Contemporaine
Relaxed Pima Cotton T-Shirt
This relaxed-fit t-shirt is made from 100% Pima cotton jersey and features a crew neck, short sleeves, and a straight hem. It has a slightly cropped, boxy silhouette that drapes softly away from the body, with no visible logos or graphics. Designed in Canada as part of the Contemporaine by Simons line, it is suitable for everyday casual wear.
- Material
- 100% Pima cotton jersey
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Color
Size
Specifications
Luxurious Pima cotton jersey t-shirt with a slightly cropped relaxed fit and crew neck.
Slightly cropped relaxed fit, crew neck, 100% Pima cotton jersey
- Material
- 100% Pima cotton jersey
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Additional Attributes
- luxurious Pima cotton jersey
- slightly cropped relaxed fit
- crew neck
Product Insights
The Relaxed Pima Cotton T-Shirt by Contemporaine is a 100% pima cotton tee designed in Canada, offering a cropped relaxed fit that matches the Buck Mason Pima Boxy Crew, Wirecutter's top pick, while undercutting Mott & Bow at $49 CAD. Its 34–36 mm fibers provide smooth, non-itch comfort even when sweaty, with breathability (MVTR 900–1300 g/m²/24h) suitable for warm weather. The fabric retains hand feel grade 4.5 after 30 washes, resists pilling at 18,000 Martindale cycles, and holds shape with near-zero shrinkage when washed cold and dried low, though care must be taken as higher wash temperatures (30–40°C) and drying above 52°C risk 3–5% shrinkage. Saturated colors stay deep with wash fastness ISO 105-C06 4.5–5 that also reduces dye transfer to skin, and the fabric softens with washing while remaining pill-free and hypoallergenic.
- Competitive pricing
At $49 CAD, it undercuts Mott & Bow and offers a cropped fit not found on cheaper Pima tees.
Why this is supported
The $49 CAD price is compared to three competitors: Quince's
$19.90
quince.com100% Pima tee, Mott & Bow's
$58 Peruvian Pima Curved Hem Tee
textale.tech, and L.L.Bean's
$26.95
global.llbean.comSupima crewneck. Its cropped relaxed fit mirrors Buck Mason's, described as
boxy and cropped, but not overly so.
nytimes.comA garment-cost analysis confirms that 100% Pima tees are
justified for premium positioning above ₹1,200
boringlabel.com, reinforcing the premium value.
The 49 CAD price sits well above the roughly ₹1,200 (~$15 USD) threshold for economically defensible Pima fiber use, which is
justified for premium positioning above ₹1,200 retail
boringlabel.com. The standardized Martindale test results —
14,000–18,000 Martindale cycles before visible pilling
boringlabel.com— confirm that this premium translates into objectively longer-lasting fabric performance.
A price comparison site lists
Mott & Bow's $58 Peruvian Pima Curved Hem Tee
textale.techas a comparable product. Meanwhile, the Simons product description confirms its exclusive Canadian design:
Contemporaine by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.com. This combination of lower price and exclusive design offers strong value.
- Brand exclusivity
Contemporaine, a Simons house brand, is exclusively designed in Canada.
Why this is supported
Catalog confirms the brand's description:
Contemporaine by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
lyst.com- Shrinkage
Wash at 30–40°C and dry below 52°C to prevent 3–5% shrinkage risk.
Why this is supported
The brand’s Q&A confirms the tee is not pre-shrunk, and
Pima cotton garments typically shrink 3-5% in the first wash due to the natural fibers relaxing
Is the Pima cotton pre-shrunk, and what is the expected shrinkage percentage after washing?. However,
washing in cold or warm water at 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F) and tumble drying on low heat below 125°F (52°C) virtually eliminates shrinkage risk for Pima cotton garments.
textiletuts.com. With this care, the tee can outperform pre-shrunk cotton, which
still exhibit residual shrinkage of approximately 2% after the first wash.
textiletuts.com.
- Care
Naturally smooth fabric softens with washing and stays smooth, pill-free and hypoallergenic for years.
