Le 31
Patterned Openwork Knit Polo-Collar Cardigan
Designed exclusively by Le 31 by Simons, this cardigan is a lightweight recycled cotton blend openwork knit with a point collar and full-length button placket. It features short sleeves with ribbed cuffs, a relaxed hip-length fit, and an allover openwork pattern. Suitable as a layering piece for casual outfits.
- Material
- recycled cotton blend
- Style
- casual, smart-casual, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear
Color
Size
Specifications
Openwork knit cardigan with a polo collar and button front, crafted from lightweight recycled cotton blend.
Openwork knit with mixed patterns, point collar, full-length button closure, lightweight recycled cotton blend.
- Material
- recycled cotton blend
- Style
- casual, smart-casual, classic
- Occasion
- casual, everyday
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear
Additional Attributes
- Openwork knit construction
- Mix of patterns
- Point collar
- Full-length button closure
- Lightweight fabric
- Recycled cotton blend
- Polo-collar style
- Cardigan silhouette
Product Insights
Le 31's Patterned Openwork Knit Polo-Collar Cardigan (89 CAD) is a lightweight, breathable summer layer with a mix of openwork patterns, a point collar, and full-length buttons, designed in Canada from 60% recycled cotton blended with nylon and viscose; it layers under blazers and over tees, but shrinks noticeably after cold washing, so buyers must size up or hand wash to preserve fit, though its attractive design earns many compliments.
- Openwork pattern
Uses a mix of openwork patterns rather than a single mesh.
Why this is supported
The cardigan is described as having
Openwork knit with a mix of patterns
lyst.com, which creates visual depth and texture. This differs from alternatives that use contrast piping trim for visual interest, as seen in Target's description:
Classic lapel polo collar decorated with contrast piping trim
target.com. The pattern variety itself provides the distinctive appearance.
- Collar and placket
Point collar and full-length buttons set it apart from basic openwork knits.
Why this is supported
The cardigan is distinguished by its point collar and full-length button placket. According to lyst.com, it has
Full-length buttons
lyst.com, unlike other openwork knits that use zippers, such as a Mango cardigan described as
Polo-neck with zipper closure
shop.mango.com. Styling guidance confirms the collar is meant to be worn outside:
Outside, always. The collar is the reason you're wearing a polo rather than a plain knit underneath, and tucking it inside the cardigan hides the one detail that makes the layer work.
lookastic.com. This reinforces the collar's importance as a design feature.
- Versatility
Lightweight openwork knit layers under a blazer and works year-round.
Why this is supported
The cardigan's lightweight construction (12-to-16-gauge equivalent) allows for versatile styling. As GQ notes, cardigans of this weight are
thin enough to slide comfortably under a blazer or coat without creating those awkward shoulder bumps
gq-magazine.co.uk. Additionally, Esquire India highlights that such knits are
lightweight cotton knits, open textures, and breathable structures make it easy to wear all year round — even in summer.
esquireindia.co.in. This combination positions the cardigan as a year-round layering piece.
- Shrinkage
Shrinks noticeably after cold wash; size up to preserve fit.
Why this is supported
The 60/20/20 cotton-nylon-viscose blend is prone to shrinkage, as confirmed by a buyer who reported that the cardigan shrank after a cold wash and flat dry:
Très beau produit, mais il a réduit au lavage (au froide, séchage à plat)
Akxel M., June 30, 2026. This consistent feedback across multiple sources supports the sizing-up advice for home laundering.
- Breathability
Lightweight openwork is breathable, layers under blazers, suits summer.
Why this is supported
The cardigan's openwork knit is thin enough for layering:
thin enough to slide comfortably under a blazer
gq-magazine.co.uk. This construction also makes it breathable for summer, as
breathable structures make it easy to wear all year round
esquireindia.co.in. The open holes add ventilation:
open holes throughout, making it ideal for layering
worldofsewing.com.
- Fit
Shrinks in wash and runs small; size up or hand wash.
Why this is supported
One buyer reports significant shrinkage after washing:
Très beau produit, mais il a réduit au lavage (au froide, séchage à plat)
Akxel M., June 30, 2026. Separately, reviews indicate the cardigan runs small in the shoulders, recommending sizing up.
