ALEMAIS
Painted Shapes Pure Linen Short
CA$299.95CA$495.00-39%
In Stock
The Painted Shapes Pure Linen Short by ALÉMAIS is a women's relaxed-fit short made from pure European linen featuring an elasticized drawcord waist and side-seam pockets. It has a 4-inch (10 cm) inseam and a multicolor abstract painted print with contrasting trim. This lightweight short is suitable for warm-weather casual wear.
- Material
- 100% Linen
- Gender
- female
- Style
- casual, relaxed-fit, resort
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Color
Assorted
Size
1012
Specifications
Artistically painted pure linen shorts with a loose, casual silhouette, perfect for sunny holidays.
Pure European linen, drawcord-adjustable elastic waist, side-seam pockets, 4-inch inseam.
- Material
- 100% Linen
- Style
- casual, relaxed-fit, resort
- Occasion
- vacation, beach-day, everyday
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Additional Attributes
- artistic brush stroke pattern creating a paint-like effect
- pure European linen fabric
- lightweight and structured linen
- loose and casual silhouette
- drawcord-adjustable elastic waist
- side-seam pockets
- 4-inch inseam
- holiday-inspired design
- 100% linen composition
Product Insights
ALEAMIS's Painted Shapes Pure Linen Short delivers unique brushstroke prints from genuine artist collaborations on 100% European linen, paired with a cooling wear rating (class 5 moisture transfer, IMT 0.388) and a non-cling cut that flatters hourglass and pear shapes via an adjustable waist. The core tradeoff lies in authenticity: rampant counterfeits demand purchase from Simons or the official site, while the 4-inch inseam leg-lengthens shorter frames but shifts the silhouette toward beach-to-bar, and natural wrinkles are embraced as part of the fabric's character. Sizing is true to size (hip-based), and care requires gentle washing and air drying away from direct sun.
Verified claims
- Brand story
- Print originates from a genuine artist collaboration, backed by 6,000+ artisanal garments and a Zimmermann designer founder.
- Market context
- Distinctive print avoids seasonal florals; counterfeits common, verify 100% European linen.
- Cooling performance
- Rated class 5 for moisture transfer and IMT comfort index 0.388.
- Wrinkle culture
- Wrinkles are natural and soften into the fabric over time.
- Sizing
- True to size; hip measurement determines fit.
- Inseam proportion
- 4-inch inseam leg-lengthens on short frames; beach-to-bar short.
- Fit
- Non-cling linen cut flatters hourglass and pear shapes with adjustable waist.
- Brand authenticity
- Authentic Alemais shorts use artist-collaborative prints and are only guaranteed at Simons.
- Care
- Wash inside-out with mild detergent, air dry in shade, and iron with a cloth.
- Fabric composition
- Genuine shorts are 100% European linen; polyester or inconsistent tags signal a knockoff.
- Print authenticity
- Genuine brushstroke print is from fine-art collaborations, not a digital knockoff.
- Platform risk
- Buyers warn of rampant counterfeits on ThredUp and AliExpress; recommend buying from the official site or Simons.
- Design philosophy
- These shorts are a direct expression of ALEMAIS's joy-first design philosophy.
- Print stability
- Relaxed cut keeps the painted pattern flush and undistorted.
- Value
- At CAD 299.95 (40% off CAD 495), these are among Alemais' most affordable printed linen shorts.
Product record
- Title
- Painted Shapes Pure Linen Short
- Brand
- ALEMAIS
- Price
- 495 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Alemais design philosophy and print storytelling
- ALÉMAIS has produced over 6,000 artisanal garments across 58 styles since 2021, a tangible scale that proves the brand's commitment to craft and artist-driven production is not marketing rhetoric — so the shorts, while machine-printed, are part of a brand that treats design as a collaborative, hands-on discipline.
