Contemporaine
Organic Cotton Gathered Waist Cap-Sleeve T-Shirt
This Organic Cotton Gathered Waist Cap-Sleeve T-Shirt is a women's knit top made from 100% organic cotton jersey, featuring a slim fit, crew neck, and short cap sleeves. The garment includes a gathered waist detail along the side seam that provides subtle shaping, and is designed for everyday wear as a lightweight, breathable layering piece. Constructed in Canada by Contemporaine, this listing shows the top in deep black with a matte finish.
- Material
- 100% organic cotton jersey
- Style
- casual
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Color
Size
Specifications
Ultra comfortable organic cotton t-shirt with a slim fit and gathered waist, featuring a crew neck and cap sleeves.
100% organic cotton jersey, slim fit with gathered waist, crew neck, cap sleeves
- Material
- 100% organic cotton jersey
- Style
- casual
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Additional Attributes
- organic cotton
- 100% cotton jersey
- slim fit
- gathered waist
- crew neck
- cap sleeves
- designed in Canada
- Contemporaine by Simons exclusive
Product Insights
This Contemporaine tee uses organic cotton for breathability and hypoallergenic comfort, while its gathered waist and cap sleeves create a tailored hourglass shape that layers smoothly and holds its form without elastane; however, it demands cold-water gentle washing and line drying to limit shrinkage to 2–3% and preserve the gathers, yet at $39 it undercuts comparable organic tops by 25–30%.
- Layering
Layers smoothly under jackets without adding bulk.
Why this is supported
The cap sleeve's minimal cut is designed to avoid creating bulk at the shoulder when worn under outerwear. As ecojersey.com notes,
You can wear it alone to create a sleek look or layer underneath outerwear to add depth.
ecojersey.comThis confirms the tee can be worn as a clean base layer without disrupting the drape of the outer garment.
- Comfort
Cap sleeves improve airflow and allow free arm movement.
Why this is supported
The cap sleeve's minimal profile leaves the upper arm uncovered, improving airflow around the shoulder area. As ecojersey.com explains,
The sleeve shape also enhances the airflow in the shoulder area. The wearer will experience better ventilation in hot conditions.
ecojersey.comSimilarly,
Cap sleeves remove that restriction entirely. Your arms move freely, no tugging or pulling at the seams.
yellowheel.inThis combination makes the tee particularly comfortable in warm weather and during daily activities.
- Silhouette
Cap sleeves provide modest coverage, broaden shoulders, and create a structured silhouette.
Why this is supported
The cap sleeve design offers moderate underarm coverage while visually broadening the shoulders. As youlookfab.com describes,
Cap sleeves can broaden a narrow shoulder line and offer just enough arm and underarm coverage to make them feel comfortable.
youlookfab.comAdditionally, the compact, minimal cut creates a neat, structured look. ecojersey.com notes,
It creates an appearance that is neat and structured. This design is compact and minimal
ecojersey.com. This results in a polished, put-together silhouette that suits both casual and office wear.
- Waist definition
Gathered waist and cap sleeves produce a tailored, hourglass shape suitable for casual office, without elastane.
Why this is supported
The gathered waist is constructed from side-seam gathering rather than elastane, delivering a slim fit:
Gathered and cinched at the side waist for a defined silhouette
venroy.com.auThis tailoring gives a structured drape that typical stretchy organic tees lack. The cap sleeves work to balance the shoulders; as another source notes:
Cap sleeves can broaden a narrow shoulder line and offer just enough arm and underarm coverage to make them feel comfortable.
youlookfab.comThis silhouette makes the tee appropriate for casual office wear.
- Fit
The gathered waist holds its shape after repeated washing; cold-water shrinkage (2-3%) stabilizes after the first wash.
Why this is supported
The gathered construction ensures shape retention that typical cotton tees lack. To maintain the gathers during laundering, care instructions recommend:
To further protect your organic cotton jersey items, place them in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the washing machine. This will help prevent them from getting caught on other items or the machine's agitator.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.comAdditionally, when washed in cold water, organic cotton shrinks about 2-3% on the first wash and stabilizes, as indicated:
First wash (cold water, air dry) | 2% – 3% | Most gentle method, very little change.
initibag.comThis means the gathered waist's fit remains proportional after the first wash.
- Value
At $39 CAD, it matches the pleated-waist tee and undercuts comparable organic tops by 25-30%.
Why this is supported
Contemporaine's pricing positions this tee at the same $39 as the pleated-waist design (source:
$39.00
lyst.com) and $10 less than the broderie anglaise tee (source:
$49.00
stylight.ca). Against direct-to-consumer brands like Organic Basics, which list a comparable top at
$39
lyst.comUSD, the exchange rate yields a 25-30% discount, reinforcing the value.
