Eyelet Blouses

Eyelet Blouses

Two Kinds of Eyelet in Clothing

The word eyelet means two different things in clothing, which can make a search confusing. The first is a fabric: cotton or a cotton blend with small holes cut into it and edged with embroidery, usually in floral or scalloped patterns. This is what most people mean by an eyelet blouse, and the white eyelet blouses page tells its history.

The second is hardware: a small metal or plastic ring set into fabric so a lace, cord or drawstring can pass through. Metal eyelets appear on lace-up necklines, corset-style bodices and tie waists, and larger ones are usually called grommets. Our corset blouses show lace-up details that rely on them.

A few other words describe similar fabric. Cutwork has larger holes and more open designs, and Madeira work refers to fine eyelet-style embroidery named after the Portuguese island. On a label, the fabric is usually called eyelet, broderie or embroidered cotton.

Metal eyelets are worth checking before you buy. Smooth, well-set rings hold laces firmly without catching threads, while rough edges can snag a knit cardigan worn over the top.

Eyelet in Color

White is traditional, but eyelet in color has its own appeal. On a darker fabric such as navy, black or forest green, the holes show less as light spots and more as texture, so the blouse looks richer and a little more grown-up. Navy eyelet in particular looks smart with white trousers.

Pink, light blue and sage eyelet look soft and summery, and the shadows of the holes still show gently. A camisole in the same shade underneath deepens the color and makes the holes less noticeable, while a skin-tone one lets more of the pattern through.

Colored eyelet also hides small marks better than white, which makes it a practical choice for travel and busy days with family.

Black eyelet is the most dramatic version. Over a black camisole it looks solid and elegant, while a pink or ivory layer beneath lets the pattern glow through for an evening out.

Striped Eyelet Shirts

Eyelet and stripes make a charming pair. On a striped eyelet shirt, the stripes are printed or woven into the cotton, and small embroidered holes run along or between them, softening a crisp stripe with a touch of handwork. More stripe styles sit among our striped blouses.

The combination often appears on shirt-collar blouses with a button front. The collar keeps it neat for the office, and the eyelet texture makes it feel lighter than a plain striped shirt. A 3/4 sleeve version is especially useful from spring into early fall.

Pair a striped eyelet shirt with solid trousers in one of the stripe colors, or with white jeans for a relaxed, nautical look. Tucked into a full skirt, it looks fresh for a summer lunch. Under a navy blazer, the collar and a hint of texture show at the neckline for a neat office look.

Eyelet Beyond Summer

Eyelet is usually thought of as summer fabric, yet it stretches into other seasons with ease. A long sleeve eyelet blouse layers well under an open cardigan in spring, and the texture shows at the collar and cuffs.

In fall, choose eyelet in deeper colors, or pair a white one with darker pieces such as a camel skirt, brown boots or a navy blazer. A fine knit vest over an eyelet collar blouse gives a cozy, slightly vintage look. For more cool-weather ideas, browse our fall blouses and long sleeve blouses.

In winter, an eyelet collar peeking out above a crew-neck sweater adds a pretty, fresh detail to a dark knit. Choose a collar with a scalloped eyelet edge, which shows most clearly against wool.