In case you missed it: polka dots are having their moment, and we’re fully here for it. From the runways of Paris to the racks of your favourite vintage haunts, this print has officially gone from playful to perennial. But where did it come from? And how do we keep our spots stylish and sustainable? Let’s connect the dots.
A Spotty Origin Story (In the Best Way)
Believe it or not, polka dots weren’t always considered chic. In Medieval Europe, clustered spots gave people the ick—too close to the pattern of illnesses like smallpox and the plague. Cute! But the vibes flipped in the 17th century. Dots took on an entirely new meaning: elegance, energy, a little bit of flair. By the time the 19th-century polka craze rolled in (yes, the print is named after the dance), fashion fully jumped on board.
Flash forward to the 1950s, and dots were everywhere. Dior’s New Look, pin-up posters, housewives in cinched waists, and playful prints. And then came the icons: Minnie Mouse. Marilyn Monroe. Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Polka dots weren’t just having a moment—they became fashion canon. They’ve stayed fresh by evolving. In 2025 alone, we’ve seen them reinterpreted in slouchy silks, oversized tailoring, and breezy sheer layers. Less rigid, more fluid. More fun. (Looking at you, Marie Claire’s Summer 2025 Trend Report.)
Sustainable Dots, Please
We love a good spot—but not at the cost of the planet. Polka dots may be timeless, but fast fashion is anything but. So we’ve rounded up ten sustainable brands that are nailing the print and the production. These aren’t just pretty dresses. They’re made with intention—deadstock fabrics, low-impact dyes, small-batch runs. Proof that sustainability can still serve a look. Here’s who’s doing dots right:
SusaMusa London
Is it just us, or does every cool girl wear SusaMusa polka dots? Kendall Jenner wore the coveted Raine Dress in St. Tropez with her sisters and a Birkin in hand (because why not). And our dream girl, Olivia Dean, serenaded us in the Meadow Skirt this February, performing It Isn’t Perfect but it Might Be. Sigh.
Carmen Says
To say polka dots are a specialty of Carmen Says would be a spotty understatement. The 100K Of You collection features powder blue and brown dots with flirty ruffle trims, while The Moon collection keeps it neutral with beige and black classics. But it’s the Ethereal Prophecy Icons 1 drop—and the Jester Polka Dot Dress—that has me on restock alert with 12 browser tabs open.
By Zoya
Handmade with love in NYC—and a personal favorite—The Polka Dot Shop at By Zoya is the perfect spot to get your cool-girl statement pieces. The Georgie Shorts scream Addison Track 1 energy for the ultimate New York lover. Pair with the matching top or a simple white tank, and suddenly you’re the main character.
Marina Moscone – Think: minimalist, elevated, and impossibly elegant. Her silk dot separates are pure quiet luxury. If Sofia Coppola made a capsule collection, it’d feel like this. In her newest collection, the Twill Polka Dot Tabard Tie Dress features a navy twill base with maroon dots, with adjustable ties on the shoulders and waist. This silky, whimsical dress would be perfect to wear anywhere from the office to wedding guests.
Attega
Tell your friends: the always adored Polka Dot South Skirt, Romance Top, and bikini set are back in stock. These might be the most functional pieces of the summer—wear them to the pool, on a rooftop, or straight to aperitivo hour. The only rule is: don’t gatekeep.
Reformation – The Poppie Dress is our summer go-to: flattering, flirty, and made with eco-certified materials. We see you, Reformation; always having a thoughtful take on the hottest trends.
Daily Sleeper
The Atlanta Dress in dotted linen is pure puff-sleeve perfection—and made from Oeko-Tex certified linen.
Realisation Par
Their cult-fave Teale Dress in polka dot is responsibly made and ready for repeat wear. Add a glass of rosé and a sunset? Chef’s kiss.
Bonus points for: labels using circular models, plant-based dyes, or made-to-order production. These brands aren’t just checking boxes—they’re raising the bar.
The Power of a Pre-Loved Dot
Of course, the most sustainable wardrobe addition? Vintage. We will die on this hill. Vintage polka dots have a certain magic. They carry stories. They’re one-of-one. And they’ve already proven they stand the test of time. At this year’s Totally Rad Vintage Fest in Minneapolis, I went in with one mission: spot the dots. Left with three absolute treasures:
- A black pencil skirt trimmed in delicate lace. Very Grace Kelly, if she had a tailoring budget and a flirty secret.
- A white slip with black lace trim that feels half lingerie, half vintage maid. In the best possible way.
- And the pièce de résistance: a brown-and-white polka dot midi with a plunging V-neck, drop waist, and pearl buttons. Somewhere between grandma-core and Studio 54. You get it.
The Final Dot
Polka dots are back—but did they ever really leave? Whether you’re investing in sustainable designers or raiding your local vintage vault, let this be your sign: embrace the dots. Boldly, intentionally, joyfully. Because trends come and go, but polka dots? They are forever.
Imagess: Brands Respectively
Runway Magazine, “The Journey of the Polka Dot in Fashion”
Marie Claire, “Summer 2025 Runway Trends”
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