Kuwalla
Openwork Stripe Johnny Collar Polo
CA$85.00CAD
In Stock
This openwork stripe Johnny collar polo is a short-sleeve knit shirt with a boxy fit and an open Johnny collar. It is constructed from a blend of recycled cotton and recycled polyester, featuring alternating off-white solid bands and mustard openwork stripes that form a crochet-like texture. The openwork knit is breathable and semi-sheer, with short sleeves and a relaxed silhouette.
- Material
- Recycled cotton and recycled polyester blend
- Style
- boxy
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Color
Patterned Ecru
Size
SMALLMEDIUMLARGEX-LARGE
Specifications
Openwork stripe polo with a boxy fit and an open Johnny collar, crafted from a blend of recycled cotton and recycled polyester.
Openwork patterned knit, Johnny collar, boxy fit, recycled fabric blend.
- Material
- Recycled cotton and recycled polyester blend
- Secondary
- cotton
- Style
- boxy
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Additional Attributes
- openwork stripe pattern
- recycled cotton and recycled polyester blend
- open Johnny collar
- boxy fit
- knit fabric
Product Insights
The Kuwalla Openwork Stripe Johnny Collar Polo reinterprets the 1950s John Smedley-originated buttonless camp collar as a breathable, moisture-wicking openwork knit in 72% recycled polyester that drapes softly and conforms to the body, enabling styling tricks like wearing it open over bare skin or with a chain, layering a fitted tank underneath for intentional sheer, or smoothing it flat under a blazer thanks to its collapsing V-neck and boxy fit. Its key tradeoff: the openwork construction snags and ladders easily from minor catches, requiring careful washing in a mesh bag, but polyester reinforcement prevents holes from stretching out of shape. At $85, it costs about half as much as comparable styles from Polo RL and Sunspel.
Verified claims
- Collar
- Originated with John Smedley in the 1950s as a buttonless, unlined camp collar.
- Silhouette
- The buttonless V-neck narrows the chest and lies flat under a blazer.
- Styling
- Worn open over a bare chest or with a chain for a 1950s resort look.
- Drape
- Openwork knit creates a soft, wavy drape that conforms to the body.
- Snag risk
- Snags and ladders easily from minor catches.
- Breathability
- Breathable knit with moisture-wicking recycled polyester.
- Transparency
- Transparent openwork reveals layers underneath for styling.
- Layering
- Layer a fitted tank underneath for intentional sheer; the flat collar also works under a blazer.
- Proportion
- The boxy fit works with low-profile shoes and a French tuck into trousers or shorts.
- Fabric
- The openwork knit is breathable, quick-drying, and prone to snagging from rough accessories.
- Fit
- Wider, shorter fit with a V-neck collar that collapses for smooth layering.
- Shape retention
- Polyester reinforcement prevents the knit holes from stretching out of shape.
- Durability
- Openwork knit snags easily; recycled polyester maintains shape.
- Care
- Machine wash cold inside out in a mesh bag to prevent snagging.
- Moisture wicking
- Blend wicks moisture and dries faster than 100% cotton.
- Price positioning
- At $85, this polo is about half the price of comparable openwork knits from Polo RL and Sunspel.
- Performance
- The openwork knit is breathable, fast-drying, and designed for layering.
- Material
- 72% recycled polyester blend reinforces the openwork mesh, wicks moisture, and provides breathable, soft drape.
Product record
- Title
- Openwork Stripe Johnny Collar Polo
- Brand
- Kuwalla
- Price
- 85 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
How to style a boxy-fit polo for a balanced silhouette
- The openwork knit pattern reveals whatever is layered underneath, so a fitted tank or lightweight crewneck tee in a tonal or contrasting color adds visual depth and turns the transparency into an intentional styling element rather than an awkward exposure.
- The Johnny collar, a soft unlined camp collar, is conventionally worn open over a bare chest or with a subtle chain — channeling 1950s resort wear; pairing it with contemporary minimalist sneakers and a canvas tote bridges the vintage reference with a modern, city-ready look.
