The savvy traveller knows: always pack a swimsuit. Even if you aren’t heading to a tropical beach, your hotel will likely have a pool or hot tub to unwind in. If you are looking to invest in high-quality, body-positive pieces, supporting local is a great place to start.
Here are some Canadian-based swimwear companies that design with style, comfort, and real bodies in mind.
selfish Swimwear
Based in Montreal, Selfish Swimwear is an ethical, sustainable, and size-inclusive brand that champions body positivity.
- The Vibe: Handcrafted, timeless and built to last.
- The Philosophy: Led by designer Namoie Caron, the brand prioritized social responsibility by using recycled materials and premium local craftsmanship.
- The Fit Experience: If you aren’t in Montreal to visit their boutique, they offer virtual fittings alongside highly detailed measuring instructions on their website to ensure you find your perfect fit.
Knix
Knix Swim is a natural, high-performance extension of their phenomenally successful leakproof underwear line.
- The Vibe: Ultra-functional, supportive and modern.
- The Philosophy: This Toronto-born powerhouse carries sizes up to 4XL in a massive variety of silhouettes, including sculpted one-pieces, mix-and-match bikinis, and stylish cover-ups. Suits are also available with different absorbency levels.
- Where to find them: Their collection is fully available online, through standalone retail boutiques across Canada and via their national partnership with Sport Chek.
bathing Belle
Located in Toronto’s vibrant Roncesvalles Village, Bathing Belle Swimwear is dedicated to making every body type feel confident and incredible.
- The Vibe: Boutique luxury, flattering cuts, fun prints and custom comfort.
- The Philosophy: Founded by designer Danica Salajko, the brand focuses on custom-feeling fit and premium supportive fabrics.
- The Fit Experience: For local shoppers, they offer custom made-to-order pieces in about a week. Online they provide comprehensive size charts and offer phone consultations to ensure you get the right fit.
Learn more about Bathing Belle.
Pro Tip: How to Make Your Swimwear Last Longer
If you want to protect your investment in a great fitting suit, you need to ditch standard laundry detergents. The harsh chemicals and agitation break down the spandex, fade colours and ruin the fit. Leaving your suit full of chlorine will also shorten its life.
Instead, give your suits the luxury treatment with a Canadian-made favourite: Soak Wash.
Proudly manufactured in Toronto, Soak is a woman-run, eco-conscious brand that makes no-rinse fabric washes. It is gentle on swimwear and will help extend the life of your suit.
The 3-Step Swimsuit Care Routine: Easy at Home or On the Road
- Rinse Immediately: Chlorine, salt water and sunscreen eat away at elastic. Give your suit a quick rinse in cool water as soon as your pool, beach or lake time is done for the day.
- The 15-Minute Soak: Fill your sink with cool water, add a teaspoon (or capful) of Soak. Because it’s a no-rinse formula, you just gently squeeze the water out when you are done.
- Skip the Dryer: Roll your damp suit in a clean towel and gently press to remove excess water. Lay it flat, out of the sun to dry.
With your gorgeous Canadian swimsuit and a travel-ready care routine, you’re officially set. Here’s to looking and feeling your absolute best by the pool, lake, or beach on your next adventure!
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