Imperial
Ripped-Knee Jean Loose Fit
CA$175.00CAD
In Stock
The Imperial at Le 31 ripped-knee jeans are loose-fit, cropped-length trousers made from 100% cotton denim. Featuring a five-pocket design and worn details with ripped knees, they offer a straight-leg silhouette in a dark charcoal wash.
- Material
- 100% cotton denim
- Style
- casual, streetwear
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Pants
Color
BlackBlue
Size
3032343638
Specifications
Loose-fit cropped jeans with ripped knees and worn details
5-pocket design, ripped knees, worn details
- Material
- 100% cotton denim
- Style
- casual, streetwear
- Occasion
- casual
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Pants
Additional Attributes
- loose fit
- cropped length
- ripped knees
- worn details
- 5-pocket design
- 100% cotton denim
Product Insights
Imperial's Ripped-Knee Jean Loose Fit is a fashion-forward European streetwear piece made from rigid 100% cotton denim that maintains its baggy shape, frays cleanly into white weft ladders, and requires a 30-50 wear break-in before softening and molding, with the waist relaxing half an inch in the first week; the pre-distressed rips typically last 1–3 years, and the cropped hem works with slim sneakers or pointed boots, while preserving the fit demands cold washing and hang drying.
Verified claims
- Denim behavior
- Rigid 100% cotton retains its baggy shape, molds over time, and frays cleanly; wash cold every few months.
- Price parity
- Matches Imperial's €120 MSRP so $175 CAD is standard retail price.
- Break-in
- Fabric unyielding for the first 30-50 wears, then softens.
- Body molding
- Waist relaxes half inch in first week, then jeans mold to body over weeks.
- Care
- Wash sparingly in cold water and hang dry to preserve fit.
- Top styling
- Pair with a fitted top or half-tuck to balance the baggy cropped silhouette.
- Shoe pairing
- Cropped hem works with slim sneakers, chunky skate shoes, or pointed boots for varied looks.
- Denim structure
- 100% cotton rigid denim holds the baggy shape and prevents hem curling.
- Fit
- Imperial's loose fit is baggier than Levi's 550 or Carhartt, with a 30‑50 wear break‑in period.
- Fraying
- 100% cotton frays into white weft ladders, not elastic curls.
- Lifespan
- Pre-distressed rips typically last 1–3 years.
- Brand identity
- Contemporary European streetwear label with fashion-forward baggy fits and handcrafted distressing.
Product record
- Title
- Ripped-Knee Jean Loose Fit
- Brand
- Imperial
- Price
- 175 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
How rigid 100% cotton denim breaks in and fades
- Expect the waistband to relax by roughly half an inch after the first week of consistent wear — 100% cotton denim gives out under body heat and tension, so a snug initial fit is by design and will settle into a comfortable, stay-put hold without a belt.
- Unlike stretch denim that relies on elastane for give, rigid cotton actually reshapes permanently — after a few weeks, the fabric molds to the unique contours of your thighs, seat, and knees, creating a custom articulation that stretch-jeans can't replicate and won't sag out of shape over time.
- The first three to five wears of 100% cotton denim feel genuinely stiff — this is a normal break-in period where the fibers begin to flex, and after about a week of daily wear, the fabric starts to soften noticeably, especially at high-movement points like the knees.
- Denimheads refer to the first 30–50 wears as 'The Hurdle' — the stage where the fabric is still tight and unyielding, but because this is a loose, baggy cut rather than a slim raw pair, the break-in period is less punishing on the thighs and knees while still delivering that lived-in feel.
- Washing 100% cotton denim only every few months — rather than weekly — extends the garment's life by preventing fiber abrasion from trapped dirt, and using a cold cycle with hang-dry keeps the customized shape intact over the long haul.
Styling the cropped baggy silhouette
- Because the cropped leg and exposed ankle pull attention downward, stylists recommend a fitted top or a half-tuck at the waist to define the torso and keep the proportions from becoming bottom-heavy — Vans notes that 'a fitted tee keeps the look sharp when you're baggy on the bottom,' making this silhouette easy to wear without looking overwhelmed.