- The boxy, cropped shape draws the eye downward, so low-profile footwear — canvas plimsolls, espadrilles, or slide sandals — maintains the lightness of the openwork knit; chunky sneakers or boots introduce a conflicting visual weight that can make the shirt appear disproportionately small.
- A French tuck (front shirt tail partially tucked) into mid-rise straight-leg chinos or pleated trousers defines the waist without pulling the boxy hem tight, preserving the intended relaxed silhouette while creating a deliberate proportion that works with the shirt’s cropped length.
- Since the polo’s hem is slightly cropped, shorts with a 5–7 inch inseam maintain the proportion by revealing more leg, which keeps the overall silhouette balanced without the shirt appearing too short; knee-length cargo shorts would visually cut the leg at its widest point and disrupt the line.
How the $85 price compares to similar openwork polos
- Knitted polos with open, mesh-like textures typically involve denser stitching or specialized yarns that increase production cost — Polo Ralph Lauren’s Knit Polo retails above $150 CAD and Sunspel’s textured cotton polos hit $175+ CAD, making this $85 CAD version an unusually accessible way to get tactile depth and visual airiness in a polo.
- A Johnny collar — a flat, open camp-style collar — is far more common on woven camp shirts priced $150–$250 CAD from brands like Alex Mill and Todd Snyder; translating it to a knitted polo at $85 CAD makes the look accessible well below the usual entry point for this collar type.
- Among Canadian menswear labels using recycled or organic cotton blends, short-sleeve polos cluster between $68 and $98 CAD at brands like Kotn and Frank And Oak; this Kuwalla piece sits at the upper end of that band while adding a complex openwork knit that would normally push the price beyond $100.
What is a Johnny collar and how does it change the look
- The flat, collarless front (no buttons) means the neckline sits smooth under an unstructured blazer or knit cardigan without the bunching that a standard polo placket causes, making it an underrated layering piece for transitional weather.
- Because the open collar leans into a 1970s Riviera ease, it pairs naturally with crisp linen trousers or swim shorts for a Mediterranean holiday look; tucking it fully or leaving it untucked changes the vibe from smart to louche without changing clothes.
- The absence of a button placket allows the collar to drape open and create an elongated V-shape, which visually narrows the chest and highlights the neck — a silhouette trick that works particularly well on a boxy-fit knit to balance the volume.
- The Johnny collar originated with John Smedley, the British heritage brand that introduced the buttonless, cutaway collar in the 1950s as a more elegant, relaxed alternative to the stiff polo — this polo inherits that mid-century sensibility.
Kuwalla's design ethos and commitment to recycled materials
- At $85 CAD, this polo sits in the accessible tier of design-driven menswear — Kuwalla Tee's strategy is to offer elevated, sustainable design at a price that undercuts luxury brands, making it a value proposition for buyers who want the aesthetic of a higher-end minimalist label without the corresponding markup.
Openwork knit structure: breathability, drape, and snag risk
- Because the openwork sections break the continuous knit structure, the fabric has a softer hand and lower bending resistance than a standard cotton polo, causing it to conform more to the body and move with the wearer — this enhances the relaxed, boxy silhouette by making it feel less stiff and more like a lightweight summer cover-up.
- In the openwork bands, each stitch is anchored by fewer neighboring yarns than in a dense knit, so a pulled thread can quickly unravel into a ladder-like run along the stripe pattern; even minor snags from a zipper, seatbelt, or rough bag strap can become prominent, making the shirt inherently more fragile than a standard polo and better suited to casual rather than rugged environments.
- The recycled polyester in the blend adds tensile strength and recovery to the openwork mesh, preventing the holes from permanently stretching out of shape after wear and washing; without it, a fully recycled cotton openwork would be far more prone to sagging and loss of pattern definition.
- The 'openwork stripe' design is knit by alternating bands of solid jersey and perforated eyelet mesh, creating a fabric with built-in vertical undulation; the solid stripes provide structural anchors while the open stripes reduce weight and add transparency, so the shirt hangs with a subtle waviness rather than a flat uniform drape.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a short-sleeve openwork knit polo with horizontal alternating openwork and solid stripes, worn by a model. Visible features include a Johnny-style collar, V-neck opening, and a slightly relaxed hem sitting over trousers.
