Can You Wear Linen Clothing in the Winter?
Nomi’s Guide to Staying Warm and Fashionable During Canadian Winters
When we think of winter fashion in Canada, images of heavy wool coats, chunky scarves, and insulating layers often come to mind. But can you wear linen clothing in the winter?
Yes! Linen, with its reputation for being lightweight and breathable, may seem like an unlikely contender in the battle against the Great White North's frosty temperatures. However, what many might not realize is that linen, when utilized strategically, can be a versatile and stylish addition to your winter wardrobe.
Linen is an excellent base layer to wear, because of its moisture-wicking properties, which can help regulate body temperature and keep you dry. Wearing a linen shirt or blouse as the first layer can help manage sweat, making it a great choice for keeping warm during cold weather.
When used strategically as a layering element, linen can contribute to stylish and warm outfits suitable for the cold climate. It is a natural fibre that can be a staple in your wardrobe all year long. In this blog, we aim to showcase how linen can be harmoniously paired with various colours and fabrics, resulting in cozy and fashionable winter ensembles in Canada.
Canadian winters, renowned for their unpredictable weather, call for adaptable wardrobes that can transition from brisk mornings to heated indoor spaces with ease. Linen's ability to regulate temperature, paired with the right companions, can be your key to mastering winter style.
Whether you're navigating the snow-covered streets of Toronto, the brisk winds of Montreal, or the coastal chill of Vancouver, this guide will show you how to harness the potential of linen to craft winter outfits that embody warmth and style in equal measure. Let's redefine your perception of winter clothing and embrace the elegance and comfort that linen can bring to the season.
In this article you will learn:
Benefits of wearing linen in winter and all year round
Ways to wear linen in winter & outfit ideas
How to layer linen clothes for fashion and warmth during Canadian winters
How to combine linen pieces with wool and cotton blends to add texture and coziness
How to add pops of colours to brighten up your winter wardrobe
A Historic Fabric
Linen fabric is a textile made from the fibres of the flax plant. There is surprisingly quite a back story of how linen came to be. Linen textiles are actually one of the oldest textiles in the world. It dates back over 30,000 years ago. In ancient Egypt, linen was a sacred fabric. It was used in mummification and for burial shrouds because of what it represents. It symbolized light and purity. It was also valuable and was often used as currency in ancient Egypt. During the Victorian era, the majority of linen was produced.
Benefits of Wearing Linen in Winter and All Year Round
Why wear linen in the winter? There is a long list of benefits when it comes to having linen as part of your wardrobe, not only in winter but all year round.
Linen has natural temperature-regulating properties: Because linen is breathable and moisture-wicking, it keeps you both cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The fabric gets softer with repeated washing: Unlike other fabrics, linen has pectin that binds the fibres and gently breaks down. Water will achieve a wonderful softness, no need for fabric softener.
Linen does not stretch: With low elasticity, pure linen can not be stretched out.
Ultra-hygienic and antibacterial: this amazing cloth disallows bacterial growth! Unlike some other fabrics which enable moisture to accumulate, giving rise to an environment conducive to bacteria growth and other microorganisms.
Anti-static and odour-resistant: Did you know linen doesn’t cling to the body and naturally repels dirt? It also allows air to circulate readily and releases perspiration quickly.
Environmentally friendly: The flax plant is where linen is derived from and it can thrive in some of the harshest conditions, with little water, making it more ecologically friendly and cost-effective.
Long-lasting and Durable: Quality is important in linen production. After all, it is the world's greatest natural textile.
When it comes to staying warm, linen is the best fabric for layering. You can be comfortable with thermal tights under your linen trousers or pants, or you can add a linen blazer or jacket over your sweater or top. Make a fashion statement with a linen skirt and wool leggings underneath. The options are limitless.
Ways to Wear Linen in Winter & Outfit Ideas
The timeless elegance of Black and White
In the world of fashion, some things never go out of style, and the black and white colour duo is a prime example.
In the photo, you can see a sample from our F/W 2023 collection: The Nomi linen vest and Jordan linen pants, paired with the Kim double-layer linen coat in classic black and complemented by the Robyn linen shirt in elegant ivory. These pieces come together to create a look that's not only striking but also incredibly comfortable. This outfit makes it suitable for many occasions - be it your daily office routine, leisurely shopping excursions, relaxed coffee meet-ups, or memorable holiday escapes.
