Contemporaine
Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater
This is a 100% cotton knit pullover sweater with a boxy, relaxed fit and dropped shoulders. It features a contrasting white Johnny collar, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, and a ribbed hem, plus a wide horizontal rugby stripe pattern in black and light gray. Designed in Canada for Contemporaine by Simons, this sweater is suitable for casual everyday wear.
Specifications
- Material
- 100% reprocessed cotton
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
Product Insights
Originating from 1950s gender-neutral Italian-style sportswear with stripes rooted in 1846 Rugby School dress rules, this sweater features a buttonless Johnny collar and self-fabric construction for a no-chafe neckline, a boxy fit for range of motion, and 100% reprocessed cotton that saves up to 20,000 L of water per kg while being soft and breathable. At $69 CAD, it undercuts comparable styles like Madewell's $98 USD viscose/poly version, but requires machine washing cold on gentle and tumble drying low to preserve its proportions. Its style spans from sporty retro to smart-casual, offering a gender-neutral transitional-season piece.
Verified claims
- Heritage
- The Johnny collar emerged on 1950s-60s golf and tennis circuits as a breathable, buttonless sportswear collar; widely used in women's wear since the 1960s, it reads as gender-neutral with Italian-collar lineage.
- Comfort
- The buttonless, self-fabric Johnny collar removes hard buttons and a stiff separate collar, giving a no-chafe neckline that stays soft and comfortable for all-day wear.
- Stripe origin
- Stripes originate from 1846 Rugby School dress rule for team identification.
- Collar
- This sweater replaces rugby's stiff buttoned collar with a buttonless, self-fabric Johnny collar for a no-chafe neckline while keeping the collar's polished detail.
- Fit
- The sweater has a relaxed, boxy fit with dropped shoulders, reviving rugby's traditional loose cut for easier range of motion.
- Environmental impact
- 100% reprocessed cotton, saving up to 20,000 L of water per kg.
- Value
- At $69 CAD, costs less than Madewell's $98 USD viscose/poly version.
- Care
- For this 100% cotton knit, machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low to minimize shrinkage; air drying flat is the safest option to preserve the fit.
- Breathability
- This sweater is made from soft and breathable 100% reprocessed cotton, so it keeps the natural airiness and hand feel of cotton while using an eco-conscious reclaimed fiber.
- Style range
- From sporty retro roots to smart-casual polish; a gender-neutral style with a breathable cotton knit.
- Fit guidance
- The boxy fit is intentionally oversized through the body and sleeves; shoppers who prefer a more fitted silhouette should size down, though this may shorten the length slightly.
- Pilling
- 100% cotton knits can pill over time, especially with shorter fibers; reprocessed cotton may have slightly shorter fibers, so some pilling is possible. Washing inside out and avoiding high heat can help reduce it.
- Environmental impact
- Choosing 100% reprocessed cotton bypasses the agricultural phase of cotton farming, saving up to 20,000 liters of water per kilogram of cotton compared to virgin cotton and avoiding the chemical load of conventional cultivation.
- Design origin
- Designed in Canada for Contemporaine by Simons, the sweater comes from Simons' Montreal-based in-house line.
- Reprocessed cotton meaning
- The 100% reprocessed cotton in this sweater is recycled cotton reclaimed from post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste and re-spun into yarn, giving the fiber a second life instead of using virgin cotton.
- Colorways
- The sweater is offered in Black, Navy/Midnight Blue, and Patterned Red, and the Black colorway is the same rugby-stripe knit as the others — not a solid black sweater — with a contrasting Johnny collar.
