5 Canadian swimwear brands making a splash
When weather conditions hit big, we encourage you to shop small. We’re committed to recommending top products from independent Canadian brands. If you like what you see, your forecast for today is 'reigning local'.
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As part of a series encouraging consumers to shop from small businesses, our product team is highlighting swimwear that’s designed and made right here in Canada.
Whether you have a sunny vacation booked or you’re dreaming of weekends at the lake or pool, we’ve put together a must-have list of local brands that are creating waves with their swimwear collections.
Imagine Perry (Vancouver, B.C.)
Lena Shaw is the CEO and designer behind Imagine Perry, a brand she runs with her husband Ryan. Inspired by their three daughters, Lena set out to create swimsuits for her kids that met all of the criteria she had in mind: stylish, appropriate fit, and sustainably focused. Today, Imagine Perry offers swimwear for women, girls, boys, and babies. Each piece features material made from recycled plastic bottles, UPF 50+ fabric that blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, and is quick-drying, lightweight, and breathable.
Styles we love:
1 - Women's Everyday One Piece - Bright Floral, $140
2 - Girls Ruffle Bum Rashguard - Sonoma Sunset, $75
3 - Boys Boardies - Brown & White Horizontal Stripes, $49
4 - Baby Sunsuit - Rainbow Stripes, $76
June (Montreal, Que.)
June Swimwear was founded in 2009 by Julie M.D. (though you might overhear some people calling her June!) with a simple goal: to give women the freedom to embrace the sunshine, surf, and everything travel can mean. Their extensive collection includes adjustable bikini tops, non-adjustable bikini tops, bootykini and light coverage bottoms, mid-coverage bikini bottoms, full-coverage bikini bottoms, and one-piece swimsuits.
Styles we love:
1 - Jade Bikini Top in Aloha, $67.99
2 - Betty Bikini Bottom in Ice Tea, $73.99
3 - Christina One Piece Swimsuit in Licorice, $119.99
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Bathing Belle Swimwear (Toronto, Ont.)
Danica Salajko watched her mom and aunt run a custom swimwear shop in Toronto in the late 80s. After graduating from George Brown College’s Fashion Design Program, she decided to open her own store to showcase her unique designs. The Bathing Belle collection is nothing short of FUN! From playful patterns to unexpected details, Danica offers styles for women, mature belles, men, and kids in premium SPF/UVB protective fabrics.
Styles we love:
1 - Women OMG Tank Swimsuit, $189
2 - Mature Belles White Palms Push-up One Piece, $269
3 - Men Shark Bite Swim Trunks, $109
4 - Kids Chicken & Waffles Tank Swimsuit, $69
Bather (Toronto, Ont.)
Bather launched their collection of perfect poolside essentials for men in 2013. Their swim trunks reflect their commitment to design, function, and quality without compromise and are available in solid block colours and attention-grabbing patterns. Bather is also a proud member of 1% for the Planet, where every purchase supports ocean cleanups and marine conservation. Their popular surf and swim products have a street-inspired approach that can be worn on or off the beach.
Styles we love:
1 - Indigo Ne-Maki Shibori Swim Trunk, $110
2 - Solid Sea Foam Technical Surf, $95
3 - Kids Solid Orange Swim Trunk, $55
Thief & Bandit (Halifax, NS)
Take a walk on the wild side with Thief & Bandit swimwear. Their small design team takes the collection entirely from sketch to seam. In fact, all of their fabric is printed by hand, sewn by hand, and fulfilled in their fashion studio. Their swim pieces are immediately recognizable by their sporadic, lively, and unusual patterns. With a commitment to sustainability, they are proud to print on environmentally-friendly fabrics, use non-toxic inks, and package orders in 100 per cent compostable mailers or branded cardboard boxes.
Styles we love:
1 - Super Shroom Swimsuit, $228
2 - Cheetah Tie Bandeau Bikini Top, $80
3 - Cheetah Cheeky Bikini Bottoms, $98
We know buying bathing suits online can be daunting, so we made sure all of the brands we are highlighting provide customer support and have fair return or exchange policies. When placing an order, always review the size charts and measurements provided and opt for pieces that are adjustable for a more versatile fit.
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Pixabay/Pexels
