10 of Our Favourite Canadian Athletic Brands (That You Won't Find in a Department Store)
As a Toronto-based startup, we like to support the community that we’re a part of. We love all things Canada and all things fitness, and we’re sure you do too.
When everyone in the gym is sporting Nike or Lululemon (though we love them too), choose to stand out with something local. Here are the top 10 Canadian athleticwear brands that you won’t find in a department store.
Men & Women
RYU Apparel
Vancouver, BC
With a focus on being ‘beautifully tough’, RYU (short for Respect Your Universe) creates minimalist athletic apparel with a streetwear aesthetic. They’ve got purposefully created collections for training and recovery in simple colourways. They also make a heck of a good gym bag.
Sweat Society
Calgary, AB
Sweat Society makes ethical activewear. They’ve managed to create beautiful and functional apparel that is ethically sourced and produced. They have collections indented for activities with different degrees of intensity (think HIIT vs. hitting the couch). In addition to their own line, they also promote and carry products from other brands with similar principles.
Suppy
Toronto, ON
Lole
Montreal, QC
Founded in 2002 with over 40 stores in 11 countries, Lole (Live Out Loud Everyday) is one of the most well-known brands on this list. They have an extensive line of sleek and timeless activewear, with a similar vibe to what you’d find in Lululemon. They’re great if you’re looking for something you can take outside of the gym. Though they’ve made their name in womenswear, they’ve recently added a men’s line.
Industry Active
Montreal, QC
Industry makes functional clothing to unify comfort and style. They combine lounge, active, and streetwear to create unique workout gear in flattering fits, and they’ve got separate lines for each. If you like bolder fashion choices, check out their collection of joggers and crewnecks.
RISE
Montreal, QC
Founded in 2014, RISE prides itself on creating training gear that will take on that extra rep with you. They make gym gear with fashion-forward designs and flattering fits, reminiscence of Gym Shark. In addition to their collection of apparel, they also offer accessories, like wrist wraps.
Kyodan
Montreal, QC
Founded in 2006, Kyodan is a lifestyle brand that makes activewear to inspire and motivate. With close ties to yoga communities worldwide, they produce high-quality, yet affordable clothing that will follow you wherever your activity takes you.
Reigning Champ
Vancouver, BC
When it comes to fashion and fitness, Vancouver knows their stuff. Reigning Champ is a premium athleticwear brand with a stellar line of cosy gear, perfect for recovery days. With a minimalist approach and a streetwear vibe, they make all of their clothing in-house. All of their designs come in 3 cotton weights, to account for the seasons of this great country. Despite their DIY approach, they’ve received a lot of big-name attention and have done some very cool collaborations with brands like Adidas and Club Monaco.
Women’s Only
Karma Athletics
Vancouver, BC
Karma Athletics originally started as a yoga studio, but in 2011 they became a women’s activewear brand. They offer locally manufactured, simple, and affordable workout gear. Sound familiar?
Titika
Toronto, ON
We couldn’t, in good conscience, make a list without any Toronto representation. Founded in 2009, Titika has taken the world of women’s activewear by storm. They use luxurious fabrics to create clothing for the gym, the city, and the office.
MICHI
Toronto, ON + NYC
Though the concept originally came together in New York, ex-Ralph Lauren designer and Canadian downhill skier quickly brought the brand home to Toronto. Today, all of their high-end, high fashion performance athleticwear is designed and manufactured in the great white north.
