What I Actually Wear in Hot Weather: My Linen Summer Uniforms
Every summer, as soon as the temperatures begin to climb, I find myself reaching for the same pieces in my wardrobe. After more than 20 years of designing and wearing linen clothing and travelling regularly to Europe and the Middle East during the hottest months of the year, I've learned that staying cool isn't just about wearing less clothing. It's about choosing the right fabric.
For me, that fabric is always linen. Whether I'm walking through the streets of Victoria, packing for a trip overseas, meeting friends for lunch, or dressing for an outdoor dinner, linen keeps me comfortable without sacrificing style. Over the years, I've also learned that many women think dressing for hot weather means choosing between comfort and elegance. I don't believe you should have to.
In this guide, I'll share why linen has earned a permanent place in my wardrobe, the summer pieces I wear most often, how I style them for everything from everyday errands to travel and special occasions, and the design philosophy behind Nomi Designs. My hope is that you'll come away with practical ideas for building a summer wardrobe you'll love wearing year after year.
Why Linen Is My Favourite Summer Fabric
If someone asks me what fabric I recommend most for summer, my answer is always the same: linen.
After more than two decades of designing linen clothing and wearing it through countless summers, I've never found another fabric that performs quite the same way. Every year, as the weather gets warmer, I naturally reach for my linen pieces first—not because they're fashionable, but because they simply make me feel better in the heat.
Living in Victoria, British Columbia, our summers are becoming warmer every year. Add in my annual trips to visit family in Europe and the Middle East, where temperatures regularly climb much higher, and I've had plenty of opportunities to understand how different fabrics perform in real life. Those experiences continue to influence not only how I dress, but also how I design every collection at Nomi Designs.
One thing I've learned is that staying comfortable in hot weather isn't about wearing less clothing, it's about choosing fabrics that work with your body instead of against it.
Designer's Note
"Many people think linen is only for vacations or beach holidays. I see it differently. Linen has become my everyday uniform because it allows me to feel comfortable whether I'm working in the studio, travelling overseas, meeting friends for lunch, or enjoying a warm summer evening."
Linen Keeps You Cool and Comfortable
One of the reasons I keep reaching for linen every summer is the way it works with your body instead of against it. Unlike synthetic fabrics that tend to trap heat, linen's natural fibres allow air to circulate while absorbing moisture without feeling damp. The result is clothing that feels cool, light, and comfortable—even on the hottest days.
I've experienced this time and time again while travelling through Europe and the Middle East. Whether I'm wandering through a busy city or spending the day outdoors with family, I rarely think about the heat when I'm wearing linen. That's why my suitcase is always filled with linen dresses, tops, and pants. They're the pieces I know I can rely on wherever I go.
Beyond the fabric itself, I also pay close attention to how each garment fits. Linen performs best when it has room to move. Rather than clinging to the body, it drapes naturally, allowing air to circulate and keeping you comfortable throughout the day. That's why I design relaxed silhouettes that feel polished without feeling restrictive.
One thing customers often tell me is how much cooler they feel after switching from fitted synthetic clothing to thoughtfully designed linen garments. Sometimes it's not just the fabric that makes the difference—it's giving the fabric room to do what it does best.
Designer's Note
"One of the biggest misconceptions about linen is that it needs to be perfectly pressed. I actually love the soft wrinkles that develop throughout the day. They're part of linen's relaxed elegance and a reminder that beautiful clothing doesn't have to look perfectly polished to feel sophisticated."
Perfect for Travel
Travel has taught me to appreciate clothing that works hard without needing much attention, and linen does exactly that.
It folds easily into a suitcase, dries quickly after washing, layers beautifully in changing climates, and feels just as appropriate exploring a local market as it does sitting down for dinner.
One thing I love is stepping off a long flight still feeling comfortable. Linen breathes naturally, moves with your body, and doesn't leave you feeling overheated after hours of travelling.
It's become my go-to travel fabric because I can pack fewer pieces knowing they'll mix and match effortlessly throughout my trip.
It Only Gets Better With Time
Unlike many fabrics that wear out over the years, linen develops character.
Every wash makes it softer. Every season makes it more comfortable.
Some of my favourite pieces in my own wardrobe are the ones I've owned the longest because they've moulded beautifully to the way I live. That's also why I believe linen is such a worthwhile investment and one of the most sustainable fabrics you can choose. You're not buying something for one summer—you'll continue reaching for it year after year.
From My Experience
One thing I hear repeatedly from customers is that once they start wearing linen during the summer, it's difficult to go back to synthetic fabrics. They tell me they feel cooler, more comfortable, and more like themselves. That's exactly what I hope every piece from Nomi Designs helps women experience.
My Go-To Linen Summer Uniforms
Over the years, I've realised I don't need dozens of summer outfits. In fact, I probably wear the same core pieces more than anything else in my wardrobe.
When every piece works together, getting dressed becomes easy. I don't spend time wondering what to wear because I know everything mixes and matches effortlessly.