- Overall silhouetteShort-sleeve polo with a relaxed, boxy torso and sleeves that end above the elbow; hem falls just over the waistband of trousers.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.20 · w 0.76 · h 0.60 (high) - Collar and neckFolded Johnny-style collar with a shallow V-neck opening (no visible buttons) formed by the collar meeting at center front.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.12 · w 0.32 · h 0.14 (high) - Knit constructionOpenwork crochet-like knit with alternating solid knit bands and open hole-pattern bands creating horizontal stripes across the body and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.22 · w 0.64 · h 0.46 (high) - Stripe patternAlternating horizontal stripes in two colors: wider off-white solid knit bands and narrower mustard/golden openwork bands repeated from chest to hem and on sleeves.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.24 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.60 · w 0.64 · h 0.12 (medium) - Sleeve detailShort sleeves finished with the same alternating stripe and openwork pattern; sleeve edges appear slightly rolled or relaxed.
2 regions
x 0.14 · y 0.30 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.30 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high) - Hem and fit at waistLower front hem sits over trousers with a slight uneven tuck at center front; hem edge follows knit pattern without visible ribbing.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.66 · w 0.52 · h 0.12 (high) - Visible texture and translucencyOpenwork bands are visibly porous and semi-sheer, revealing skin tone and underlying garment shadows through the holes.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.28 · w 0.40 · h 0.30 (high)
Other
Studio shot of a model wearing the product against a plain light background. Even, soft lighting with minimal shadows; image cropped to show model from head to upper thighs.
- Shot compositionCentered medium portrait framing showing the model from head to upper thighs, with the product occupying the central area of the frame.
- BackgroundUniform light neutral background with no visible props or patterns.
- Model visibleMale model is visible wearing the garment; hands partially shown with one hand in pocket and the other holding an unseen object at lower left edge.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.64 · w 0.18 · h 0.32 (medium); x 0.74 · y 0.64 · w 0.20 · h 0.30 (medium) - Lighting and shadowsSoft, diffuse lighting with minimal directional shadow; slight shadowing under the model chin and under the hem of the shirt.
Colors
off-white· off-white knit bands#CBC4BCmustard gold· mustard/golden openwork stripes#C28265- Overall silhouetteShort-sleeve polo with a relaxed, boxy torso and sleeves that end above the elbow; hem falls just over the waistband of trousers.
- 02
Product
Short-sleeve knitted polo with an openwork crochet-like stripe pattern in alternating off-white and mustard bands, featuring a soft Johnny-style collar and visible textured holes within the knit.
- Collar and neckJohnny-style polo collar with a soft, unstructured fold; collar is knitted in the same openwork stripe pattern as the body and lies open at the front showing a short V-shaped neckline.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.16 · w 0.60 · h 0.22 (high) - Knit patternAlternating horizontal bands of solid ribbed knit and openwork (small rectangular/eyelet holes) creating a striped texture across the visible front and sleeve.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.30 · w 0.86 · h 0.56 (high) - Short sleeve constructionShort sleeve with visible hem; sleeve follows the same striped openwork knit and ends above the elbow.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.58 · w 0.46 · h 0.32 (high) - Color contrastClearly alternating light off-white bands and darker warm mustard bands across the garment.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.30 · w 0.86 · h 0.56 (high) - Visible textureYarn texture and small open holes are visible, giving a crochet-like appearance rather than a smooth jersey surface.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.34 · w 0.50 · h 0.36 (high)
Other
Studio portrait crop showing a model from chest up against a plain light background, soft even lighting with minimal shadows; model wears small hoop earrings and a delicate chain bracelet, left arm crossed over chest.
- Model poseMale model shown in three-quarter profile facing right with left arm crossed over chest and hand resting on right shoulder.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (medium) - AccessoriesSmall hoop earrings in the left ear and a thin chain bracelet on the left wrist are visible.
