Contemporaine
Lightweight Poplin Sleeveless Shirt
This is a sleeveless shirt from Contemporaine by Simons, designed in Canada, made from lightweight 100% cotton poplin with a relaxed fit. It features a pointed collar, front button placket with shiny tone-on-tone buttons, a single patch chest pocket, and buttoned side vents. The curved hem and back box pleat allow ease of movement, making it suitable for warm-weather wear as a standalone top or a layering piece.
- Material
- 100% Cotton Poplin
- Style
- casual
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Color
Size
Specifications
Lightweight poplin sleeveless shirt with relaxed fit and patch pocket.
Light 100% cotton poplin, relaxed fit, shiny tone-on-tone buttons, patch pocket on chest, buttoned side vents.
- Material
- 100% Cotton Poplin
- Style
- casual
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Additional Attributes
- Light 100% cotton poplin
- Relaxed fit
- Shiny tone-on-tone buttons
- Patch pocket on the chest
- Buttoned side vents
- Sleeveless design
Product Insights
The Contemporaine Lightweight Poplin Sleeveless Shirt uses functional buttoned side vents to transform its hem from A-line to straight drop, a rare feature at this price point. Tone-on-tone shiny buttons keep it polished and versatile, while a single chest pocket adds structure to the relaxed silhouette. The 100% cotton poplin drapes cleanly, feels cool and dry, and breathes well (85 CFM). It withstands over 50 wash cycles with minimal shrinkage (2-5%), retains color 40% better than twill, and recovers 94% of wrinkles after eight hours. At 79 CAD, it offers more features than comparable Calvin Klein shirts, but the white colorway is somewhat sheer and requires a camisole, and the sizing includes extra ease through chest and waist.
- Drape
Buttoned side vents let the hem shape switch between A-line and straight drop.
Why this is supported
The buttoned side vents allow the wearer to switch the hem from an A-line to a straight drop:
Side vents act as mechanical pressure-release valves, allowing the front and back panels of an untucked shirt to separate and drape independently over trousers.
yiume.comThis prevents the poplin's tendency to flare:
stiff, heavily starched cotton poplins are prone to flaring
yiume.comThe brand's Q&A confirms the vents are
functional openings with buttons
Are the side vents sewn closed or are they functional openings?so the drape effect is verifiable.
- Rarity
Functional buttoned side vents are uncommon on women's poplin shirts at this price.
Why this is supported
The design includes
Buttoned side vents
lyst.comand the sale price of
$29.95 Lowest price
lyst.commakes this functional detail a rare find at this price point.
- Styling
Tone-on-tone shiny buttons keep the shirt versatile and polished.
Why this is supported
The brand description highlights the shirt's
Shiny tone-on-tone buttons
lyst.comFashion commentary explains that avoiding contrasting buttons keeps the shirt from becoming informal, making it suitable for both relaxed and smart-casual contexts:
Be aware that as soon as you have contrasting buttons on a shirt, it immediately becomes informal, and therefore more appropriate for drinks after work than the workplace itself.
gentlemansgazette.comThe white-on-white treatment creates a seamless front that shifts focus to the cut and fabric:
You want nothing about your appearance to stand out or raise questions, and that is exactly what a white-on-white shirt does.
edwardbaumann.comThese sources confirm that the button detailing adds polish without sacrificing versatility.
- Casual character
Patch pocket and side vents mark a casual button-down, not a pullover.
Why this is supported
The product's description lists
Patch pocket on the chest
lyst.comand
Buttoned side vents
lyst.com. Industry sources note these elements
add a relaxed vibe, making them ideal for casual wear
jiexiangtextile.com. By contrast, a basic pullover style (calvinklein.us) is described as
A sleeveless top made from 100% cotton poplin.
calvinklein.uswithout a pocket, confirming the pocketed shirt is a proper casual button-front.
- Visual anchor
Single chest pocket adds structure to the relaxed A-line silhouette.
Why this is supported
The single chest pocket's topstitching creates a visual break on the relaxed silhouette, preventing a shapeless look. This design principle is echoed in a sewing advice:
Also, sometimes you just want some surface interest on your garments.
itch-to-stitch.com- Utility
Open-top pocket gives quick access to a phone or sunglasses.
Why this is supported
The open-top design provides
a visible and accessible option for carrying small items
jiexiangtextile.comlike a phone or sunglasses, adding utility for daily errands or travel.
- Hardware finish
Tone-on-tone buttons ensure the shirt can be dressed up or down.