- The 100% cotton, rigid denim holds its shape over the day, creating stiff architectural folds that make the baggy silhouette read as intentional rather than sloppy — at the cropped length, that structure keeps the hem from curling or collapsing, something stretch blends fail at within a few hours of wear.
- Esquire editors call out the cropped length as the key to making slim sneakers like Adidas Sambas work with baggy jeans: the break between hem and shoe exposes an inch of ankle, which adds height and prevents the wide leg from swallowing the shoe — so this pair instantly broadens your footwear options without making your legs look stubby.
- The cropped hem puts all eyes on the footwear, making chunky silhouettes like Vans Knu Skool or lace-up boots a natural match — Vans' styling guide for Y2K baggy jeans pairs extra-wide fits with chunky high-tops because the weight at the shoe grounds the leg opening and adds a skater-era edge that looks deliberate.
- Esquire singles out pointed-toe boots as a way to sharpen the shape of baggy jeans: when the cropped hem shows just the shoe's toe, a pointed profile extends the leg line and adds a tailored edge that turns the baggy silhouette from skate-park to gallery-opening ready.
Longevity of pre-distressed rips and worn details
- Because the denim is 100% cotton with no elastane, the knee rips will fray without the 'curling rubber' effect that occurs when stretch fibers snap — rigid cotton’s stable weave allows the white weft threads to hold in a controlled ladder, so the distressed windows look intentional rather than morphing into tangled elastic messes, as confirmed by factory-level guidance on denim anatomy.
- General guidance for distressed jeans places their typical lifespan at 1–3 years with regular wear, because the pre-existing tears and fades create inherent weak points that expand over time — for the Imperial pair, this means you should anticipate a shorter rotation window than with a non-ripped pair, but the look remains intentional through the wear cycle.
- Pre-distressed jeans inherently do not last as long as raw denim because the finishing process breaks down the cotton fibers around the rips and fades — Alice Tonello of garment finishing firm Tonello notes that raw denim retains its starch and sizing, keeping fibers intact, so expect these Imperial jeans to have a shorter active life than an unwashed pair, a trade-off for the worn-in look.
- The Reviewed test found that applying narrow strips of iron-on denim patch to the inside edges of knee rips prevents the white horizontal threads from snapping when tugged, effectively freezing the rip size without altering the external distressed look — a way to significantly prolong these jeans' wearable life.
Brand reputation and value for price
- Imperial is a European contemporary denim label with a streetwear focus, known for baggy fits and heavy distressing; its own marketing frames the designs as 'ideal for metropolitan wardrobes seeking original style statements' — the value is in the on-trend silhouette and worn finish, not artisanal construction or fabric provenance.
- The brand lists its baggy-fit ripped-knee jeans at a regular retail price of €120 on its official European site, which directly tracks to $175 CAD — so the Simons price is the standard full MSRP, not a channel markup, and the purchase is equivalent to buying from the brand's own webstore after accounting for international shipping.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a model wearing loose, straight-leg dark washed denim jeans with prominent ripped knees showing frayed edges and underlying lighter threads; visible front fly seam, waistband, and pocket stitching.
- SilhouetteLoose, straight wide-leg jeans fitted at the waist and falling straight to cover the tops of the shoes.
1 region
x 0.23 · y 0.37 · w 0.54 · h 0.56 (high) - Waistband and flyVisible waistband with a central front fly seam; subtle vertical seam line runs down the front center.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.36 · w 0.22 · h 0.10 (high) - Knee rips leftLarge horizontal rip on the left knee with heavily frayed edges and exposed lighter thread bundles and underlying fabric.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.61 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Knee rips rightHorizontal rip on the right knee with frayed edges and loose lighter threads; the tear exposes frayed fabric rather than a clean hole.
