Buy Canadian: How Supporting Local Fashion Can Combat Trade War Impacts
In the complex and often unpredictable landscape of international trade tensions, there’s a powerful and deeply personal way we can make a meaningful difference: by consciously choosing to support Canadian fashion. This isn’t merely about making a political statement or casting a vote with our wallets—it’s about recognizing the incredible talent, unparalleled craftsmanship, and extraordinary resilience of our local designers and manufacturers.
Let’s be brutally honest: trade wars are a lose-lose scenario. Consumers and local businesses always bear the brunt of economic uncertainty, a reality that has become painfully clear in recent years. We’re still collectively catching our breath from the devastating impacts of the pandemic, navigating the aftermath of natural disasters, and facing ongoing economic challenges. In these turbulent times, supporting one another isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a necessity.
Canada is home to fashion brands that are nothing short of remarkable hidden gems. While they might not command the massive marketing budgets of American or European fashion powerhouses, they offer something far more valuable: exceptional quality, innovative design philosophy, and clothing meticulously crafted to embrace our distinctively challenging Canadian climate.
I’ve been writing about local brands and slow fashion for years so I have a few favourites, which I’ll discuss briefly below. Followed by a complete list of Canadian fashion brands.
Canadian Brands for Canadian Winters
Winter wear is where Canadian brands truly shine and demonstrate their technological and design prowess. Take Wuxly, for instance—a brand that has revolutionized Arctic-ready outerwear to such an extent that The Four Seasons commissioned their coats as staff uniforms. By recently relocating their manufacturing to Ontario, they’ve made a powerful statement about commitment to local production and economic sustainability. Freed takes winter coat design to another level, creating pieces that are not just fashion-forward but genuinely Alberta-winter-proof. Meanwhile, Alltrueist in Montreal specializes in made-to-order pieces using premium warm vegan fabrics, ensuring each garment is a personalized solution to our harsh winter conditions.
Everyday, Made-in-Canada, Clothing Favourites
For everyday wear, Canadian brands offer an impressive array of options that blend comfort, style, and quality. Province of Canada produces basics that redefine the very concept of foundational wardrobe pieces for both men and women. And Or Collective specializes in capsule wardrobes—their thick stretch knit maxi skirt is a must-own. Eliza Faulkner creates wearable statements that transform ordinary days into memorable moments. Thief & Bandit, a small yet mighty Halifax-based team, hand-makes stretch-cotton pieces that are as unique as the individuals who wear them. Hayley Elsaesser brings bold, unapologetic designs for the young and adventurous, while Birds of North America crafts dresses that are not just curve-friendly but always—delightfully—include pockets. Meemoza leans slightly French-girl inspired. Eve Gravel and Bodybag are both longtime Montreal favourites. Comfort meets smart-casual in my work-from-home favourite Encircled. And for the perfect dress shirt, look to Power of My People.
Top Canadian Designer Brands
Our designer brands deserve far more than mere recognition—they demand celebration. Greta Constantine consistently creates collections that honor and flatter diverse body types, challenging the often-narrow definitions of fashion. Beaufille leads the sustainable fashion movement with elegance and intentionality, proving that style and environmental consciousness can coexist beautifully. Kaela Kay brings bold, electrifying prints that not only catch the eye but celebrate diversity and individuality. Lucian Matis continues to deliver modern elegance that could easily compete on any international runway. While newcomer Sid Neigum Serves New York chic and edgey.
Shop Local, Fight Trade Wars: Full List of Canadian Fashion Brands You Need to Know:
Normally I focus on sustainable and ethical brands, but in an effort to give you a complete picture of just how well covered we are here in Canada, here’s a complete list of Canadian fashion brands. A Canadian flag (🇨🇦) means they design and manufacture here. A dress (👗) notes size inclusive ranges.
- Alltrueist in house brand 🇨🇦
- Amanda Moss 🇨🇦
- And Or Collective 🇨🇦
- Bodybag by Jude 🇨🇦
- Beautifille
- Birds of North America 🇨🇦👗
- Canada Goose
(note: I highly recommend brands that don’t participate in animal cruelty. Canada Goose kills thousands of animals every year for their fur and skin. Check out made-in-Canada brands Wuxly and Freed instead.) - Dagg & Stacy 🇨🇦
- DSquared
- Encircled 🇨🇦 👗
- Eliza Faulkner 🇨🇦
- Essentiels Co 🇨🇦
- Eve Gravel 🇨🇦
- Freed 🇨🇦
- Greta Constantine 🇨🇦 👗
- Hayley Elsaesser 🇨🇦
- Jennifer Glasgow 🇨🇦
- Line the Label
- Lucian Matis
- Meemoza 🇨🇦
- Mikhael Kale
- Mathew Gallagher
- Maram
- Markoo
- Mayana 🇨🇦👗
- Moose Knuckles
(note: I highly recommend brands that don’t participate in animal cruelty. Moose Knuckles kills thousands of animals every year for their fur and skin. Check out made-in-Canada brands Wuxly and Freed instead.) - Power of My People 🇨🇦 👗
- Province of Canada 🇨🇦
- Roots 👗
- Rowe 🇨🇦
- Smythe
- Sid Neigum 🇨🇦
- Thief and Bandit 🇨🇦 👗
- Urbanovitch
- Ursa Minor 🇨🇦
- Valerie Dumaine 🇨🇦
- Wuxly 🇨🇦
And some shops that sell Canadian fashion:
Canadian Fashion Revolution: Protecting Our Economy One Outfit at a Time
Beyond the aesthetic and functional aspects, choosing Canadian fashion represents a deeper commitment. It’s a recognition of the creativity, skill, and passion embedded in every stitch, every design, and every collection. When you invest in a Canadian brand, you’re doing more than purchasing clothing—you’re supporting entire communities, sustaining local economies, and contributing to a more resilient economic ecosystem.
This isn’t about completely abandoning international brands or engaging in isolationist consumption. Instead, it’s about creating a balanced approach that prioritizes local talent and craftsmanship. It’s about understanding that fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a form of cultural expression, economic support, and personal identity.
The next time you find yourself scrolling through international fashion websites or wandering through mall corridors lined with global brands, pause and explore what Canada has to offer. Take a moment to discover not just a piece of clothing, but a story of innovation, perseverance, and creative spirit.
Our Canadian fashion brands are more than just alternatives—they are leaders, innovators, and storytellers. They represent the heart of our creative industries and the resilience of our entrepreneurial spirit. By supporting them, we’re not just making a fashion choice; we’re making a statement about the kind of future we want to create.
So I challenge you: dive into the world of Canadian fashion. Explore, experiment, and embrace the incredible talent that exists right here at home. Your wardrobe—and our economy—will be all the better for it.
