Contemporaine
Xl Pockets Pure Linen Short Fit: Wide Leg, High Rise
These high-rise wide-leg shorts from Contemporaine by Simons are made from thick, durable washed European linen (Masters of FLAX FIBRE™ certified). They feature a zip fly with gathered elastic waistband, belt loops, large front patch pockets, back patch pockets, and small side vents. For a size 4, front rise measures 12 inches and inseam length is 5.25 inches.
Color
Size
Specifications
- Material
- 100% Masters of FLAX FIBRE™ linen
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
Product Insights
These heavy-weight linen shorts balance architectural drape and breathability with a hybrid waistband that combines a zip fly and elastic back to prevent blouson and allow movement, but heavy front pockets cause sagging and distort the wide-leg silhouette; they offer a higher rise and longer inseam than Quince, along with four large patch pockets, a fully opaque white lining-free construction, and certified European flax that softens with age.
- Hybrid waistband
Zip fly + elastic back prevents blouson and anchors front, while stretching for movement
Why this is supported
This waistband combines a zip fly with belt loops and a gathered elastic back. The zip fly's fixed closure
eliminates the bulk and blouson buckling common with full-elastic high waists
How the elastic waist with zip fly changes the fit — high_rise_flat_front_prevents_blouson_effectkeeping the front flat for tucking. Additionally, the zip fly anchors the waistband at center front, preventing the migration and rolling often seen in fully elastic pull-on shorts. The gathered elastic back stretches for easy on-off and movement. Together, this hybrid construction
provides a polished front that tucks cleanly and accepts a belt, while the elastic back ensures forgiving comfort and fit through mild weight changes
How these shorts compare to other linen options — zip_fly_gathered_elastic_waistband, a combination absent from full-elastic competitors like Quince.
- Opacity
White shorts are fully opaque without a lining.
Why this is supported
The thick washed linen weave of these shorts provides full opacity, eliminating the need for a lining in the white colorway. One source describes the fabric as
More stable, less sheer, stronger structure
canvasetc.com, confirming that the material is sufficiently dense to avoid sheerness.
- Drape
The heavy weave holds the wide-leg cut in architectural folds that remain after washing.
Why this is supported
The brand describes this as a
Thick and durable washed linen weave
stylight.ca, crafted from
Masters of FLAX FIBRE linen (certified European linen)
stylight.ca. The long-fiber certification supports a heavyweight structure that contrasts with lightweight competitors such as Quince’s 160 gsm linen shorts. Research notes that this weight
will create larger, more architectural folds with a greater sense of presence. The sheer mass of the fabric pulls it downwards, creating a more structured hang.
terralinen.comThe mill wash softens the heavy linen, resulting in a drape that is
substantial yet fluid
terralinen.com. The pre-washed fabric—already through its first shrinkage—ensures the wide-leg shape and 12-inch rise remain after laundering. Air-drying preserves the fabric’s characteristic sheen and crisp drape, as tumble-drying makes it fluffier at the expense of structure. About the wrinkles:
The wrinkles that come are not flaws. They are the fabric telling you it has been somewhere.
monksofmethod.comHowever, filling the large front patch pockets with heavy items can distort the clean silhouette, as the fabric may stretch or sag under the weight.
- Breathability
Heavy-weight linen remains breathable and quick-drying in summer heat.
Why this is supported
Research confirms that linen’s hollow-core fibers enable airflow even in heavy weaves:
In peak summer it does what no other fabric can. Breathes. Dries fast. Stays cool against the skin even when the air refuses to.
monksofmethod.com- Care
Cold wash, skip softener, air-dry; linen softens with age; avoid heavy pocket loads.
Why this is supported
For best results, wash the shorts on a gentle cold cycle and skip fabric softener—it coats the fibers and stiffens linen over time.
Wash linen in cold water (30°C / 86°F or below) on a gentle cycle
livostyle.comAfter washing, spin gently and hang damp to let the fabric weight smooth creases:
Spin gently (maximum 800 rpm), then hang up whilst still damp. The weight of the wet fabric smooths out creases better than any iron.
linen.euThe linen itself becomes softer and stronger with each wash;
Linen is one of the most durable natural fibers we work with — it actually gets softer and stronger with each wash
livostyle.comThe shorts are also pre-washed, so they won't shrink further. To avoid stretching the large patch pockets, keep heavy items like phones and keys out of them.
