many beach goers, but I find its femininity refreshing. These days modern girls tend to gravitate towards more minimalist designs, so this softer look feels like a breath of fresh air.

It's really affordable at $40, but that doesn't mean that Bikini Lab has skimped where it counts. This bandeau bikini top is crafted from a practical blend of polyester and spandex. It will require hand-washing to keep its shape and colors, but it's soft against the skin, comfortable to wear in and out of the water, and quick to dry.

Personally I think those perks are worth a little laundering effort, don't you? We also get an attachable shoestring strap for extra security in the waves. And really, what more could we want? Sometimes we just get a bargain!

Get this Bikini Lab Love Story Bikini Top:

Available to buy at Amazon

Freya Flamingo Bandeau Bikini | Modern Floral & Polka Dot Curvy Swim Top

LaurenK — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:44:41 +0000

Freya makes floral prints funky with this Flamingo bikini top.

Its name is a bit confusing, as there's not a flamingo to be seen. Not even a lone pink feather graces this swim top. Instead we get a vibrant posy of poppies and sunflowers decorating the bust. The bold colored print clashes delightfully with the black and white spotted trim. It's a risky choice, and one that probably won't please traditionalists, but I think the contrasting patterns look really fresh.

The Flamingo does a great job of flattering curves. The bust is lightly padded with underwire underneath for extra support and lift. The halter-neck style always makes bodies look their best, but no one minds an extra boost! There's also some light boning in the side seams, which while not comfortable helps to create a smooth, streamlined silhouette.

It's interesting to see the tie coming from between the cups, rather than the sides. I really like the modern edge it gives the design, but I'm not sure how it'll work in the water. The styling doesn't seem as secure as the traditional configuration. Perhaps this is a bikini best suited for paddling and sunbathing, rather than taking on big waves. And if you are sunbathing, remember to remove the tie for a line-free tan.

This is a style that would look great on any body type, so it's a bit disappointing to see the smallest cup size is a D. Freya's always aimed to provide pretty lingerie and swimwear for the oft neglected curviest women, but it leaves the rest of us out in the cold. Perhaps a sister line with the same styles for petite girls is in order!

Get this Freya Flamingo Bikini Top:

Available to buy at Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

FREYA Womens Flamingo Underwire Bandeau Swimwear Top 3149 Lipstick 38FF NWT $68
US $34.95
Auction Ends: 6d 23h 18m
Make it yours...

FREYA Womens Flamingo Underwire Bandeau Swimwear Top 3149 Lipstick 38F NEW $68
US $34.95
Auction Ends: 6d 23h 16m
Make it yours...

Check the Surfdomeshop eBay store to see if this bikini top is in stock

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Freya Flamingo Bandeau Bikini | Modern Floral & Polka Dot Curvy Swim Top is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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Betsey Johnson Duchess Bandeau Bikini Top | Houndstooth Swimsuit with Ribbon Flower

LaurenK — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:05:17 +0000

Betsey Johnson's created a swimsuit fit for royalty with this Duchess Bandeau Bikini.

I can certainly imagine Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, swanning about the Seychelles wearing this demure swimsuit, her dashing Prince William at her side. Its gray houndstooth pattern is classic, and the perfect foil for the regal teal ribbon flower accent. Glittering rhinestones and imitation pearls do a luxurious pollen impression at the center of the satiny bloom.

No real royalty could afford an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction, so the Duchess does its best to hold our bits and pieces in place. An underwire runs underneath the cups for support, while removable padding in the bust creates some extra curves. The rear clasp is also adjustable for just the right fit, no matter what your size. There's also an attachable shoestring strap to provide extra security when you're in the waves. Take it off once you hit the shore to enjoy an even tan.

At $94.40, the Duchess isn't out of the reach of commoners, but it's also no bargain. Remember you'll need to spend extra on the briefs after all. But you do get what you pay for, and in this case that's a lot of style.

Get this Betsey Johnson Duchess Bikini Top:

Available to buy at Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

Betsey Johnson NWT Duchess Skirtini Bikini Swimsuit sz L
US $119.95
Auction Ends: 27d 6h 20m
Make it yours...

NWT BETSEY JOHNSON DUCHESS SKIRTINI BIKINI SWIMSUIT M
US $119.95
Auction Ends: 27d 6h 17m
Make it yours...

Check the Bay State Couture eBay store to see if this bikini top is in stock

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Betsey Johnson Duchess Bandeau Bikini Top | Houndstooth Swimsuit with Ribbon Flower is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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Trina Turk Nandini Bandeau Top | Indian Floral Print Black Buckle Bikini

LaurenK — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:24:58 +0000

A bold floral print and striking buckle help separate this Nandini Bandeau Top from the pack.

Trina Turk has done a lovely job of reinventing the classic bikini style here. Floral prints are ordinarily much softer than this one, but I think its strength works well. The vibrant colors and intricate details resemble the prints we'd see on an Indian sari. That Eastern influence helps make this pattern look fresher than the average floral.

The bold print is complemented by a striking golden buckle. This too is intricate, and much more appealing than those that usually clip a bandeau together.

Strapless bandeaus like this look so sexy, and they're also perfect for achieving an even tan. However they don't offer a lot of security in the ocean. All it takes is one well placed wave to generate a wardrobe malfunction! Happily Trina Turk has thought of this and added a detachable halter strap for water babies.

The lack of cups in the bust is a glaring omission though, particularly for a bikini top targeted at petite girls. The Nandini is available for sizes 4 to 12, the kind of women who traditionally want to boost their curves. Sadly Trina Turk's styling doesn't offer any help.

While I'm griping it's important to mention the price. At $98 it doesn't initially sound extravagant, but remember that only buys you half a swimsuit.

