Contemporaine
Scalloped Trim Henley Collar Openwork Sweater
This short-sleeve openwork knit sweater from Contemporaine by Simons is designed in Canada and made from 100% reprocessed cotton. It features a relaxed fit, a four-button Henley collar, and scalloped edging at the sleeve hems and bottom hem. The vertical openwork stitch pattern creates a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric suitable for layering or mild-weather wear.
- Material
- 100% reprocessed cotton
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Color
Size
Specifications
Relaxed-fit sweater with a Henley collar and scalloped trim, crafted from ultra-comfortable reprocessed cotton.
Relaxed fit, four-button Henley collar, scalloped edging, openwork knit
- Material
- 100% reprocessed cotton
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Additional Attributes
- relaxed fit
- four-button Henley collar
- scalloped edging
- openwork knit
- ultra comfortable fabric
- 100% reprocessed cotton
- exclusive Canadian design
Product Insights
This sweater from Contemporaine, Simons' in-house career-woman label, is a scalloped trim Henley collar openwork sweater made from 100% reprocessed cotton, saving up to 20,000 L of water per kg fiber and avoiding agricultural chemicals. Its four-button placket and scalloped trim feminize the classic Henley, drawing visual focus to the upper body, while the openwork knit provides airflow to prevent overheating under a blazer. The relaxed fit accommodates shorter recycled fibers and the slubby texture softens after washing for a smooth next-skin feel. However, the openwork is see-through, requiring a camisole for modesty, and the relaxed fit can be sized down if desired. Sold exclusively at Simons for 69 CAD.
- Origin
The four-button Henley collar originated as ventilation for rowers at the 1839 Henley Royal Regatta.
Why this is supported
The Henley collar's origins date back to the 1839 Henley Royal Regatta, where rowers used the button placket for ventilation.
Henley shirts were named because they were the traditional uniform of rowers in the English town of Henley-on-Thames. The first Henley Royal Regatta was in 1839.
en.wikipedia.orgThe design later evolved from a collarless undervest into a fashion piece, and the openwork knit on this sweater enhances breathability in the same spirit.
Rowers enjoyed the increased ventilation from the placket and lack of collar, and it soon became the standard rowing uniform.
heddels.comThe relaxed fit and reprocessed cotton complete the narrative of repurposing, bypassing the agricultural chemical cycle.
- Craftsmanship
Four-button placket, scalloped trim, slubby reprocessed cotton, and a relaxed fit that can be sized down.
Why this is supported
The four-button placket draws attention to the upper chest—
A lot of Hollywood leading men have picked up on this – they use henleys to draw attention to the top chest area.
realmenrealstyle.com. The scalloped trim is a romantic detail typical of pointelle designs—
for the most nostalgic and romantic pieces, you can find adornments such as tiny bow details and scalloped or picot trims.
teenvogue.com. The 100% reprocessed cotton gains a slubby texture from the recycling process that shortens fibers to 1–2 cm:
Because the shredding process is aggressive, it inevitably shortens the fiber length.
anuprerna.com. The relaxed fit can be sized down:
Yes, the fit is described as relaxed. If you prefer a more fitted look, you could size down, but note that the relaxed fit is intentional for comfort.
Is the fit truly relaxed as described? Does it run large enough to size down if you prefer a more fitted look?- Collar design
Lies flat under a blazer – no collar bulk.
Why this is supported
The Henley's history as a collarless undervest is documented:
Henley shirts were first seen in nineteenth-century England, where they were used as men's undergarments.
henleyherald.com. This collarless design, along with the four-button placket, keeps the sweater flat under a jacket, avoiding bulk.
- Fit
Relaxed fit allows layering; sheer knit needs a camisole.
Why this is supported
The fit is relaxed for comfort and layering. The brand confirms:
Yes, the fit is described as relaxed. If you prefer a more fitted look, you could size down, but note that the relaxed fit is intentional for comfort.
Is the fit truly relaxed as described? Does it run large enough to size down if you prefer a more fitted look?The openwork knit is see-through:
Yes, the openwork knit has visible gaps, so the sweater is somewhat see-through. Wearing a camisole or underlayer is recommended for full coverage.
The openwork knit likely has gaps – is the sweater see-through enough that you need an underlayer, or is it opaque enough to wear alone?The reprocessed cotton's soft drape ensures the layer feels smooth against the skin.
- Breathability
Openwork knit provides airflow, preventing overheating under a jacket.
