Eye-catching made-in-Canada swimsuits you'll love
The suits you'll definitely want to sport are springing up right here.
Most of us want the same qualities in our bathing suits: sexy, interesting and size-inclusive. These Canadian labels are offering stylish designs that hit those marks and more. Manufactured locally, some are using UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) fabrics, featuring one-of-a-kind prints, and even supporting social and environmental causes with some of their proceeds. What's not to love?
Red hot
Fans of Fortnight's beautifully-made lingerie rejoiced when the company launched swimwear last year. Sleek silhouettes, comfy fabrics with technical features, and boutique finishes will have you falling for their designs.
Swim Longline Bikini Top, $129, and Swim High Waist Bottom, $90, fortnightlingerie.com
One direction
One-piece suits are definitely trending this summer, and you'll probably want to live in this modern Beth Richards style. Plus, her line is ethically manufactured in Vancouver using fabrics and trimmings sourced from France and Italy.
Positano One-piece, $250, bethrichards.ca
Dot matrix
This digitally-printed polka dot pattern is designed in-house by Mimi & August, and the Italian fabric offers UPF 50 sun coverage. Their fully-lined swimwear is designed to fit different body types, and you can mix patterns and sizes for the tops and bottoms.
Lima Navy Polka Dots Top, $69, and Paloma Black Polka Dots Bottom, $60, mimiandaugust.com
Bikini best
This new size-inclusive label, launched last summer, features designs that are stylish but also comfortable and supportive. The fabrics offer some UV protection and are also chlorine, lotion and sweat resistant.
Lola Wrap Bikini Top, $110, and Florence High Waist Bikini Bottom, $75, selfishswimwear.com
Mix and match
June Swimwear's made-in-Quebec styles are effortlessly sexy, but with practical features like adjustable tops and surf-friendly designs. And you can go for a matching set, or pair together totally different separates to create something brand new.
Jade Surf Bikini Top, $62.99, and Meleana Bikini Bottom, $63.99, juneswimwear.com
Blue crush
Montreal-area label Shan has been producing luxurious swimwear since 1985. This asymmetric style from their 2018 collection features eye-catching cutouts both in the front and the back.
Blue Cosmic One-piece Swimsuit, $285, shan.ca
Wild thing
This pretty floral one piece is made-to-order in Toronto, and the Italian fabric features UPF 50 protection. Bonus: Minnow Bathers donates a dollar from each sale to the Ocean Conservancy foundation.
Burdock maillot, $180, minnowbathers.com
Ride on
Toronto-based designer Hayley Elsaesser is known for her unique, colourful prints and inclusive runway casting at fashion week. Worn with denim cutoffs, this quirky nylon and spandex swimsuit could also double as your new music-festival staple this summer.
Black Car Print Swimsuit, $78, hayleyelsaesser.com
Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.