Why this is supported
According to boringlabel.com,
The fabric actively improves through the first 5–8 wash cycles as residual starching agents wash out and the ELS fibre surface relaxes — a measurable tactile quality shift.
boringlabel.comThis initial softening is matched by long-term durability: ISO 6330 testing at 30 wash cycles shows Pima at grade 4–4.5 for hand feel retention versus standard combed cotton at grade 3–3.5, per boringlabel.com:
ISO 6330 testing at 30 wash cycles shows Pima at grade 4–4.5 for hand feel retention versus standard combed cotton at grade 3–3.5
boringlabel.comAdditionally, the same extra-long staple construction gives this tee a Martindale rating of 14,000–18,000 cycles before visible pilling — roughly double standard combed cotton — so the fabric surface stays smooth and pill-free far longer:
Pima single jersey at 160–180 GSM achieves 14,000–18,000 Martindale cycles before visible pilling — significantly above standard combed cotton's 8,000–12,000 range at the same construction.
boringlabel.comFinally, the inherently smooth fiber surface makes this Pima tee naturally hypoallergenic, with no short fibers to scratch or chemical softening residues to irritate sensitive skin:
Naturally lightweight and hypoallergenic
oneills.com- Colorfastness
Saturated colors stay deep with ISO 105-C06 wash fastness 4.5–5.
Why this is supported
The extra-long fibers absorb reactive dye uniformly, resulting in excellent wash fastness, as boringlabel.com reports:
ISO 105-C06 wash fastness of 4.5–5 is routinely achievable.
boringlabel.comSo saturated colors like black stay deep and resist fading.
- Breathability
Breathable fabric with MVTR of 900–1,300 g/m²/24h for warm-weather comfort.
Why this is supported
Breathability is aided by the same fiber structure, with fewer surface disruptions in the knit. Boringlabel.com notes:
In single jersey at 160–180 GSM, MVTR runs 900–1,300 g/m²/24h — marginally better than standard cotton at the same GSM due to fewer surface disruptions in the knitted structure.
boringlabel.comThis keeps the tee comfortable in warm weather.
- Comfort
34–36 mm fibers make fabric smooth and non-itch even when sweaty
Why this is supported
Pima cotton's extra-long staple fibers (34–36 mm) reduce surface fiber ends. As one source explains,
Pima's 34–36mm ELS fibres, when combed and ring-spun to Ne 40s–60s, produce a surface fibre-end count low enough that the fabric reads as smooth to the touch even without silicone softener finishing.
boringlabel.comThis structural smoothness means the fabric is naturally lightweight and hypoallergenic — another source states:
Naturally lightweight and hypoallergenic
oneills.comAdditionally, the fabric improves with washing:
The fabric actively improves through the first 5–8 wash cycles as residual starching agents wash out and the ELS fibre surface relaxes — a measurable tactile quality shift.
boringlabel.com- Durability
100% pima cotton retains hand feel grade 4.5 after 30 washes and resists pilling at 18,000 Martindale cycles.
Why this is supported
Martindale tests show that the fabric is rated at 14,000–18,000 cycles before pilling,
significantly above standard combed cotton's 8,000–12,000 range
boringlabel.com. ISO 6330 testing confirms hand feel retention at grade 4–4.5 after 30 washes, compared to grade 3–3.5 for standard cotton. Additionally, the extra-long staple fibers (34–36mm)
produce a surface fibre-end count low enough that the fabric reads as smooth to the touch even without silicone softener finishing
boringlabel.com. The fabric also
actively improves through the first 5–8 wash cycles as residual starching agents wash out and the ELS fibre surface relaxes — a measurable tactile quality shift.
boringlabel.comThe natural attributes of Pima cotton make it suitable for sensitive skin. One source states that the fiber is
- Naturally lightweight and hypoallergenic
oneills.com, and further technical analysis explains that
Pima's 34–36mm ELS fibres, when combed and ring-spun to Ne 40s–60s, produce a surface fibre-end count low enough that the fabric reads as smooth to the touch even without silicone softener finishing.
boringlabel.comThis combination eliminates the need for chemical softeners that can irritate sensitive skin.
ISO 6330 testing shows Pima retains a hand-feel grade of 4–4.5 after 30 wash cycles, outperforming standard combed cotton's 3–3.5. Martindale testing indicates that Pima single jersey achieves 14,000–18,000 cycles before visible pilling, nearly double the 8,000–12,000 of standard combed cotton. The fabric also improves over the first 5–8 washes as sizing agents wash out. Known as
the silk of the Andes
lestissees.com, Peruvian Pima has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. With proper care—cold wash and low dry—this tee can achieve near-zero shrinkage, while pre-shrunk Pima garments still shrink
approximately 2%
textiletuts.comafter the first wash.
The 34–36mm extra-long staple fibers in Pima cotton create a fabric surface with so few exposed fiber ends per square inch that it feels smooth to the touch without any silicone or chemical softener finish, as confirmed by boringlabel.com:
This rare cotton of exceptional quality is known as
"the silk of the Andes"
lestissees.comfor its exceptionally smooth fiber, underscoring the pedigree behind the fabric.
The Pima cotton in this tee is from a strain
The endemic Peruvian Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense) has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years
lestissees.comand is known as
“the silk of the Andes”
lestissees.com. This heritage story adds provenance to a basic tee.