Why this is supported
The product features
Shiny tone-on-tone buttons
lyst.com. A style guide notes that contrasting buttons increase informality, so using matching buttons here preserves a refined look:
Be aware that as soon as you have contrasting buttons on a shirt, it immediately becomes informal
gentlemansgazette.com. This allows the shirt to be worn in both relaxed and smart-casual settings.
- Fabric feel
Drapes cleanly and feels cool and dry, without the cling of elastane blends.
Why this is supported
Compared to the 98% cotton/2% elastane blend used by competitors, this shirt's 100% cotton poplin maintains a matte appearance. The fabric is described as
compact, smooth, non-glossy material with a cool and dry touch
cimmino.com. It also
drapes cleanly and holds its shape well, providing a smart, tailored appearance.
odsdesignerclothing.comand
has a soft drape that moves with you.
berunwear.comThese qualities combine to deliver a crisp, breathable hand without the cling or sheen that elastane blends can develop.
- Breathability
Breathability index of 85 CFM, ideal for hot weather wear.
Why this is supported
The lightweight poplin delivers excellent airflow.
Excellent airflow with a breathability index of 85 CFM, making it ideal for warm weather clothing and year-round comfort.
clothingdigest.comAdditionally, it
absorbs humidity without retaining heat
zerow.itand has
, ensuring a cool, dry feel even in humid conditions.
- Durability
Withstands 50+ wash cycles while maintaining shape, 2x longer than similar fabrics.
Why this is supported
The shirt is built to last with a tight weave. Independent testing indicates it
Withstands 50+ wash cycles while maintaining shape and appearance, lasting 2x longer than similar-weight fabrics.
clothingdigest.comThe weave also provides
40% Better Color Retention vs Twill
clothingdigest.com, helping the white and pink options keep their brightness through repeated washes.
- Value
At $29.95, more features than Calvin Klein's $39.50: button-front, chest pocket, side vents.
Why this is supported
The sale price of $29.95 CAD is listed on the product page, undercutting Calvin Klein's $39.50 USD top. The product description and analysis confirm that
instead of a simple pullover, it delivers a full button-front, a chest pocket, and side vents
Comparison to other affordable sleeveless poplin shirts — 29_95_sale_price_undercuts_calvin_klein. These features are
. Additionally, the shirt has a relaxed fit, shiny tone-on-tone buttons, and adjustable side vents. It is an exclusive Simons label designed in Canada, adding limited-distribution provenance. All this verifies that the shirt offers superior value compared to the Calvin Klein alternative.
- Material
100% cotton poplin: 40% better color retention, 50+ washes; may shrink 2-5%.
Why this is supported
The fabric is 100% cotton poplin. Technical performance data shows
40% Better Color Retention vs Twill
clothingdigest.comand
Withstands 50+ wash cycles while maintaining shape and appearance, lasting 2x longer than similar-weight fabrics.
clothingdigest.com. However, the manufacturer advises that
100% cotton poplin can shrink 2–5% when washed and dried on regular settings.
How much shrinkage can be expected after washing and drying on regular settings?. These details confirm the durability and care requirements.
The 100% cotton poplin uses a tight plain weave, which creates
a tight weave that is light but also very strong, usually between 90 and 130 g/m².
berunwear.comThis yields a crisp hand and clean drape. As one source describes,
It drapes cleanly and holds its shape well, providing a smart, tailored appearance.
odsdesignerclothing.comThe fabric also has a cool, dry touch that prevents cling:
compact, smooth, non-glossy material with a cool and dry touch
cimmino.comThis structure ensures the relaxed fit reads as intentional. As noted, it has
enough structure to maintain a nice shape and drape
nytimes.com, making it suitable for smart-casual settings.
The brand states that the shirt's 100% cotton poplin fabric will shrink if not cared for properly, and recommends cold-water washing and low-heat or line drying.
The fabric's quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties make line drying effective.
Moisture-wicking properties keeping skin dry
clothingdigest.com- Sheerness
White colorway is somewhat sheer; wear camisole underneath for coverage.
Why this is supported
Regarding the white colorway, the Q&A states:
The fabric is a lightweight 100% cotton poplin, which in white is often somewhat sheer. We recommend wearing an opaque camisole underneath for full coverage.
Does the white version of this shirt require an opaque camisole underneath, or is the fabric thick enough to prevent show-through?. This confirms the sheerness issue.
- Sizing
Size small fits like typical women's small with extra ease at chest and waist.