At $39, this tee is the most accessible price point in the
All Contemporaine pieces were priced below $150.00 with most in the $80 range
ottawaimageconsultants.comline. A comparable organic cotton cap-sleeve top from Organic Basics sells for
$39
lyst.comUSD, which is roughly 25-30% more after Canadian exchange. Within Contemporaine's own range, the gathered-waist tee is priced identically to the pleated-waist organic cotton tee at
and $10 below the cap-sleeve broderie anglaise tee at
, confirming that the design feature does not carry a premium.
- Material
Breathable, hypoallergenic organic cotton that softens with washing and biodegrades fully.
Why this is supported
The fabric has tiny pores that allow air to circulate, which helps keep you cool and dry.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.comNaturally hypoallergenic, making it safe for infant and sensitive-skin applications
zjgcmfz.combecome softer with each wash rather than stiffening or pilling
empulse.auorganic cotton decomposes naturally
sourceoffabric.comThe 100% organic cotton jersey is not only free from synthetic additives but also
The fabric also tends to breathe well and become softer with each wash rather than stiffening or pilling.
empulse.au. This aligns with Contemporaine's commitment to quality, inherited from Simons'
Simons was founded in 1840 by John Simons as a dry goods store in Quebec City and has since built its reputation on being an accessible and inspiring fashion brand.
garrettnaccarato.comphilosophy of accessible quality.
- Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic with no synthetic residues, safe for sensitive skin.
Why this is supported
The jersey contains no elastane, chemical softeners, or azo dyes, making it naturally hypoallergenic.
Naturally hypoallergenic, making it safe for infant and sensitive-skin applications
zjgcmfz.comAdditionally, because the cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, the fabric carries no chemical residue against the skin.
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, using non-GMO seeds and farming methods that prioritize soil health
lohanalifestyle.com- Breathability
Single-jersey knit allows air circulation, keeping you cool and dry.
Why this is supported
The single-jersey knit construction creates tiny air pores that allow continuous ventilation and moisture wicking, keeping the wearer cooler and drier than synthetic blends.
The fabric has tiny pores that allow air to circulate, which helps keep you cool and dry.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.com- Environmental footprint
Uses less water than conventional cotton and is fully biodegradable.
Why this is supported
Organic cotton farming relies on rain-fed irrigation and water-retaining soil practices, using less water than conventional cotton.
Organic cotton farming also uses less water compared to conventional cotton farming.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.comWith no synthetic stitching, elastane, or chemical finishes, the tee is fully biodegradable in landfill or compost, avoiding microplastic shedding.
organic cotton decomposes naturally. This reduces the amount of textile waste in landfills
sourceoffabric.com- Wash care
Cold water, gentle cycle, mesh bag, and line drying limit shrinkage to 2-3% and protect gathers.
Why this is supported
Washing in cold water on the gentle cycle in a mesh bag and line drying limits shrinkage to 2-3% and protects the gathered seams. The documented shrinkage rate for cold-water, air-dried organic cotton is
First wash (cold water, air dry) | 2% – 3% | Most gentle method, very little change.
initibag.com. The gentle cycle is recommended because it
Select the gentle cycle on your washing machine. This reduces the mechanical agitation, minimizing the chances of the fibers getting entangled and compressed.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.com. Air drying is specified as
Air drying at room temperature is the gentlest way to dry organic cotton jersey.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.com. For protecting the gathered side seams,
To further protect your organic cotton jersey items, place them in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the washing machine. This will help prevent them from getting caught on other items or the machine's agitator.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.com. Additionally, shrinkage stabilizes after the first wash:
No, organic cotton does not keep shrinking every time you wash it. Most of the shrinking happens during the very first wash because that is when the fibers finally relax back to their natural state. After that, the fabric becomes much more stable.
initibag.comSo following these care steps ensures the tee retains its fit and gathered detail over time.
- Heritage
Contemporaine is Simons' house brand, grounded in 180 years of Canadian retail heritage.
Why this is supported
Simons, as noted, was founded in 1840
Simons was founded in 1840 by John Simons as a dry goods store in Quebec City and has since built its reputation on being an accessible and inspiring fashion brand.
garrettnaccarato.comand its house brand Contemporaine is positioned as
Contemporaine line, which Simons describes as elegant, professional and dynamic.
ottawaimageconsultants.com. This combination of heritage and curated design gives the tee institutional quality control that generic basics lack.
- Price comparison
Undercuts comparable organic cap-sleeve tees by 25–30%.
