All About Eyelet: Why This 16th-Century Trend Is Hot Now

What do Alexa Chung, Victoria Beckham and Olivia Palermo have in common with 16th-century Czech women? Their love for the embroidery and cutwork technique called eyelet, which is trending just as hard now as it was over 500 years ago.
Eyelet, also known as broderie Anglaise, (French for English embroidery) originated in what is now the Czech Republic but gained popularity in Europe during the Victorian Era. So, to be fair, the contemporary popularity of eyelet, epitomized by Brigitte Bardot, who in 1959 wore a gingham and eyelet dress to marry Jacques Charrier, has more in common with Victorian women, even though it was the Czech who came up with the technique.

For summer 2017, eyelet creates a dainty and crisp white heat, in contrast to some of the more floral bohemian patterns that are predicted for fall 2017.
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How to wear eyelet

Victorian women typically wore eyelet as undergarments, however, according to the 1885 text The Dictionary of Needlework, eyelet was also a common trim for sleeves. This trend is also quite popular today.
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How to clean eyelet

As you know, white looks best when clean, and the tiny holes typical of eyelet fabric can trap dirt and dust. A wash after every wear is recommended, and if you can’t afford to take your eyelet to the dry cleaners, you can soak in a tub of warm water with detergent. Do not rub the fabric, as this might cause damage. You can also wash in a machine (with whites, in a regular cycle) and lay flat to dry. If you are going to press your eyelet, be sure to iron the wrong side to avoid flattening any of the embroidery.

How to wear eyelet and look modern

R to L, Isabel Marant, Rebeccca Taylor, Valentino

To avoid looking “costume-y,” choose an eyelet fabric that is not white or even ecru. Today’s eyelet comes in all colors, even black. Or wear this easy, breezy fabric with other patterns (like leopard or stripes). And don’t forget, eyelet details can be found from head-to-toe, meaning you can literally wear eyelet on your feet.

About the author

Jill Di Donato

Fashion Editor

Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.