These are the linen pieces I reach for every summer—the ones I wear at home, while travelling, meeting friends, exploring new cities, or enjoying long evenings outdoors. Each one was designed with a specific purpose, but together they create a wardrobe that feels simple, versatile, and timeless.
Linen Dresses: My One-and-Done Outfit
If I could recommend just one piece to someone building a summer wardrobe, it would be a linen dress.
There's something wonderfully uncomplicated about slipping on one garment and instantly feeling comfortable and put together. Whether I'm enjoying a quiet morning with coffee on the patio, walking through Victoria's Inner Harbour, meeting friends for lunch, or travelling overseas, a linen dress is usually my first choice.
Designer's Note
"When I design dresses, I always ask myself one question: Will I still want to wear this ten years from now? That's why I focus on timeless silhouettes instead of trends. I want women to feel confident reaching for the same dress summer after summer."
Hayley Dress
The Hayley Dress is the piece I think of as everyday simplicity. It's relaxed enough to wear around the house, comfortable enough for running errands, yet polished enough that if someone invites you out unexpectedly, you don't need to change.
Roz Dress
When my day involves exploring a new city, visiting local markets, or going out for dinner, I almost always reach for the Roz Dress.
Its relaxed silhouette keeps me comfortable even after hours of walking, while its clean lines make it easy to dress up with jewellery or a beautiful scarf. I've packed this style on countless trips because it transitions effortlessly from daytime sightseeing to evening dinners.
Carmen Dress
The Carmen Dress came from wanting something feminine without sacrificing comfort.
One challenge with linen is that it has very little stretch, so I added gentle elastic beneath the arms to create ease of movement while maintaining a flattering shape. The adjustable straps were another intentional detail—they can be worn straight or crossed while still covering bra straps comfortably.
These small details might not seem significant, but they're exactly the kinds of things I think about when designing clothing women will actually enjoy wearing all day.
I've found the Carmen Dress becomes one of those holiday pieces you pack without even thinking because it works equally well for beach walks, sightseeing, and warm summer evenings.
Linen Skirts That Work Beyond the Beach
One thing I love about skirts is how easily they can change personality depending on how you style them.
Rumi Wrap Skirt
Whenever I'm near the water, the Rumi Wrap Skirt is one of the first pieces I pack.
I love wearing it over a swimsuit with simple sandals—or no shoes at all. Add a linen shirt loosely over your shoulders for sun protection and you're ready for an afternoon that can easily transition into lunch overlooking the water.
The movement of linen in the breeze is part of what makes this skirt feel so special.
Ella Skirt
The Ella Skirt has quietly become one of those timeless pieces that never feels dated.
It's the skirt I recommend when customers tell me they have weddings, celebrations, or summer dinners coming up but don't want to buy something they'll only wear once.
I love pairing it with the Joy Tank Top or the Nomi Vest during warmer weather, then adding the Ann Jacket when temperatures cool in the evening.
One outfit. Multiple occasions.
That's exactly how I believe wardrobes should work.
Linen Tops I Wear Again and Again
If dresses are my easiest outfit, linen tops are probably my hardest-working pieces.
I wear them with skirts, capris, shorts, trousers, layered under jackets, and even over dresses. They're the foundation of so many outfits because they create endless combinations without needing a large wardrobe.
Joy Tank Top
The Joy Tank is probably the design I'm proudest of—not because it's the most complicated, but because it solved a problem.
Over the years I designed several tank tops that never felt quite right. Because linen doesn't stretch, getting the fit around the armhole is surprisingly difficult. Too loose and bra straps show. Too tight and the top becomes uncomfortable.
Eventually I added a small elastic panel beneath the arm. It's a detail most people never notice, but customers certainly do.
Since introducing this version, women have consistently told me how comfortable and flattering it feels, and it's become one of our most-loved styles.
Designer's Note
"Sometimes the smallest design details make the biggest difference. I don't design garments to look beautiful on a hanger, I design them to feel beautiful once someone actually puts them on."
Nomi Vest
The Nomi Vest might be one of the most versatile pieces I've ever designed.
In summer, I wear it on its own with linen trousers such as the Jean Capri, with shorts or Ella Skirt or Rumi Wrap Skirt, or even as a second layer over a dress.
During cooler months, I layer it over shirts and long sleeves.
Customers have even shown me ways of styling it that I hadn't imagined—including wearing it open over a fitted tank. It is a timeless piece that easily transitions from casual daywear to a more dressed-up evening look.
I love seeing garments take on a life beyond what I originally envisioned.
Jessie Top
The Jessie Top holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me how Nomi Designs began.
I still remember making just three tops in different colours and nervously walking into a well-known boutique in downtown Victoria.
The owner looked at them, smiled, and said, "Well done. I'd like one of each colour in every size."
That was my first wholesale order.
Years later, the Jessie Top remains one of our best sellers—not because it's trendy, but because good design never really goes out of style.
Linen Pants That Make Summer Easy
People often ask me which pants they should start with.
My answer is usually: choose the silhouette that fits your lifestyle.
The Jean Capri Pants are wonderfully relaxed for everyday wear.
The Jordan Pants offer a slightly fuller shape that works beautifully for travel and can easily be rolled at the hem.
