It’s a Polka Dot Summer: Our Favorite Picks in the Playful, Retro Print Making a Comeback

We’ve rounded up our favorite polka dot picks across categories—including swimwear, of course.

Priyanka Chopra / Savion Washington/Getty Images

We’re sure you’ve noticed that polka dots are everywhere right now. From rooftop brunches to pool parties to romantic picnics in the park, the print is the flirty fashion comeback we didn’t know we needed. This season, designers are leaning into the whimsical print’s vintage charm with modern silhouettes—from sultry swimwear and puff-sleeved minis to silky headscarves and bold accessories. The aesthetic feels timeless and a little cheeky, yet totally fresh and modern.

Spotted on the spring/summer 2025 runways and splashed across influencer feeds, polka dots are undeniably having a major moment. The print toes the line between elegant and playful, evoking the glam of Old Hollywood with the versatility of your favorite wardrobe staples.

Leslie Caron in 1963 / Leo Fuchs/Getty Images

In this guide, we’re spotlighting the best polka dot pieces to shop right now, spanning every category and budget. But first, a look at where the print came from—and why it’s suddenly everywhere.

History of the polka dot

Alba Garavito Torre / Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Once seen on 19th-century dance costumes and early 20th-century children’s dresses, the polka dot got its flirty fashion cred thanks to mid-century icons like Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn and, of course, Marilyn Monroe. The print symbolized femininity, fun and just the right amount of flirtation—until it fell out of favor in the minimalist ’90s and 2000s. Now, with vintage aesthetics trending in 2025, polka dots are getting the fashion-girl stamp of approval yet again.

Why are polka dots everywhere right now?

Kaia Gerber in 2023. / Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

There’s something simply joyful about polka dots—and that’s precisely the point. As fashion moves through another cycle of post-pandemic reset and economic uncertainty, the pattern is rising in popularity in parallel.

“Polka dots return during patterns of instability and economic uncertainty,” Amrita Bhasin, a leader in the retail tech space, tells SI Swimsuit. “They’re often perceived as nostalgic and fun, reminiscent of childhood.”

And when major designers release dot-forward collections during these periods—like Louis Vuitton and Jacquemus have this season—it accelerates their popularity and emotional resonance.

Hailey Bieber / TheStewartofNY/Getty Images

This year, the print has cropped up across runways, resortwear and ready-to-wear, with a modern twist: think oversized spots layered over sheer fabrics, mixed dot scales and unexpected color pairings. But the essence of the polka dot hasn’t changed much. It remains a symbol of whimsy, femininity and throwback glamour.

“Polka dots are fashion’s mood-booster,” Bhasin adds. “They evoke a sense of joy, playfulness and optimism.”

That sentiment has deep roots. The pattern has long been associated with cultural icons—from Miss America’s 1926 swimsuit to Minnie Mouse’s signature red-and-white dress and of course, Monroe’s famous polka dot bikini in the early ’50s.

“In challenging times, most people subconsciously seek joy and look for ways to escape,” explains Jeanel Alvarado, founder of retail strategy firm RETAILBOSS. “This often translates into fashion trends. If we look back at eras of despair—like the 1930s—the looks were pure fantasy. Fast-forward to 2025, and the return of the polka dot reflects that same craving for simplicity, youthfulness and delight.”

SI Swimsuit models backstage at the runway show during 2025 Swim Week / Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Even the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show at Swim Week this year featured an entire collection of dotted swimwear across numerous small and large swimwear brands.

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Shop our favorite pieces across categories below.

Polka dot tops

Twist Top, $49

Abercrombie

Soft mesh, ruched details and a twisted shoulder give this slim-fit top a modern edge—perfect for dressing up denim or layering under blazers.

Peony Reversible, $70

Susmies

This reversible high-neck top from Susmies features teal and pink polka dots on one side and flips to pink and green on the other—double the fun, double the styling power. Life’s just better when you can wear it both ways. The brand is a polka dot paradise, with gorgeous earrings and the most beautiful plunging maxi dress we’ve ever seen, also in a spotted print.

