If you’ve heard the “cerulean” speech from The Devil Wears Prada, then you know: A fashion trend often more than it seems at first glance. And the pointelle trend, one of the first big material moments of 2026, is a perfect example.
Alongside wallpaper florals, dress shoes, and retro blouses, it’s just one arm of the big grandma-fication of fashion this year. The knitwear’s recent resurgence isn’t just a passing fad, though; dig a little deeper, and you’ll find this cottagecore-coded collection of sweaters, tank tops, and undies says something more about the state of culture—or, at the very least, style.
Glamour’s pointelle trend edit
The French term “pointelle” first appeared in the mid-18th century to describe a dainty, lightweight, chevron-knit pattern inspired by the intricacy of lace. In the 19th century, these knits became a status symbol: Expensive to make by hand, and preferred for sleepwear and children’s clothes for the soft feel. While it never disappeared completely, pointelle has returned in full force since the pandemic, reaching new heights in the past few months.
With interest in offline-inspired aesthetics like cottagecore and the horse girl trend, plus a macro move away from tight performance fabrics toward natural fabrics, pointelle nods to a desire for comfort and the simplicity of girlhood. In the face of mass burnout, we want a “soft life.” It’s not that women are ditching their pencil skirts for pointelle sets, per se, but the embrace of this dainty knitwear reflects a desire to actively center self-care. (Bed rotting, anyone?)
While this knitwear trend has popped up in recent collections from Chloé and Chanel, the look is best exemplified by smaller labels with cult followings, including Dôen (which recently collaborated with Gap) and Cou Cou Intimates (which has picked up cosigns from celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Zoë Kravitz. So while its origins might lie in your grandmother’s top drawer, pointelle is once again for the girls—and we want to wear it everywhere.
Shop a few of our favorite pieces to help you embrace the trend below, whether you just need a pajamas set for hanging on the couch, a go-to top for all your spring outfits, or Valentine’s Day-ready underwear. And don’t be afraid to wear it to work; believe it or not, a delicate sweater styled with tailored trousers is ideal for the office.