Not Ruffle, Not Lace—The Chic Top Trend Both Minimalists and People With Classic Taste Are Into

For a long time, it seemed that micro trends appeared to be the solution to bring a fresh take to a summer capsule wardrobe, with the odd pair of holiday shorts or linen trousers zhuzhed up with a polka dot top or bandana print. (Yes, two of the year's defining summer styles.) My, how times have changed.

Now, fashion people relish the task of putting a summer outfit together from scratch, calling upon white skirts, capri pants and a host of other bottoms to help vary their looks across the season. With this comes the need for a top, too, and I've found the style that they can't seem to get enough of at the moment: enter the pintuck top.

Of course, there has been no shortage of contenders vying for the proverbial 2025 top-trend crown. There’s the reign of broderie anglaise, an elegant style featuring small eyelet details and botanical-inspired cutouts, the prevalence of ruffled-fronts and by any means, no shortage of lace tops that delicately cover the torso.

Looking at the recent runways, you’ll also spot an abundance of silk camisoles, like the ones designed by Chemana Kamali for Chloé’s autumn/winter 2025 collection presented in February, or the sumptuous frills adorning the vampy satin gowns seen on Zimmermann’s catwalk. While these are indeed cardinal motifs for a whimsical sense of dress, I’d contend that pintuck tops have usurped them all in 2025.

But what exactly is a pintuck top? Pintucking is a design element that describes the process of folding fabric into neat ornamental rows. Consider it like pleating, but with the crease sewn down to create a dimensional appliqué. When applied to balmy blouses, the results are endless.

On little ethereal camisoles, pintucking appears through the front of the bodice to evoke a sense of provincial ease and elevate what is really a quite simple fit. Sleeveless shirts are improved with tucking through the mid-length, bringing an inherently sculpted feel to wardrobe fundamentals.

It’s easy to see why this type of top has become so popular this season. After a period of niche aesthetics, there’s been a collective return to simplicity and refinement. Consider it a sort of fashion factory reset, with style insiders focusing on well-crafted garments that prioritise timeless cuts and colours. Pintuck tops take the fundamentals of a curated capsule and improve upon classics, bridging together the ease of a white T-shirt with the flair of the soft, billowing silhouettes that feel so current now. It's minimal but never boring, making it the perfect subtle statement for minimalist dressers and those with timeless taste who want to bring a unique element to their looks.

Another thing I love about pintuck tops is that they’ll always feel sophisticated. It’s sometimes the case that etheral tropes can border into “pirate” territory, evoking the essence of Vivienne Westwood’s 1981 range. While there is always a time and place for channelling your inner Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy, to continue borrowing from Keira Knightley’s oeuvre for a moment, pintuck tops have the elegance and structure of the more prim pieces featured in Pride & Prejudice.

Once you notice how rampant pintuck tops are, you’ll be unable to see this trend. From local wine bars in Dalston to pubs in Notting Hill, this look is everywhere. At a luxury level, they’ve cropped up at Dôen, Khaite and Isabel Marant, while on the tried-and-trusted high street, reliable favourites like Arket and Mango have also adopted it. Whether you’re looking to inject a sense of freshness into your hot weather staples or are just curious about what styles are currently on the market, uncover the best pintuck tops, ahead.

Shop the Best Pintuck Tops to Wear in Summer 2025: