Le 31
Pleated Short Imported From Seoul
CA$49.95CAD
In Stock
These are mid-thigh-length pleated shorts with a button waist and elastic insert at the back, imported from Seoul and available exclusively at Le 31. They feature flat front pleats, side pockets, and rear welt pockets. The structured polyester-wool blend fabric has a smooth, matte finish and a tailored silhouette.
- Material
- polyester-wool blend
- Style
- classic, tailored
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Color
Black
Size
LARGE
Specifications
Pleated mid-thigh shorts with button and elastic waist, made from a structured polyester-wool blend.
Button waist with elastic insert, flat pleats, structured fabric.
- Material
- polyester-wool blend
- Style
- classic, tailored
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Additional Attributes
- pleated design
- mid-thigh length
- button closure with elastic waist
- flat front pleats
- structured polyester-wool blend fabric
- imported from Seoul exclusively at Le 31
Product Insights
These tailored shorts are a Simons exclusive import from Seoul, blending Korean menswear-inspired flat front pleats with a hidden elastic back waist for a sleek, belt-free fit that maintains its crisp shape. The heat-set polyester-wool-rayon blend resists bagging, pilling, and fading, ensuring permanent creases and durable wear. However, the mid-thigh cropped silhouette is best suited for cooler seasons due to moderate breathability, and dry cleaning is required to preserve the pleats. At $49.95, they offer authentic Korean style below typical import premiums.
Verified claims
- Seoul import design
- Exclusive Simons import with Korean-inspired cropped length and matte black finish.
- Waist and pleats
- Flat front pleats with elastic back waist combine tailored look and stretch comfort.
- Fabric quality
- Polyester-wool-rayon blend resists bagging to maintain crisp shape.
- Hidden elastic waistband
- Hidden elastic back eliminates belt need, prevents rear bunching, and keeps tailored front.
- Durability
- 57% polyester, 23% wool, 20% rayon blend is heat-set for permanent, crisp pleats that resist pilling.
- Waist design
- Hidden back elastic keeps front pleats flat without bunching or belt bulk.
- Care
- Dry cleaning preserves heat-set pleats; home washing risks pleat relaxation.
- Design origin
- Flat front pleats are a tailored detail from Korean menswear.
- Breathability
- Moderately breathable, better for spring and fall than hot summer days.
- Waist stretch
- No elastane in fabric; stretch comes solely from waistband elastic.
- Pleat and shape retention
- Pleats are heat-set and will not wash out.
- Surface wear resistance
- The blend resists pilling and abrasion from daily use.
- Color fastness
- Black color does not fade in sunlight or after washing.
- Silhouette philosophy
- Mid-thigh crop elongates the leg and positions shorts as a deliberate fashion piece.
- Seasonal suitability
- Not as lightweight as cotton or linen; best for cooler weather and transitional seasons.
- Value
- 49.95 CAD — below typical import premiums for authentic Korean style.
Product record
- Title
- Pleated Short Imported From Seoul
- Brand
- Le 31
- Price
- 125 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
What 'Imported from Seoul' means for design
- The flat front pleats, a detail borrowed from dress trousers, introduce a tailored structure that nods to Korean menswear's widespread adoption of relaxed but directional tailoring—an element that elevates the short beyond basic pull-on casualwear and gives it a refined character.
- An elastic insert hidden behind the button front preserves the clean tailored face while delivering the ease of a pull-on short, a functional detail favored in Korean design for its ability to maintain a sharp look without sacrificing comfort during long working hours or commuting.
- Because these shorts are imported exclusively for Simons' Le 31 label, they reflect the buying team's direct engagement with Seoul's fashion market rather than a mainstream retailer's generic adaptation—offering an accessible entry into authentic Korean contemporary style at a fraction of typical import prices.
- Cut to mid-thigh instead of the more common knee-length, this shorter inseam elongates the leg and reflects a key trope in Korean men's styling—shorts are worn as a deliberate fashion piece rather than purely for utility, creating a city-appropriate look that feels more intentional than classic athletic or board shorts.
- The exclusive Seoul import aligns these shorts with the Korean menswear movement that emphasizes clean lines, cropped lengths, and a fusion of dress and casual elements—characteristics that directly contrast with the longer, more relaxed fits dominant in North American men's shorts.
- The polyester-wool blend is chosen for its ability to hold the pleats and crisp silhouette even after extended wear, a practical and aesthetic priority in Korean menswear collections where fabrics are often engineered for wrinkle resistance and shape memory to suit an active urban lifestyle.
