Samantha Goodwin

Make a fashion statement at the beach with these curated swimwear brands from Canada. List includes independent and up-and-coming designers. 

Canadian Stylish Swimwear

Even though our summers are short, Canadians know how to make the most of them. Go to any beach or pool and you will see Canadians living their best lives and looking good in the process. How? You ask? By shopping from the treasure trove of talented Canadian swimwear designers. From the timeless one-piece to head turning cutouts, there is something for everyone, even you. Some of the brands featured in our list come from established labels and some come from independent up-and-coming designers. Read ahead and discover your next style. 

Inspired by surf culture, the creators behind June Swimwear sought to make swimsuits that could withstand active days at the beach. They offer an entire Just Swim line intended for water activities such as yoga, swimming or surfing. Make no mistake, the bathing suits still manage to be stylish and comfortable. There is also a wide variety of bikinis and one pieces with on-trend silhouettes that would look good at the beach or a pool party. They come in monochromatic, ditsy floral and tropical patterns in high waisted or cheeky bikini bottoms and bandeau, triangle and sporty tops. 

Anna Kosturova is based in Vancouver, Canada. No doubt inspired by the ocean, her designs have a vintage and bohemian aesthetic. Anna makes striking sustainable crochet and silk tie-dye creations. Her pieces are handmade by generational artisan families ensuring quality and a commitment to slow fashion. High style, her swimsuits have been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The monokini line is definitely a standout. 

As a feminist, Beth Richards seeks to create inspirational images of women that celebrate their beauty without exploiting their bodies. She strives to provide high quality, well fitting bathing suits that will help them feel empowered and confident. Beth Richards offers a wide assortment of styles and prints. They are eclectic but still manage to be polished at the same time. There are plunging V-neck, single shoulder, traditional, cutout and frilly one pieces, available in monochromatic or floral designs. There is every combination of two piece including halter tops with mesh detail, bandeau and triangle tops. You need to see her website to fully appreciate the range of styles. 

Thief & Bandit are known for their recognizable prints. They create sporadic and lively patterns intended to stand out. Their fabrics are printed, by hand, on organic textiles and then hand sewn into unique pieces. Bold patterns on simple two piece swimsuits as well as high waisted bottoms paired with bandeau tops, puff sleeves or bikini tops create a wild spirited and unusual look. And yes, those are shrooms on the bathing suit below. 

Denude Swim offers timeless minimalistic swimwear designed to accentuate women's natural curves. Their swim wear line is made with the purpose to empower women. Their vision is to break stereotypes and borders by offering inclusive and versatile swimwear. Denude Swim's pieces are high quality, double layered swimsuits designed and manufactured in Toronto, Ontario. Their one pieces are primarily monochromatic. There are a variety of designs including asymmetrical, cutout, strapless, wrap-around straps and high cut. 

SHAN is known for luxury clothing designed and manufactured by experienced craftspeople in Laval, Quebec. They offer made-to-measure swimwear as well as ready-to-wear. SHAN approaches swimwear as it would evening dresses, with a focus on quality material, high end design and exceptionally involved construction. Their swimwear and resort wear would be perfect for a luxury beach getaway. 

Imagine Perry is a family run business offering fun and effortlessly cool bathing suits for women, children and babies. Mother of 3, Lena Shaw sought to find swimwear with the following criteria: stylish, the right cut and sustainably produced. When she couldn't find what she was looking for, she created her own and Imagine Perry was born. Her styles have a sweet look to them with patterns such as polka dots, stripes, gingham and floral on adjustable, fully lined one piece and two piece designs. The same patterns are available in children's swimwear so that you can twin with your mini-me!

Bikini Empire makes flirty swimwear for body confident women. Whether taking their inspiration from Palm Springs in 1967, 1950s pinup girls, or burlesque dancers from the 1930s, Bikini Empire manages to be retro with a modern twist. There are one pieces available but as the name implies, bikinis are their bread and butter. Explore options such as black velvet, orchid corduroy or shimmery gold with a ruffle. Bikini Empire is committed to following environmentally sustainable practices and ensuring the health and well being of their workers through ethical working conditions. 

The founder and designer behind Teeny Weeny Bikini co. grew up as a cottager on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. Suffice to say, she decided to stay in Rosseau and start her own swimwear brand. The swimwear is intended to be comfortable, vintage inspired and flattering. There is an eclectic mix of tube tops, knotted tops and halter styles. The bottoms range from high waisted, shorties and high cut string bikinis. All are perfect for a weekend at the cottage. 

