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Your Guide to the Chicest Pointelle Tops for Hot Summer Days
Discover the breezy staple you’ll never want to take off.
When it comes to curating your hot-weather wardrobe, don’t overlook one of the season’s most effortlessly chic and comfortable fabrics—the pointelle knit. Once relegated to sleepwear and intimates, this delicate, openwork knit material is now making its way into many of my current favorite looks, regardless of the occasion. Thanks to its subtle ribbing and airy perforations, it flatters the body beautifully and keeps me incredibly cool when temperatures rise. If your summer essentials are due for an overhaul, this charming option is the perfect place to start.
My key investment pieces? Dreamy, lightweight tanks that layer seamlessly under cardigans and pullovers, and simple daytime tees that double as comfy, post-work loungewear. The best part about this versatile material, however, is that the styling options are endless. To add a little romance to a casual, rugged look, consider pairing a strappy camisole with faded, distressed jeans and a studded flat. For a chic weekend ensemble, try styling a white tee with matching shorts, woven leather sandals, and a raffia hobo bag.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to shop these understated essentials, I’ve done the research for you and rounded up my favorite brands that offer this season’s chicest, high-quality styles in a range of trendy shades. The label Damson Madder delivers unique silhouettes in supremely soft yarns that stand out on their own. Leset’s collection offers stretchy basics in a mix of rich and neutral hues, and Cou Cou Intimates elevates any look with dainty, ultra-lightweight pieces. For wardrobe staples you’ll reach for again and again, Marea’s lounge-ready tees and henley tops promise day-to-night versatility. And to add a pop of color to any look, check out Goldie Tee’s vibrant, sky-blue styles.
Scroll on to discover editor-approved pieces you’ll want to live and lounge in—all summer long.
Our editors adore Leset’s pointelle collection for its wide variety of dreamy styles and summery shades. This slim-fit tee features a timeless crew neckline and subtle pinhole stripes. Plus, it’s crafted from 100 percent cotton.
Materials: Cotton
Colors: 10 options
Sizes: XS-XL
This dainty piece, crafted from sustainably sourced organic cotton, offers unlimited styling possibilities. To achieve the model-off-duty look, pair a white cami like this one with low-rise denim and chic, oversized sunglasses. Or style it with sweatpants if you’re airport-bound.
Materials: Cotton (fabric), polyamide, elastane (straps)
Colors: 6 options
Sizes: XXS-2XL, cropped and regular
These mid-weight tees are a staple in my drawer of summer essentials. It’s essentially the goldilocks of pointelle tops—not too tight, not too loose—this one fits like a dream. The material is insanely soft and manages to feel both substantial and breathable.
Materials: Cotton
Colors: White, Black
Sizes: XS-XL
Crafted from unbelievably soft organic cotton, this ’90s-inspired baby tee features short cap sleeves, a fitted silhouette, and delicate scalloping along the neckline.
Materials: Cotton
Colors: White, Black
Sizes: XXS-2XL
I’m smitten with Damson Madder’s collection—not just for its flirty bows but also for the charming cursive logo the brand embroiders on the back of its pieces. Style this butter-yellow tank with a flowing white maxi skirt for a cool weekend look, or pair it with a dark-wash denim midi for a day spent wandering around shops and cafés.
Materials: Cotton, polyester blend
Color: Yellow
Sizes: 2-16
Another one of my favorites is this bright blue baby tee from Goldie. These shirts are soft, made from sustainable fabric, and effortlessly elevate all my summer outfits. Go for a monochromatic look with light-wash jean shorts and a denim slide, or add some contrast with a black skort and matching pump.
Materials: Cotton
Color: Placid, Estate Blue, White, Black
Sizes: XS-XL
I’ve been eyeing up this cream scoop-neck style from Dagmar. The low neckline gives it a relaxed, airy feel, making it ideally suited to outdoor picnics, markets, and festivals. Plus, there’s another fun detail—if you look closely, the pointelle knit features the brand’s bespoke Dagmar “D.”
Materials: Cotton
Color: Ivory
Sizes: XXS-XL
With ballet pink being one of this season’s standout shades, this soft-hued tank is an absolute must-have for summer. Also available in the label’s classic colors, these tanks make it beyond easy to get dressed when you can’t decide what to wear.
Materials: Cotton
Color: 10 options
Sizes: XS-XL
This cool, casual Henley is available in two lengths—cropped and regular—which means you can decide exactly how much skin you want to show. Perfectly suited for quick coffee runs and weekend lounging, I reach for this ’90s-inspired piece daily.
Materials: Cotton
Color: Blue, White, Black
Sizes: XXS-2XL
Though technically a cardigan, I unbutton the top and wear this style by itself—it pairs effortlessly with low-rise pants and midi skirts. Thanks to its super stretchy fabric, you can size down for a slim, fitted look or size up for a comfier, looser fit.
Materials: Cotton
Color: Black, White
Sizes: XS-XL
If you’re looking for a little ruching, this full-length cami features a subtle gathered detail at the bust and ultra-soft straps for everyday wear.
Materials: Cotton, polyester blend
Color: Grey
Sizes: 2-16
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