Ridan Mahbub
The Canadian fashion and apparel industry has steadily emerged as a vibrant and influential sector on the global stage, combining innovation, sustainability, and cultural diversity. As of 2023, the industry is estimated to have generated a revenue of US$17.85bn, and revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate of 12.47% until 2027, resulting in a projected market volume of US$28.56 billion. Despite being often overshadowed by traditional fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, and New York, Canada’s unique blend of creativity and conscientiousness has allowed it to carve out a distinct identity in the global fashion scene.
From luxury outerwear tailored to the country’s cold climate to cutting-edge sustainable fashion practices, Canadian designers and brands have built a reputation for combining practicality with high-end design. These various kinds of clothes have often been influenced by the predominant upper-class fashions of western Europe, notably United Kingdom and France, as well as the geographical realities of living in Canada. One of the most defining characteristics of Canadian fashion is its emphasis on sustainability and ethical production. As the global demand for environmentally conscious fashion grows, Canadian designers have been at the forefront of this movement, incorporating eco-friendly materials, promoting slow fashion, and ensuring fair labor practices. Many Canadian brands prioritize sustainability as a core value, reflecting the country’s growing awareness of environmental issues. This emphasis has helped Canadian fashion stand out on the international stage and has also attracted a global consumer base that values ethical fashion choices.
The Canadian fashion industry is also defined by its top-tier apparel brands, which have gained international recognition for their craftsmanship and unique aesthetic. There are many brands, successfully operating in Canada, few of them are being discussed here.
Lululemon has transformed from a local Vancouver yoga brand into a worldwide activewear giant, recognized for its stylish, performance-driven clothing. From gropcore to outdoor to luxury fashion, this list of the best Canadian brands couldn’t be complete without including one of the giants of the industry – Lululemon athletica inc. Korean company, Youngone’s factories have been producing large quantity Lululemon garments in Bangladesh. The multinational athletic apparel retailer headquartered in British Columbia was founded in 1998 as a retailer of yoga pants and other yoga wear, but it has quickly expanded to also sell athletic wear, lifestyle apparel, accessories, and personal care products, and cementing itself as one of the best athleisure brands in the world.
Canada Goose, a global leader in luxury outerwear, is known for its high-performance jackets that blend functionality with style. This brand perfectly presents Canada’s stereotypically rugged and cold climate. In fact, Canada Goose does equip arctic explorers in insanely cold temperatures, nevertheless this Canadian brand has been gaining footholds in in lifestyle markets all over North America and Europe.
Aritzia offers a mix of sophisticated, contemporary women’s fashion and has found considerable success in both Canada and the United States, catering to a younger, fashion-forward demographic. When it comes to the best Canadian brands for women, Aritzia tops the list as the go-to destination for women looking to elevate their wardrobe. The Vancouver-based fashion retailer offers a curated collection of must-have clothing, accessories, and outerwear that mix classic and contemporary styles. With a focus on empowering women and creating a sense of community, Aritzia is all about helping users look and feel your best.
Offshoot of outdoor gear brand Arc’teryx, the Veilance line is a vision of minimalistic technical apparel. Utilitarian strands run throughout the line, which blends aspects of a performance brand with highly articulated fits, culminating in superior specimens of function. The range of apparel is branded in North Vancouver and in many ways the city’s rainy and mountainous climate is the ideal inspiration, and therefore for the perfect birthplace for Arc’teryx Veilance. This brand also presents Made in Bangladesh garments.
Luxury outerwear brand Sentaler has also made its mark, particularly in the high-fashion market, with elegant designs worn by international celebrities like Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle and Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
Vegan accessories brand Matt and Nat began in 1995, when its founders became inspired by the MAT(T)erial and NATure they were surrounded by in stunning Montreal. Matt & Nat is renowned for its vegan leather accessories, exemplifying Canada’s dedication to sustainable and cruelty-free fashion.
Roots is a very familiar Canadian brand that has a special position in the apparel industry. The brand with the beaver has been epitomizing Canadian cozywear for decades. Roots Corporation is a publicly held Canadian brand that sells apparel, leather bags, small leather goods, footwear, athletic wear, and home furnishings. The company was founded in 1973 in Toronto, Ontario. In 2015, Roots was sold to Searchlight Capital Partners LP, an American investment firm. The company’s design centre and leather factory are in Toronto, Ontario. Roots reportedly has approximately 2,000 employees in Canada. Roots factories exist globally including in Bangladesh.
The early days of Hudson’s Bay Company were astonishingly in 1670, when it received an official co-sign from the British magistrate to be established as “The Governor and Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson’s Bay.” HBC initially existed as a series of fur trading outposts and has since evolved into a chain of iconic department stores. Founded on 2 May 1670, the Hudson’s Bay Company opened its first department store in 1881 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. HBC’s iconic colored stripes have been used most famously across wool blankets and also a coveted Converse collaboration. It is the flagship brand of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America as well as one of the oldest and largest continuously operating companies in the world.
Speaking as a fashion-loving Canadian, there is almost nothing better than stylish, well-made outerwear—and that’s exactly what Séda specializes in. Using premium materials from Italy, the new brand blends modern and classic designs in their line of heirloom-worthy coats and jackets.
Lav & Kush Lifestyle is another awesome clothing brand in Canada that makes women’s loungewear and dresses, sweaters, tops and more. We love that they’re committed to ethical practices and use sustainable materials to make all of their clothing. This Vancouver clothing store is renowned for luxurious loungewear.
There are many other brands operating out of Canada. These brands have played a critical role in elevating the Canadian fashion industry’s profile on the world stage, positioning it as a source of innovation and responsible production.
In conclusion, the Canadian fashion industry is a growing powerhouse defined by its commitment to sustainability, cultural diversity, and high-quality design. With leading brands making waves internationally and a growing export market, Canadian fashion is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the global fashion landscape.
Ridan Mahbub, The Apparel Digest’s Representative for North America, is an ILOT (International Leader of Tomorrow) scholarship receiver and pursuing a Bachelor of International Economics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.
