How does the sizing run compared to other Contemporaine fitted shirts? Should I size up or down?

This Fitted Stretch Shirt runs true to size, consistent with other Contemporaine fitted styles. The stretch poplin fabric offers a little give, so if you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit through the fitted waist and Basque hem.

Is the white color opaque enough to be worn without a camisole?

The white cotton-blend stretch poplin is tightly woven so it is generally opaque enough to wear without a camisole, though very bright light or a snug fit may cause slight show-through. If you prefer extra coverage, a nude seamless camisole is a safe choice.

What are the recommended care instructions? Can it be machine washed and tumble dried?

This shirt is made from a stretch poplin in an organic cotton blend. We recommend machine washing cold with like colors and tumble drying on low or hanging to dry to preserve the fabric and fit.

Is the shirt designed to be tucked in, or can it be worn untucked without looking bulky?

This shirt is designed to be tucked in — the fitted waist with flat pleats and flared Basque-effect hem are meant to be shown off when tucked into trousers or a skirt. It can be worn untucked, but the longer hem and flared shape may look slightly bulky depending on your build and bottoms.

Contemporaine

Fitted Stretch Shirt

CA$125.00CAD

In Stock

This fitted stretch shirt is a long-sleeve button-up blouse crafted from stretch poplin in an organic cotton blend. It features a pointed collar, full-length pearly buttoning, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, a fitted waist with flat pleats, and a flared Basque-effect hem. Designed in Canada under the Contemporaine by Simons label, it is suitable for formal or office wear where a tailored, waist-defined silhouette is desired.

Material: Organic cotton blend with stretch poplin
Gender: female
Style: slim-fit, tailored, classic, romantic
Category: Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops

Color

BlackWhite

Size

X-SMALLSMALLMEDIUMLARGEX-LARGE

View on merchant site JSON

Specifications

Fitted stretch shirt with flared Basque hem and pearly buttoning, made from organic cotton poplin.

Stretch poplin fabric, fitted waist with flat pleats, flared Basque-effect hem, pearly buttoning, buttoned cuffs.

Material: Organic cotton blend with stretch poplin
Secondary: elastane
Style: slim-fit, tailored, classic, romantic
Occasion: work, business-casual
Gender: female
Age Group: adult
Condition: new
Category: Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops

Additional Attributes

stretch poplin fabric
organic cotton blend
fitted waist with flat pleats
flared Basque-effect hem
full-length pearly buttoning
long sleeves with buttoned cuffs
fitted silhouette

Product Insights

The Fitted Stretch Shirt by Contemporaine is a career wardrobe staple that delivers an elongated hourglass silhouette through a Basque hem and flat pleats, designed to be tucked in smoothly without riding up. Its stretch poplin fabric—a breathable organic cotton-nylon-elastane blend—recovers shape, resists wrinkles, and accommodates movement, though white may show through in bright light and untucked wear can appear bulky. At $125 CAD, it offers dressmaker details comparable to blouses over $150, with exclusive in-house Canadian design as an alternative to Zara and COS. True-to-fit sizing from X-SMALL to X-LARGE; size up if between sizes.

Verified claims

Sizing: Size options: X-SMALL to X-LARGE; true to fit; size up if between sizes.
Tucking: Basque hem lies smooth when tucked; untucked may appear bulky.
Opacity: White may show through in bright light; size up for opaque coverage.
Flat pleats: Flat pleats prevent pulling; stretch poplin keeps pleats crisp.
Basque hem: Basque hem prevents riding up when tucked and its flare elongates the torso.
Stretch poplin: Stretch poplin bends with movement, recovers shape, and flexes for sizing.
Value: Dressmaker fit details at $125 CAD; comparable blouses cost over $150.
Material performance: Organic cotton-nylon-elastane poplin holds shape, resists wrinkles, and feels crisp.
Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low to preserve fit.
Design provenance: Contemporaine is a Simons in-house label for career women, designed by 50 designers and comparable to Zara and COS.
Fit and design: Fitted waist with flat pleats and Basque hem is designed to be tucked in, creating an elongated hourglass silhouette.
Design exclusivity: Exclusive in-house Canadian design makes it a distinctive alternative to Zara and COS.
Tuck performance: Basque hem and flat pleats keep the shirt smoothly tucked in high-waisted trousers.
Untucked styling: Worn untucked, the hem and flare may look bulky depending on build and bottoms.
Layering design: Camisole layers smoothly under the fitted waist; design prevents bunching.
Shape retention: Elastane recovers stretch, preventing baggy elbows and keeping pleats crisp.
Wrinkle resistance: Stretch poplin reduces creasing from sitting, requiring less ironing.
Breathability: Breathable cotton wicks moisture, reducing odor and allowing multiple wears.
Button accent: Full-length tone-on-tone pearly buttons create a lengthening vertical line and are a deliberate in-house design choice for a modern classic look.

