Stitch, Please: Why Embroidery Is the Detail Designers Can't Let Go Of

The stitched detail that makes modern style feel personal

Lately, I've been noticing little details creeping back into clothes. The kind that makes you do a double-take, especially when there's something whimsical involved. Is it just me, or is embroidery suddenly everywhere? It’s stitched into everything: your feed, your favorite brands, even that linen button-down you bought last summer and, whoops, totally forgot about until now. You’re welcome.

Growing up in the ’90s, my childhood best friend had a pair of stiff denim capris from Limited Too, complete with daisy chains stitched along the hem. I wanted them so badly every time she wore them. Those tiny details always rewarded my curiosity. And yet here I am, 40 years old, writing a Substack article about my still-very-enthusiastic feelings toward a stitched flower on an article of clothing. Some details really do come full circle.

Embroidery has always carried a little more weight than just decoration, even before daisy chains and Limited Too.

A Stitch Through Time

The trend is far from new. It’s one of fashion’s earliest love languages.

Embroidery is ancient. We’re talking 30,000 BC ancient. Archaeologists have found needlework on prehistoric boots and clothing. The earliest evidence of fashion’s ability to say something without saying a word.

The techniques have evolved, but the intent hasn’t. Embroidery has always been about slowing down, adding meaning, and making something feel a little more unique. We may no longer be stitching family crests into our robes, but the urge to make what we wear feel like our own is still thriving.

Today’s Threadful Charm

Call it the slow-fashion itch. Or maybe it’s the urge to feel something tactile again after years of slick, minimal trends. Or maybe, just maybe, we want our clothes to tell better stories. The kind we can trace with our fingertips. The kind with a little quiet charm.

So let’s get into the good stuff. Here’s where embroidery is showing up this season and how to wear it in a way that feels thoughtful, not like a costume. I’ve rounded up a few categories that feel fresh, fun, and just precious enough.

1. An Accessorized Stitch

Let’s start small. A stitched baseball hat. A sandal with a tiny motif. A raffia tote with a wink of thread. All gateway pieces. Low lift, high delight.

[Be still my heart.]

My latest obsession? A brand I stumbled across in Paris last year: Call It By Your Name. The brand reworks vintage bandanas and everyday staples into embroidered keepsakes. Personal, playful, and poetic. Spoiler alert, it’s a splurge. But even browsing their site feels like flipping through a stitched-up storybook. One scroll, and suddenly you’re at checkout.

2. The Pocket Whisperer

Let’s move up a layer. It’s often the smallest detail that earns a second look. A stitched initial, a tiny icon, something personal sitting above the pocket. Lately, brands have caught on, and shoppers are into it.

A crisp button-down is the easiest canvas for personalization. The everyday workhorse always deserves a little extra, and brands like Staud or Way Forward deliver just that.

[These embroidered pooches never looked so good.]

Forget the Carrie nameplate necklace. These embroidered shirts let your actual best friend ride shotgun on your chest pocket. No need to fret if you're a cat lover. Both brands give equal love to feline friends. And yes, my birthday is in four months.

3. The Folklore File

Let’s get sentimental. These pieces are for the romantics. The ones who get misty over antique florals and lose track of time in a vintage shop. Expect tonal stitching, heritage motifs, and silhouettes that feel like they’ve been passed down — or at least should be.

[When the details do all the talking.]

• Damson Madder’s Amaya Mini Dress hits the sweet spot. Soft embroidery, breezy silhouette, and easy charm that takes you from brunch to beach.

• Mango’s embroidered midi brings just the right elegance for your spring bridal shower or any daytime RSVP.

• Looking for something more relaxed? Slip into the Thessaly linen shorts from Cami NYC. They’re tailored but still totally effortless.

• For that “I found this at a tiny boutique in Mallorca” energy, Banjanan’s Rasia Dress delivers. No passport required.

• Banana Republic’s embroidered eyelet shirt is detailed but still polished, perfect for a weekend getaway.

• And if you’re in the market for separates that pack a romantic punch, try Sea’s embroidered blouse or Sézane’s Elvio shirt. Delicate, yes, but far from forgettable.

4. Drama in the Details

Let’s turn up the volume. These are the pieces that demand attention. Oversized blooms, bold stitching, unexpected silhouettes. Embroidery that doesn’t just accent, it dominates. Made for anyone who loves a little drama in their closet. Let these pieces be your cue to turn the dial up. More texture. More color. More attitude.

The Embroidered Tuxedo

[Proof that daisy chains still hold power.]

Old Navy is crushing it with a full head-to-toe embroidered look. The daisy-dotted shirt is sold out but still floating around on Poshmark, while the jeans are going strong at a sharp $59.99.

Garden Party Art

[Your outfit deserves its own bouquet.]

Sea New York makes a strong case for embroidery at full volume. The ‘Katherine’ comes in multiple variations, each packed with bold stitching and thoughtful detail.

Over the Top Overalls

[The crafting hour coffee run.]

A fresh take on a childhood classic. Free People brings adult ease and charm with their Rising Sun Overalls. A jumpsuit stitched with a ton of personality.

The Final Thread Count

While bopping around SoHo a couple of weeks ago, I noticed embroidery stations popping up in stores. It’s a small, personal touch that feels more relevant than ever, bringing the shopping experience to life in a way that’s both intentional and memorable. Honestly, I’ll take a stitched detail over a free bottle of water any day.

Embroidery isn’t just a trend. It’s a quiet return to individuality. A reminder that the pieces we reach for most are the ones that feel like ours. Thoughtful. Personal. Just a little more interesting.

So go ahead. Let your clothes say something, one stitch at a time.