Product record
- Title
- Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater
- Brand
- Contemporaine
- Price
- 69 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 9 sourcesUses
Smart-casual everyday wear with a relaxed, polished look
Based on customer reviews, this sweater's crisp rugby stripes and johnny collar keep it looking polished enough for smart-casual settings, while the not-too-thick knit stays comfortable for all-day wear. The roomy design gives a relaxed, on-trend vibe, though reviewers note it runs oversized and most recommend sizing down for a cleaner silhouette. Reviewers also flag that the cropped length may sit above the hip, so taller buyers may find it too short unless they like a shorter cut.[2,3]
Spring and fall layering piece
For cooler days between seasons, this sweater works as a light layer — reviewers describe it worn under a blazer or over a tee in spring and fall. The knit is reported as soft and lightweight, not too thick, so it can stay comfortable through the day without overheating. Feedback comes from a summary of customer reviews rather than direct testimonials.[2]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater: Choose this if you want a smart-casual everyday layer — per customer-review analysis, the johnny collar and crisp stripes keep it polished while the soft, lightweight knit works under a blazer or over a tee in spring and fall. It has a boxy, relaxed fit with wide black and light stripes, a white open V collar, and ribbed hem and cuffs, but it runs oversized and cropped: most reviewers suggest sizing down for a cleaner drape, and taller buyers may find the length sits above the hip.[1,2,3,4] | Stretch Striped Polo Sweater: Choose this if you want a soft, lightweight striped knit for mild spring or fall days and layering, in a classic black-and-white breton-look design with a pointed five-button polo collar and ribbed trims. Reviewers report the body runs true to size with vibrant color and a polished, casual look worn untucked with jeans, though the sleeves run wide and may look baggy on slim arms. It is made of a fine stretch knit in 80% reprocessed viscose and 20% nylon; note that some reviewers say the quality may not impress those expecting a premium feel.[5,6,7] | Funnel Collar Striped Sweater Exclusive Collection From Italy: Choose this if you want a relaxed, boxy one-size knit with a short funnel collar, dropped shoulders, and voluminous balloon sleeves that taper into fitted ribbed cuffs. Its ultra-soft stretch knit (52% viscose, 26% polyester, 22% nylon) comes in even black and off-white horizontal stripes, with ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem, and it's imported from Italy exclusively at Contemporaine in three colorways. Note it is offered only in a single ONE SIZE, so fit flexibility matters here.[8,9] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a long-sleeve rugby-striped sweater with a white Johnny-style open V collar, wide horizontal black and light-gray/cream stripes, dropped shoulders, ribbed cuffs, and a relaxed body partially tucked into pants.
- Collar styleWhite Johnny-style open V collar with a folded pointed collar band and a V-shaped throat opening; collar lies flat against the chest.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.07 · w 0.32 · h 0.13 (high) - Stripe patternAlternating wide horizontal stripes across the torso and sleeves: dark black stripe alternating with a light gray/cream stripe; stripes are continuous from body onto sleeves.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.18 · w 0.90 · h 0.48 (high) - Sleeve and cuff constructionLong set-in sleeves with dropped shoulder seam and wide ribbed black cuffs; left sleeve is shown pushed slightly and wrinkled above the cuff.
2 regions
x 0.04 · y 0.58 · w 0.25 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.72 · y 0.58 · w 0.24 · h 0.32 (high) - Body fit and hemRelaxed, slightly loose torso knit with the front hem partially tucked into the waistband of the pants, creating soft horizontal folds at the lower front.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.44 · w 0.60 · h 0.22 (high) - Knit textureFine, smooth knit surface visible on both dark and light stripes with minimal visible pilling or patterning.
Other
Studio product photo showing a female model wearing the sweater against a plain light gray to white background with even, soft lighting and subtle shadows; image framed from head to upper thighs.
- Model and poseFemale model facing front with head slightly turned to viewer right, left hand relaxed at side and right hand in pocket; sweater shown on a live model.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.00 · w 0.60 · h 0.90 (high) - Background and lightingEven soft studio lighting on a plain very light gray or white seamless background producing soft, minimal shadows.
- Visible additional garmentBlack high-waist pants are visible and occupy the lower part of the frame but are not described as part of the product.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.64 · w 0.64 · h 0.34 (high) - Image croppingImage is cropped to show the product from head to upper thighs; lower edges of the pants and model hands are within the frame.
Colors
white· collarblack· dark stripes and cuffs#0E0E0Dlight gray· light stripes#CBCCC4- Collar styleWhite Johnny-style open V collar with a folded pointed collar band and a V-shaped throat opening; collar lies flat against the chest.
- 02
Product
Knit pullover with wide horizontal rugby-style stripes, a white Johnny-style open collar with a V-shaped placket, long set-in/dropped sleeves and ribbed cuffs; visible front and upper torso of the garment on a model.
- Overall stripe patternWide horizontal stripes alternating dark black and light gray run across the visible front and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.30 · w 0.90 · h 0.55 (high) - Johnny collar and placketWhite flat knit Johnny-style collar with a V-shaped open placket that reveals a narrow white inner facing along the neckline.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.08 · w 0.34 · h 0.16 (high) - Knit textureMedium-gauge knit texture visible across the stripes, appearing smooth and slightly looped at close view.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.32 · w 0.60 · h 0.40 (medium) - Ribbed cuffLeft sleeve cuff is black and appears ribbed and fitted at the wrist.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (medium) - Shoulder seam and fitDrop shoulder seam visible on the right side with a relaxed, slightly oversized upper torso fit.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.28 · w 0.33 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Cropped studio portrait showing model from head to waist against a plain light neutral background with soft even lighting.
