Pointelle is having a fashion moment. Once the preserve of winter thermals and little girls’ jumpers, and probably your knee-high school socks, (they were mine), this delicate cotton knit has become spring’s prettiest and most useful style update.
I put its renewed popularity down to the playful, nostalgic, almost childlike mood that’s been part of this season’s style energy from the start.
From a style perspective, with its dainty perforated designs, often in pinhole flowers, hearts, chevrons or diamonds, pointelle is undeniably adorable, but with a wink.
On a practical level, it's is a light, perforated knit that delivers warmth, but also allows you to cool off, making it ideal for spring days when it’s warm in the sun and the shade still bites.
And honestly, to buy pointelle pieces now, there’s only one place to look: Marks and Spencer.
This is a store that has been quietly perfecting pointelle in thermal wear, children's wear and underwear for decades. In fact, they still make excellent cotton pointelle underwear today, a camisole costs just £8.
Pure Cotton Pointelle Lace Cami Pyjama Top
Pure Cotton Pointelle Lace Cami Pyjama Top
Not surprisingly, M&S has been able to translate their pointelle knowhow it into its fashion collections in a way that feels totally both spot on, and eminently wearable.
Cotton Rich Pointelle Collared Knitted Top
Cotton Rich Pointelle Collared Knitted Top
My favourite M&S pointelle piece is their collated short sleeve knit, above. But their off-white pure cotton jumper, which also comes in a dark brown, come in at a close second. With a simple crew neck and long sleeves, its vertical lines of perforations deliver the necessary dose of vintage prettiness, while keeping it easy to wear.
It’s the kind of jumper you can layer over a T-shirt or throw over your shoulders, knowing you’ll look fresh and never overheat.
M&S has also taken two everyday wardrobe staples, a vest and a T-shirt and given them the pointelle spin. See their chic icy blue pointelle vest and black pointelle T-shirt .
All four make modern spring knit updates. And while celebrities like Lily Allen, Sabrina Carpenter and Hailey Bieber are wearing theirs in a more overtly sexy, lingerie-inspired way a simple jumper, collared short-sleeve knit, vest or T-shirt is the best way in.
And remember, this isn't cutesy for cutesy's sake. It's best worn with modern pieces; baggy jeans, white jeans, drop-waist midi-skirts, or wide leg trousers. Finish off with your favourite sneakers or kitten heeled sandals.
