The best short-sleeve pointelle cardigan for you depends on whether you want a close, tee-like layer or a cropped V-neck. LESET’s White Pointelle Short Sleeve Cardigan is our pick for a delicate crewneck; Universal Thread’s Tan Short Sleeve Cardigan is the stronger choice for a more open neckline and straightforward laundry care.
Both are cotton, button-front designs with actual pointelle openings. The important differences are cut, size selection and care. Neither should be bought on the assumption that an openwork knit will give the coverage of a solid T-shirt.
Two short-sleeve pointelle cardigans worth comparing
| Pick | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| LESET Pointelle Short Sleeve Cardigan, White | A neat crewneck with delicate trim | Hand washing and a shorter body |
| Universal Thread Short Sleeve Cardigan, Tan | A cropped V-neck with machine-wash care | Openwork coverage and a waist-length hem |
1. LESET Pointelle Short Sleeve Cardigan in White: best for a delicate crewneck
Choose LESET if you want something that can read as a buttoned top as well as a light layer. Its 100% cotton fabric has fine eyelet stripes, tonal buttons and scalloped edges. The rounded neckline makes it the more covered-up neckline of these two picks.
LESET lists XS–XL, corresponding to US 0–2 through 12–14, and advises taking your usual size. Its published length is 19 inches in XS and 21¼ inches in XL. That short body is useful with high-waisted bottoms, but check the measurement against a top you own if you want your waistband covered when you move.
Care and limitation: The maker specifies hand washing cold and drying flat. It is therefore a less convenient choice if your knitwear needs to go through the washing machine. Select your size on the product page; a listed size range does not mean every size can be ordered.
See the White Pointelle Short Sleeve Cardigan at LESET.
2. Universal Thread Short Sleeve Cardigan in Tan: best for a cropped V-neck
This Target-exclusive style combines a V-neck, full button front and a waist-length cut. Target describes the 100% cotton pointelle as midweight with a standard fit. It has ribbed cuffs and no pockets, making it a simple option to consider over a camisole or with high-rise trousers.
The linked Tan listing is XS, product number 94964342. Its selector also lists S, L, XL, XXL and 1X–4X; check the live selector for your size rather than treating the brand’s general size chart as a stock list. Target’s XS body-size guidance covers a 33–34-inch bust, while 4X covers 57½–59½ inches. Those are body measurements, not garment dimensions.
Care and limitation: The listing specifies machine washing and tumble drying; follow the garment label for settings. Target also says it is unlined and may be see-through. Choose an underlayer with that in mind. The linked item is the cardigan; matching shorts shown in styling photos have a separate product listing.
See the Tan Universal Thread cardigan at Target.
Which one should you choose?
Start with LESET when a round neck and fine scalloped detail matter most. Start with Universal Thread when you prefer a V-neck, need to check extended sizes, or want machine-wash care.
Before ordering either, decide how you will wear it: buttoned as a top, open over a tank, or over a dress. For buttoned wear, compare your bust and the garment’s measurements without relying on a generic “true to size” label. For layering, allow room for the clothing underneath. Check the seller’s current size selector, care label and return conditions before checkout.