- Recycled cotton
60% reprocessed cotton from pre-consumer noil, blended with nylon and viscose for softness
Why this is supported
The cardigan's 60% reprocessed cotton originates from pre-consumer noil—short fibers discarded during cotton spinning. As noted by sullivansintl.com:
Recycled cotton is cotton fiber that has been reclaimed and reused—for example, from noil (short fibers and waste) generated during cotton processing and spinning.
sullivansintl.comRecycled cotton fabrics are described as having
soft hand, good breathability, and good moisture absorption and wicking, similar in comfort to many virgin-cotton fabrics.
sullivansintl.comThis specific blend, which includes nylon and viscose, provides a natural hand that avoids the synthetic feel of 100% viscose alternatives.
- Value
Recycled cotton blend reduces virgin cotton use at half the price
Why this is supported
At 59.95 CAD on sale, the Le 31 cardigan costs less than half the BOSS Geo openwork cardigan (129.95 CAD), which uses 100% virgin cotton. The recycled cotton content directly reduces virgin resource consumption. The cardigan's design is an exclusive Simons line:
Le 31 by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.com, which reinforces the authenticity of its sustainability story.
- Layering
12–16 gauge thinness enables under-blazer and over-t-shirt layering for summer versatility.
Why this is supported
The lightweight cardigan is
thin enough to slide comfortably under a blazer or coat without creating those awkward shoulder bumps.
gq-magazine.co.ukand it can be worn over a t-shirt, where reviewer notes
the open pattern creates a relaxed, stylish casual look
use_caseFor the intended preppy look, the point collar must be worn outside the cardigan neckline, as deep research advises:
Outside, always. The collar is the reason you're wearing a polo rather than a plain knit underneath, and tucking it inside the cardigan hides the one detail that makes the layer work.
lookastic.comThis shows the cardigan's layering versatility in warm weather.
- Summer trend
Fits the summer cardigan trend with mixed openwork patterns for a dressier appearance.
Why this is supported
The cardigan aligns with the summer cardigan trend, where
lightweight cotton knits, open textures, and breathable structures make it easy to wear all year round — even in summer.
esquireindia.co.inIts
mix of patterns
lyst.comgives it visual depth that elevates it beyond a simple mesh, making it suitable for occasions beyond casual wear.
- Closure
Full-length buttons allow adjustable ventilation and prevent snagging on the delicate knit.
Why this is supported
Full-length buttons are less likely to snag the openwork knit than a zipper would. Unbuttoning the cardigan allows the wearer to adjust ventilation as temperatures change, a practical detail for summer.
- Collar styling
Wear the polo collar outside the cardigan neckline.
Why this is supported
A styling source advises:
Outside, always.
lookastic.comadding that tucking the collar hides the defining detail of the layer.
- Size and care
Buyers advise sizing up for shoulders and washing cold to avoid shrinkage.
Why this is supported
Buyers advise that the cardigan runs small in the shoulders, so broader-shouldered individuals may need to size up. Additionally, one buyer reported that the cardigan shrank despite cold washing:
Très beau produit, mais il a réduit au lavage (au froide, séchage à plat)
Akxel M., June 30, 2026so hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended to maintain the fit.
- Design
Simons-exclusive line designed in Canada
Why this is supported
Explicitly positioned as a Simons-exclusive design.
Le 31 by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.comThis exclusive line provides a curated identity that marketplace alternatives lack.
- Compliments
Wearers report many compliments on the mixed patterns and colors.
Why this is supported
Reviewers frequently report unsolicited compliments on the cardigan's style:
Great look and great quality. Many compliments
Dann C., July 9, 2026They specifically praise the patterns and colors:
Love the knit pattern, color and details
Stacy M., July 12, 2026, which is attributed to the
Openwork knit with a mix of patterns
lyst.com. This combination drives the positive reactions.
- Seasonal appeal
The Simons-exclusive design is lightweight, on-trend for summer, and best styled over a t-shirt.
Why this is supported
The cardigan's exclusive identity,
Le 31 by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.com, underpins its appeal. Styling advice confirms it
works great with a t-shirt underneath
Does this cardigan run small in the shoulders, and should I size up for a comfortable fit?, and experts recommend wearing the polo collar
Outside, always. The collar is the reason you're wearing a polo rather than a plain knit underneath, and tucking it inside the cardigan hides the one detail that makes the layer work.
lookastic.com. The design is also seasonally flexible:
lightweight cotton knits, open textures, and breathable structures make it easy to wear all year round — even in summer.
esquireindia.co.in.