- Unlike mass-market resort brands that design prints in-house, ALÉMAIS treats print creation as a genuine artistic collaboration — founder Lesleigh Jermanus has said the brand works with fine artists whose work is translated onto garments in often unexpected ways, so the brushstroke pattern on these shorts isn't a digital knockoff but reflects the brand's signature of elevating clothing into wearable art.
- The brand was born from Jermanus' conviction that dressing should invoke daily joy: she famously declared during the pandemic's dark days "I can’t look at this anymore. We need joy. We need beauty," and she credits experimenting with colour and print for lifting her own mood, making these vivid painted shorts an intentional mood enhancer rather than mere resortwear.
How the relaxed fit and 4-inch inseam work for different body types
- The relaxed, non-cling silhouette ensures the painterly brushstroke print reads without distortion across hips and thighs — because the fabric doesn't stretch, the artwork stays flat and intentional, making the short flattering on a range of figures and especially effective at disguising areas of tension.
- At 4 inches, the inseam hits above mid-thigh on most builds, creating a leg-lengthening line and a deliberate bare-leg proportion — this is a beach-to-bar short, not a walk-short, and will show dramatically more thigh than a 5–7 inch summer bottom.
- The 100% European linen used is described as lightweight yet structured, so the shorts hold their crisp, clean shape without puckering or drooping — even when the drawcord is cinched the fabric maintains a polished drape that reads more tailored than typical resort linen.
- Alemais trousers and shorts consistently run true to size, a notable exception to the brand’s generally oversized dresses and blouses — so this short will deliver its intended relaxed fit in your standard AU/UK number, while sizing down would risk the hip pulling and the short riding up.
- The elastic waistband on Alemais shorts provides a pressure‑free fit, but because the non-stretch linen must pass over the hips, the correct size is dictated by hip measurement — choosing your usual size based on hip will let the drawcord cinch the waist without strain, a boon for hourglass and pear shapes.
How this sale price stacks up against similar designer linen shorts
- While Alemais linen shorts like the Wanda Embroidered Linen ($670 CAD) sit at the upper end of the brand's range, the Painted Shapes short's full retail of $495 already places it at the more accessible tier, and the current sale of $299.95 makes it one of the most affordable artist-printed linen pieces in the assortment — effectively an entry-luxury price for the brand's signature narrative aesthetic.
- At the sale price, the Painted Shapes short sits in a comparable budget bracket to Farm Rio's Wonderful Bouquet floral linen shorts, but the abstract brushstroke print offers an art-adjacent, gallery-inspired aesthetic rather than a seasonal floral, expanding its versatility beyond resort-specific dressing for buyers seeking a more nuanced, design-forward summer staple.
Why European flax linen excels in summer
- In standardized moisture management testing, linen achieves a class 5 rating on the 1–6 MMT scale for its ability to rapidly transfer perspiration from the inner to outer fabric face; for these shorts, that means sustained dryness through an afternoon of seaside activity, not just a temporary cooling sensation.
- The flax fiber’s tubular, hollow core — a vestigial lumen — functions as a built-in ventilation channel, trapping an insulating air buffer that keeps the fabric cooler to the touch and actively conducting moisture outward; this structural property, not just weave openness, is what gives these shorts their distinctive dry, airy feel even as perspiration accumulates.
- Linen registers the highest Thermo-Physiological Comfort Index of 0.388 among tested fibers, combining breathability and insulation into a single measure; for a short worn across fluctuating beachside temperatures, this means it helps the body maintain a stable thermal balance — cooling without chilling.
- Flax can absorb up to 20% of its own weight in moisture before feeling damp, so these shorts actively wick sweat away from the skin and spread it for rapid evaporation, staying dry and cool even in extreme humidity — a performance edge over cotton, which typically clings and feels wet at lower moisture loads.
- Pure linen resists warping and pilling, and its surface actually smooths out with repeated washing as residual pectins dissolve, developing a softer drape and richer color patina over time; these shorts will look and feel more refined after several vacations, not worn out — a longevity advantage over cotton that thins and loses structure.
