Why are polka dots coming back in 2025?

There is no denying that polka dots have made a comeback this year, with the pattern being spotted on the runway by designers such as Ganni, Moschino and Jacquemus, who have all released polka dots in part of their SS25 collections.

Polka dots originally became popular in the early 20th centrury, derived from the ‘polka’ dance originating from Bohemia, now known as Poland and the Czech Republic. Technological advances in garment productions then meant these dots were able to be produced on clothing, and were carried in popularity with American cartoon figures such as Minnie Mouse in the 1920’s and Marilyn Monroe in the polka dot bikini in the 1950’s, which sparked the Christian Dior collection released in 1951 with plenty of polka dot pieces. Other examples of the polka trends include the polka pudding, which has the infamous spots over the top of the dessert, which also originated from Bohemia in the early 1900’s.

Before the more recent years, there had been a decline in polka dots, with a slump in popularity present during the 70’s and early 2000’s, potentially due to their overexposure in previous years. Some argue they carry connotations of the ‘Disney adult’ due to Minnie Mouse link, whilst others believe they are simply outdated.

Recently there have been a boom in the popularity of polka dots again - designers have released traditional garments such as the:

• Rat and Boa Perla Dress - £175

• Marks and Spencer Lyocell Rich Polka Dot Sweetheart Neckline Maxi Waisted Dress - £79

• Reiss Polka Dot Midi Dress in Black and White - £158

Other designers have released polka dot garments in other colour ways including:

• Zimmerman Acacia Polk Dot Linen Mini Dress Brown on Net-A-Porter - £403

• Posse Lucille Polka Dot Linen Vest in Red on MYTHERESA - £240

• GANT Dot Print Frilly Skirt - £130

As we already know, fashion trends are cyclical, so it is debatable how long this trend will stay current for, and what other trends this might inspire from the past. Could we also see a rise in Gogo boots, flapper dresses or poodle skirts? Some may argue that with the comeback of capri’s and cat eye sunglasses that we are already half-way there.