As Canadians, we’re all pros at dressing for winter—but when the hot weather arrives, many of us struggle to figure out how to balance style and practicality. Our summers are short but intense, so shops around here aren’t exactly overflowing with ‘summery’ options, especially if you’re not ultra-slim. If shopping for summer clothes that won’t feel like cling wrap has you feeling frustrated, these tips are for you! Here’s how to dress for hot weather in Guelph.
First things first, a few rules of thumb for avoiding the “sweaty tourist” look:
The cheat code for anyone looking to learn how to intuitively dress for hot weather is to get familiar with fabrics. Some materials are light, breathable, and keep skin cool, while others trap in heat and sweat—not ideal for those over 30˚C days. The best fabrics to keep cool on hot days are:
Cotton: Cotton is a plant-based material that is considered the best for breathability. Cotton is very soft which makes it ideal for casual pieces and loungewear.
Linen: Linens are traditionally made from flax but can also be woven from cotton fibres or cotton blends. This is another ultra-lightweight, breathable material, and it has a refined appearance that works well for workwear or “going out” clothes.
Chambray: Chambray is a lightweight denim fabric that has some of that ‘jean’ look without all the extra weight. It’s a lovely balance of softness and structure, making it a great fabric choice for button-down shirts, sleeveless tops, dresses, jumpsuits, and skirts.
Rayon: Rayon is a material made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres that is soft, durable, and surprisingly breathable. A lot of summer blouses and dresses are made from this fabric.
With all that in mind, here are a few pieces from Tsuga Boutique you’ll be living in all summer:
This slouchy-cool, split-hem blouse is versatile enough to take you from the boardroom to the patio.
Another fab linen piece, this ¾-sleeve top is a great summer pick if you prefer to have your arms covered. Plus, the quirky print is too cute!
Fun, casual, and buttery-soft, this striped tee has a fun knot detail in the front that flatters your middle.
The perfect one-and-done summer outfit! If you want to know how to dress for hot weather, this is it. Slip on this lightweight dress with a pair of slides and some simple jewellery, and you’re ready for all-day fun in the sun.
Want to go bold with your summer outfit? This floral-print dress will keep the heat away and the compliments flowing in.
A piece every woman needs in her summer wardrobe! Not only does it go with everything, but this adorable skirt has just the right fit and the perfect length to show a little (but not too much) leg.
An awesome alternative to shorts, these fitted capri pants are cropped, breathable, and feature a fun lighter-coloured print to reflect the rays away.
Naturally, there’s more to summer fun than picking out your outfit! Discover more hot-weather finds (including great stuff for your patio!) at Royal City Nursery today.