Product record

Title: Fitted Stretch Shirt
Brand: Contemporaine
Price: 125 CAD
Availability: In stock

Deep Research

Contemporaine's design approach as a Simons house brand

Simons' in-house design studio employs 50 designers who attend international fashion shows and draw from European sensibilities, so a Contemporaine piece isn't a generic private-label item but rather a product of a dedicated creative team with a distinct point of view.
Contemporaine is built around a fashion-forward, tailored cut that emphasizes a narrow fit through the waist and a structured shape — the fitted waist with flat pleats and flared hem on this shirt are hallmarks of a brand that consistently delivers a sleek, office-appropriate silhouette.
As the modern, classic label within Simons' trio of in-house women's lines, Contemporaine is designed specifically for the career woman — distinct from the fashion-forward Icône and the youthful Twik — which puts this shirt squarely into a polished, desk-to-dinner aesthetic rather than trend-chasing territory.
Shoppers regularly position Contemporaine alongside Zara and COS in terms of fit and minimalist aesthetic, but with the advantage of being designed in Canada by a heritage retailer — making this shirt a more unique alternative to fast-fashion blouses from those international chains.
Because Contemporaine is an exclusive Simons house brand rather than a licensed label, the design details like the Basque-effect hem and full-length pearly buttoning are proprietary creative decisions from the in-house team, not mass-market add-ons — the shirt carries a design authorship that's uncommon at this price point.

How the flat pleats and basque hem shape the fit

The full-length row of pearly buttons runs directly over the front placket, drawing the eye down to the narrowest point of the waist; paired with the Basqued hem’s gentle expansion below, this creates an elongating effect that accentuates the hourglass silhouette.
The flared Basque-effect hem extends past the natural waist to the upper hip, where its subtle A-line release lies smoothly over the hipbone when tucked into high-waisted trousers; this prevents the hem from riding up or billowing at the sides, a common frustration with straight-cut shirttail hems that need constant readjustment.
The organic cotton blend poplin has enough stretch to let the fitted waist recover its shape after sitting or bending, while its crisp hand holds the flat pleats' pressed edges—so the shirt stays polished through a workday without the creases that pull horizontally across the placket in non-stretch fitted shirts.
Unlike darts, which use tapered stitched seams to remove fabric, flat pleats fold and press excess cloth into the waistline, allowing the shirt to maintain a sleek line while distributing ease through the ribcage and upper back—preventing the pulled, stressed look that can occur in darted shirts when you reach forward or sit.

How the stretch organic cotton poplin wears

Organic cotton poplin with elastane retains the tight plain-weave smoothness and fine horizontal rib that define poplin's dressy hand, but the added elastane relieves the stiffness so the fabric can trace the body's curves without pulling at the flat pleats or the Basque hem.
The cotton fibers provide strength and the elastane filaments deliver snap-back recovery, so the shirt holds its tailored contours over repeated wears rather than developing baggy elbows or a stretched-out waist.
Cotton's natural breathability and the poplin weave's airflow keep the shirt cool, while the cotton fibers actively pull sweat to the surface to evaporate, so even in a warm conference room the fabric stays dry against the skin rather than becoming clingy.

How it compares to other fitted stretch shirts

Athleta’s Midday Relaxed Poplin Shirt (CA$125) uses a polyester-recycled polyester blend with UPF 40+ and moisture-wicking for travel and commuting, while Contemporaine’s Fitted Stretch Shirt opts for a stretch organic cotton poplin and a fitted Basque-hem silhouette — so the same price buys either a high-utility athletic piece or a naturally breathable, shape-accentuating office blouse.
The pearly buttons have a glossy finish and are dyed to match the shirt fabric, so they melt into the front instead of creating high‑contrast dots — a polished, minimal look that reads as more considered than standard mismatched buttons and helps the shirt move from boardroom to bar without the stuffiness of a full‑contrast poplin.
Contemporaine is an in‑house women’s line developed for Canadian retailer Simons, bypassing the licensing fees that independent brands build into their retail price — allowing the $125 CAD to absorb dressmaker details like a Basque‑effect hem and flat pleats that would typically push a comparable third‑party label past $150.