Black and white have always been synonymous with timeless drama and fashion.
Nomi Vest Robyn Shirt Kim double layer Coat Jordan Pants
Linen long coat with linen dress
For those special, stylish occasions, we have the perfect ensemble waiting for you. Our Linen Mila Wrap Dress in Ocean colour pairs seamlessly with our Kim Linen Double Layer coat in the warm Caramel shade. Together, they create a look that's effortlessly chic and elegant.
The double-layer coat not only adds an extra layer of comfort but also brings a touch of sophistication to the outfit. It complements the linen dress beautifully, resulting in a fashion-forward combination that is both simple and refined.
Whether you opt for a bold and vibrant colour or prefer a more subdued, gentle tone, this outfit keeps you snug and fashionable, making it an ideal choice for any stylish event.
Kim double layer Coat Mila wrap Dress
Combine linen clothes with wool for texture and coziness
One of the most effective ways to make linen suitable for winter in Canada is to pair it with warm, insulating fabrics like wool. For example, wearing a linen shirt under a wool sweater not only introduces a unique texture but also aids in retaining heat. Wool provides the necessary insulation, while linen assists in moisture management.
Here, you can see our option for combining our double-layer linen coat in Natural with a chunky sweater and the Zohar pants in Ivory. This outfit represents a casual style with a statement of quality and style.
Zohar Pants Kim double layer Coat
Add bright colours to a dark winter outfits
Spruce up your all-black outfit by incorporating pops of bright colours in various layers of varying lengths. Adding a touch of style can bring excitement and sophistication to your look, especially during the dark winter months.
In the picture, we've paired the Sue wrap top in Black as a top layer over the Robyn shirt in Gold, with Zohar pants in Black. The gold hue adds a fun and joyful element to the ensemble. This outfit is both comfortable and suitable for a wide range of events.
Sue wrap Top Robyn Shirt Zohar Pants
Create an elegant winter outfit with a wool scarf
Elevate your style effortlessly with a linen outfit and a cozy woollen scarf. The Nomi linen vest in Ivory pairs harmoniously with the Bella blazer in Ocean and the Zohar black pants. Add a warm woollen scarf to complete the look, and you're ready for any occasion. This ensemble is a classic and timeless choice for both travel and office wear.
Bella Blazer Nomi Vest Zohar Pants
Accessorize your linen pieces to adapt to cooling weather
Linen scarves epitomize versatility, serving as multi-functional fashion accessories that effortlessly elevate your style quotient. They not only bestow a dash of elegance but also provide the cozy warmth and comfort you crave—allowing you to easily adapt your linen wardrobe to the cooler Canadian winters. Our linen scarf, meticulously designed in an ideal length for draping around your neck, boasts an organic aesthetic with its naturally occurring ripples and charming short-frayed edge. With the ebb and flow of the seasons, the authentic, earthy texture of pure linen will seamlessly complement any ensemble.
Try linen cotton blends for extra winter comfort and softness
Combine a linen turtleneck with a down jacket for a perfect blend of warmth and style. The turtleneck traps heat, while the down jacket offers excellent insulation against the harsh Canadian cold.
The Sasha Pullover. It's made from a sturdy 13-ounce linen and cotton blend that's both comfy and stylish. This fabric has a natural stretch, keeps you warm, and allows your skin to breathe. It's got a flattering fit, a cozy turtleneck, and handy side slits for easy movement. Great for layering in chilly weather, you can pair it with our pants or Rumi wrap skirt for a fashionable look.
Conclusion
While linen is not typically associated with Canadian winter clothing, it can be a valuable addition when worn with other warm and insulating fabrics. Layering is key, and with a bit of planning, you can incorporate linen into your winter wardrobe to create stylish and cozy outfits.
Now that you have learned some tips on how to wear linen for Canadian winters, give them a try. Have fun mixing and matching pieces that will express your personal style and keep you comfortable during the winter season!
Shop Nomi Designs to build a fashionable and functional look this winter