As complex as the trend cycle may seem, it's not all that hard to understand. Most trends are just reimagined versions of styles we've seen before. (See: TikTok's diaper shorts [1], which are really just a modern take on 1800s bloomers.) Brands depend on innovative design treatments or collaborations for many of these trends to land successfully, but the No. 1 thing that makes them impossible to resist? A celebrity cosign. Similar to cutouts [2] and jorts [3], another style has regained popularity amongst the stars: bandage dresses. While tons of celebrities have rocked the silhouette throughout the years, Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber's recent embrace of the trend is especially referential. Gerber wore a bandage dress from Hervé Léger at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, while Bieber wore a burgundy Saint Laurent iteration at this year's Fashion Trust U.S. Awards — both showcasing the style's relevance.
What Are Bandage Dresses?
Bandage dresses have been around long before TikTok had a say in what's trending. The silhouette took off in the early '90s, when Léger helped popularize the look with elastic detailing, draped necklines, and tightly fitted bodices. You can think of the bandage dress as the original bodycon dress; it represents class, glamour, and confidence for the wearer. The iconic fashion label gained recognition for this innovation in womenswear, with stars like Cindy Crawford [4], Rihanna [5], and Kim Kardashian [6] wearing the style on and off the runway. Today, bandage dresses have evolved in many forms, from mini and maxi lengths to bandeau and halter styles.
Whether you're hunting for the right figure-flattering piece or looking for your next date-night dress, we've curated the ultimate guide to bandage dresses for every shape and occasion. From affordable picks from our favorite retailers like Nordstrom [7] to splurge-worthy designer picks (including a rare Léger find), shop the best bandage dresses to wear this summer and beyond.
Best Bandage Dress on Amazon
Meilun Celebrity Bandage Bodycon Dress [8] ($56-$67)
Kim Kardashian [9] was known for wearing bandage dresses throughout the 2000s, from red carpets to street style. If an Hervé Léger piece isn't in the budget, consider this affordable pick from Amazon. Its classic bandage fabric and snug fit accomplish the same vibe as the ones Kardashian wore.
Best Asymmetrical Bandage Dress
Norma Kamali x Revolve Cayla Pickleball Dress [10] ($88, originally $125)
Norma Kamali is widely known for her body-hugging pieces, and this red number from her collaboration with Revolve is an immediate favorite. A less obvious interpretation of the bandage dress, this piece features a slightly asymmetrical hemline, ruched detailing on the left side, and a sweetheart neckline that screams sexy.
Best Maxi Bandage Dress
Lioness 1999 Maxi Dress [11] ($89)
You can definitely party like it's 1999 with this halter number from Lioness. We love how its sultry bodice hugs the body while allowing comfort at the bottom, thanks to the piece's crepe fabric and back slit.
Best Black Bandage Dress
Oh Polly Mirna Bow-Embellished Ruched Halterneck Maxi Dress [12] ($95)
Every woman doesn't need just an LBD — every woman needs a black bandage dress. This pick from Oh Polly, featuring a picture-perfect sweetheart neckline and open back, is perfect for any dressy occasion, from a wedding to a date night.
Best White Bandage Dress
White Fox Boutique Oh My Love Bandage Mini Dress [13] ($110)
Thick straps are a quintessential design element of bandage dresses, and this White Fox Boutique frock has them in the best way. From its impeccable stretch fabrication to bra cups with padding, this piece will turn heads. It's also ideal if you're headed to the renowned all-white Hamptons party (we can only dream).
Best Bandage Dress With Cap Sleeves
Bebe Cap Sleeve Bandage Mini Dress [14] ($111, originally $159)
Another mark of the iconic piece? Cap sleeves. In case you thought they were out of style, they're still very much in. This Bebe dress is far from outdated, thanks to its medium-sized straps and elastane-blend fabric for that modern fit.
Best Cutout Bandage Dress
Oh Polly Aoka Square Neck Bandage Mini Dress [15] ($148)
In case you can't get your hands on Bieber's Saint Laurent number, this affordable dress from Oh Polly surely fits the bill. Its alluring square neck and subtle cutout panels at the thighs and abs make it too good to resist.
Best Knit Bandage Dress
Reformation Finnian Knit Dress [16] ($198)
Not all bandage dresses have to feature super-thick straps, and this halter find from Reformation is the perfect proof. Its slightly loose yet fitted bodice and column skirt make it a sophisticated way to nail the trend.
Best Bandage Dress
House of CB Olive Midi Bandage Dress [17] ($239)
House of CB is a premier destination for all things bodycon, and its bandage dresses are also a customer favorite. This midi silhouette is crafted from luxe, stretch-paneled fabric and features a zipper cascading down the back for easy wear.
Best Ruched Bandage Dress
Norma Kamali Walter Midi Dress [18] ($245)
A bestseller, this black mesh midi is the perfect piece to nail the LBD and bandage dress trend at the same time. Its ruched mesh fabric comes with a neutral lining, providing a healthy balance between coverage and showing skin.
Best Cocktail Bandage Dress
House of CB Magdalena Midi Cocktail Dress [19] ($269)
Cocktail parties are about to be the activity of the summer, and this plunging sweetheart number makes the best attire for the occasion. Customers love its curve-flattering fit and versatility.
Best Designer Bandage Dress
Hervé Léger Gabriella Bodycon Dress [20] ($380, originally $850)
Are you really nailing the bandage dress trend if you don't grab a Léger number? This scoop-neck dress features the designer's iconic paneled straps and is crafted from a high-quality elastane blend, making it comfortable for any night out. Plus, it's over 50 percent off — and that sale price makes it a no-brainer purchase.
Naomi Parris [21] is the assistant shopping editor at PS, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.