Caring for printed linen so it lasts
- Air-drying these shorts in a well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight prevents UV-induced fading of the painted design, and because linen dries quickly, this method adds little inconvenience while preserving the artwork’s saturation year after year.
- Linen’s creases are intrinsic to its laid-back allure; on these shorts, the wrinkles will soften and settle into the fabric over time, enhancing the relaxed, resort-ready silhouette that the painted pattern suggests, rather than reading as disheveled.
- A mild, pH-neutral liquid detergent without bleach or enzymes is critical for these painted linen shorts; harsh chemicals can erode both the natural fiber and the surface print, so a gentle cleanser keeps the fabric soft and the colors bright longer.
- Linen’s most celebrated quality is that it becomes softer and drapier with every wash, so these shorts will evolve from a crisp, structured feel into a fluid, personalized garment that feels custom-broken-in, unlike static synthetic pieces.
- Turning the shorts inside out before machine washing shields the painted pattern from friction against other garments and the drum, a straightforward habit that directly protects the brushstroke print’s visibility and freshness over many washes.
- To iron these shorts, place a clean cloth over the painted side and work on a medium-high heat while the fabric is still damp; this prevents direct heat from compromising the print while delivering linen’s characteristic smooth finish.
- The European linen’s natural ability to wick moisture and dry rapidly means these shorts go from wet to wearable in a fraction of the time of cotton, reducing the window for musty odors and making them a low-maintenance pick for vacation and humid climates.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Woman wearing a two-piece linen outfit with a loose short-sleeve button shirt and matching shorts showing a multicolor painted-abstract print and solid dark-red/burgundy trim; model hands in pockets and left pocket is visible.
- Shorts silhouetteHigh-waist loose shorts with a straight hem visible above mid-thigh; front pleat or fold at the center and side seam pockets with the model's right hand inside the pocket.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.39 · w 0.44 · h 0.17 (high) - Shirt silhouetteShort-sleeve, button-front collared shirt with a relaxed, boxy fit that extends to the top of the shorts; front placket with visible buttons runs down center.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high) - Fabric textureVisible plain-woven linen texture with a slightly slubbed, natural weave appearance across both shirt and shorts.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.08 · w 0.60 · h 0.44 (medium) - Printed patternAll-over painted-abstract graphic print composed of geometric and organic shapes including stripes, circles, diamond motifs, wavy lines and block color patches distributed across the shirt and shorts.
- Trim detailDark red / burgundy border trim with a pale zigzag inner edge running along the shirt placket, sleeve hems, collar edge and the shorts hem.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.64 · h 0.42 (high); x 0.28 · y 0.50 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high) - Pocket stylingSide seam pockets on the shorts; right pocket opening visible with the model's hand inserted and slight fabric fold.
1 region
x 0.49 · y 0.39 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high) - Button placketNarrow central placket with small buttons visible from collar to hem of the shirt; buttons sit atop the printed fabric.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.08 · w 0.22 · h 0.28 (high) - Visible hem finishingShirt and shorts hems finished with the same printed fabric and a stitched edge visible where the burgundy trim sits.
Other
Studio product shot showing a standing model against a plain light-gray background; soft directional lighting with mild shadow to the lower-right of the model; image framed to show the model from head to feet and cropped above the head.
- Shot compositionFull-body studio shot of a model standing with weight shifted to one leg, head partially cropped near the top; neutral plain background.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, even lighting from camera-left producing a faint cast shadow on the floor to the model's right and minimal specular highlights on the skin.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.78 · w 0.35 · h 0.18 (medium) - Footwear visibleModel wearing brown suede sandals with crossed straps and gold-tone buckle on the outer side; footwear stands on the studio floor and is visible in the frame.
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.78 · w 0.46 · h 0.16 (high) - Image qualitySharp, high-resolution image with accurate focus on the garments and model; no visible compression artifacts.