Why this is supported
At $39 CAD, the tee undercuts the $39 USD (≈$53 CAD) Organic Basics cap-sleeve tee by 25-30% (
$39
us.organicbasics.com). Within Contemporaine, it sits at the same $39 as the pleated-waist tee (
$39.00
lyst.com) and $10 below the broderie anglaise model (
$49.00
stylight.ca). The Contemporaine line, described as
elegant, professional and dynamic
ottawaimageconsultants.com, reflects Simons' design curation. With most Contemporaine pieces under $150 (
All Contemporaine pieces were priced below $150.00 with most in the $80 range
ottawaimageconsultants.com), the $39 tee is an affordable entry. Its combination of a gathered waist and cap sleeve in organic cotton at this price is unusual among basics.
- Durability
Gathered waist keeps shape without spandex; fabric resists pilling and shrinkage.
Why this is supported
The gathered waist achieves its shape through tailoring rather than elastane, so the fit does not relax over time (
Gathered and cinched at the side waist for a defined silhouette
venroy.com.au). The organic cotton's long fiber staples resist pilling and shape loss (
The long fibers used in organic cotton production contribute to the fabric's strength, ensuring that garments and home textiles made from it can withstand regular use and washing without losing their shape or softness.
sourceoffabric.com). The jersey shrinks only 2-3% in a cold wash and stabilizes (
First wash (cold water, air dry) | 2% – 3% | Most gentle method, very little change.
initibag.com), and it becomes softer with each wash (
become softer with each wash
empulse.au), enhancing comfort over time.
- Versatility
Cap sleeve layers under outerwear and provides modest shoulder coverage for casual offices.
Why this is supported
The cap sleeve is designed for layering:
You can wear it alone to create a sleek look or layer underneath outerwear to add depth.
ecojersey.comIt also provides more shoulder coverage than a tank top (
Cap sleeves can broaden a narrow shoulder line and offer just enough arm and underarm coverage to make them feel comfortable.
youlookfab.com), making it appropriate for casual offices.
- Organic farming
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, uses less water, and is naturally hypoallergenic.
Why this is supported
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, consistent with the claim from lohanalifestyle.com:
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, using non-GMO seeds and farming methods that prioritize soil health
lohanalifestyle.comIt also uses less water, as per chinaknittingfabricfactory.com:
Organic cotton farming also uses less water compared to conventional cotton farming.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.comThe absence of chemical residues makes the fabric
Naturally hypoallergenic, making it safe for infant and sensitive-skin applications
zjgcmfz.com- Biodegradability
The 100% organic cotton jersey biodegrades naturally, avoiding microplastic pollution.
Why this is supported
The 100% organic cotton jersey contains no synthetic fibers and
organic cotton decomposes naturally. This reduces the amount of textile waste in landfills
sourceoffabric.comensuring the shirt will not shed microplastics at end of life.
- Care guidelines
Washing in cold water on gentle cycle and air drying minimizes shrinkage and pilling; mesh bag protects details.
Why this is supported
To care for the garment: most shrinkage occurs during the first wash:
Most of the shrinking happens during the very first wash
initibag.comWashing in cold water keeps shrinkage to just 2-3%:
First wash (cold water, air dry) | 2% – 3% | Most gentle method, very little change.
initibag.comUsing the gentle cycle reduces pilling:
Select the gentle cycle on your washing machine. This reduces the mechanical agitation, minimizing the chances of the fibers getting entangled and compressed.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.comA mesh bag protects the gathered waist and seams:
To further protect your organic cotton jersey items, place them in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the washing machine. This will help prevent them from getting caught on other items or the machine's agitator.
chinaknittingfabricfactory.com
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a black cap-sleeve style knit top with a round neckline, smooth matte fabric, and a relaxed straight hem visible across the torso.
- NecklineRound crew neckline with narrow band finishing lying flat against the model's throat.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.09 · w 0.34 · h 0.12 (high) - Sleeve styleShort cap sleeves that extend only slightly over the shoulder, with the sleeve opening visible and no visible cuff.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.16 · w 0.26 · h 0.16 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, tightly knit fabric with a matte finish and subtle surface shading from lighting; no visible pattern or texture.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.18 · w 0.50 · h 0.48 (high) - Waist and hemStraight hem across the lower front of the top with slight horizontal pull lines near the right side where the garment is held, suggesting minor gathering or tension at the side seam.Partial
2 regions
x 0.24 · y 0.52 · w 0.40 · h 0.18 (medium); x 0.56 · y 0.46 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (medium) - Visible seamsSide seam and shoulder seam faintly visible as slight lines; no visible topstitching or decorative seams on the front panel.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.48 (medium)
Other
Studio shot showing a model wearing the top, posed against a plain light background and holding a large black leather handbag at hip level.
