Le 31
Waffled Johnny Collar Polo
This men's waffled Johnny collar polo is a short-sleeve knit shirt with an open, pointed collar and a textured micro-waffle jersey. It is crafted from a stretch blend of 71% organic cotton, 25% recycled polyester, and 4% spandex, and is machine washable. Available sizes range from small to XX-large.
- Material
- Stretch blend of organic cotton and polyester made from recycled plastic bottles
- Style
- casual, preppy, modern
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Color
Size
Specifications
Textured micro-waffled jersey polo with Johnny collar.
Open pointed Johnny collar, stretch blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester.
- Material
- Stretch blend of organic cotton and polyester made from recycled plastic bottles
- Secondary
- recycled-polyester
- Style
- casual, preppy, modern
- Occasion
- casual, weekend, work
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Additional Attributes
- open pointed Johnny collar
- textured micro-waffled jersey
- stretch blend fabric
- organic cotton
- recycled polyester from plastic bottles
- exclusive designed in Canada
Product Insights
The Waffled Johnny Collar Polo by Le 31 at $50 CAD channels 1950s Italian leisurewear with a fixed V-neckline that visually lengthens the neck, a regular fit suitable for layering under an unstructured blazer, and a micro-waffle fine grid offering refined depth and enhanced color. Its moderate drape resists clinging while honeycomb cells trap warmth without bulk, and the material—71% organic cotton, 25% recycled polyester, 4% spandex—prevents sagging and bagging, though the pointed collar softens over time (preserved by laying flat to dry) and lighter colors may vary on screen. This exclusive Canadian waffle-knit Johnny collar undercuts comparable options from Madewell, J.Crew, and Eton by 50% to 80%.
- Heritage
Johnny collar dates to 1950s Italian leisurewear and is featured on Ralph Lauren polos.
Why this is supported
The Johnny collar was popularized in mid-century Italian leisurewear, as noted by mekonggarment.com:
Popularized in the 1950s and 60s, this style was a staple of mid-century leisurewear and European summer style.
mekonggarment.comIts prestige in menswear is underscored by Ralph Lauren's use of the same collar silhouette on their mesh polos.
Featuring a classic Johnny collar, rib knit armbands, and an embroidered pony insignia, our Custom Slim-Fit Mesh Polo is a subtly-stretchy shirt that is designed to accommodate higher temperatures on balmy nights.
ralphlauren.eu- Neckline
Fixed V-neckline visually lengthens the neck, a 1950s Italian knitwear feature.
Why this is supported
The Johnny collar's permanently open V-neckline has a flattering effect:
Relaxed V-Neck: Visually lengthens the neck and balances the upper body across different body types.
mekonggarment.comThis design element is rooted in 1950s Italian knitwear.
- Fit
Regular fit provides enough room to layer under an unstructured blazer.
Why this is supported
The polo is described as
This polo has a regular fit.
How does this polo fit compared to standard sizing? Is it slim, regular, or relaxed?, meaning it is not slim or relaxed, which provides enough room to layer cleanly under a blazer while maintaining a tailored appearance.
- Value
At $50 CAD, it costs significantly less than comparable Johnny collar waffle knits.
Why this is supported
To verify value, Catalog compared the Le 31 polo to similar Johnny collar waffle knits on the market.
Short-sleeve cotton waffle-knit johnny-collar sweater-polo
jcrew.com(J.Crew, $98 USD),
Johnny-Collar Sweater Polo Shirt in Waffle Knit
madewell.com(Madewell, $128 USD), and
Waffle Knit Johnny Collar Polo
harryrosen.com(Eton, $270 CAD). At $50 CAD, the Le 31 polo is dramatically less expensive.
- Texture
Micro-waffle fine grid creates refined depth and enhances color.
Why this is supported
The micro-waffle knit uses a fine grid pattern that produces
deep recesses, raised ridges, and a three-dimensional surface that plays with light and shadow.
purafabric.comAs another source notes,
Mini waffle knit is like the smaller sibling of the classic version. The tiny grids give it a more delicate look and feel.
runtangtex.comThe honeycomb cell structure (whitecotton.pt) adds subtle visual weight, making solid colors appear richer and more dimensional.
- Drape
Moderate drape resists clinging; waffle texture adds 3D visual depth.
Why this is supported
The fabric's drape is
medium drape
maaidesign.com.au, and the waffle texture features
deep recesses, raised ridges, and a three-dimensional surface that plays with light and shadow.
purafabric.comThese findings confirm the structured yet airy silhouette that resists clinging.
- Breathability
Breathable honeycomb cells trap warmth without bulk; organic cotton feels soft.
Why this is supported
The honeycomb structure
Waffle Knit uses a honeycomb cell structure that creates small air pockets for insulation.
whitecotton.ptMeanwhile, the organic cotton in the blend is described as
organic cotton for breathability and comfort
ethicalelementsme.com. This combination ensures the polo is both warm and soft against the skin.