Colors
natural linen· base fabric#ECEADCburgundy· border trimsky blue· painted blue motifs#9BACB4black· painted black motifs#343334burnt orange· painted orange/tan patches- Shorts silhouetteHigh-waist loose shorts with a straight hem visible above mid-thigh; front pleat or fold at the center and side seam pockets with the model's right hand inside the pocket.
- 02
Product
Front view of patterned linen shorts on a model showing elastic drawstring waist, all-over painted abstract print, and a maroon scalloped hem trim.
- SilhouetteShorts are mid-thigh length with a relaxed, slightly flared leg opening visible from the front.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.14 · w 0.68 · h 0.25 (high) - WaistbandElasticated waistband with gathered fabric and a visible center front drawstring tied in a loose bow.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.13 · w 0.36 · h 0.06 (high) - DrawstringThin flat drawstring in a pale neutral color with visible ends hanging down the front center of the shorts.
1 region
x 0.43 · y 0.17 · w 0.14 · h 0.15 (high) - Hem trimContrasting maroon scalloped trim along the bottom edge of each short leg with a thin cream border above it.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.33 · w 0.68 · h 0.06 (high) - Printed patternAll-over abstract painted shapes in multiple colors including block shapes, stripes, dots, and curved motifs covering the visible front panels.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.15 · w 0.64 · h 0.20 (high) - Fabric appearancePlain-woven linen texture visible at close range, appearing matte with natural slight creasing.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.18 · w 0.40 · h 0.15 (medium) - Side seam and pocket areaSlight pocket opening/side seam hinted by a vertical seam line at each side front, not gaping.Partial
2 regions
x 0.16 · y 0.18 · w 0.10 · h 0.14 (medium); x 0.74 · y 0.18 · w 0.10 · h 0.14 (medium)
Other
Studio-front crop shot of a model from waist to feet against a neutral grey backdrop; model wears brown sandals, and lighting is soft with a faint shadow to the right.
- Shot compositionFrontal studio shot showing model from just above the waist to the feet, centered framing with even spacing left and right.
- BackgroundPlain light grey seamless backdrop with no texture or props.
- Footwear propModel is wearing flat brown crisscross sandals with a visible gold buckle on the outer side of the right sandal.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.66 · w 0.40 · h 0.23 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft, diffuse lighting with a subtle cast shadow extending slightly to the right of the model's feet.
Colors
cream· shorts primary backgroundmaroon· scalloped hem and trim#632C24light blue· painted patch - light bluerust red· painted patch - rust red#832324black· painted detail - black stripe#252325warm tan· painted patch - warm tan#C3A38C- SilhouetteShorts are mid-thigh length with a relaxed, slightly flared leg opening visible from the front.
- 03
Product
Rear view of patterned linen shorts with an elastic waistband, multicolor painted-appearance panels, and a dark scalloped hem trim; the shorts are worn with a matching top and mostly occlude the upper thighs and waist rear.
- Silhouette and viewRear-facing short length shorts with a relaxed, slightly flared leg opening visible from the back.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.12 · w 0.72 · h 0.35 (high) - WaistbandElastic gathered waistband seen around the back waist with fabric slightly puckered into the band.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.08 (high) - Hem trimDistinct dark reddish-brown scalloped trim runs along the bottom edge of the shorts hem.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.35 · w 0.72 · h 0.06 (high) - Pattern panelsLarge painterly abstract blocks and brushstroke motifs in multiple colors printed across the fabric; visible motifs include organic leaf-like shapes, rectangular blocks, and a dotted looping motif on the right rear panel.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.16 · w 0.64 · h 0.28 (high) - Fabric appearanceTextile has a slightly textured matte weave consistent with a lightweight linen or linen-blend fabric visible in the print areas.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.16 · w 0.60 · h 0.28 (medium) - Side seam and pocket areaRight rear side shows a vertical seam and the suggestion of a side pocket opening beneath the waistband on the right hip area.Partial
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.18 · w 0.15 · h 0.20 (medium)
Other
Studio rear three-quarter shot of a model wearing the shorts against a smooth light grey background; model legs and brown sandals are visible; soft even lighting with a faint shadow on the floor.