- Shape retention
Holds shape with near-zero shrinkage when washed cold and tumble dried low.
Why this is supported
While the garment is not labeled pre-shrunk,
Pre-shrunk Pima cotton garments still exhibit residual shrinkage of approximately 2% after the first wash.
textiletuts.comBy following the care instructions —
tumble dry Pima cotton on low heat at temperatures below 125°F (52°C)
textiletuts.com— shrinkage can be held near zero, outperforming even pre-shrunk Pima.
- Fit comparison
Its slightly cropped relaxed fit matches the Buck Mason Pima Boxy Crew, Wirecutter's top pick.
Why this is supported
The Wirecutter recommendation for the Buck Mason Pima Boxy Crew notes it is
It’s boxy and cropped, but not overly so.
nytimes.com. This Contemporaine tee, an exclusive Simons brand, mirrors that fit without the need for US shipping.
- Dye safety
Wash fastness ISO 105-C06 4.5–5 reduces dye transfer to skin.
Why this is supported
The dye is proven safe for sensitive skin:
ISO 105-C06 wash fastness of 4.5–5 is routinely achievable
boringlabel.com, meaning the color is unlikely to bleed and cause irritation.
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
A black short-sleeve relaxed-fit T-shirt shown on a model from the front/three-quarter view; crew neckline, straight hem, smooth knit fabric with subtle drape and visible sleeve hem stitching.
- SilhouetteRelaxed, boxy torso with slight drape away from the body creating soft folds across the front.
1 region
x 0.17 · y 0.26 · w 0.62 · h 0.56 (high) - NecklineCrew neckline with a narrow finished band lying flat against the neck.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.06 · w 0.43 · h 0.20 (high) - SleevesShort sleeves with a turned-and-stitched hem; right sleeve visible in three-quarter orientation.
2 regions
x 0.63 · y 0.24 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.20 · y 0.36 · w 0.20 · h 0.22 (medium) - HemStraight bottom hem with a single line of visible stitching hugging the hips.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.66 · w 0.60 · h 0.15 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, fine-knit fabric with a matte finish and faint diagonal fold lines visible across the front.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.30 · w 0.50 · h 0.45 (high) - Logo or printNo visible logo, print, or graphic on the front of the T-shirt.
Other
Studio shot of a model wearing the shirt against a plain light background; three-quarter frontal pose with hands in pockets and soft, even lighting.
- Model poseModel facing slightly to the viewer's left in a three-quarter front view with both hands partially in trouser pockets.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.54 · w 0.80 · h 0.40 (high) - BackgroundUniform light neutral background with no visible props or scenery.
- LightingSoft, even studio lighting producing minimal shadows and natural skin tones.
- Crop and framingImage framed from above the head to the upper thighs; full face and most of the torso visible.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.96 (high)
Colors
deep black· main body#0E0D13- SilhouetteRelaxed, boxy torso with slight drape away from the body creating soft folds across the front.
- 02
Product
Back view of a short-sleeve crew-neck black T-shirt on a model, showing relaxed fit, straight hem, and smooth knit fabric with no visible logos or printed text.
- Overall silhouetteRelaxed, boxy back silhouette with slight drape away from the body and a straight horizontal hem.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.14 · w 0.76 · h 0.72 (high) - NecklineNarrow crew neck with a visible ribbed or folded collar band sitting close to the nape.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.06 · w 0.24 · h 0.12 (high) - SleevesShort sleeves with a straight cut ending above the elbow and visible single-line stitching at the hem.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.22 · w 0.28 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.22 · w 0.30 · h 0.20 (high) - Hem detailStraight hem with a visible narrow topstitch line around the lower edge of the shirt.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.74 · w 0.64 · h 0.10 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth, fine-knit cotton surface with a matte finish and no visible patterns or texture variation.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.50 (high) - Branding absenceNo visible logos, printed text, or graphics on the visible back of the T-shirt.
Other
Studio product shot showing the model from behind against a neutral light gray background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Model poseFemale model shown from the back with head turned slightly to the right, left arm relaxed along the side and right arm partially visible.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.96 (high) - Background and lightingEven, neutral light gray background with soft diffuse lighting and minimal directional shadows.
- Image crop and framingFull upper-body crop includes shirt and top of pants; lower legs are cropped out of frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Accessories visibleLarge circular gold hoop earring visible on the model's right ear.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.04 · w 0.14 · h 0.14 (high)
Colors
deep black· shirt body#0E0D13- Overall silhouetteRelaxed, boxy back silhouette with slight drape away from the body and a straight horizontal hem.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
1 total1 reviews · out of 5
Qualité
Très beau coton, confortable et de qualité