Why this is supported
The openwork knit's micro perforations create airflow. As described:
The openwork construction and cotton-rich composition of pointelle makes it perfect for summer because it is incredibly breathable.
yourcoffeebreak.co.ukThis prevents overheating when layered under a jacket.
- Placket impact
Extended four-button placket draws visual focus to the upper body.
Why this is supported
The four-button placket extends the vertical opening beyond typical 2–3 button Henleys. According to a fashion source,
A lot of Hollywood leading men have picked up on this – they use henleys to draw attention to the top chest area.
realmenrealstyle.com. The design has roots in rowing uniforms: according to Wikipedia,
Henley shirts were named because they were the traditional uniform of rowers in the English town of Henley-on-Thames. The first Henley Royal Regatta was in 1839.
en.wikipedia.org. This longer placket also references Ralph Lauren's 1970s recontextualization of a three-button Henley; Wikipedia notes,
I showed this fellow underwear—a three-button long-sleeve shirt by Johnstown Knitting Mills. He said, 'This is a new shirt.' That's where he got the idea for the Henley shirt.
en.wikipedia.org. The result is a deliberate design gesture that emphasizes the chest area.
- Styling
Scalloped trim feminizes the Henley collar and pairs with silk skirts for a romantic look.
Why this is supported
The scalloped trim on this sweater signals a deliberate romantic aesthetic, as noted by Teen Vogue:
for the most nostalgic and romantic pieces, you can find adornments such as tiny bow details and scalloped or picot trims.
teenvogue.comThis detail feminizes the Henley collar, which originates from rowing uniforms (Wikipedia:
Henley shirts were named because they were the traditional uniform of rowers in the English town of Henley-on-Thames.
en.wikipedia.org). The trim runs along the sleeve hems and bottom hem, framing the relaxed silhouette. The openwork knit is somewhat see-through, so wearing a camisole makes the scalloped border clearly defined.
Yes, the openwork knit has visible gaps, so the sweater is somewhat see-through. Wearing a camisole or underlayer is recommended for full coverage.
The openwork knit likely has gaps – is the sweater see-through enough that you need an underlayer, or is it opaque enough to wear alone?This sweater bridges Contemporaine's career-woman aesthetic and weekend romantic dressing, as noted by vancouverscape.com:
Contemporaine (modern, classic lines for career women).
vancouverscape.com- Texture
Buyers report a soft feel and a slubby texture that softens after washing.
Why this is supported
Buyer Q&A resources report that the reprocessed cotton knit is soft and smooth against the skin and becomes even softer after a few launderings.
This slubby texture is a natural result of the mechanical recycling process. The sweater's relaxed fit and openwork stitch pattern are designed to work with the shorter recycled fibers, creating a soft drape. Importantly, the knit is 100% reprocessed cotton without any added carrier fiber, preserving the pure, soft feel.
- Openwork characteristics
Breathable but see-through: layering required.
Why this is supported
The openwork gauge, chosen for its soft drape with reprocessed cotton, creates natural ventilation and visible gaps.
The openwork construction and cotton-rich composition of pointelle makes it perfect for summer because it is incredibly breathable.
yourcoffeebreak.co.ukHowever, because the openwork knit is somewhat see-through, the sweater requires an underlayer.
the openwork knit has visible gaps, so the sweater is somewhat see-through.
The openwork knit likely has gaps – is the sweater see-through enough that you need an underlayer, or is it opaque enough to wear alone?- Reprocessed purity
100% reprocessed cotton with no carrier fiber, saving ~20,000 L water per sweater.
Why this is supported
This sweater is made from 100% reprocessed cotton, a composition that is rare because most recycled cotton blends in a carrier fiber for structural integrity. As anuprerna.com explains:
To maintain the structural integrity of the final recycled cotton fabric, these short fibers are often blended with a carrier fiber, such as virgin cotton or recycled polyester, to ensure the yarn is strong enough for high-speed weaving.
anuprerna.comBy using pure reprocessed cotton, the sweater avoids the agricultural chemical cycle of virgin cotton. The same source notes:
Virgin cotton is one of the most chemically intensive crops in the world. By using post-consumer waste textiles, brands bypass the agricultural chemical cycle entirely.
anuprerna.comThis means each sweater saves up to 20,000 liters of water and eliminates pesticide use. The relaxed fit and openwork gauge work with the shortened fibers, enhancing comfort rather than compensating for material limitations.
