Alémais Australia: The Sydney Label and What to Wear This Summer
Alémais Australia: The Sydney Label and What to Wear This Summer
Alémais is an Australian label, founded in Sydney in 2020 by Lesleigh Jermanus, who worked at Zimmermann before starting it, and its Resort 2027 linen and hemp dresses, shorts and shirts are cut for exactly the kind of summer Australia has, all on the Alémais brand page. Australian shoppers also get the easiest sizing: AU sizes are the brand's own.
Key facts
- Alemais was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2020 by Lesleigh Jermanus.
- Lesleigh Jermanus worked at Zimmermann before founding Alemais.
- Alemais AU sizes match UK sizes one for one: AU 8 = UK 8 = US 4.
- Alemais uses natural fibres including European linen, hemp, organic cotton and silk.
Alémais at a glance
| Founded | 2020, in Sydney, Australia, by Lesleigh Jermanus, formerly a designer at Zimmermann; its first original-print pieces went on sale in 2021 |
| Known for | Painterly, hand-drawn prints, artist collaborations and beaded and embroidered occasion pieces |
| Fabrics | European linen, hemp, organic cotton, silk and silk blends, with wool for knitwear |
| Latest collection | Resort 2027, with island, rope and Mediterranean prints and artwork by Sophie Wahlquist |
| Sizes | Australian sizes 4 to 16, identical to UK sizes (AU 8 = UK 8 = US 4); knitwear in letters XXS to XXL |
| Peers | Zimmermann, Aje, La DoubleJ |
A Sydney label
Sydney gives Alémais its outlook: print-led, colourful, made for heat and for life near water. The label is known for painterly prints, artist collaborations and beaded and embroidered occasion pieces, and for natural fibres. Read the full Alémais history, and see where it sits among Australian fashion brands.
Sizing for Australian shoppers
Alémais uses Australian sizes, which match UK sizes one for one: an AU 8 is a UK 8 and a US 4. Knitwear runs in letters from XXS to XXL. Every piece carries the brand's own fit note, so check it before you choose. Full tables are in our Alémais size guide. Coveti lists the woven pieces as UK sizes, so if you are an AU 10, choose 10. Knitwear and the cotton tees use letters. Read the fit note on every piece: an oversized shirtdress will look bigger than a regular-fit halter even in the same size. The note also tells you whether a piece is meant to sit close to the body, which matters in the heat.
What to wear for an Australian summer
Heat and humidity favour loose cuts and breathable cloth. Linen and hemp let air move through the weave and dry quickly, and relaxed and oversized cuts keep fabric off the skin. These are the Resort 2027 pieces that suit a hot day best.
1. Sail Shirtdress
The Sail Shirtdress is relaxed European linen with a tie belt, in the chocolate and cream rope print. Cool enough for a long lunch.
2. Alessia Ballet Sundress
The Alessia Ballet Sundress is hemp with self-tie straps and a scallop trim, the most breathable dress in the drop.
3. Alessia Short
The Alessia Short is hemp with a drawcord waist. Pair it with the Alessia Shirt as a set.
4. Sophie Sundress
The Sophie Sundress puts the Wahlquist floral on linen with spaghetti straps, and hand washes cold.
5. Alita Ruffle Short
The Alita Ruffle Short is European linen with a ruffle peplum, a beach-to-bar piece.
6. Basilia Halter Midi Dress
The Basilia Halter Midi Dress in yellow check linen ties at the neck and leaves the shoulders bare.
7. Lucena Pant
The Lucena Pant is relaxed wide-leg linen in the island print, for evenings when the mosquitoes come out.
How to dress for the heat
- Choose linen and hemp first. Save silk for the evening, when it is cooler.
- Go a fit looser rather than tighter. Oversized shirts double as beach cover-ups.
- Wear a set: one print head to toe looks dressed without layering.
- Add a hat and a flat leather sandal and keep jewellery small.
For more hot-weather ideas, see linen sets for women and our Alémais linen and hemp guide.
Australian peers
If you like Alémais, look at other Australian labels too. Zimmermann, where Jermanus once worked, is the obvious comparison; see Zimmermann vs Alémais. Aje is another Sydney name, compared in Aje vs Alémais. Shona Joy, Rebecca Vallance and Christopher Esber are also worth browsing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alemais an Australian brand?
Yes. Alemais was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2020 by Lesleigh Jermanus.
Are Alemais sizes Australian?
Yes. Alemais uses AU sizes 4 to 16, which match UK sizes, so an AU 8 is a UK 8 and a US 4. Knitwear is sized XXS to XXL.
Who founded Alemais?
Lesleigh Jermanus, who worked at Zimmermann before founding Alemais in Sydney in 2020.
What Alemais pieces suit an Australian summer?
The linen and hemp pieces, such as the Sail Shirtdress, Alessia Ballet Sundress and Alessia Short, in relaxed cuts.
Read next: Australian fashion brands, Alémais size guide, Alémais Resort 2027.
By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 20 October 2026.
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