Feminine bathing suits made to make people feel confident and look stylish regardless of size, shape or body type. Canadian brands are highlighted. 

Canadian Inclusive Swimwear

Hedgehogs like to swim. It's true - I googled it. You know what else likes to swim? People. There is a distinct joy attained from jumping into the water on a hot day. You can't swim? Get your feet wet, that's fun too! This joy should be available to everyone, hedgehogs and people alike, regardless of size, shape or body type. Sometimes it can be daunting finding the right swim apparel for the beach or pool. The joy derived from swimming diminished by feeling self conscious in the wrong swimwear. That's why we, at Norther, have selected  a list of Canadians brands that specialize in making inclusive swimwear without compromising on quality or style. Go ahead, jump in!

The Bathing Belle motto is “From Boobs to Bum, Bathing Belle makes it fun!”. That pretty much sums up their ethos when creating swimwear for everyone. This includes men, women, non binary, kids and people who have found the swimsuit shopping experience difficult. There is even a 'mature belles' line for older women. Standard sizing (S - XL) is readily available and custom sizes are available upon request. Bathing Belle has a wide variety of swimwear styles made with fun and whimsical patterns. There is a retro aesthetic to some cute swimsuits whilst others are very modern. 

Based in Vancouver, B.C., Nettle's Tale makes casual swimwear and clothing that is effortlessly cool. A self described ethically made, feel-good bathing suit line offered in sizes 4X-XS, they have something for everyone. They have a wide variety of swimsuit styles including two piece with high waisted bottoms, wrap top with sleeves, and one piece with 'badass' cutout. Nettle's Tale includes the measurements of all of their models so that shoppers can get a sense of how each item will fit. 

Mimi & August produces ethically made swimwear, clothing and home accessories proudly designed in Montreal, Quebec. They have never used professional models to showcase their products. At first, they relied on friends and family. This initial choice became a primary part of their business strategy; to create swimwear and clothing for real people. They offer a huge selection of cute swimsuits in one piece, two piece, high neck, low neck, ruffle and more! Sizes are available in XS - 4XL.  

Londre Bodywear makes swimwear using simple lines and monochromatic colours. The effect is extremely sophisticated, high fashion looks. They are committed to making flattering and high quality swimsuits. This is evident in their clever designs, including the multiway, which can be adjusted to be worn in different ways. The sizes are offered from XS - 4XL. There is also trans mtf swimwear available through the Kendall Gender X Londre collection.  And if that isn't enough, their swimsuits are ethically produced. 

Saltwater Collective is built around the premise that inner-confidence and inner-beauty should be celebrated. The founder has created a wide assortment of styles available in sizes XS - 3XL so that everyone can have control over their own look and highlight the best parts of themselves. They offer modern monochromatic swimwear with clean lines. They are committed to sustainable practices and incorporate recycled materials (including abandoned fishing nets) into their fabrics. 

Unika Swim is a body positive brand that follows ethical and sustainable practices. They offer a huge (seriously, huge) variety of swimsuit styles in both fun patterns and single colours in sizes XS - 4XL. You can mix and match  to suit your needs. If you are still not satisfied, they offer custom made bathing suits. They can make anything from a string bikini to a rashguard in a choice of over 300 fabrics. The swimwear is made by hand in their studio located in Toronto, Ontario. Both in person and online fittings are available. 

Minnow is an independent swimwear label based in Toronto, Ontario. They have their own designs as well as several collaborations with artists resulting in unique and fashion forward styles. High-performance function and diversity of the human form is taken into account with each piece allowing their wearers to feel confident and comfortable. Sizes range from XS - 3XL. Minnow strives to adhere to environmentally friendly practices by minimizing waste from their production process. 

Arraei Collective

Arraie Collective is a SUSTAINABLE chic capsule clothing collection for the eco-aware woman. Ethically made with love and organic hand woven hemp.

BB⚡︎Collection

BB⚡︎Co. is a rad, award-winning, one-woman show brand/boutique located in the heart of downtown Ottawa in the Byward Market. Their branded, size-inclusive apparel is designed, printed and pressed in-house — and has been since 2017

Mimi & August

Ethically made swimwear, clothing and home accessories designed for real people. Sizes XS - 4XL are offered. 

British Columbia

British Columbia/Vancouver

Ontario

Ontario/Byward Market - Parliament Hill

Quebec

Quebec/Montréal

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