How the polyester-wool blend holds up over time
- Because polyester is a thermoplastic polymer, the front pleats can be permanently heat-pressed at the factory; they will not relax or wash out like sewn-in cotton pleats, maintaining a sharp, tailored line for the life of the garment with only occasional steaming to refresh.
- The polyester fibers in the blend act as a scaffolding that holds the wool fibers in place, dramatically reducing the surface friction that causes pilling; the shorts will stay smooth and crisp even after months of wear, avoiding the fuzzy appearance typical of pure wool.
- The dye molecules bond more tenaciously to polyester and wool than to cotton, so the deep black color will not fade to a reddish or gray cast with exposure to sunlight or washing—keeping the shorts a true, solid black for years of wear.
- Wool's natural crimp structure gives the fabric built-in elasticity that rebounds from sitting and bending, so the shorts resist bagging at the knees and seat, preserving their mid-thigh tailored fit long after cheaper synthetic-only fabrics have permanently deformed.
- Dry cleaning uses non-aqueous solvents that prevent fiber swelling and agitation, preserving the heat-set pleats and structural crispness far better than home washing, which can accelerate surface fuzzing and pleat relaxation in polyester-wool blends.
- Compared to 100% wool suiting, the polyester content significantly raises the fabric's abrasion resistance—meaning the seat, pocket seams, and waistband edges resist the thinning and shine that develop from repeated contact with chairs and car seats.
Benefits of the button-and-elastic waist design
- The hidden elastic continuously tensions the waistband against the body, allowing the short to stay securely in place through a full day of sitting and walking without a belt — for a pleated design, that keeps the front drape clean instead of breaking it with a belt buckle.
- The pleats are placed exclusively on the front panels, while the back is cut smooth and backed by the elastic — this split construction prevents the bunched fabric and rear pleat puckering that often plague fully elastic-waist pleated shorts.
- Viewed from the front or side, the short reads as a conventional buttoned Bermuda with no visible stretch; the elastic is hidden behind, so the tailored look is preserved while the back provides give — a design that borrows from the hybrid waistbands found in premium travel and golf trousers.
- The polyester-wool blend is a firm woven with no elastane, so the waistband’s rear elastic insert serves as the primary source of shape flexibility — in a fully rigid version of this short, the precise front pleats would come at the cost of a binding fit or constant micro-adjustments.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a pair of black pleated shorts worn by a model, showing the waistband, front pleats, side pockets, and straight hem above the knee.
- Overall shapeMid-length tailored shorts with a straight hem that finish above the knee when worn; relaxed but structured silhouette.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.38 · w 0.44 · h 0.31 (high) - Front pleatsSingle pressed pleat visible on each front panel originating at the waistband and running down the front of the shorts.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.35 · w 0.32 · h 0.22 (high) - Waistband and closureStraight waistband with a single visible front button closure centred at the top of the fly; waistband appears to have belt loops.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.30 · w 0.28 · h 0.08 (high) - Side pocketsInset side pockets with the model's left hand placed in the left pocket and the right hand near the right pocket opening.
2 regions
x 0.25 · y 0.39 · w 0.18 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.41 · w 0.14 · h 0.20 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth woven fabric with a matte finish and no visible texture or pattern in the photographed area.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.35 · w 0.40 · h 0.28 (medium)
Other
Studio shot of a model wearing the shorts against a plain light background; visible top and footwear are not part of the product. Legible scripted text on the model's shirt across the chest.
- Shot compositionFull-body studio shot with the model standing facing forward at a slight three-quarter angle; even soft lighting and minimal shadowing.
- BackgroundPlain light neutral background with a subtle floor seam near the model's ankles.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (low) - Visible footwearBrown thong sandals visible on the model's feet; photographed as styling props.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.83 · w 0.35 · h 0.14 (high) - Chest text on shirt“Dream Notes From Nova Atelier Riverside 22 Copenhagen 1982”
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.16 · w 0.30 · h 0.16 (high)
Colors
black· shorts#0E0E0A- Overall shapeMid-length tailored shorts with a straight hem that finish above the knee when worn; relaxed but structured silhouette.
- 02
Product
Front view of a pair of black pleated shorts worn by a model, showing waistband with button and belt loops, front pleats, side pockets, straight hem at mid-thigh, and smooth matte fabric.
- Overall shapeShorts have a straight, relaxed cut ending at mid-thigh with a clean straight hem.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.64 · h 0.26 (high) - Waistband and closureVisible structured waistband with a single round black button at center front and belt loops on the waistband.