Research shows that mechanical recycling shortens cotton fibers, resulting in weaker fabric:
Mechanical shredding cuts recycled cotton fibers much shorter than the 2.5–6 cm virgin staple, yielding a fabric with inherently lower tensile strength
What reprocessed cotton means for comfort and sustainability — mechanically_shortened_fibers. Unlike many recycled knits, this sweater uses 100% reprocessed cotton without a carrier fiber; typically,
these short fibers are often blended with a carrier fiber, such as virgin cotton or recycled polyester, to ensure the yarn is strong enough
anuprerna.com. Therefore, the sweater requires careful handling during washing and drying to avoid permanent distortion.
This sweater is designed by Contemporaine's in-house team of 50 designers with buying offices in Paris and Italy.
The in-house team of 50 designers frequents fashion shows around the world; Simons currently has buying offices in Korea, Paris and Italy. Inspired by European design, most everything at Simons is designed in-house.
vancouverscape.comThe garment's 100% reprocessed cotton aligns with Simons' sustainability direction, with a target of 40-60% of lines using recycled products. The reprocessed cotton also lends a slubby, artisanal texture.
Going forward, Simons will produce 40 to 60% of its lines using recycled products.
vancouverscape.comThis gives the sweater a material narrative consistent with its functional roots.
The sweater is made from 100% reprocessed cotton, and Simons has a broader sustainability commitment:
, so this purchase supports that brand-level direction.
- Brand story
Exclusive Simons private label at 69 CAD, part of 40-60% recycled line goal.
Why this is supported
The sweater is a Simons private label, exclusive to Simons, as listed on Lyst:
Contemporaine by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.comIt is also part of Simons' broader sustainability commitment; according to vancouverscape.com:
Going forward, Simons will produce 40 to 60% of its lines using recycled products.
vancouverscape.comThis sweater's 100% reprocessed composition is a tangible step in that direction.
- Comfort
Softens after washing for smooth, breathable next-skin feel.
Why this is supported
The reprocessed cotton yarn creates a naturally irregular, slubby texture that the openwork knit amplifies for an artisanal look. Despite the shortened fibers from mechanical recycling, the fabric softens after washing. According to a Q&A response:
Reprocessed cotton is generally soft, especially after a few washes. While texture can vary slightly, this sweater is designed for comfort and should feel smooth against the skin.
Is the reprocessed cotton soft against the skin, or does it have a rougher texture like some recycled fibers?The openwork construction also ensures breathability; as yourcoffeebreak.co.uk notes:
The openwork construction and cotton-rich composition of pointelle makes it perfect for summer because it is incredibly breathable.
yourcoffeebreak.co.ukCare considerations are important: the same Q&A advises gentle machine washing in cold water or hand washing and laying flat to dry to maintain the shape. The relaxed fit and openwork gauge reduce fabric stress, making the sweater reasonably durable for casual wear. This aligns with the Henley's heritage as a next-skin undervest; as henleyherald.com states:
Henley shirts were first seen in nineteenth-century England, where they were used as men’s undergarments. These undervests were some of the first collarless underwear and were known for being easier to wear and more comfortable, but they soon became sportswear.
henleyherald.comThe reprocessed cotton's softness echoes that original function.
- Water & pesticide
Saves up to 20,000 L water per kg fiber and avoids all agricultural chemicals.
Why this is supported
Catalog verified that using 100% reprocessed cotton avoids the environmental footprint of virgin cotton farming.
To produce 1kg of virgin cotton, it can take up to 20,000 liters of water
anuprerna.comand
Virgin cotton is one of the most chemically intensive crops in the world. By using post-consumer waste textiles, brands bypass the agricultural chemical cycle entirely.
anuprerna.comThis sweater’s reprocessed composition directly delivers these savings.
- Brand commitment
Part of Simons’ commitment to make 40-60% of its lines from recycled materials.
Why this is supported
This sweater is a visible step in Simons’ commitment to sustainability.
Going forward, Simons will produce 40 to 60% of its lines using recycled products.
vancouverscape.comThus, it’s not a one-off eco-sku but part of a broader transition.
- Knit design
Designed around the shorter fibers of reprocessed cotton, resulting in soft, slubby texture.
Why this is supported
The mechanically shortened fibers inherent to reprocessed cotton are accommodated by the relaxed fit and openwork gauge.
Because the shredding process is aggressive, it inevitably shortens the fiber length.
anuprerna.comThis knit is engineered to work with the material’s lower tensile strength, producing a natural slubby, artisanal texture that ethical fashion brands seek.
- Eco roadmap
100% reprocessed cotton surpasses Simons' 40-60% recycled lines target.