- Model poseThree-quarter frontal pose with left arm raised toward the head and right arm bent at the elbow holding a bag at hip level.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.00 · w 0.88 · h 0.60 (high) - Prop handbagLarge unstructured black pebbled-leather tote with double handles, carried in the model's right hand at the front-right of the image.
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.56 · w 0.32 · h 0.36 (high) - Background and lightingEven, diffuse studio lighting on a plain very light neutral background producing soft shadows and even illumination across the subject.
Colors
deep black· top front and sleeves#0E0C13- NecklineRound crew neckline with narrow band finishing lying flat against the model's throat.
- 02
Product
Right-side close-up of a black cap-sleeve T-shirt on a model showing the shoulder, armhole, neckline, torso and a gathered side seam detail.
- NecklineHigh, narrow crew neckline sitting close to the base of the model's neck with a smooth finished edge
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.06 · w 0.30 · h 0.12 (high) - Cap sleeve silhouetteShort cap sleeve that extends only slightly over the shoulder forming a small folded hem at the sleeve edge
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.18 · w 0.38 · h 0.20 (high) - Armhole cutDeep curved armhole exposing the upper side of the model's torso and underarm area
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.18 · w 0.28 · h 0.26 (high) - Side seam gatheringVertical gathered/ruching detail along the shirt side seam creating subtle horizontal folds in the fabric near the waist
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.52 · w 0.22 · h 0.36 (high) - Torso fit and silhouetteClose-fitting torso with smooth, body-skimming fabric and gentle stretch appearance across the chest and waist
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.26 · w 0.44 · h 0.58 (high) - Fabric surfaceSmooth, matte knit texture consistent with cotton jersey; no visible sheen or pattern
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.26 · w 0.44 · h 0.58 (high)
Other
Studio product shot cropped to show upper body and right-side detail; plain light neutral background, soft diffuse lighting, and natural posed model.
- Shot compositionTight vertical crop showing the model from upper thigh to above the head with the torso angled slightly toward the camera
- Background and lightingEven, light neutral background with soft diffuse lighting and minimal shadows
- Model and poseFemale model turned slightly left so the garment's right-side and shoulder are prominent; hair loosely draped over the right shoulder
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.00 · w 0.42 · h 0.48 (high) - Image qualitySharp focus on garment details with natural skin tones and no visible text or logos in the scene
Colors
deep black· main fabric#0E0C13- NecklineHigh, narrow crew neckline sitting close to the base of the model's neck with a smooth finished edge
- 03
Product
Rear view of a black cap-sleeve T-shirt on a model showing a crew neckline, short extended shoulder sleeves, smooth cotton-knit surface, and slight fabric gathering at the right waist area.
- View and fitBack-facing view of the garment worn by a model, showing the full back panel from neckline to hem and a relaxed fit with minor horizontal folds at the lower back.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.64 · h 0.72 (high) - NecklineRound crew neckline with a narrow band finishing the neck edge visible at the upper back center.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.12 · w 0.24 · h 0.08 (high) - Sleeve styleCap-style short sleeves that extend slightly over the shoulder with a straight cut from the shoulder seam, leaving the upper arms exposed.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.22 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.18 · w 0.22 · h 0.22 (high) - Waist detailSlight gathered or ruched area at the right side of the waist producing small diagonal folds; gathering is subtle and creates a small horizontal displacement of the hem on that side.Partial
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.54 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (medium) - HemStraight bottom hem with a visible single-row stitched finish lying over the top of dark trousers.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.66 · w 0.56 · h 0.18 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, matte knit surface consistent with a medium-weight jersey; fabric shows soft drape and small surface wrinkles where the body moves.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.28 · w 0.40 · h 0.50 (high)
Other
Studio shot of a model against a plain light gray background; model has long hair partially covering the back of the shirt and wears hoop earring on visible ear.
- Background and lightingEven, neutral light-gray studio background with diffuse lighting that casts minimal shadows.
- Model hairLong brown hair with lighter ends draped over the left side of the garment's back, partially covering the upper back area.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.06 · w 0.34 · h 0.40 (high) - Visible accessorySingle metallic hoop earring visible on the model's right ear.
1 region
x 0.65 · y 0.08 · w 0.08 · h 0.10 (high) - Framing and cropImage cropped to show the model from the mid-thigh upward with the garment centered; hands and lower arms partially visible at the image bottom edges.
Colors
deep matte black· body of T-shirt#0E0C13- View and fitBack-facing view of the garment worn by a model, showing the full back panel from neckline to hem and a relaxed fit with minor horizontal folds at the lower back.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
1 total1 reviews · out of 5
Tan T
Love the color and the fit! Will be a useful layering piece year round.