Poncho, $80

Sydney Stitch

Summer’s two hottest trends—sheer ponchos and polka dots—collide in this lightweight chiffon stunner from indie label Sydney Stitch. Breezy, bold and super cool, it’s perfect layered over a neutral slip for beachside dinners or styled with a sultry black lace bra for major It Girl energy. Either way, expect compliments.

Hartford Halter, $74

Isalis

A forever favorite in the making. This top features a plunging neckline, an open back and oversized white polka dots on a sleek black knit.

Polka dot bottoms

Capri, $39

Urban Outfitters

Retro, but make it modern. These capris bring major throwback energy with a high-rise waist, delicate picot trim and flirty side slits.

Shorts, $52.80

PacSun

Low-rise, high-fun—these stretchy dotted shorts go with everything in your closet.

Camillo Trousers, $180

Sézane

Wide-leg and flared with an ecru-on-chocolate dot print—these tailored trousers are a chic nod to vintage glam.

Polka Dot dresses

Linen Mini, $142

VRG GRL

A romantic take on the classic sundress, this beige and white number features an exclusive in-house print and breezy A-line silhouette. Designed in Australia, it’s crafted from lightweight 100% linen with a cotton lining for all-day comfort. The side splits and back keyhole detail add subtle flirtiness, making it perfect for sun-soaked afternoons or dressed-up dinners. Just add espadrilles and a woven tote.

Poolside Polaroid, $36.99

Cupshe

This dreamy dot-print maxi from Kelsey Anderson’s Cupshe collection features a plunging halter neckline, sleeveless cut and breezy full-length silhouette.

Rosleigh Mini, $99

Outcast

A flirty halter moment with retro flair, this dress serves bold black-and-white polka dots, a super flattering shirred bodice and a bubble hem skirt that brings major volume.

Sofia Dress, $198

Reformation

Old Hollywood, but make it sustainable. This black and white polka-dot midi channels serious Marilyn Monroe energy with its plunging V-neckline and breezy, flattering silhouette. Crafted from lightweight, sustainable materials, it’s as good for your wardrobe as it is for the planet.

Silk Maxi, $299

DISSH

The quintessential easy, breezy quiet luxury-coded piece for summer 2025.

Polka dot sets

Kimmie, $44 and Calsia, $62

Designs by Si

Brown and blue is the most underrated combo and these pants are perfect for everything from a corporate meeting to a night on the town, while the off-shoulder top is bound to turn heads. Adjustable tie straps at the back allow for a customized fit.

Priya Corset, $206 and Midi Skirt, $183

With Jéan

This duo delivers a dreamy dose of vintage romance. The top stuns with its strapless silhouette, structured boning and delicate polka dot overlay, while the bottoms feature a feminine, picket-edged elastic waist and the same sheer dotted texture, creating an elevated, coordinated look that feels as special as it looks.

Polka dot swimsuits

Elle, $125

LA-LU

La-Lu’s signature dots meet timeless elegance in this strapless, cut-out swimsuit—proof they’ve always done polka right.

Zahara Set, $85

Fortunata

Playful in coral and navy blue, this cheeky triangle set mixes prints and positions for a fresh take on classic dots.

Jenner Top, $35 and Bottom, $35

Princess Polly

This adjustable triangle top and cheeky high-side bottom are made with reclaimed nylon—proof that sustainable can still be seriously cute.

Polka dot accessories

Cherry Dot Clip, $36

Emi Jay

Not ready to wear the trend? Start small with this playful polka dot claw clip—it’s cute, comfy and holds all your hair, no fuss.

Scarf, $38

Anthropologie

This scarf is endlessly versatile: tie it around your neck, head, bag or belt loop for an instant retro pop.

Georgia Heel, $168.99

For Love and Lemons

Tiny heel, major charm. These classic mules mix chocolate-and-white dots with contrast trim and a sweet bow for vintage-cool perfection.

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