Choice can be a wonderful thing. With more options, comes more freedom to find and choose that statement-making coat or perfect chunky sweater you’ll wear once a week all winter long. But having many choices can also be overwhelming. How do you know you’re looking in the right place? What hidden gems are you missing? That’s why we’ve rounded up 11 under-the-radar (ish) Canadian fashion brands you’ll want to add to your shopping list. Whether you’re looking for cozy loungewear, playful tees, ultra-feminine dresses or anything in between, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more.

&OR Collective

Quiet luxury and the ultimate cozy vibes come together at &OR Collective founded by a team of women from Toronto and Montreal. With a focus on sustainability and ethical fashion, the brand crafts high-quality wardrobe staples (think knitwear and classic tees) that can be dressed up or down. The label also uses technology that helps minimize waste and leftover materials while actually making its clothing, and every product can be recycled through its SuperCircle partnership. andorcollective.com

SHOP

Seray

Who said that pyjamas can’t be chic and comfy? Definitely not Seray, a Vancouver-based brand that’s all about helping you get a better sleep. Founded in 2020 by a woman who was recovering from a severe concussion and couldn’t find anything that felt good enough to sleep in, Seray products are made with TENCEL Modal, an ultra-soft fibre that’s said to help cool down and help regulate your temperature. Available in basic separates (think flowy tees and pants or more fitted tanks and shorts) that can be mixed and matched or in sets in neutral shades (white, black, mocha brown and sage green), products are also available in sizes ranging from XXS to 2X to get you your best sleep ever. Seray-shop.com

SHOP

Okayok

Located in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood, Okayok prioritizes local production and sourcing to make playful and vibrant clothing guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Founded in 2017 by designer Adrienne Butikofer, the brand’s graphic-forward aesthetic (like this confetti-print sweatshirt) may be somewhat surprising when you find out Butikofer doesn’t have a background in graphic design. So, with her most recent collection, she’s confronting imposter syndrome head-on with cheeky prints and designs. okayok.ca

SHOP

Ahiri

Want to dress to impress while still buying clothing that can fit into your everyday wardrobe? Check out Ahiri, a womenswear brand that creates elevated, versatile and sophisticated essentials—think cropped sweaters made of a wool-cashmere blend or oversized wool coats with padded shoulders. With a team that has extensive industry background (Michael Jafine, head of design at Ahiri interned at The Row and Proenza Schouler), the brand designs pieces in Toronto and has them ethically made in Bangladesh while emphasizing social and environmental responsibility. ahiri.ca

SHOP

Séda

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, which include standouts like a Barbiecore-pink silk bomber and reversible metallic vests. To sum it all up: Séda crafts pieces that will make you want to brave whatever weather is awaiting outside. sedaworld.com

SHOP

Kara Yoo

Add a bit of shine to your wardrobe with Kara Yoo, a Vancouver-based slow jewellery designer. Her pieces are designed and made in-house with recycled materials, and each balances Yoo’s penchant for minimalism, simplicity and softness. The result? Striking, structural jewellery that can be worn anywhere, anytime. karayoo.com

SHOP

A Bronze Age

We first became obsessed with A Bronze Age’s impressively oversized scrunchies years ago. But since then, the Vancouver-based brand has continued to put out a stunning array of intricate, keep-forever pieces—eye-catching bags, feminine dresses and more—that are hand-crafted by founder Renée Power and her aunts and cousins. abronzeage.com

SHOP

Alder Apparel

If you are even slightly outdoorsy, then Alder Apparel is for you. Founded by a pair of Toronto friends, the brand offers actually stylish and functional performance wear, such as hike-ready fleeces and stretchy cargo pants. All products are made with an eco-conscious mindset (find recycled fabrics and natural fibres) and are available in up to size 6X. alderapparel.com

SHOP

Livøm

Montreal’s Livøm is technically a Scandinavian-inspired lifestyle brand, which means you can also shop furniture and decor pieces on its site. But we have our eyes on its timeless, minimalistic clothing that, like everything the brand makes, is supposed to make you feel good. Choose from jacquard sweaters, quilted skirts, corduroy pants and just about every other closet staple you could need. livom.ca

SHOP

Cherry Gardens

Is loungewear still your fashion go-to? Then meet Cherry Gardens, a Toronto-based brand named for the Jamaica neighbourhood founder Myla Davey grew up in. After visiting the area again as an adult, Davey became inspired to launch the label defined by laidback pieces that flatter all body types and evoke the comforting feeling of nostalgia. Find luxe, gender-neutral separates and matching sets that you’ll never want to take off. shopcherrygardens.com

SHOP

MDW Jewelry

Cree/English designer Meghan Weeks makes jewellery inspired by the teachings of her family matriarchs on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. She uses her work to reclaim her Indigenous identity, highlight her culture, to heal intergenerational trauma and showcase her family’s resiliency (her mom, aunts and uncles are all residential school survivors). Pieces include intricate beadwork earrings, braided cuffs and sterling-silver studs. mdwjewelry.com

SHOP

Read more:
7 Canadian Outerwear Brands to Shop This Winter
This Canadian Brand Combines Fashion and Function
8 Canadian Artists to Check Out This Fall