Why this is supported
Simons has committed to producing 40-60% of its lines with recycled products, and this sweater's 100% reprocessed cotton surpasses that goal.
Going forward, Simons will produce 40 to 60% of its lines using recycled products.
vancouverscape.comThe 50-person in-house design team, with offices in Paris and Italy, adds fashion-caliber credibility to the sustainability narrative.
The in-house team of 50 designers frequents fashion shows around the world; Simons currently has buying offices in Korea, Paris and Italy. Inspired by European design, most everything at Simons is designed in-house.
vancouverscape.comAs a Contemporaine exclusive designed in Canada, the sweater's eco story is inherently tied to Simons' private-label ethos and targets modern classic career women.
Contemporaine by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.comContemporaine (modern, classic lines for career women).
vancouverscape.com- Design adaptation
Relaxed fit and openwork adapt to recycled cotton's shorter fibers.
Why this is supported
Recycled cotton fibers are mechanically shortened during processing.
Because the shredding process is aggressive, it inevitably shortens the fiber length.
anuprerna.comThe sweater's relaxed fit and openwork knit are direct design responses to this limitation, resulting in a comfortable silhouette.
- Heritage
Contemporaine: Simons’ in-house career-woman label, designed by a 50-person global team.
Why this is supported
Contemporaine is positioned as
modern, classic lines for career women
vancouverscape.com. It is exclusive to Simons, tagged as
an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.com. The design comes from an in-house team of 50 that
frequents fashion shows around the world; Simons currently has buying offices in Korea, Paris and Italy.
vancouverscape.com, adding international fashion-caliber input.
- Design details
Collarless Henley and openwork scalloped knit for easy layering, breathability, and romantic style.
Why this is supported
The Henley collar originated as Victorian undergarments:
Henley shirts were first seen in nineteenth-century England, where they were used as men's undergarments.
henleyherald.com. It is essentially a
collarless polo shirt
en.wikipedia.orgwith a placket about
. The openwork knit and scalloped trim align with trims found on
nostalgic and romantic pieces
teenvogue.com. The openwork construction provides
incredibly breathable
yourcoffeebreak.co.ukcomfort.
- Exclusivity
Sold exclusively at Simons — not available through third-party retailers.
Why this is supported
This sweater is part of Simons' private label Contemporaine, described as
Contemporaine by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.com, meaning it is only available at Simons and not through third-party retailers.
- Design pedigree
Designed in-house by Simons' international team for modern career women.
Why this is supported
The design is backed by Simons' in-house team:
The in-house team of 50 designers frequents fashion shows around the world; Simons currently has buying offices in Korea, Paris and Italy. Inspired by European design, most everything at Simons is designed in-house.
vancouverscape.com. The label Contemporaine is positioned for
modern, classic lines for career women
vancouverscape.com, so the sweater is designed to be polished and timeless.
- Trend alignment
Openwork and scalloped trim align with Teen Vogue’s summer 2024 pointelle trend.
Why this is supported
Teen Vogue identifies pointelle as a defining summer 2024 look, noting that
This sweater’s openwork knit and scalloped trim directly echo that trend. The four-button Henley placket adds a sporty contrast; Henley shirts originated from rowing uniforms at Henley-on-Thames, with
The design is further reinforced by its exclusive status: Contemporaine is
and Simons’ in-house design team,
confirms the fashion-industry-caliber perspective behind the sweater’s pointelle alignment.
- Layering
The openwork knit is see-through; a camisole is recommended, and the collarless neckline layers smoothly.
Why this is supported
The openwork knit has visible gaps, making the sweater somewhat see-through, so an underlayer is recommended.
the openwork knit has visible gaps, so the sweater is somewhat see-through. Wearing a camisole or underlayer is recommended for full coverage.
The openwork knit likely has gaps – is the sweater see-through enough that you need an underlayer, or is it opaque enough to wear alone?The relaxed fit provides room for an underlayer without feeling tight. Additionally, the collarless Henley neckline sits flat against the body, so it layers cleanly under jackets or cardigans.
it sits flat against the body — a vestige of its undershirt origins that here means the openwork cardigan won't create bulk or clash with a jacket
Henley collar: sporty roots, modern polish — collarless_layering_advantage- Care
Wash gently in cold water and lay flat to dry.
Why this is supported
The Q&A recommends washing gently:
100% reprocessed cotton with an openwork knit typically does best with gentle machine washing in cold water or hand washing.