Image Analysis

3 images

01: Product
Front three-quarter view of a fitted long-sleeve black button shirt with a pointed collar, visible waist shaping via vertical darts/pleats, and a smooth woven finish.
CollarPointed shirt collar that lies flat against the neckline and tapers to a narrow point at each side.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.06 · w 0.34 · h 0.10 (high)
Button placketCentral front button placket with visible small round black buttons spaced down the front; placket is stitched and lies flat.
1 region
x 0.51 · y 0.18 · w 0.17 · h 0.61 (high)
Waist shapingVertical stitched darts or seams at the waist creating inward shaping and multiple stitched pleats below the waistline that flare slightly toward the hem.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.35 · w 0.36 · h 0.34 (high)
Sleeve styleLong set-in sleeves with a smooth upper arm and slight gathers or folds toward the elbow and cuff; left sleeve extends down to a wide cuff area.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.24 · w 0.30 · h 0.46 (high)
Fabric appearanceSmooth woven fabric with a low sheen and minimal visible texture consistent across the shirt surface.
1 region
x 0.13 · y 0.17 · w 0.73 · h 0.61 (medium)
HemlineStraight hem at the hips that falls over trousers with slight volume from the pleats.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.69 · w 0.55 · h 0.17 (high)
Buttons detailVisible round buttons appear to be the same dark color as the shirt and are sewn through the placket.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.24 · w 0.08 · h 0.48 (high)
Other
Studio portrait of a model wearing the shirt against a plain light gray background with soft, even lighting; model poses three-quarter right with hand in trouser pocket.
Shot compositionThree-quarter portrait framing from mid-thigh to above the head, model turned slightly to the right so the shirt's left sleeve is more visible.
Background and lightingEven, neutral light gray background with soft studio lighting producing gentle highlights and minimal shadows on the garment.
Model presenceFemale model visible from head to mid-thigh wearing the shirt and dark trousers; left hand placed in trouser pocket.
1 region
x 0.26 · y 0.66 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high)
JewelrySmall gold hoop earring visible on the model's left ear.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.04 · w 0.06 · h 0.10 (high)
Colors
matte black· shirt body#0E0E0E
02: Product
Front view closeup of a black long-sleeve button-up fitted shirt showing collar, front button placket, shaped waist with vertical seams/pleats, and single-button cuffs.
Overall silhouetteBlack long-sleeve shirt shown from chest to upper hips with a fitted, shaped waist that flares slightly below the waist due to vertical seams or pleats.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.18 · w 0.84 · h 0.72 (high)
Collar and necklineClassic pointed shirt collar with top button area visible; collar lies flat against the neck.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.03 · w 0.36 · h 0.12 (high)
Button placketCenter front button placket with a single column of round black buttons spaced down the front; stitching around buttonholes visible.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.12 · w 0.24 · h 0.70 (high)
Waist shapingVertical shaped seams or stitched pleats at the waist running from the bust to the lower torso, creating a cinched waist effect.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.40 · w 0.52 · h 0.36 (high)
Left sleeve detailLeft sleeve relaxed and slightly gathered at the elbow with visible sleeve seam lines.
1 region
x 0.01 · y 0.28 · w 0.40 · h 0.50 (high)
Right sleeve and cuffRight sleeve with visible cuff fastened by two small black buttons; cuff sits at the wrist and is squared-off.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.14 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high)
Fabric appearanceFabric appears smooth with a matte to low-sheen finish and fine, tight weave; minor crease lines visible where garment is fitted.
Visible accessories on modelModel is wearing small gold hoop earrings and a gold ring on the hand near the face; these are separate from the product.
2 regions
x 0.58 · y 0.02 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.38 · y 0.08 · w 0.14 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio shot showing a partial model from chin to hips against a neutral light grey background with soft even lighting; slight shadowing under the arm and around folds.
Shot compositionCropped studio portrait showing model from just below the nose to upper thighs, centered horizontally with slight left lean.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high)
BackgroundEven, neutral light grey backdrop with no visible texture or props.
Lighting and shadowsSoft diffuse lighting producing gentle shadows under the arm and slight highlights on the fabric folds.
Model partial faceLower face and chin of the model visible; mouth closed and neutral expression.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.00 · w 0.40 · h 0.12 (high)
Colors
black· main body#0D0E0E
03: Product
Rear three-quarter view of a black long-sleeve fitted shirt on a model; visible details include a center-back seam, waist shaping with darts or pleats, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, and a standard shirt collar.
Overall silhouetteBack and slight left-side profile of a fitted long-sleeve shirt showing a tailored waist and slightly flared hem below the waistline.
1 region
x 0.19 · y 0.12 · w 0.62 · h 0.72 (high)
Center-back seamVisible vertical center-back seam running from the collar area down toward the hem, aligning with the waist shaping.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.14 · w 0.16 · h 0.50 (high)
Waist shapingTwo tapered waist darts or stitched pleats on each side of the center back that create a cinched waist appearance.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.46 · w 0.16 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.46 · w 0.16 · h 0.20 (high)
Sleeve constructionLong set-in sleeves with slight fullness at the upper arm tapering to fitted cuffs.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.29 · w 0.28 · h 0.55 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.29 · w 0.26 · h 0.55 (high)
Cuff detailsSingle-buttoned cuffs visible on both sleeves with a vertical placket; two small round buttons visible on each cuff assembly.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.75 · w 0.10 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.84 · y 0.75 · w 0.10 · h 0.18 (high)
Collar and neckStandard shirt collar seen from the rear, with a short collar stand and the collar lying flat against the neck.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.06 · w 0.32 · h 0.14 (high)
Fabric appearanceSmooth woven fabric with a matte to slight satin sheen and minimal visible texture.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.18 · w 0.56 · h 0.60 (medium)
Hem shapeHemline curves slightly downward at center back and is straight across the visible back panel.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.63 · w 0.44 · h 0.20 (high)
Occlusion by hairModel's long dark hair partially covers the upper right back area of the shirt, obscuring some collar and shoulder detail.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.02 · w 0.44 · h 0.36 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model from the rear three-quarter left against a plain light gray background; soft even lighting with minimal shadows.
Shot compositionModel positioned centered vertically and slightly left of center horizontally, showing rear three-quarter pose with head turned left.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.00 · w 0.76 · h 1.00 (high)
BackgroundEven light gray neutral background with no visible props or patterns.
Lighting and shadowsSoft, diffused lighting producing mild shadowing under the hem and at sleeve folds; no harsh highlights.
Visible model accessoriesModel wears a small hoop earring in the visible left ear and rings on the left hand resting near the hem.
2 regions
x 0.27 · y 0.02 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.06 · y 0.82 · w 0.12 · h 0.14 (high)
Colors
deep black· main body#0E0E0E

