2016 called, and 2026 is answering: The Bandage Dress is back.
- Megan Waddington
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
By: Megan Waddington
The yearning for 2016 has been lingering for a while now across social media. I think of my pink iPhone 5c, the Snapchat dog filter, and the ease with which pop culture moments were shared rather than curated. The aesthetic of 2016 is undeniably bright, organic, and effortless. The moment 2010s nostalgia starts to resurface, the era’s standout fashion pieces are never far behind.
Most people think of 2016 as less of a calendar year and more of a rose-tinted feeling with ‘Lean on’ by Major Lazer soundtracking this certain feeling of optimism. 10 years after, people are now circulating back to needing this sense of lightness and nostalgia of the “last good year”.
What comes to mind is the bandage dress. Something so simple yet sticks in my mind- the sleek figure-hugging garment is seeing a comeback. I think bandage dresses could be here to stay. They are a piece you can reach for when you want to feel polished but still yourself. No need for over-styling or overthinking, it's just a sleek silhouette that always works. Whether styled minimally with heels or even dressed down, a bandage dress never feels outdated, just quietly iconic.
The bandage dress made famous by French designer Hervé Léger appeared in the early 1990s, seen worn by supermodels. Its signature design uses elastic bandage-like strips to mold and cinch the body, creating an instantly flattering and statuesque hourglass figure. When we think about the bandage dress, we’re really talking about a fashion icon that knows how to reinvent itself. After finding fresh relevance in 2016 the nostalgia for that era signals the bandage dress’s return in 2026.
I think of the cooler older sister getting ready to go out with her friends putting on her bandage dress and heels to go out to the club or drinks at a bar. Being only 13 in 2016, I only imagined this feeling of unapologetic glamour; I romanticised this, yet when it was my turn to go out, it was less of an event of dressing up, rather a cute top and jeans uniform. Which don’t get me wrong, has never failed me, but something in me when scrolling and finding out people are bringing this vibe back was purely excited. I love it when people dress up for the fun of it. Why save an outfit for an occasion, just wear it. I think it’s so carefree and sexy when someone has this vibe when choosing what to wear.
Finding pieces can be as easy as searching for bandage dresses or 2010s silhouettes on Vinted or Depop as things always come back full circle, so there is always a second-hand once-loved piece waiting for you to love again. You can find pieces often at a fraction of the original price, with the added charm of history and individuality that makes your wardrobe feel more personal and intentional rather than trend-driven. You never know, you could find a Hervé Léger dress the next time you scroll through!
MUUZ top picks for bandage dresses
Nii HAi a London-based brand, thrives in producing playful, slightly sexy, and ironic approach. Blending minimal aesthetics with a bold attitude. Their new collection plays with the 2010s cut-outs and silhouettes. Reminiscent of the slashed clothing of the 2010s, think a t-shirt vibe with slashes cut out on the back, giving it a sexy backless vibe. They have combined both bandage and slash details in these pieces, which breathe new life into something so iconic a decade ago. You can also DIY tees to give this cool and playful energy to ordinary clothes.
I.AM.GIA recently released a deliberate nod to the 2010s reimagined for 2026. In three beautiful pastel hues and two iconic silhouettes we are looking towards a sexy spring. The collection balances nostalgia with modern confidence. The collection invites us into a season of flirtation and freedom. The result of this collection is a signal to the return of playful glamour which is all about fun dressing again. Shorter hems, softer colours, and silhouettes designed to move, tease, and turn heads. It’s sexy without trying, where femininity feels effortless, bold, and unapologetic.
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