- Shape retention
Recycled polyester and spandex prevent sagging, bagging, and collar distortion.
Why this is supported
The recycled polyester content
Adding 15–30% recycled polyester helps the shirt keep its structure, resist wrinkles, and last longer.
nonameglobal.comSpandex provides flexibility while
a touch of spandex for flexibility, it’s designed to move with the wearer while maintaining its shape.
ethicalelementsme.comAdditionally, the waffle knit
waffle knit has lower horizontal stretch (about 25–30%) compared to jersey (50–70%), but better recovery.
purafabric.comThis combination prevents sagging and bagging, preserving the polo’s shape over time.
- Care
Lay flat to dry to preserve the waffle knit's structure and drape.
Why this is supported
The care instructions confirm:
Machine wash, do not bleach, wring out and lay flat to dry. Do not machine dry.
What are the care instructions for this blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester? Can it be machine dried or does it require line drying?Additionally,
gentle washing and laying flat to dry will help minimize wear.
Is the waffle texture likely to snag or pill over time, considering the recycled polyester content?This is essential to preserve the waffle knit's structure and drape.
- Stretch
Waffle knit with 4% spandex recovers shape better than standard jersey.
Why this is supported
The 4% spandex provides flexibility and shape retention. Research notes that the fabric
a touch of spandex for flexibility, it’s designed to move with the wearer while maintaining its shape.
ethicalelementsme.com, and the stretch blend
The stretch blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester gives it some flexibility
How does this polo fit compared to standard sizing? Is it slim, regular, or relaxed?. Additionally, compared to jersey, the waffle knit has
waffle knit has lower horizontal stretch (about 25–30%) compared to jersey (50–70%), but better recovery.
purafabric.comThis means the polo resists sagging and bagging better than a standard cotton jersey polo.
- Collar
The pointed collar stays crisp when laid flat to dry; softening over time is normal.
Why this is supported
The Johnny collar’s pointed shape is maintained when the polo is cared for properly. The Q&A states,
When cared for according to instructions—machine wash and lay flat to dry—the Johnny collar should maintain its pointed shape. The stretch blend helps it retain structure
Does the Johnny collar maintain its shape and stay crisp after washing, or does it tend to curl or soften significantly?and research confirms the spandex blend
it ensures the collar and cuffs recover their shape after wear — important for a Johnny-collar polo that relies on clean lines.
How the organic cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex blend performs — 4_spandex. However,
some softening over time is normal
Does the Johnny collar maintain its shape and stay crisp after washing, or does it tend to curl or soften significantly?. The care instructions specify:
Machine wash, do not bleach, wring out and lay flat to dry. Do not machine dry.
What are the care instructions for this blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester? Can it be machine dried or does it require line drying?.
- Warmth
Honeycomb cell structure creates insulating air pockets without adding bulk.
Why this is supported
The honeycomb structure of the micro-waffle knit
creates small air pockets for insulation
whitecotton.pt, while the organic cotton base provides breathability, as described by Ethical Elements:
organic cotton for breathability and comfort
ethicalelementsme.comThis combination enables temperature regulation, keeping the wearer warm in cool settings but not overheated in mild ones, extending the polo's wear into cool evenings as a resort-ready layering piece.
- Price comparison
At $50 CAD, this polo undercuts premium waffle-knit Johnny collar options from Madewell, J.Crew, and Eton by 50% to 80%.
Why this is supported
Catalog verified three premium alternatives: Madewell's
Johnny-Collar Sweater Polo Shirt in Waffle Knit
madewell.comat
$128
madewell.comUSD (~$170 CAD); J.Crew's
Short-sleeve cotton waffle-knit johnny-collar sweater-polo
jcrew.comat
$98
jcrew.comUSD (~$130 CAD); and Eton's
Waffle Knit Johnny Collar Polo
harryrosen.comat
$270
harryrosen.comCAD. The Le 31's $50 CAD price is 50–80% lower.
- Design and versatility
Exclusive Canadian waffle-knit Johnny collar delivers versatile styling and insulation at a fraction of premium alternatives.
Why this is supported
The design's uniqueness starts with its Canadian exclusivity:
Le 31 by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.com. The waffle knit creates
deep recesses, raised ridges, and a three-dimensional surface that plays with light and shadow.
purafabric.com, while the Johnny collar
sits neatly under a jacket lapel without bulk, making it an excellent smart-casual alternative to a dress shirt for evening events or casual Fridays.
amandacollection.co.ke. Its honeycomb cell structure
creates small air pockets for insulation.
whitecotton.pt, and the V-neck
, all at a price point dramatically lower than premium brands.
- Material
71% organic cotton (OCS-verified), 25% post-consumer recycled polyester, 4% spandex for shape retention.
