Celebrity Bandage Bondage

Everybody once in a while loves a bit of risqué, let it be with heels or a dress. The figure-loving silhouette of the late 90s has decided to get back to us with a major revamp, and it’s not a simple sort of style.

Once immortalised by models and celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Kim Kardashian, and Victoria Beckham, this bodycon garment is returning, but with modern upgrades: Smoother fabrics, varied cuts, and a newfound embrace of body confidence.

A Nostalgic Comeback

On the global runways, the bandage dress is once again enjoying cult status. Kaia Gerber recently paid homage to her mother Cindy Crawford’s white Hervé Léger gown, Kylie Jenner made headlines when she stepped out in a modern ivory Jean Paul Gaultier bandage-style dress in Saint-Tropez, proving that this revival is less about replication and more about reinvention.

What makes the bandage dress so relevant again? Fashion analysts have likened the construction of a bandage dress to a “bra for the whole body.” It gives shape without squeezing the life out of you, offering support in all the right places. “The beauty of the bandage dress comeback is that it’s not a copy-paste of the 2000s—it’s an evolution. Designers are softening silhouettes, playing with fabric feed and hemlines, and making it feel contemporary, not costume-y,” says Raghav Mehta, Mumbai-based Fashion Designer.

Bodycon, But Make Modern

In a cultural climate that celebrates body positivity and self-expression, the return of the bodycon isn’t about hiding imperfections—it’s about owning them. Then there’s the undeniable impact of Gen Z’s obsession with Y2K fashion, but this time around, it’s less about the nightclub aesthetic and more about a confident, curated look that can move between occasions. Bandage dresses today are as likely to show up at a formal gala or brunch event as they are at a fashion week afterparty — a more sophisticated touch, might we say.

“Pair a neutral, bandage-inspired midi with a short, embroidered Nehru jacket or organza drape—it balances sexiness with cultural elegance and makes it event-appropriate,” says Manish Kapoor, fashion Stylist. Today’s bandage dress comes in more varied silhouettes—midis and full-length versions are now preferred over micro-minis. We’re seeing longer sleeves, high necks, asymmetrical panels, and thoughtfully placed cutouts that add visual intrigue without compromising elegance. And crucially, the fabric has changed. While the OG bandage dress was often rigid and unforgiving, today’s versions favour blends of Lycra and jersey that breathe and stretch with the body. It’s still sexy, but now it’s smart-sexy.

Tailored For Today

Bollywood, never one to miss a beat, has embraced this revival with flair. Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Pashmina Roshan, Khushi Kapoor, and Alaya F have all stepped out in variations of the bodycon dress, often styled with sleek hair, minimal accessories, and confident posture. “It fits the new-age aesthetic—where women want to feel empowered, media-ready, and still rooted in their culture,” Sonya Mehta, a fashion designer, explains. Many Indian iterations of the dress use traditional textiles or are paired with statement jewellery, allowing for that distinct mix of East and West. Comfort, of course, remains key. Indian body types vary, and many opt for shapewear-friendly versions or layering with overlays like chiffon jackets, organza shirts, or even modern dupattas.

Bold Curve Appeal

Social media, too, plays a vital role in shaping this narrative. Instagram fashion pages, street style reels, and red carpet recaps constantly feature body-hugging styles—and the comments tell the full story. While the audience is quick to praise clean styling and modern makeup, there’s also a growing appetite for individuality.

Band-aid Wardrobe

Some fashion critics and social commentators have dismissed the revival as cheap nostalgia. In India, discussions on Reddit and fashion blogs echo similar sentiments, with some pushing for more innovation and less reliance on revivalism.

“The true modern bandage dress is daytime-ready—think half-sleeves, breathable blends, minimal sheen—then transforms at night with accessories and heels. It’s the ultimate 2025 silhouette,” says Amit Mehra, fashion stylist.

It’s about embracing your shape, choosing comfort, and taking control of your narrative. Still, this wave feels different. It’s not just about turning heads—it’s about feeling good in your own skin. So as 2025 rolls in with new fashion forecasts, the bandage dress isn’t just back—it’s evolved. It’s no longer a relic of nightclub culture but a canvas for modern confidence. With Indian fashion taking bold steps toward comfort-driven glamour and inclusive silhouettes, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

BODY-CON JOB

• Supermodel Cindy Crawford, Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian, immortalised the bandage dress in the past

• Young crops of celebs like Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Pashmina Roshan, Khushi Kapoor, and Alaya F have all stepped out in variations of the bodycon dress, Kylie Jenner, Kaia Gerber have flaunted their versions of the bodycon dress

Wrap Up In Style

• Searches for “bandage dress” have grown by 300% in India since January 2024 in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru (Google Trends)

• Bodycon dresses for weddings trended in the top 10 fashion-related searches in India in early 2025

• 72% of Gen Z shoppers in urban India prefer styles that accentuate the body while being comfortable (Mintel Report 2025)