Get this Trina Turk Buckle Bikini:

Available to buy at Amazon

Ella Moss Endless Summer Bikini Top | Blue Pin-Tucked Bandeau Swimsuit

LaurenK — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:29:50 +0000

There may be no endless summer, but Ella Moss promises you'll get wear year after year from this Endless Summer bikini top.

Despite its name, I don't expect this bandeau top will have an eternal life. Nothing lasts forever after all. But Ella Moss has ensured this swimsuit will survive several summers thanks to its superior craftsmanship and timeless style.

This bandeau bikini is made from a durable blend of nylon and spandex. So long as you treat it well, that material should hold its shape and color for a long time. And in the here and now it'll feel amazing against your skin, and give you the flexibility you need while you're in the water.

Ella Moss has shunned the trends for a style that's much more evergreen. The intricate pin tucking calls to mind vintage fashion. However by using rich cobalt blue, rather than a more neutral hue, the finish is much more contemporary. The pin tucking is very flattering, especially if you're on the petite side. The tight pleating helps to hide a flat chest, especially if you add the removable soft cups.

The removable strap adds further versatility. This is more substantial than the ones we see on most bandeau tops, so it should provide more security and support in the water. Once we emerge from the ocean we can simply remove it for line-free tanning.

At $67 this Ella Moss bikini is quite affordable, especially for one so timeless.

Get The Ella Moss Endless Summer Bandeau Top:

Available to buy on Amazon

Splendid Marcel Sweetheart Bikini | Striped Pink & Blue Bandeau Swim Top

LaurenK — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:22:42 +0000

Bold stripes help to dress up this simple but stylish Marcel bikini from Splendid.

Stripy patterns are timeless, yet they always seem to look on trend. The unexpected color combination of bright pink and navy blue makes these wide stripes seem very fresh. The casual tie in the center aids this cause, scrunching in the top for a relaxed, modern style.

The Marcel is made from a blend of micro nylon and spandex. The dash of spandex gives the material the flexibility it needs to work for you in the water, while the micro nylon makes the suit soft and comfortable to wear. On the down side though, it requires hand washing to stay at its peak. That's a little more effort than many of us want to make on our summer vacation. Can you handle its upkeep?

Shoestring ties affix the bikini top around the neck and back. These ties aren't incredibly secure, but they do allow for the most comfortable fit. Its fit is also flattering for girls of all shapes too thanks to the removable soft cups in the bust.

At $55 I'd hardly call this bikini a bargain, particularly since you need to buy the bottoms to match it. However it's also not unreasonable for such a timeless swim top.

Get this Splendid Marcel Bandeau Top:

Available to buy on Amazon

Betsey Johnson A Tisket Bandeau Top | Red Gingham Check Bikini

LaurenK — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:39:28 +0000

Betsey Johnson appeals to vintage lovers with her A Tisket Bandeau bikini top.

I love the playful 50s housewife vibe of this swim top. Its red and white checked gingham takes us back to those golden years, and it's finished beautifully with some lovely accents. The delicate red blooms at the bust and white lacing along the cups give the A Tisket the right amount of feminine flair.

The bandeau style has a lovely shape to it, but if your curves need some extra help you can simply add the padding. I appreciate that versatility which ensures the bikini looks good on girls of all sizes.

I appreciate the shoestring straps, as they give us the security we need when we're in the water. They're detachable though, so you can avoid those unsightly tan lines when you're back on dry land.

The bikini's blend of nylon and spandex makes it comfortable to wear in and out of the ocean, but it does require a bit of care to keep looking its best. It'll require hand washing in cold water, and then line drying in the shade to ensure its colors stay true.

The A Tisket's very distinctive fashion look does risk alienating girls with cutting edge tastes, but I'm thrilled to see Betsey Johnson offering up something very different here.

Get this Betsey Johnson A Tisket Bikini Top:

Available to buy at Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

NWT BETSEY JOHNSON A TISKET BANDEAU SIZE L RETRO STYLE BIKINI SWIMSUIT SEXY
US $129.99
Auction Ends: 27d 4h 19m
Make it yours...

NWT BETSEY JOHNSON A TISKET BANDEAU SIZE M RETRO STYLE BIKINI SWIMSUIT SEXY
US $129.99
Auction Ends: 27d 4h 3m
Make it yours...

Check the Private Shop-3 eBay store to see if this bikini top is in stock

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Betsey Johnson A Tisket Bandeau Top | Red Gingham Check Bikini is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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Xhilaration Bandeau Swim Top | Budget Beaded Golden Bikini

LaurenK — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 07:48:20 +0000

Xhilaration channels island style with this golden bandeau swim top.

No one expects much for $14.99 these days. It'll buy a couple of meals at your local takeaway shop, a few fashion magazines, but rarely clothes of real substance. But funnily enough, that's exactly what you get with this bandeau top that punches well above its weight.

I'm really impressed by the attention to detail here. The large tribal beads add real flair to the halter style straps, and the keyhole makes the bandeau seem even more alluring. The gold color is also impressive. It's eye-catching, as all good metallics should be, but it's not too glitzy or glamorous. The muted hue should impress girls that ordinarily would never dream of wearing gold.

And we get all those little extras the luxury designers treat us with, such as removable padding in the bust and full polyester lining throughout. If Xhilaration has cut any corners I'm not sure what they are!

If we want to nitpick we can see a few flaws. The blend of nylon and spandex requires careful hand washing, so it's not as easy to care for as many swimsuits. That halter strap also isn't ideal for active beachgoers. I'd be a bit nervous about a wardrobe malfunction in the waves!

But this bandeau bikini is beautiful, and it's dirt cheap. That makes it a winner in my eyes!

Get The Xhilaration Bandeau Bikini:

Available to buy on Amazon