The combination of working from home for 8+ years and now being very, very pregnant for the first time had me reassessing my wardrobe. I know many of you may find yourself at home more and more these days! Or perhaps you simply want to add some more effortless and comfortable pieces to your capsule wardrobe. Below are my current go-to’s for chic and cozy, yet ethically made basics that I reach for day after day, and in most cases, year after year.
Truly the cornerstone of the second half of my pregnancy! Province of Canada focuses on very high-quality basics in a range of designs that are made in Ontario. Their Everyday Leggings are seriously the best investment you can ever make. I’ve purchased 2 so far and they get worn constantly. I was a devote of Girlfriend leggings for years, but the waistband in those just didn’t offer enough stretch for me to curl up comfortably. (Let alone fit over my 8-month bump!) They offer a wide variety of Canadian-weather-friendly designs that will serve you well for years and years. Their half-zips and waffles are also a great buy because they pair perfectly with the Everyday Legging. I often style my cropped long sleeve waffle with matching leggings for an effortless yet put-together winter day outfit.
There’s a bit of Instagram hype behind this California brand. Think form-fitting stretchy knitwear, thick and baggy joggers, cropped oversized hoodies, and a neutral colour palette. Yes, Joah Brown has a very tailored “fitness” image when it comes to its models, but this brand has a few gems for those going through body changes. Their stretch materials have been a blessing during my third trimester! And they are so gentle and soft to just cozy up in. I particularly love their invisible zip long sleeve flex-rib top and their over-the-shoulder slouchy knit tops once the temperatures start dropping. They give off an effortless alpine-babe look when paired with warm leggings and snow boots.
I love my Encircled pieces! They are great for working from home. Or working from anywhere really. This made-and-designed in Toronto brand focuses on smooth, drapey fabrics cut in a generous but flattering way. There’s quite a range of designs, from blouses and wrap dresses to loungewear. My personal favourite is the Puff Sleeve Cardigan. It’s so soft and cozy and looks way more expensive than it actually is. I get compliments on it all the time!
This Halifax, Nova Scotia brand has some of the slickest made-in-Canada designs. If you’re looking for something more form-fitting, you need to take a look at Thief and Bandit. Their signature fabric is soft, stretchy, and thick. I love their turtlenecks in particular! They are very high quality, super flattering, and come in a variety of colours and patterns. And yes, they are stretchy enough that my standard size is able to stretch over the 8-month bump. Thief and Brandit also do really unique in-house prints that range from whimsical to psychedelic. Keep an eye out for end-of-season sales as well as their scarp-fabric collections, where they offer discounted styles made from the end-of-roll leftovers.
I’ve already sung my praises for Bleusalt for years, so I’ll spare you the speech. However, if you’re new to the brand, you can read all about why I love their signature cashmere-alternative fabric and my favourite pieces from the line. If you’re looking for just a single item to invest in, go for their 1, 2, or 3-yard wrap! I wear my 1-yard wrap constantly and it’s so versatile. For pregnancy specifically, the Swing Top is amazing! All Bleusalt pieces are made in California.
While I own several pieces from Essentiels Co, it’s their knitwear collection that I particularly love. Their collections are small-batch made in Montreal, so if you see a style that you love, snap it up because they don’t last long. Also, Essentiels Co is a little more budget-friendly and they run sales pretty frequently.
Need sweaters, coats, or winter boots? I’ve got you! Check out these articles for even more tips on where to shop ethically while remaining cozy:
The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Sustainable Sweaters 2021
The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Sustainable Winter Coats 2020
The Ultimate Made-in-Canada Gift Guide (And Other Fair Trade, Sustainable Gifts)