- Certification
100% Masters of FLAX FIBRE™ linen guarantees European origin, field retting, and Bureau Veritas chain-of-custody.
Why this is supported
The Masters of FLAX FIBRE™ certification restricts flax sourcing to specific European regions:
A renewable fibre grown in Europe: in France (in the three main Flax-growing regions: Normandy, Hauts-de-France and Ile-de-France), Belgium and the Netherlands
allianceflaxlinenhemp.eu. It also mandates field retting without irrigation:
Field retting, without irrigation. Field retting occurs naturally through the impact of rain, dew, wind and sun. Water retting is prohibited.
allianceflaxlinenhemp.eu. All supply chain participants undergo annual Bureau Veritas audits to maintain chain-of-custody traceability from field to garment:
The Masters of FLAX FIBRE™ certification guarantees a traceability that is verified by an independent third-party organization (certification body), Bureau Veritas Certification, for products containing minimum 50% of Linen and only Linen of certified European origin.
allianceflaxlinenhemp.euThe chain-of-custody principle ensures each link is certified:
Masters of FLAX FIBRE™ guarantees the traceability of Linen products based on the Chain-of-Custody principle. This principle means that each link in the value chain of a product that is the owner of the certified material, is to be certified, up to the last business-to-business transaction.
allianceflaxlinenhemp.euThese long, strong fibers produce a dense, durable weave that resists pilling and maintains shape. At a similar price point, many competitors use uncertified European linen, making this certification a clear differentiator.
The shorts are made from certified European linen that guarantees fiber quality:
The certification also mandates field retting, which avoids water retting that can damage fibers:
This contributes to the linen's long-term softness and durability.
Contemporaine's linen is
Masters of FLAX FIBRE linen (certified European linen)
stylight.caand is described as
Thick and durable washed linen weave
stylight.ca. Quince's linen is
it’s 160 gsm
fairlycurated.com. Moreover, the fabric is pre-washed:
Our garments are pre-washed for a relaxed and laundered appearance.
poetryfashion.com.
- Pocket load
Heavy items in front pockets cause sagging and distort the wide-leg silhouette.
Why this is supported
The brand explains that
Like all patch pockets, these large front pockets sit on the surface of the linen, so filling them with heavy items like a phone or keys can cause the fabric to stretch or sag and distort the garment's silhouette
How do the front patch pockets lie when filled with items like a phone or keys? Do they distort the drape?and recommends
We recommend keeping contents light to maintain the clean wide-leg drape; a card or small item is ideal, while a bulky phone may create visible bulging.
How do the front patch pockets lie when filled with items like a phone or keys? Do they distort the drape?This is consistent with the fabric's behavior: the thick linen provides a structured hang when empty but can distort under heavier pocket contents.
- Fit
12-inch rise and 5.25-inch inseam exceed Quince's by 1 and 0.25 inches.
Why this is supported
The Contemporaine shorts have a front rise of
Front rise: 12 (31 cm)
stylight.ca, compared to Quince's rise of
Front rise: 11
quince.com. The inseam is
Inseam length: 5.25 (13.5 cm)
stylight.caon the Contemporaine versus Quince's
Inseam: 5
quince.com.
- Waist construction
Zip fly with back elastic and belt loops; Quince has only pull-on elastic.
Why this is supported
Contemporaine's waist construction is described as
Zip fly, belt loops Gathered elastic waistband
stylight.ca, while Quince's has
Pull on style with elastic waistband
quince.com. The elastic is concentrated in the back:
the elastic stretches only in the back, so the shorts stay securely anchored at the natural waist
How the elastic waist with zip fly changes the fit — zip_fly_anchor_prevents_migration_and_rolling.
- Pockets
Four large patch pockets replace Quince's side-seam pockets.
Why this is supported
Contemporaine features
Large patch pockets at the front Patch pockets behind
stylight.ca, while Quince offers
Functional side pockets
quince.com.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a pair of high-waisted, white linen shorts with visible front patch pockets and a top-button closure at the waist, worn by a model.