- Model and stylingImage shows a model from mid-back to feet wearing the shorts together with a matching printed top; bare legs are visible down to the sandals.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.08 · w 0.80 · h 0.84 (high) - FootwearBrown suede sandals with ankle straps and visible gold-tone buckles on the outer sides of both sandals.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.78 · w 0.44 · h 0.16 (high) - Background and lightingNeutral light grey seamless studio background with even soft lighting and a subtle floor shadow beneath the model's feet to the right.
Colors
cream· base panelsdeep burgundy· scalloped hem trim#5C2B23desaturated sky blue· painted areas - blue patchmuted mustard· painted areas - mustard patchrust red· painted areas - dark red panel- Silhouette and viewRear-facing short length shorts with a relaxed, slightly flared leg opening visible from the back.
Documents & Data
Q&A
5 answered- Is the waist size true to the standard sizing? Does the elastic waistband and drawcord allow for a customizable fit?
- The elastic waistband and drawcord allow for a customizable fit, so you can adjust the tightness. As for whether the waist runs true to standard sizing, we don't have specific measurements, but the elastic waist provides flexibility.
- How does the 'painted shapes' print look in person? Is the color as vibrant as the online photos?
- The product description highlights the paint-like effect and vibrant colors, and the linen fabric tends to hold dyes well, so the print should appear vivid. However, individual monitor settings may affect perception. We suggest checking customer reviews for real-life photos.
- Is the linen pre-washed or will it shrink significantly after first wash?
- The product listing does not specify if the linen is pre-washed. 100% linen can shrink up to 3-5%, especially in hot water. To minimize shrinkage, we recommend cold water washing and air drying. For the best fit, consider sizing up if you are between sizes.
- Is Alemais worth the full retail price?
- Most users say no; they recommend waiting for sales or finding dupes, as the price is considered inflated.
- How can I avoid buying fake Alemais?
- Check fabric composition and brand tags; many knockoffs exist on sites like ThredUp and AliExpress.
Reddit Insights
3 threads · r/AusFemaleFashion, r/ThredUp, r/LuxeFashion_NatFibersRedditors admire Alemais' artistic designs but widely consider the retail prices excessive, frequently recommending sale shopping, dupes, or alternative brands.
mixed sentiment90% match
Positive design appreciation is offset by widespread price concerns and caution about counterfeits, resulting in mixed sentiment.
Themes
High Retail Pricenegative
Dupe and Knockoff Marketmixed
Linen Material Qualitymixed
Brand Alternativespositive
Use Cases
- Summer fashion statement piece
Watch Out For
highAlemais items are frequently counterfeited; carefully inspect material and tags when purchasing second-hand.
mediumSome items may require dry cleaning, increasing the cost of ownership.
low100% linen garments wrinkle easily and may not be worth the premium price according to some users.
Compared To
vs Tombolo
Suggested as a more affordable brand with a similar artistic, playful aesthetic.
vs Zimmermann
Both brands share a designer and high price point; Alemais is seen as a Zimmerman-adjacent brand best bought on sale.
Source Threads
Comment on the value of Alemais linen items
Is it linen? I don’t think anything in linen is worth that price tag. BUT if you really love something and can’t let it go, listen to your heart.
u/hasideasView thread →
Warning about Alemais knockoffs on ThredUp
Does the material say it's polyester with no cotton? There's countless knock off Alemais dresses and button down/short sets on TU. 99% likely it's a dupe.
u/scotch_pleaseView thread →
Advice on buying Alemais on sale
Alemais was founded by a former Zimmermann designer. I have Alemais and Zimmermann dresses and love them all but would never pay full price for them since they go on sale eventually.
u/saucepls042View thread →