- Model presentationFemale model shown from head to upper torso wearing the sweater; left arm raised with hand near head.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 0.60 (high) - Background and lightingPlain light neutral background with soft, even studio lighting and minimal shadows.
- Image crop and framingImage is a close-crop showing head and upper body; lower body is outside the frame.
- Facial styling and accessoriesModel has short dark hair and is wearing small hoop earrings visible on both ears.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.01 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high)
Colors
black· black stripes#0E0E0Elight gray· light gray stripes#C4C4BCwhite· collar and placket- Overall stripe patternWide horizontal stripes alternating dark black and light gray run across the visible front and sleeves.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a long-sleeve rugby-striped pullover sweater with wide horizontal dark and light bands and a contrasting white Johnny-style collar; visible ribbed hem and cuffs and a relaxed, slightly dropped-shoulder fit.
- View and poseBack of the sweater shown on a model; model turned slightly to the right so right profile of head is visible while entire sweater back is in view.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.04 · w 0.88 · h 0.92 (high) - Stripe patternWide horizontal alternating dark and light stripes across the back and sleeves; stripes are broad and of approximately equal height.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.14 · w 0.76 · h 0.64 (high) - Collar styleLow, wide Johnny-style collar in solid white that lies flat against the neck and contrasts with the top stripe.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.02 · w 0.28 · h 0.10 (high) - Sleeve constructionLong sleeves with dropped shoulder seams; stripes continue onto sleeves and align with body stripes at shoulder area.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.20 · w 0.22 · h 0.56 (high); x 0.72 · y 0.18 · w 0.22 · h 0.60 (high) - Hem and cuff finishRibbed knit hem at waist and ribbed cuffs at sleeve ends in the same dark color as the dark stripes.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.72 · w 0.64 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.06 · y 0.74 · w 0.16 · h 0.18 (medium) - Material appearanceKnitted fabric with a smooth, even knit texture visible on the stripe surfaces; fabric drapes slightly at the lower back creating soft folds.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.40 · w 0.60 · h 0.40 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a plain light background showing the model from the rear with soft, even studio lighting and minimal shadows.
- BackgroundUniform light gray to white seamless background with no visible props or packaging.
- Model and stylingFemale model wearing the sweater and dark trousers; hands partially visible at sides and one hand tucked near hip pocket.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.74 · w 0.24 · h 0.26 (medium); x 0.66 · y 0.74 · w 0.24 · h 0.26 (medium) - Lighting and shadowSoft, even studio lighting from front-left producing minimal soft shadows around the model's right side and under the sweater's folds.
- Image qualityHigh-resolution, sharp focus on sweater fabric and model; no visible motion blur or compression artifacts.
Colors
deep black· dark stripes and ribbing#0E0E0Esoft cream· light stripes#CCCCC3bright white· collar- View and poseBack of the sweater shown on a model; model turned slightly to the right so right profile of head is visible while entire sweater back is in view.
Variants
11 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4466525 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Black - X-Small | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4466526 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Black - Small | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4466527 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Black - Medium | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4466528 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Black - Large | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4466529 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Black - X-Large | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4595151 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Navy/midnight Blue - X-Large | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4595152 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Patterned Red - X-Small | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4595153 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Patterned Red - Small | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4595154 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Patterned Red - Medium | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4595155 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Patterned Red - Large | CA$69.00 | Yes |
| 4595156 | Rugby Stripes Johnny-Collar Sweater - Patterned Red - X-Large | CA$69.00 | Yes |
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
9 total9 reviews · out of 5
One of my favourite tops now
Great quality, dimensions stated are correct - it's an oversized piece, so I sized down. It's also not super long, so keep that in mind if you're tall. All in all, I love it. Def recommend.
Satisfaite
Beau tricot pas trop épais
Trop grand
Pourtant j’ai suivi le guide des tailles
Confortable
Confortable et ample. On se sent à l'aise
Good looking casual wear
Love the weight of material and the roomy fit makes it so comfortable!
Love this. The colour and
Love this. The colour and fit are perfect
Soft, comfortable, stylish
I love this light sweater. It’s so easy to throw on and feels so good, but not sloppy, but chic.
Soft and nostalgic
Haven’t washed it yet but so far very comfy and rugby stripes and design very pleasing.
Je l’adore
La douceur du tissus qui n’est pas trop épais, couleurs versatiles, fait très bien