1 region
x 0.26 · y 0.12 · w 0.48 · h 0.10 (high) - Front pleatsTwo pressed front pleats originate from the waistband and run down the front of each thigh.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.18 · w 0.40 · h 0.18 (high) - Side pocketsInset side pockets indicated by slight openings at each hip; model's hands rest near the pocket areas.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.18 · h 0.25 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.18 · w 0.16 · h 0.25 (high) - Fly constructionCenter front fly placket visible beneath the waistband, appearing as a concealed seam.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.14 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - Fabric finishFabric appears smooth with a matte finish and minimal visible texture.
1 region
x 0.26 · y 0.16 · w 0.48 · h 0.20 (high) - Hem detailStraight stitched hem finishing the leg openings with a narrow visible stitch line.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.30 · w 0.44 · h 0.06 (high)
Other
Image shows a model wearing the shorts against a plain light background; composition is a front-facing crop from waist to feet with even studio lighting.
- Model and poseMale model stands facing forward with arms relaxed at sides; hands near pockets and feet visible wearing brown flip-flop sandals.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.06 · w 0.80 · h 0.88 (high) - Background and lightingUniform light gray to white seamless background with even, diffuse studio lighting and soft shadows beneath the feet.
- Crop and framingImage is vertically cropped to show the model from just below the waist to the feet; upper torso and head are partially out of frame.
- Shirt visibleA portion of a white long-sleeve shirt is visible above the waistband, cropped at the waist.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.02 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high) - Image qualityHigh-resolution studio photograph with clear focus and accurate color rendering.
Colors
matte black· shorts body#0E0E0C- Overall shapeShorts have a straight, relaxed cut ending at mid-thigh with a clean straight hem.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a pair of black woven shorts on a model showing a mid-rise waistband with belt loops, two horizontal rear welt pockets, straight hemmed leg openings, and a smooth matte fabric surface.
- View and fitRear view of mid-length shorts sitting at the natural waist on a model; the shorts have a relaxed, straight leg profile ending above the knee.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.64 · h 0.46 (high) - Waistband and belt loopsVisible waistband with multiple narrow belt loops spaced around the waist; loop stitching visible at the top of the rear waistband.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.13 · w 0.40 · h 0.10 (high) - Rear pocketsTwo horizontal welt rear pockets with narrow slits and no visible buttons or flaps, positioned symmetrically on the upper back of the shorts.
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.19 · w 0.40 · h 0.08 (high) - Hem detailStraight double-stitched hem at each leg opening; hems appear flat with a slight visible stitch line.
1 region
x 0.21 · y 0.54 · w 0.58 · h 0.08 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, tightly woven matte fabric with no visible texture or pattern in the photographed lighting.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.18 · w 0.60 · h 0.44 (high) - Visible hardware or brandingNo visible brand logo, labels, or hardware on the exterior rear of the shorts.
Other
Studio rear-shot on a plain white background showing a seated model from waist down; model wearing brown flip-flops and a white long-sleeve top partially visible. Even lighting with soft shadow on the floor.
- Background and stagingPlain white seamless studio background and floor with soft, even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Model and propsModel shown from mid-back to feet wearing brown flip-flop sandals; white long-sleeve garment is visible at the waist and arms.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.00 · w 0.90 · h 0.95 (medium) - Lighting and shadowsSoft studio lighting producing even illumination and faint shadow beneath the model's feet on the floor.
Colors
black· shorts#0E0D0C- View and fitRear view of mid-length shorts sitting at the natural waist on a model; the shorts have a relaxed, straight leg profile ending above the knee.
Documents & Data
Q&A
3 answered- Can this polyester-wool blend short be machine washed, or does it require dry cleaning?
- While the care label on your specific garment is the best guide, many polyester-wool blends can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold water with mild detergent and line dried. For pleated structured shorts like these, dry cleaning is often recommended to preserve the shape and pleats. We suggest dry cleaning to be safe, but gentle hand washing is also an option.
- How does the structured fabric feel? Is it lightweight and breathable for summer wear or more suited for cooler weather?
- The polyester-wool blend gives these shorts a structured, crisp feel. They are not as lightweight or breathable as cotton or linen shorts, making them better suited for cooler weather or transitional seasons rather than hot summer days. The fabric has a moderate breathability typical of wool blends but with added structure from the polyester.
- Is the black color a true solid black, or does it have any texture or sheen visible in person?
- The black color is a true solid black. The polyester-wool structured fabric has a matte finish with minimal sheen, so it appears as a classic, flat black rather than shiny or textured. In person, the pleats add visual texture, but the color itself is consistent and deep.