1 region
x 0.54 · y 0.62 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Denim texture and washDark charcoal faded black denim with subtle vertical weave texture and mild overall fading near seams and knees.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.40 · w 0.44 · h 0.50 (high) - Pocket/topstitch detailLight contrast topstitching along the front pocket openings and waist visible against the dark denim.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.44 · w 0.36 · h 0.10 (medium) - Hem and leg openingStraight finished hem that falls over the shoe with minimal taper at the ankle.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.86 · w 0.44 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Studio full-body frontal product shot of a model against a plain white background with even, soft lighting and minimal shadows; image includes the model's shirt and shoes which are not part of the jeans product.
- Shot compositionFull-body frontal studio shot with the model centered and standing facing the camera.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.02 · w 0.80 · h 0.96 (high) - Background and lightingPlain white seamless background with even, diffuse lighting producing soft shadows on the floor behind the model.
- Visible non-product itemsModel is wearing a white long-sleeve button shirt and black leather shoes visible in the image; these are props and not described as product features.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.02 · w 0.60 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.34 · y 0.86 · w 0.32 · h 0.12 (high)
Colors
charcoal black· main denim#3D3B3Abeige tan· knee frayed threadsoff-white stitch· contrast topstitching- SilhouetteLoose, straight wide-leg jeans fitted at the waist and falling straight to cover the tops of the shoes.
- 02
Product
Loose, straight-leg dark washed jeans with deliberate ripped and frayed knee openings; visible five-pocket styling and buttoned waistband. Front view on a model showing the full front leg length and hem.
- Overall silhouetteLoose straight-leg fit with wide leg opening and full-length hem resting over shoes; relaxed rise visible at waist.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.10 · w 0.64 · h 0.80 (high) - Waistband and flyVisible waistband with belt loops, metal button at center front and stitched fly seam; five-pocket front styling with curved front pocket openings and a small coin pocket on the right front.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.08 · w 0.56 · h 0.18 (high) - Left knee ripLarge horizontal ripped opening at the left knee with heavy frayed denim edges revealing a red fabric or layer underneath and additional beige frayed threads across the opening.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.48 · w 0.26 · h 0.18 (high) - Right knee ripSmaller ripped opening on the right knee area with frayed edges and visible beige internal threads; rip shows irregular tear with loose denim fibers.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.48 · w 0.20 · h 0.15 (high) - Denim wash and textureDark charcoal black washed denim with subtle vertical fade and worn texture; visible stitched seams with lighter thread contrast at pocket edges and outer seams.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.10 · w 0.64 · h 0.80 (high) - Hem and leg openingStraight stitched hem finishing at the leg opening with slight worn look; hem sits over the top of black leather boots.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.72 · w 0.60 · h 0.18 (high) - Frayed thread detailBeige and off-white loose threads protrude from the ripped edges forming tassel-like fraying around both knee tears.
2 regions
x 0.50 · y 0.53 · w 0.26 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.52 · w 0.25 · h 0.14 (high)
Other
Studio front view on a model against a plain light background showing hands, part of a tucked white top, and black leather boots; soft even lighting with mild shadows at floor.
- Model stylingModel shown from waist down wearing a tucked white top and black leather boots; hands rest at sides with fingers visible.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.00 · w 0.64 · h 0.25 (high); x 0.20 · y 0.72 · w 0.60 · h 0.28 (high) - Background and lightingUniform off-white studio background and floor with soft diffuse lighting and soft shadow below the shoes.
- Shot compositionCentered frontal composition cropping above the waist and including full pant legs and shoes; image is vertically oriented.
Colors
charcoal black denim· denim body#312E2Cbeige fray· frayed threads at ripsmuted red· visible underlayer at left knee rip- Overall silhouetteLoose straight-leg fit with wide leg opening and full-length hem resting over shoes; relaxed rise visible at waist.
- 03
Product
Rear view of loose, straight-leg dark washed denim jeans with visible back patch pockets, a stitched center-back seam, belt loops and a small distressed hole on one back pocket.