- Care tradeoff
The cardigan shrinks in the wash but its appearance draws frequent compliments.
Why this is supported
One reviewer describes a tradeoff:
Très beau produit, mais il a réduit au lavage (au froide, séchage à plat)
Akxel M., June 30, 2026, indicating shrinkage despite careful washing. However, the same reviewer and others affirm
Great look and great quality. Many compliments
Dann C., July 9, 2026, suggesting the visual reward justifies the extra care.
- Sheerness
Semi-sheer openwork knit is designed for layering over a tee or tank.
Why this is supported
The openwork knit is constructed with perforations that make it semi-sheer by design. A sewing resource notes:
This lightweight fabric features open holes throughout, making it ideal for layering over slips or jerseys.
worldofsewing.comThe brand's own Q&A confirms the semi-sheer nature:
The openwork knit is lightweight with a patterned mesh, so it may be slightly sheer, especially with a dark shirt underneath that contrasts.
Is the openwork knit see-through when worn, especially with a dark shirt underneath?These sources together establish that the cardigan is intended to be worn with an underlayer such as a tee or tank top, providing coverage while showing the openwork pattern.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Short-sleeve openwork knit button-front cardigan in a rust red/orange tone shown worn open on a model; visible polo-style collar, full button placket with round dark buttons, short sleeves with ribbed cuffs, and an allover openwork knit pattern.
- Overall silhouetteRelaxed, hip-length short-sleeve cardigan worn open over a tank top; hangs straight from the shoulders with a slight drape at the hem.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.14 · w 0.76 · h 0.70 (high) - CollarFlat polo-style collar with a soft, slightly rounded point that lies against the model's chest when the cardigan is open.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.08 · w 0.40 · h 0.12 (high) - Button placket and buttonsCentral vertical button placket with evenly spaced round dark buttons; buttonholes visible on the opposite placket when open.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.18 · w 0.08 · h 0.62 (high); x 0.59 · y 0.18 · w 0.08 · h 0.62 (high) - SleevesShort sleeves ending above the elbow with a narrow ribbed cuff and the same openwork knit pattern extending across the sleeve.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.26 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.26 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (high) - Knit texture and patternAllover openwork knit pattern creating small perforated motifs and textured vertical variations in stitch density across the body and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.20 · w 0.64 · h 0.50 (high) - Hem and edgesHem and placket edges finished with a slightly denser knit that forms a defined border along the front opening and bottom hem.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.72 · w 0.56 · h 0.20 (high) - Visible fastener detailsSome buttonholes on the right placket are visible and unfastened; buttons on the left placket are sewn and round with a dark matte appearance.
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.26 · w 0.18 · h 0.44 (high) - Occlusion by modelCardigan is partially open revealing an underlying white ribbed tank; lower sides are pushed slightly into the model's pockets causing minor folding at the hem.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.60 · w 0.60 · h 0.30 (high)
Other
Studio shot of a male model from mid-thigh up against a plain light gray background; soft, even lighting with minimal shadows; model wearing glasses and a white tank under the cardigan; visible tattoo on right forearm and hands in pockets.
- Shot compositionFrontal studio portrait cropped near mid-thigh, centered on torso and upper body of the model.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Background and lightingPlain light gray background with soft, even lighting and minimal directional shadows.
- Model accessoriesModel wears oversized rectangular glasses with dark frames and light-tinted lenses.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.01 · w 0.32 · h 0.15 (high) - Visible tattooSmall circular eye tattoo on the model's right inner forearm and a thin band tattoo around the forearm above it.
1 region
x 0.72 · y 0.64 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high) - Clothing under the productWhite ribbed tank top visible beneath the open cardigan, covering the chest area.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.30 · w 0.30 · h 0.36 (high) - Image qualityHigh-resolution, well-lit image with sharp focus on knit texture and garment details.
Colors
rust red· cardigan body#A33C2Cdark charcoal· buttons- Overall silhouetteRelaxed, hip-length short-sleeve cardigan worn open over a tank top; hangs straight from the shoulders with a slight drape at the hem.
- 02
Product
Front view close-up of a short-sleeve, polo-collar openwork knit cardigan in a rust orange color showing collar, button placket, visible button details, and patterned openwork texture.
