12 made-in-Canada t-shirts to wear this summer and year-round

A comfy, well-made t-shirt is an essential that gets put on heavy rotation in the summertime. Year-round, every wardrobe requires a healthy selection of tees in a number of colours, cuts and prints — something for each mood and occasion. After all, your favourite t-shirts for the gym or beach might not perform as well for the office, and vice versa.   

Whichever the occasion, for your next t-shirt purchase, may we suggest one of these stylish, made-in-Canada designs? While most tees on the market are made overseas (likely because of their lower price points compared to other apparel items), a number of Canadian fashion labels big and small do continue to produce great separates locally. 

Here are 12 handsome t-shirts that are designed and made in Canada.

The good news is that the t-shirts in OKAYOK's patchworked tie-dye collection come in both adult and children's sizes; unfortunately, there's only one of each made-in-Toronto top available as they're also one-of-a-kind creations. 

Block Party Tie Dye, $85, OKAYOK

Many pieces in Laura's Plus collection are made in Canada, including this tropical-print top made in a comfy, polyester-blend fabric. 

Asymmetric Leaf Print Blouse, $78, Laura

Linen is a great fabric choice when it's really hot out. This boxy tee, by Montreal-based designer Amanda Moss, offers a roomy fit and flattering pale-pink hue. 

Noah, $155, Amanda Moss

The shape of this oversized, boxy tee is inspired by a men's large t-shirt, but abbreviated and made in a 100% linen fabric. Available in only one size, it's handmade-to-order in Vancouver.

Linen Cropped T-Shirt, $160, Lloyd

Montreal-based retailer Tristan offers a selection of made-in-Canada menswear and womenswear garments in stores and online, including this bamboo-blend, striped tee. 

Bat Sleeve Striped T-shirt, $65 (on sale for $29.99), Tristan

Elisa C-Rossow's chic designs — favoured by Canadian celebs such as Karine Vanasse and Cœur de pirate — are all designed, cut, and sewn in Canada, and only available in black or white. This minimalist t-shirt, also knit in Montreal, is made using a luxurious merino wool and silk yarn from Italy.  

Knit MS5, $375, Elisa C-Rossow

Priory garments are made in Vancouver, and its fabrics — including this lightweight, textured linen  — are all sourced from "the west coast of North America," according to the company's website. (Note: You can currently get 30% off this t-shirt by using the discount code noted on the site.)

Loose Tie Tee, about $407, Priory

Available in three fruit-inspired hues, this cropped, polyester-blend tee by Montreal designer Eve Gravel is machine washable, and looks great with jeans. 

Cèdre Top, $134 (on sale for $120.60), Eve Gravel 

This crewneck tee from Toronto-based label 18 Waits features a screen-printed illustration of Bob Dylan. Made with 100% cotton, it's sold twice-washed for extra comfort. 

Graphic T-shirt, $80 (on sale for $48), 18 Waits

Vancouver's Wings + Horns offers a wide selection of stylish men's t-shirts. This relaxed-fit tee stands out for its breathable linen-and-cotton blend fabric, and the interesting sleeve and shoulder seams. 

Knit Linen Short Sleeve, $155 (on sale for $93), Wings + Horns

Made in the Greater Toronto Area using fabric knit in Scarborough, ON, and dyed in Ajax, ON, this cotton henley top by Outclass makes for a versatile wardrobe essential.  

Olive Slub S/S Henley, $85 (on sale for $69), Outclass

Calgary retailer North American Quality Purveyors (NAQP) focuses on menswear that's ethically made in Canada and the United States. This pre-shrunk pocket tee from their in-house label, available in a few fashionable colours, is produced domestically.   

Wildwood Pocket Tee, $65, NAQP

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.