Every outfit for women has a story a tell, and in the case of a bandage dress and a bodycon dress, the theme of their stories is their body-hugging features. Although they share the same stage in the fashion scene, some differences denote each piece.
It has become very common to refer to both bodycon and bandage dresses as though they are the same. And quite frankly, some of the blogs and fashion news are not helping. You see two striking dresses with the label – “bodycon dress”. However, one hugs your curves like a second skin, while the other has a defined fabric and structure that also skims your curve. To unlock your full fashion potential with a bandage dress and a bodycon dress, you need to understand their differences.
Over here, we will walk you through a comparison of bandage and bodycon dresses. Their design details, fabrics used in their construction, the occasions that call for each one of them, and recommendations on where to shop quality styles. You would also get to know how you can elevate your wardrobe by simply knowing the difference between bandage and bodycon dresses. Let’s dive right in!
What is a Bandage Dress?
A bandage dress is a form-fitting outfit typically made from a blend of stretchy materials such as spandex, rayon, and nylon. These dresses have a tight fit and typically accentuate your natural curves when you wear them.
Just like the strips of a bandage and its overlapping appearance, bandage dresses are constructed similarly, with strategically placed horizontal panels or bands. What hallmarks a bandage dress is its ability to compress and sculpt the body, offering a firm and supportive structure. Of course, much of the credit goes to the multiple elastic bands.
Considering their body-hugging silhouette, bandage dresses often feature a sleeveless or short-sleeved design with a scooped or V-neckline. They also tend to be knee-length or slightly above, to emphasize the legs and torso. You can shop bandage dress in different color palettes like classic neutrals and vibrant hues for various occasions, from cocktail parties to formal events.
What is a Bodycon Dress?
Bodycon dresses are the short form of “body-conscious” dresses. They are form-fitting and closely follow the contours of the wearer’s body. Just like the bandage dresses, they are made from stretchy fabric pieces, but in contrast, they are not as sturdy as the bandage dresses.
These dresses for women showcase the natural curves of the body but do not accentuate them as much as their bandage counterparts. A combination of their stretchy fabric and body-hugging design makes them comfortable and flexible to wear. This is also what makes them ideal for a wide range of occasions, from nightclubs to upscale events.
A bodycon dress comes in a variety of colors and patterns, to cater to different fashion preferences. It also has a more sleek and streamlined appearance and can be sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved. There are many neckline designs that you can try out including scooped, V-neck, or off-shoulder neckline. The hemlines of bodycon dresses are not constant, as they can be mini, knee-length, midi, or floor-length.
Key Differences of these Types of Dresses
While they may appear similar in function and design, the detailed comparison of bandage and bodycon dresses below will further guide your purchasing and styling decisions.
- Fabric: Bandage dresses are constructed with multiple layers and strips of stretchy material that help contour the body curves and smoothen the bulge, thereby creating a distinct look and feel. Bodycon dresses on the other hand are made from very stretchy and light fabric pieces like jersey or spandex. The heavy fabric used in making a bandage dress makes the body look perfectly shaped and structured by sculpting it into a mold. While the lighter fabrics of a bodycon dress, help it to trace the body’s original silhouette without any additional sculpting.
- Construction: The major difference between bandage and bodycon dresses is in their construction. To create a supportive structure, the strips of material used in making bandage dresses are sewn or woven together in a criss-cross pattern. Bodycon dresses are less structured in their construction and a single fabric piece, or a few are used.
- Fit: Compared to bodycon dresses, bandage dresses have a looser fit and are cut more generously. If you’re looking for a tailored and body-enhancing dress that is tight, durable, and sturdy, then you should opt for a bandage dress. But, if you want a comfortable and relaxed skin-fitting dress, then you should consider a bodycon dress.
- Support: Bodycon dresses are simplistic in design. They hug the body’s natural curves without providing much support. Whereas bandage dresses provide support, even out the bulges, and shape the rolls and folds.
- Comfortability: Another key difference between bandage and bodycon dresses is the level of comfort they provide. Bodycon dresses are more comfortable and relaxed to wear and are the perfect option to wear in warm weather, given their relaxed fit. The fabric used in constructing a bandage dress may not be the most comfortable, but undoubtedly, it offers a great shaping to the curves. Bandage dresses can be worn by women of every shape or size to create a streamlined and figure-flattering look.
- Versatility: Bodycon dresses are more versatile than bandage dresses, as the fabric’s stretchiness allows for ease of movement. Bodycon dresses can be dressed up or down, but are mostly worn casually with sneakers or sandals. They can also be amped up with heels and jewelry pieces in formal settings. Bandage dresses are typically worn formally for special occasions and events.
- Price Differences: Bodycon dresses are more affordable when compared with bandage dresses. The structured materials and construction process that goes into bandage dresses make them more expensive. Whereas, the fabric used in making bodycon dresses is simpler and doesn’t require much expertise, hence their affordability.
Conclusion
The thin line between bodycon and bandage dresses is their figure-hugging design. However, the differences we highlighted above mark their borderline.
form-fitting silhouette, there are several key differences between the two styles. Bodycon dresses are patterned with light and stretchy fabrics while bandage dresses are made from thicker and more complex materials. To shop bandage and bodycon dresses in good quality and at affordable prices, we recommend you shop from SunsetFashionLA. They are a one-stop online store for women’s clothing and accessories.