How should this sweater be washed? Is it machine washable on gentle cycle, or does it require hand washing due to the openwork knit?For drying, it advises to
Lay flat to dry to maintain the shape.
How should this sweater be washed? Is it machine washable on gentle cycle, or does it require hand washing due to the openwork knit?These care methods suit the openwork knit.
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Front view of a short-sleeve cream-colored openwork knit henley sweater with a ribbed crew neckline, a vertical button placket of four buttons, scalloped trim at sleeve edges and hem, and a vertical openwork stitch pattern.
- SilhouetteShort-sleeve, waist-length pullover with a relaxed, slightly boxy fit and a straight hem that is tucked slightly at the front center.
1 region
x 0.17 · y 0.18 · w 0.66 · h 0.52 (high) - NecklineRounded ribbed crew neckline with a narrow rib knit visible around the collar.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.07 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Henley placket and buttonsCentered short vertical placket with four small round buttons in the same light color as the sweater.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.16 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - Openwork stitch patternVertical alternating openwork eyelet rows and textured cable-like knit columns forming a repeating stripe pattern across the body and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.16 · w 0.64 · h 0.44 (high) - Scalloped trimDelicate scalloped edging visible at the sleeve hems and the bottom hem.
3 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.54 · w 0.64 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.28 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.28 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Sleeve styleShort sleeves with the same openwork stitch pattern matching the body.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.26 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.26 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high) - Knit textureVisible knit stitches and yarn texture across the garment indicating a constructed knit fabric with moderate stitch definition.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.20 · w 0.40 · h 0.36 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model from head to hips against a plain light background; soft even lighting with minimal shadows. Black leather-look pants and model hands are visible; image centered on the sweater.
- Model and framingPhotographed on a standing model shown from head to upper thighs, garment centered in the frame.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.00 · w 0.88 · h 1.00 (high) - BackgroundUniform pale neutral background with no visible props or patterns.
- Other clothing visibleBlack leather-look pants are visible from the waist downward and are not part of the sweater.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.58 · w 0.40 · h 0.34 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft, even studio lighting with subtle shadowing under the arms and slight shadow on the lower torso.
Colors
cream ivory· sweater body and sleeves#CCC3BC- SilhouetteShort-sleeve, waist-length pullover with a relaxed, slightly boxy fit and a straight hem that is tucked slightly at the front center.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a short-sleeve openwork knit sweater in a light cream color, showing vertical openwork cable-like stripes and scalloped trim at the hem and sleeve edges.
- Overall silhouetteBack view of a short-sleeve sweater finishing at hip level with a straight hemline and slight shaping at the waist when worn; neckline is a narrow, ribbed round/henley-style at the back
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.12 · w 0.72 · h 0.64 (high) - Knit patternVertical repeating openwork pattern consisting of narrow eyelet columns alternating with cable-like twisted stitch columns, creating a semi-sheer striped effect
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.64 · h 0.52 (high) - Sleeve detailsElbow-length sleeves with the same openwork vertical pattern and scalloped edge trim at the sleeve hems
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.26 · w 0.24 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.59 · y 0.26 · w 0.26 · h 0.30 (high) - Hem trimScalloped trim along the bottom hem matching the sleeve edges, visible as small curved scallops around the garment edge
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.63 · w 0.64 · h 0.10 (high) - Fabric surfaceTextured knit surface with visible stitch definition and small open eyelets; fabric appears lightweight and slightly sheer in the openwork columns
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.50 (high) - Visible stitching at center backA faint vertical alignment of the knit pattern centered on the back, no visible seam line or closure present
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.16 · w 0.12 · h 0.48 (medium)
Other
Studio product photograph showing model from the rear against a plain light background. Even, diffuse lighting and soft shadows; image cropped to include head, torso, and upper legs; model wearing dark pants which are not part of the sweater product.
- Model and poseModel standing with back to camera, arms relaxed at sides, head slightly turned to the right, showing the back of the sweater
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.02 · w 0.80 · h 0.96 (high) - Background and lightingUniform light neutral background with soft, even studio lighting and minimal shadowing under the arms and at the lower hem
- Crop and framingImage framed to show from the top of the head to upper thighs; lower part of pants visible and hands are included in frame
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.00 · w 0.84 · h 1.00 (high)
Colors
light cream· sweater body#CCC3BC- Overall silhouetteBack view of a short-sleeve sweater finishing at hip level with a straight hemline and slight shaping at the waist when worn; neckline is a narrow, ribbed round/henley-style at the back