2 regions
x 0.56 · y 0.08 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.64 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high) - Background and lightingPlain light gray to white studio background with soft, even lighting and minimal harsh shadows; slight specular highlights on skin.
- Image cropImage is cropped at upper head and mid-forearm, showing torso and head but excluding full body.
Colors
off-white· off-white stripemustard· mustard stripe#C38364- Collar and neckJohnny-style polo collar with a soft, unstructured fold; collar is knitted in the same openwork stripe pattern as the body and lies open at the front showing a short V-shaped neckline.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a short-sleeve openwork knit polo with horizontal cream and mustard stripes, a flat Johnny-style collar, boxy relaxed fit, and visible crochet-like openwork pattern across the back and sleeves.
- Overall silhouetteBack of a short-sleeve polo with a straight, boxy silhouette and a hem that falls to the upper hips.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.12 · w 0.84 · h 0.76 (high) - Fabric constructionOpenwork crochet or knit with regularly spaced square/rectangular holes creating a mesh effect across the entire garment back and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.76 · h 0.64 (high) - Stripe patternHorizontal alternating bands of solid cream knit and mustard-gold openwork stripes running across the back and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.18 · w 0.80 · h 0.58 (high) - Collar detailLow, flat Johnny-style collar with the same alternating cream and mustard stripe visible at the back of the neckline.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.06 · w 0.32 · h 0.10 (high) - Sleeve shapeShort sleeves with the openwork stripe pattern and a slightly loose, boxy cut ending above the elbow.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.22 · w 0.25 · h 0.29 (high); x 0.69 · y 0.22 · w 0.25 · h 0.29 (high) - Hem finishLower hem appears slightly scalloped or textured following the knit pattern, not a straight stitched band.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.72 · w 0.76 · h 0.12 (medium) - Visible texture close-upRows of thicker solid-knit bands alternate with rows of open square holes; the thicker bands have a ribbed horizontal texture.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.30 · w 0.56 · h 0.38 (high)
Other
Studio rear product shot on a plain light background showing a model wearing the garment; model head turned slightly to the right. Even diffuse lighting with soft shadowing.
- Shot compositionVertical studio shot centered on the model's back, with the garment filling most of the frame and ample white space around.
- Model presenceMale model wearing the garment; head turned to the right exposing right profile and short brown hair.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.00 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high) - Props and backgroundPlain light gray or off-white seamless background and neutral floor; no additional props.
- LightingEven, diffuse lighting with minimal directional shadows giving accurate visibility of knit texture.
- Accessories visibleSmall hoop earring visible on the model's right ear and a thin bracelet on the model's left wrist; these are accessories on the model, not part of the product.
2 regions
x 0.50 · y 0.03 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.10 · y 0.78 · w 0.16 · h 0.10 (high)
Colors
cream· cream knit bandsmustard· mustard openwork stripes- Overall silhouetteBack of a short-sleeve polo with a straight, boxy silhouette and a hem that falls to the upper hips.
Documents & Data
Q&A
3 answered- How does the 'boxy fit' compare to standard fit polos in terms of chest and shoulder measurements? Is it intentionally oversized or just relaxed?
- This polo has a boxy fit, meaning it's intentionally wider and slightly shorter than a standard fit. Think of it as a relaxed, slightly oversized silhouette rather than a slim or regular cut.
- What are the recommended care instructions for the recycled cotton-polyester blend, and does the openwork knit require special handling to prevent snagging?
- We recommend machine washing this polo in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble drying on low heat. To prevent snagging of the openwork knit, wash it inside out in a mesh laundry bag and avoid fastening it on rough surfaces or with Velcro.
- Is the openwork pattern achieved through a knit structure that is inherently breathable, and how does the recycled polyester affect moisture-wicking compared to 100% cotton?
- Yes, the openwork knit structure creates physical gaps that allow air to pass through, making it inherently breathable. The recycled polyester in the blend wicks moisture away from the skin and dries faster than 100% cotton, which tends to absorb sweat and stay wet.