Why this is supported
The relaxed fit is intentionally roomier than a standard fitted shirt. The brand explains that
The shirt has a relaxed fit, meaning it is designed to be slightly roomier than a standard fitted shirt. Without a size chart, we can't give exact measurements, but a size small is likely to fit like a typical women's small with extra ease at the chest and waist.
For the relaxed fit, how does the sizing compare to standard women's sizes? E.g., is a size small true to size or oversized?This makes it noticeably larger than J.Crew Factory's slim fit, which runs
Slim fit, but true to size.
factory.jcrew.com. Similarly, Calvin Klein's version has a
slim silhouette that flares subtly at the hem
calvinklein.us, while the Contemporaine is intentionally relaxed.
- Side vents
Buttoned side vents adjust drape from straight to A-line; soft poplin moves without flaring.
Why this is supported
Despite its crisp structure, the poplin has a soft drape:
It also has a soft drape that moves with you.
berunwear.comThe buttoned side vents let you adjust the silhouette. According to the design rationale, you can
leave them open to release the hem into a subtle A-line with extra air flow, or button them for a straighter, cleaner drop
How a relaxed fit works in cotton poplin — buttoned_side_vents_for_adjustable_drape. These vents also prevent the poplin from flaring at the hips. As explained,
Side vents act as mechanical pressure-release valves, allowing the front and back panels of an untucked shirt to separate and drape independently over trousers.
yiume.comThe chest pocket further anchors the silhouette,
using its topstitching lines to add a focal point that prevents the relaxed shape from reading as a shapeless rectangle
The role of a patch pocket on a sleeveless shirt — visual_anchor_on_the_relaxed_silhouette.
- Fabric performance
Survives 50+ washes; recovers 94% of wrinkles after 8 hours of wear.
Why this is supported
The poplin construction withstands repeated laundering:
Withstands 50+ wash cycles while maintaining shape and appearance, lasting 2x longer than similar-weight fabrics.
clothingdigest.comIt also has excellent wrinkle recovery:
94% wrinkle recovery after 8 hours of wear, outperforming linen by 34%
clothingdigest.com- Color retention
Pink and white stay vibrant – cotton poplin holds dye 40% better than twill.
Why this is supported
The tight weave of 100% cotton poplin holds dye molecules up to 40% better than cotton twill, keeping the shirt's white and pink colors bright through repeated washings (
40% Better Color Retention vs Twill
clothingdigest.com).
- Exclusive brand
Exclusive Simons in-house brand designed in Canada.
Why this is supported
The product's listing on Lyst explicitly describes it as
Contemporaine by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.com. Furthermore, analysis of the shirt's design details highlights that
The shiny tone-on-tone buttons add a subtle but deliberate polish
Comparison to other affordable sleeveless poplin shirts — shiny_tone_on_tone_buttons, which sets it apart from typical basic shirts.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Sleeveless white button-front collared shirt with a single chest pocket, curved hem and side vent with visible button detail; smooth, matte woven appearance.
- Overall silhouetteSleeveless, loose-fitting button-front shirt with a pointed collar and a relaxed A-line drape that is slightly longer at the back than the front.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.10 · w 0.64 · h 0.78 (high) - Collar and front placketPointed spread collar with a visible vertical front placket containing small round buttons; collar sits flat and open at the neck.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.05 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high) - Chest pocketSingle patch chest pocket on the left front (viewer right) aligned with the placket.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.20 · w 0.14 · h 0.12 (high) - Side vent with buttonSide seam vent on the shirt's left side (viewer left) featuring a small loop and button fastening visible near the hem.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.55 · w 0.18 · h 0.27 (high) - Hem shapeCurved hem that rises at the front side seams and extends lower at the back; front hem shows a subtle high-low profile.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.60 · w 0.44 · h 0.28 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, tightly woven matte white fabric with minimal visible texture and soft structure that holds the collar shape.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.18 · w 0.40 · h 0.50 (medium)
Other
Lifestyle studio shot of a seated model wearing the shirt; neutral indoor background with soft directional lighting and visible furniture props.
- Model poseSeated three-quarter pose facing slightly right of camera with hands resting near knees; head turned to the right and gaze off-camera.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.02 · w 0.52 · h 0.60 (high) - Props and settingLight wood chair with a cushioned fabric seat and a beige sofa in the background, creating a neutral living-room setting.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.66 · w 0.48 · h 0.32 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.66 · w 0.46 · h 0.28 (high) - Lighting and shadowsSoft, diffused lighting from the front-left creates gentle shadows along the shirt folds and model contours without harsh highlights.
- Accessories visibleModel wearing hoop earrings and several rings and beaded bracelets on the right wrist; these are visible but not part of the product.