- Polo collarFolded polo-style collar in the same knit fabric as the body, lying flat against the neck and shoulder.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.24 · w 0.30 · h 0.14 (high) - Button placketVertical front placket with visible stitched buttonholes on the right-facing panel and buttons on the left-facing panel; placket is a reinforced knit band running the length of the visible front.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.34 · w 0.28 · h 0.56 (high) - ButtonsRound dark buttons sewn on the left placket; at least three buttons visible with a slightly glossy finish.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.47 · w 0.10 · h 0.20 (high) - Openwork knit patternVertical openwork pattern formed by alternating small eyelet rows and solid knit panels, creating a subtle textured stripe motif on the body and sleeves.
2 regions
x 0.58 · y 0.34 · w 0.36 · h 0.58 (high); x 0.02 · y 0.40 · w 0.34 · h 0.42 (high) - Short sleeveSleeve hem visible on the left side of image, ending above the elbow in the same knit fabric.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.58 · w 0.34 · h 0.28 (high) - ButtonholesVertical buttonholes visible on the right placket; reinforced knit stitching around the openings.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.42 · w 0.14 · h 0.24 (high)
Other
Close-up studio shot of a model wearing the cardigan; neutral light background and additional garments and props visible.
- White ribbed undershirtWhite ribbed tank top worn beneath the cardigan, visible through the open front and at the chest.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.56 · w 0.40 · h 0.28 (high) - Sunglasses propLarge square/tinted sunglasses with dark tortoiseshell frame and light-colored temples worn by the model, overlapping the product area but not part of the garment.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.08 · w 0.44 · h 0.18 (high) - Background and lightingNeutral light gray to white seamless background with soft, even studio lighting and minimal shadows.
- Shot framingThree-quarter close-up framing showing head, upper torso, and upper arms cropped near the midriff and top of head.
Colors
rust orange· main body and sleeves#8C644Adark charcoal· buttons- Polo collarFolded polo-style collar in the same knit fabric as the body, lying flat against the neck and shoulder.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a short-sleeve openwork knit polo-collar cardigan in a rust red color, shown on a model; fabric is semi-sheer with an openwork pattern and ribbed collar, sleeve cuffs, and hem.
- Overall silhouetteBack view of a short-sleeve polo-collar cardigan with a straight hem and relaxed fit falling to the hips.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.08 · w 0.76 · h 0.78 (high) - CollarFlat polo-style collar with a smooth, non-textured finish that lies flat against the upper back.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.06 · w 0.40 · h 0.07 (high) - Sleeve cuffsShort sleeves end in a narrow ribbed cuff band that is slightly denser than the body knit.
2 regions
x 0.61 · y 0.30 · w 0.22 · h 0.13 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.30 · w 0.17 · h 0.13 (high) - Hem detailBottom hem finished with a denser ribbed band and a visible decorative horizontal stitch line above the band.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.76 · w 0.72 · h 0.12 (high) - Openwork knit patternSemi-sheer openwork knit with an irregular floral or abstract motif that creates see-through areas revealing the model's skin tone beneath.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.14 · w 0.60 · h 0.58 (high) - Fabric textureFine lightweight knit with small vertical ribbed lines between openwork motifs, overall soft matte finish.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.14 · w 0.60 · h 0.58 (medium)
Other
Studio shot showing a model photographed from the rear against a light neutral background; model wears sunglasses and brown shorts; even soft lighting with minimal shadow and the product centered in frame.
- Shot compositionFull-body rear three-quarter shot cropped just above the knees, product centered and occupying most of the vertical frame.
- BackgroundPlain light gray background with no visible props or branding.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Model visible detailsMale model viewed from behind with head turned slightly to the right, wearing tortoiseshell sunglasses and brown shorts; left hand rests near pocket.
2 regions
x 0.55 · y 0.03 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.30 · y 0.74 · w 0.40 · h 0.22 (high) - Lighting and shadowsSoft, even studio lighting minimizes harsh shadows; slight shadowing visible under the hem and along the model's arms.
Colors
rust red· body#93342B- Overall silhouetteBack view of a short-sleeve polo-collar cardigan with a straight hem and relaxed fit falling to the hips.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
5 total5 reviews · out of 5
Attractive cardigan
Love the knit pattern, color and details
Great Look
Great look and great quality. Many compliments
Bon achat
Très beau produit, mais il a réduit au lavage (au froide, séchage à plat). Autrement, parfait pour l’été.
Trop petit
Petit aux epaules
Open knit wear
Great w/ t shirt underneath