- SilhouetteHigh-rise shorts with a relaxed, straight wide-leg cut ending above mid-thigh.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.40 · w 0.32 · h 0.28 (high) - Material appearanceLightweight woven fabric with a soft matte linen texture visible in the short panels and pocket area.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.42 · w 0.32 · h 0.20 (medium) - Waistband and closureDefined waistband with a single visible top button at center front above the fly.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.43 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (high) - Front pocketsLarge rectangular patch pockets sewn onto the front of each thigh with visible topstitching.
2 regions
x 0.36 · y 0.48 · w 0.11 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.48 · w 0.11 · h 0.10 (high) - HemStraight, unornamented hem finishing above mid-thigh.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.58 · w 0.28 · h 0.05 (high)
Other
Model lifestyle shot on a plain light background wearing the shorts with a striped button shirt, black knit bucket hat and black thong sandals; soft, even studio lighting and minimal shadows.
- StylingShorts are worn by a standing model paired with a long-sleeve vertical-striped shirt left buttoned to show the waistband.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.18 · w 0.50 · h 0.45 (high) - HeadwearModel wears a black crocheted bucket hat covering the top of the head and casting slight shadow on the face.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.03 · w 0.24 · h 0.14 (high) - FootwearBlack thong-style sandals with a low flat sole are visible on the model's feet.
2 regions
x 0.40 · y 0.78 · w 0.20 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.82 · w 0.18 · h 0.13 (high) - Background and lightingEvenly lit white studio background with soft diffuse shadows under the model indicating overhead studio lighting.
- Image framingFull-body vertical crop showing the model from head to feet, centered horizontally with generous negative space on both sides.
Colors
off-white· shorts- SilhouetteHigh-rise shorts with a relaxed, straight wide-leg cut ending above mid-thigh.
- 02
Product
Front view close-up of white linen high-waist wide-leg shorts showing waistband with single button, oversized rectangular patch pockets on the front, visible front fly seam, and a folded hem with a short side slit. Linen weave texture is visible on the fabric.
- Waistband and closureStraight high waistband with a single round off-white button centered at the front and a centered fly seam beneath it.
2 regions
x 0.38 · y 0.27 · w 0.25 · h 0.09 (high); x 0.44 · y 0.29 · w 0.06 · h 0.05 (high) - Belt loopsNarrow belt loops visible on the waistband near the front.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.28 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (medium); x 0.61 · y 0.28 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (medium) - Front patch pocketsLarge rectangular patch pockets stitched onto the front of each leg with visible topstitching and angled lower corners.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.36 · w 0.36 · h 0.43 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.36 · w 0.36 · h 0.43 (high) - Hem band and side slitFolded hem band at the bottom of each short leg with a small side slit visible at the right outer seam.
2 regions
x 0.09 · y 0.79 · w 0.82 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.85 · y 0.86 · w 0.07 · h 0.06 (medium) - Linen weave textureVisible open linen weave texture across the fabric giving a slightly slubbed, natural appearance.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.40 · w 0.60 · h 0.50 (high) - Right hand in pocketModel right hand inserted into the right pocket, causing a slight pull and shaping at the pocket opening.
1 region
x 0.69 · y 0.30 · w 0.24 · h 0.38 (high)
Other
Close-up studio shot showing the lower torso and upper legs of a model wearing a striped shirt and white linen shorts against a plain light background. Even, soft lighting with minimal shadows.
- Striped shirt propLightweight long-sleeve shirt with vertical black and white narrow stripes visible tucked and draped over the waistband; sleeves rolled to forearms.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.36 (high) - Crop framingImage cropped to show from just below the chest to mid-thigh, centering the shorts and part of the model's hands.
- Lighting and backgroundSoft diffuse lighting with a plain light neutral background and minimal cast shadows.
- Visible skinModel midriff and legs are visible; skin shows natural freckles and slight redness.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.20 · w 0.34 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.10 · y 0.74 · w 0.28 · h 0.24 (high)
Colors
white· shorts body#D3CACD- Waistband and closureStraight high waistband with a single round off-white button centered at the front and a centered fly seam beneath it.
- 03
Product
Rear view of light-colored linen shorts showing elasticized waist with belt loops, two square patch back pockets, visible linen weave texture, and a turned-up wide hem.