Why this is supported
The fabric combines three components. The organic cotton is certified by the Organic Content Standard, which
The Organic Content Standard aims to increase organic agricultural production.
textileexchange.org. The recycled polyester is sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles, as noted in the product description:
polyester made from recycled plastic bottles
lyst.com. This blend is engineered for durability:
Adding 15–30% recycled polyester helps the shirt keep its structure, resist wrinkles, and last longer.
nonameglobal.com, and the spandex provides stretch and recovery:
a touch of spandex for flexibility, it’s designed to move with the wearer while maintaining its shape.
ethicalelementsme.comThe high organic cotton content ensures a soft, breathable feel (
organic cotton for breathability and comfort
ethicalelementsme.com).
- Insulation
Waffle knit honeycomb structure traps air for insulation, adding warmth without bulk.
Why this is supported
The waffle knit's honeycomb structure traps air for insulation:
Waffle Knit uses a honeycomb cell structure that creates small air pockets for insulation.
whitecotton.ptThis adds warmth without bulk, potentially reducing the need for additional layers.
- Color accuracy
Lighter colors like Ivory and Baby Blue can vary on screen.
Why this is supported
The brand's Q&A response notes that
The lighter shades like Ivory and Baby Blue are shown as true to life, but individual screen settings can vary.
Are the colors in the product photos accurate to the real-life shades, especially for the lighter colors like Ivory and Baby Blue?, and advises color-sensitive buyers to verify the shade in-store before purchasing.
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Front view of a short-sleeve, black waffle-knit polo with an open Johnny-style V-neck (no visible buttons) and a fold-down collar worn by a male model; the fabric shows a subtle textured waffle knit across the body and sleeves.
- Silhouette and fitShort-sleeve polo fitted through the chest and torso with a straight hem that sits at the model's hips; sleeves end above the mid-bicep.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.18 · w 0.68 · h 0.60 (high) - Collar and necklineFold-down collar with a Johnny-style V-neck opening (no visible placket or buttons) forming a shallow V at the center front.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.08 · w 0.32 · h 0.12 (high) - Fabric textureSubtle waffle-knit texture visible across the torso and sleeves, producing a fine grid-like surface.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.44 (high) - Sleeve trimSleeve edges are simple finished hems without visible ribbing or cuffs.
2 regions
x 0.16 · y 0.26 · w 0.22 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.26 · w 0.18 · h 0.13 (high) - Visible seamsSide seam lines are not prominently visible; shoulder seams sit at the top of the shoulder line.
- Model stylingPolo is worn untucked over black pants visible at the waist; model's left hand is partially in a pocket.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.70 · w 0.44 · h 0.20 (high) - Arm tattoo (occluding detail)Curved-line tattoo visible on the model's right forearm near the inner wrist, partially covered by the sleeve area of the image.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.56 · w 0.14 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio product shot of a model against a plain light gray to white background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows; image frames the model from the head to the upper thighs in a slightly turned front pose.
- Background and lightingEven soft studio lighting on a seamless light gray to white background with faint soft shadowing on the model's left side (viewer right).
- Shot compositionCentered three-quarter front portrait cropping from head to upper thighs with the model slightly angled to his left.
- Props and stagingNo props visible; model's hands are interacting with pockets and hanging naturally.
- Image qualitySharp, high-resolution image with clear detail on fabric texture and facial features; no visible compression artifacts.
Colors
matte black· polo body and sleeves#0D0D0E- Silhouette and fitShort-sleeve polo fitted through the chest and torso with a straight hem that sits at the model's hips; sleeves end above the mid-bicep.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a short-sleeve, black waffle-texture polo on a male model showing back, collar, and sleeves.
- Overall silhouettePolo shown from the back on a male model, with a straight hem that falls to the top of the hips and short sleeves ending above the elbow.
1 region
x 0.11 · y 0.18 · w 0.78 · h 0.68 (high) - CollarFlat, standard polo collar in the same black fabric, lying flush against the neck with a visible collar band at the rear.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.05 · w 0.24 · h 0.10 (high) - Waffle textureSubtle small waffle or piqued knit texture visible across the back panel and sleeves, giving a fine grid-like surface appearance.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.18 · w 0.70 · h 0.50 (high) - Sleeve finishShort sleeves finished with a narrow, unrolled hem in the same black knit; sleeves fit close to the upper arm.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.28 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.28 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high) - Side seam ventsSmall side hem vents where the back hem meets the side seam, visible at the lower right hem area.
1 region
x 0.72 · y 0.74 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (medium) - ColorPolo appears as a deep black across all visible parts.
Other
Studio shot of a model wearing the polo, neutral light background, even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Model and poseMale model shown from behind, head turned slightly to the right, left arm slightly bent with hand near hip and right arm hanging naturally.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.02 · w 0.80 · h 0.96 (high) - BackgroundPlain light gray to white seamless background with no visible props.
- Lighting and shadowEven soft studio lighting with minimal directional shadows; slight shadowing under the arms and at the hem.
- Image cropFull upper-body and partial lower-body visible; image crops just below the hips so full trousers are not shown.
Colors
deep black· main body#0D0D0E- Overall silhouettePolo shown from the back on a male model, with a straight hem that falls to the top of the hips and short sleeves ending above the elbow.