As the snow slowly melts, the optimism of spring causes many of us to want to fill our closets with new styles and trends. However, the dialogue surrounding the devastating impact fashion has on the environment has some us questioning if the negative costs of the industry outweigh the desire for new trendy wardrobes. If you want refresh your closet without the guilt, look to these Canadian brands that are not sacrificing on generosity or style. From dresses to denim to handbags and even swimwear, peruse through this list of Canadian brands that you can buy ethically responsible and sustainable products from right here in Toronto.
Mary Young
Mary Young, the founder of self-titled brand MARY YOUNG, is empowering women to reclaim their bodies and celebrate their natural shape. Ethically-made with rayon from bamboo, her lingerie is long-lasting and versatile for any occasion. Mary Young’s brand goes beyond lingerie, as she has initiated conversations that are empowering people around the world to embrace self-love and acceptance. Every piece is made to naturally accentuate the body, not change it.
Shop online or in store at Stole My Heart
Maggie Jayne
Maggie Jayne, designed by Maggie MacCormick, provides lighthearted and versatile pieces that never sacrifice functionality. The designs are long-lasting made with organic textiles, azo free dyes, and the packaging is made out of recycled materials. What makes Maggie’s designs so unique is the hand block printing technique, a generational practice that is traditional to the region of Jaipur, India, where her fair-trade manufacturer resides.
Shop Online at or in store at Victoire Boutique.
Ellie Mae Studios
Influencer and fashion vlogger Allana Davison raves about Ellie Mae Studios, a Toronto-based brand founded by Ellie Mae who creates thoughtfully made pieces with a playful and feminine quality. Ellie Mae also curates a collection of vintage pieces, mostly consisting of graphic t-shirts, which are available on her website. This brand rejects mass production and in contrast produces a limited number of pieces in Toronto, each with a unique story. This Spring Ellie Mae partnered with Kids Help Phone and created a limited-edition tie to raise funds and awareness for young people’s counselling services.
Shop online at or visit their store at Adelaide Street West.
Frank and Oak
Frank and Oak, founded by Ethan Song and Hicham Ratnani, is the brand to try for consciously made denim that doesn’t break the bank. In 2019, Frank and Oak is prioritizing the use of recycled materials in apparel production to reduce waste, promising that 50% of their products will be made with minimal impact processes, such as their trademarked biodegradable fabrics. Frank and Oak is also committed to helping their community by partnering with nonprofits to give refurbished textiles to people in need and helping women integrate into the workforce.
Shop Online at and in their many locations across the GTA.
Rok Cork
Rok Cork handbags are where nature meets luxury. They are eco-friendly handbags made out of cork, a material known for its durability and sustainability. Elizabeth, the founder, has a vision to bring classic shapes to life with cork integrated in playful colors and small on-trend touches, while never compromising on quality or functionality. Rok Cork is designed in Canada and handmade by Portuguese artisans committed to quality and craftsmanship.
Shop online at or book appointment in their showroom via Their Corporate Office.
Poppy Barley
Poppy Barley leather shoes are perfect for working women who need footwear that are equally functional and chic. Sisters Justine and Kendall Barber launched Poppy Barley to create high-quality leather shoes that are ethically manufactured and priced reasonably. Poppy Barley takes part in sustainable practices by ensuring all of their leather tanneries clean the water used in the tanning process and dispose of hazardous waste properly. Poppy Barley also cares greatly for their employees by screening their factories for positive working conditions and activating a volunteer policy that provides each employee 20 hours of paid volunteer time at an organization of their choosing.
Shop online at or visit their Toronto Pop-Up April 24-27.
Anastassia Selezneva
Anastassia Selezneva’s jewelry brand, Anastassia Sel, is best described as fine jewelry with unconventional design. Selezneva injects the unexpected into her designs by mimicking body shapes, using colored stones, and delicately placing moon symbols throughout her work. Her designs are made in Canada with 100% Canadian gold and selective diamond supply partners who are committed to providing top quality diamonds and coloured stones that are conflict-free.
Shop online at or in store at The Devil’s Workshop
Saltwater Collective
It’s definitely not bikini season in Canada yet, but browsing Saltwater Collective’s bright and colourful swimwear line will spark daydreams of sitting poolside with a margarita in hand. The Saltwater Collective regenerates consumer Nylon waste into a unique yarn called ECONYL to make their stylish swimwear line that focuses on construction and quality. Saltwater Collective is also committed to supporting local businesses, hence their choice to manufacture in Toronto with local seamstresses.
Shop online at or in store at Stole My Heart