The Eve Cargo Pants are perfect if you prefer a more contemporary look with practical pockets and thoughtful details.
No matter which style you choose, they're designed with the same philosophy: breathable, comfortable clothing that moves with you instead of restricting you.
The Jacket I Never Leave Home Without
Many people assume jackets are only for spring or autumn, but I rarely travel in summer without one.
Whether I'm sitting on an airplane, walking along the waterfront after sunset, or stepping into an air-conditioned restaurant, I always appreciate having a lightweight linen layer.
The Eden Jacket is one I wear constantly, particularly in Sand, Pesto, and Ocean because they coordinate so easily with the rest of my wardrobe.
The Ann Jacket has become another favourite. I especially love wearing it over the Nicole Dress for evenings when I want to feel comfortable but a little more dressed up.
From My Experience
One thing I've learned over the years is that the best wardrobes aren't built around having more clothes—they're built around owning pieces you'll genuinely wear again and again. That's always been my philosophy at Nomi Designs: create timeless garments that simplify getting dressed rather than complicating it.
Why I Built Nomi Designs Differently
After more than 20 years in fashion, one lesson has stayed with me: trends come and go, but the pieces we truly love are the ones we keep reaching for year after year.
I've watched colours, silhouettes, and "must-have" styles change every season. Some disappear almost as quickly as they arrive. Yet when I look inside my own wardrobe—or speak with long-time customers—it's never the trend-driven pieces that have stood the test of time.
It's the linen dress that's travelled the world with them.
The favourite pair of linen pants that still fits beautifully.
The jacket they instinctively reach for on cool summer evenings.Those are the garments that quietly become part of everyday life.
That's why I've never wanted Nomi Designs to encourage women to buy more clothing every season. Instead, I've always believed in designing fewer, better pieces that simplify getting dressed and become more meaningful the longer you own them.
Designer's Note
"I've never been interested in designing clothes that are only exciting for one season. I'd much rather create garments that quietly become someone's favourite piece year after year."
Every collection begins here in Victoria, British Columbia, where I design each piece with real women and real lifestyles in mind. Our garments are handcrafted locally by skilled seamstresses in small batches—or made to order—allowing us to focus on quality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design rather than mass production.
One of the greatest privileges of running Nomi Designs is the opportunity to work directly with customers. Over the years, I've helped hundreds of women find the right fit, adjust a garment to suit their body, or choose pieces that work with the wardrobe they already own. Those conversations have shaped my designs just as much as my own experience.
I've learned that most women aren't looking for more clothes—they're looking for clothing they can depend on. They want pieces that feel comfortable all day, travel well, transition effortlessly between occasions, and still make them feel like themselves years later.
That's why every collection is designed to work together. A dress should layer easily with a jacket. A skirt should pair effortlessly with several tops. One thoughtful purchase should create multiple outfit possibilities instead of adding more clutter to your closet.
To me, that's what slow fashion is really about. It's not simply producing clothing more responsibly—it's designing garments thoughtfully enough that you'll continue reaching for them season after season.
When someone chooses a piece from Nomi Designs, they're investing in more than a linen garment. They're supporting local craftsmanship, ethically sourced natural fibres, and a philosophy that values quality over quantity. My hope is that every piece becomes one you'll love wearing for many years to come.
The One Fabric I Always Return To
Every summer, I notice something interesting.
No matter what else is in my wardrobe, I always find myself reaching for the same familiar linen pieces.
Not because I have to. Because I genuinely want to.
Those garments have travelled with me through Europe and the Middle East, walked the streets of Victoria, accompanied me to dinners with friends, and been part of countless everyday moments. Over the years, they've reminded me that the best clothes aren't the ones that make the biggest statement—they're the ones you never have to think twice about wearing.
From My Experience
"One thing I hear again and again from customers is that once they discover linen, they begin wearing it in ways they never expected. What starts as a dress for summer holidays quickly becomes the piece they reach for every chance they get."
If you've ever wondered whether linen is worth the investment, my answer comes from more than two decades of designing, wearing, and listening to women who have built their wardrobes around it.
For me, linen has never been just another fabric. It's shaped the way I design, travel, and dress—and ultimately the philosophy behind Nomi Designs.
My hope is that you'll discover what I have: a thoughtfully made linen garment isn't simply something you wear for one summer. It's something you'll reach for year after year, creating memories along the way.
Explore Nomi Designs' collection of ethically made linen clothing and start building a wardrobe of thoughtfully made linen pieces you'll reach for season after season.
About the author: Nomi Levi, Founder and Designer of Nomi Designs
Nomi Levi is the founder and designer behind Nomi Designs, a Canadian slow fashion brand known for its timeless linen and wool collections. With a deep appreciation for natural fabrics and thoughtful design, Nomi creates versatile pieces that are made to be worn, loved, and lived in for years. Each garment is ethically crafted in Canada, reflecting her commitment to sustainability, quality craftsmanship, and effortless style. Through her writing and designs, Nomi encourages women to build intentional wardrobes rooted in comfort, beauty, and mindful consumption.