- SilhouetteWide-leg, mid-thigh length shorts shown from the rear with a relaxed straight cut through the seat and legs.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.28 · w 0.86 · h 0.62 (high) - Fabric textureLightweight woven linen with visible slub weave and slight semi-sheer quality in the lighter areas.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.34 · w 0.70 · h 0.46 (high) - WaistbandElasticized waistband with gathered fabric and belt loops set into the top edge; elastic channel visible across the back.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.23 · w 0.64 · h 0.12 (high) - Back pocketsTwo square patch pockets placed on each buttock with single-line topstitching and slightly angled bottom corners.
2 regions
x 0.16 · y 0.36 · w 0.26 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.36 · w 0.26 · h 0.28 (high) - Hem detailWide turned-up hem band finished with a visible seam, slightly heavier fabric appearance than the body.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.78 · w 0.76 · h 0.12 (high) - TopstitchingSingle-line topstitching visible around pockets, waistband and hem in matching light thread.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.32 · w 0.70 · h 0.55 (high) - Visible wearer partialPartial view of model hands and upper thighs providing scale and fit context but not part of product.
2 regions
x 0.00 · y 0.74 · w 0.18 · h 0.25 (high); x 0.82 · y 0.74 · w 0.18 · h 0.25 (high)
Other
Rear-focused studio shot with a vertically striped shirt worn by the model and a plain light background; even soft lighting with minimal shadows.
- BackgroundSmooth, pale neutral background with no visible props or labels.
- Model shirtLong-sleeve vertically striped shirt in dark and light stripes tucked into the waistband; visible cuffs with two buttons.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.34 (high) - LightingSoft, even studio lighting producing minimal shadows and accurate color rendering of the fabric.
- Image framingCropped mid-back view centering the shorts; edges cut close to model hands and shirt sleeves.
Colors
off-white· shorts body#D4C3C4off-white· pocket patches#F2F1F6- SilhouetteWide-leg, mid-thigh length shorts shown from the rear with a relaxed straight cut through the seat and legs.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
22 total22 reviews · out of 5
Nice summer shorts
I'm always looking for more linen and other light fabrics to wear in the summer. These fit nicely, and I love the colour.
Beautiful short
Love the weight, love the colour, love the pockets. Will be perfect for an upcoming trip.
Très beau lin et belle coupe
Je suis une fanne finie de lin et de fibres naturelles en générale. J'adore ces short, belle couleur, belle coupe, belle finition. Une seule chose m'empêche de mettre 5 étoile, l'élastique n'offre pas beaucoup d'élasticité à la taille que je trouve un peu trop serrée à mon goût. J'ai dû y apporter des changements.
Belle qualité
Beau tissus, belle couleur j'avais pris 2 tailles et gardé la plus petite.
Short en lin
Très belle, taille trop haute pour moi,retourner.
Linen short
Wanted linen brown shorts. These are a perfect fit and length to feel a little more dressed up wearing shorts.
Nice material but fit not right
Too wide in the legs for me, and too long or a flare out that was not right for me. 5’7 130 lbs
Linen shorts
Love these shorts, great fit and quality.
Gorgeous shorts
Fit, fabric and feel are perfect for dressing up or down!
Coloré et confort
Beau short, léger très confortable.
Élégance et confort
Je les adore et qualité irréprochable.
super happy!
love love love! dress up or down, these are a summer must! bought 2 colours
Short parfait!
La longueur et la coupe avantagent ceux qui ont des hanches et cuisses plus arrondies.
Beau style
J'aime le style de ce short en lin et la couleur est belle. Contente de mon achat.
Fantastic
I have a few pairs of this short in different colours - a lovely addition to a summer wardrobe
Très beau short!
Couleur framboise originale, belle qualité de lin, élastique à l’arrière pour plus de confort à la taille et des poches profondes. J’adore! *J’ai pris une taille au-dessus de ma taille habituelle
Perfect shorts
These shorts are a great length, lovely fabric and the perfect fit.
Comfortable and cute
Comfortable but look polished. Keeps its shape and washes well (cold hang to dry)
J'apprécie le lin pour l'été
Belle couleur et belle coupe. Par contre fait plus petit et légèrement plus court que les autres shorts en lin que j'ai achetés même si j'ai pris la même taille.
light weight good quality
they fit smaller
Super beau
J'aime ces vêtements de qualité supérieure !
Nice shorts
I tried both the 8 and the 10. I was going to go with the 8 but I googled whether linen shrinks and it said they could shrink up to 10 percent so I went with the 10. They are a modest length and could be dressed up or down.