Documents & Data

Q&A

4 answered

How does the sizing run compared to other Contemporaine fitted shirts? Should I size up or down?: This Fitted Stretch Shirt runs true to size, consistent with other Contemporaine fitted styles. The stretch poplin fabric offers a little give, so if you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit through the fitted waist and Basque hem.
Is the white color opaque enough to be worn without a camisole?: The white cotton-blend stretch poplin is tightly woven so it is generally opaque enough to wear without a camisole, though very bright light or a snug fit may cause slight show-through. If you prefer extra coverage, a nude seamless camisole is a safe choice.
What are the recommended care instructions? Can it be machine washed and tumble dried?: This shirt is made from a stretch poplin in an organic cotton blend. We recommend machine washing cold with like colors and tumble drying on low or hanging to dry to preserve the fabric and fit.
Is the shirt designed to be tucked in, or can it be worn untucked without looking bulky?: This shirt is designed to be tucked in — the fitted waist with flat pleats and flared Basque-effect hem are meant to be shown off when tucked into trousers or a skirt. It can be worn untucked, but the longer hem and flared shape may look slightly bulky depending on your build and bottoms.

Provenance

Merchant Link: https://www.simons.ca/en/women-clothing/blouses-shirts/long-sleeves/fitted-stretch-shirt--13964-230240?colourId=0
Updated: July 31, 2026