- Overall silhouetteLoose, straight/relaxed full-length legs seen from the rear with a roomy seat and wide leg opening that falls to just above the shoes.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.14 · w 0.76 · h 0.78 (high) - Back pocketsTwo large square patch back pockets with visible topstitching; pockets sit on the upper rear thigh area and are the same denim as the pant body.
2 regions
x 0.23 · y 0.18 · w 0.27 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.50 · y 0.18 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high) - Distressed detailSmall distressed hole with frayed edges located on the right-side back pocket (viewer right), exposing lighter threads.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.25 · w 0.05 · h 0.04 (high) - Side leg distressingSmall horizontal ripped/frayed slits visible on the outer side seams of both legs near mid-thigh/knee area, with loose threads.
2 regions
x 0.31 · y 0.52 · w 0.04 · h 0.06 (medium); x 0.65 · y 0.50 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (medium) - Waistband and patchRegular waistband with belt loops and a rectangular stitched leather patch at the right rear waistband.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.07 · w 0.18 · h 0.06 (high) - Center-back seamVisible vertical center-back seam running down from the waistband between the pockets.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.14 · w 0.10 · h 0.60 (high) - Denim texture and finishHeavy denim with a worn, washed black/charcoal surface showing subtle vertical weave texture and lighter abrasion along seams and pocket edges.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.80 (high) - Stitching contrastVisible topstitching around pockets, waistband and hems in a lighter gray thread that contrasts with the dark denim.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.14 · w 0.60 · h 0.26 (high) - Leg hemStraight stitched hem at pant bottoms with slight roll and visible topstitching resting just above the shoes.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.84 · w 0.50 · h 0.12 (high) - Leg opening widthWide leg opening consistent with a loose or relaxed fit rather than tapered or skinny styling.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.78 · w 0.56 · h 0.18 (high) - Leg interior seamInner leg seam is not visible due to rear view and loose drape; outer seams show seam lines and slight fraying at distress points.
Other
Studio rear-view product shot with a neutral light gray background and soft, even lighting; model wearing a tucked light-colored top and black leather shoes is partially visible.
- Shot compositionVertical rear-view crop showing the model from lower torso to shoes, centered in frame with slight space above the waistband.
- Background and surfacePlain neutral light gray studio background and white floor with soft shadows under the shoes.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Model visible partsModel's lower back, hands at sides and black leather slip-on shoes are visible; a tucked light-colored top is partially visible above the waistband.
2 regions
x 0.36 · y 0.00 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.42 · y 0.84 · w 0.16 · h 0.16 (high) - LightingSoft, diffuse studio lighting with minimal harsh shadows and gentle highlight on denim texture.
Colors
dark charcoal washed black· denim body#322D2Cdeep black· waistband leather patch#0E0D0Clight gray stitch· topstitching- Overall silhouetteLoose, straight/relaxed full-length legs seen from the rear with a roomy seat and wide leg opening that falls to just above the shoes.
Documents & Data
Q&A
3 answered- Since the denim is 100% cotton without stretch, is it pre-shrunk or will it shrink after washing?
- Since the jeans are 100% cotton, some shrinkage is possible when washed in hot water or dried on high heat. Most modern denim is pre-shrunk (sanforized), limiting shrinkage to about 1–3% [1]. To minimize change, wash in cold water and line dry.
- Are the rips and worn details created by hand or machine distressing?
- The ripped and worn details are typically created through a combination of hand techniques and specialized machinery. Artisans use tools such as sandpaper, pumice stones, and brushes to achieve a natural worn-in look [1].
- How does the 'loose fit' of this Imperial model compare to other brands like Levi's 550 or Carhartt?
- Imperial's loose fit is a baggy, relaxed silhouette with a wider leg and cropped length. Compared to Levi's 550, which is a relaxed straight leg, Imperial's fit is roomier and more oversized. Carhartt's loose fit tends to be straighter and more utilitarian; these Imperial jeans have a more fashion-forward, contemporary baggy cut.