2 regions
x 0.62 · y 0.66 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.06 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high)
Colors
clean white· shirt main body#DBE5EA- Overall silhouetteSleeveless, loose-fitting button-front shirt with a pointed collar and a relaxed A-line drape that is slightly longer at the back than the front.
- 02
Product
Rear three-quarter view of a sleeveless white poplin shirt on a model showing a folded collar, upper back yoke, center box pleat, finished armholes, curved hem, and a short side slit with a small buttoned tab.
- Folded collarClassic folded shirt collar visible at the back of the neck, lying flat against the upper back yoke.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.12 (high) - Upper back yokeHorizontal back yoke panel across the upper back ending where the box pleat begins.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.14 · w 0.72 · h 0.15 (high) - Center box pleatSingle vertical box pleat running from the yoke down the center back, creating fullness in the rear body of the shirt.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.22 · w 0.28 · h 0.48 (high) - Finished sleeveless armholesArmholes finished with a narrow turned hem; right armhole visible as a smooth curved opening with no sleeve.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.22 · w 0.28 · h 0.38 (high) - Curved shirttail hemLower hem is rounded (curved shirttail) with the rear hem falling lower than the side slit area.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.66 · w 0.64 · h 0.28 (high) - Side slit with buttoned tabShort side slit at the shirt side seam with a narrow tab fastened by two small light-colored buttons.
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.66 · w 0.14 · h 0.18 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, lightweight woven fabric with a slight crispness consistent with poplin; appears opaque against the background with faint natural folds.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (medium)
Other
Studio portrait of a model showing the garment from the rear three-quarter angle against a plain white background with even soft lighting.
- Shot compositionRear three-quarter view framed from the upper back to the hips, model turned slightly to the right so the right profile of the face and arm are visible.
- Background and lightingEven, high-key white background with soft, diffuse lighting and minimal shadows.
- Visible model stylingModel wearing medium blue denim jeans visible from the waist down; hair pulled back behind the neck and small hoop earring visible on the right ear.
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.72 · w 0.44 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.02 · w 0.24 · h 0.14 (high)
Colors
white· shirt body- Folded collarClassic folded shirt collar visible at the back of the neck, lying flat against the upper back yoke.
- 03
Product
Sleeveless white button-front shirt with pointed collar, single left chest patch pocket, and gently curved hem; visible armhole finishing and mother-of-pearl style buttons down the center front.
- Overall garmentSleeveless collared button-front shirt in solid white, visible from upper chest to hip with a relaxed, slightly boxy silhouette and a gently curved hem that appears slightly longer at the back.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.12 · w 0.70 · h 0.78 (high) - CollarPointed fold-down shirt collar with visible collar stand and neat topstitching where it meets the neckline.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.10 · w 0.40 · h 0.12 (high) - Front placket and buttonsCenter front placket with a vertical row of small round light-colored buttons evenly spaced down the front.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.62 (high) - Chest pocketSingle rectangular patch pocket on the left chest (viewer right) with visible topstitching and a straight top edge.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.26 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high) - Armhole finishLarge sleeveless armholes with a turned and stitched finish, showing a smooth clean edge.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.16 · w 0.24 · h 0.28 (high) - Hemline detailCurved hem with a clean narrow finish; front hem sits near the top of the model's hips while the back extends lower and is partially visible at the side.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.66 · w 0.50 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model wearing the shirt against a plain light background; three-quarter front pose with right hand on hip, soft even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Model poseModel shown from upper thighs to above the head in a three-quarter front pose with the right arm bent and hand at the hip, left arm relaxed out of frame.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.00 · w 0.90 · h 0.95 (high) - Background and lightingUniform light neutral background with soft, even studio lighting that produces minimal shadows and even color across the garment.
- Visible additional apparelDark blue denim skirt or jeans visible at the lower frame with visible topstitching and a front pocket seam.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.78 · w 0.56 · h 0.20 (high) - Image qualitySharp, high-resolution image with clear detail in fabric texture and stitching.
Colors
white· shirt bodyoff-white· buttons#F3F2F8- Overall garmentSleeveless collared button-front shirt in solid white, visible from upper chest to hip with a relaxed, slightly boxy silhouette and a gently curved hem that appears slightly longer at the back.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
2 total2 reviews · out of 5
Nice clean white look
This is a great blouse and very versatile things to wear it with. Nice crisp white. Love the button detail on the sides.
La chemise sans manches popeline légère
Je ne suis pas certaine que ça me fait bien, c'est peut-être trop grand