We’ve all heard the twin man-tras “Shop Local” and  “Support Local.” Many of us support these goals, but are they realistic when it comes to our fashion buying decisions?

When I was attending U of T in the 80’s sourcing Canadian made fashion was easy, although I didn’t have the budget to buy as much as I would have liked! I enjoyed window shopping in Yorkville and strolling into Holt Renfrew to see designs by Leo Chevalier, Pat McDonagh, Simon Chang and Alfred Sung.

Much has changed in the realm of Canadian manufacturing, due to events such as the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, and the introduction of “fast fashion” in early 2005 when import quotas on fashion were lifted. All the more reason to support entrepreneurs who remain committed to offering home-grown fashions.

Linea Intima
196 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | lineaintima.ca

Canadian-made products at Linea Intima include elegant sleepwear of 100% silk and French lace, designed by Christine Morton and manufactured in Vancouver, and haute couture SHAN swimwear made in Montreal.

According to Linea Intima’s President, Karen Capocci, customers are pleasantly surprised to know that such beautiful apparel is made in Canada. Supporting local independent retailers often comes with a higher price tag, but quality sells.

“Customers today are more and more conscious about what they buy due to the economics of current times,” Capocci says, “so they are looking for items that they know will last the test of time.”

Jus B’ Gauze
4019 New St, Burlington | jusbgauze.com

This women’s clothing store in Burlington proudly carries Canadian labels such as Frank Lyman, Compli K, and Sympli — because customers are willing to pay for superior quality and style.

Sales associate Carol McKellar tells of a recent fall display of Frank Lyman clothing in the store’s window that virtually flew off the rack. “We’re already down to just one piece,” she says. “Ladies who know their fashions love that brand… and we all feel better when we can buy anything Canadian-made, whether it’s groceries, clothing, anything else.”

RevolutionHER Inc.
900 Maple Ave, Unit A11A, Burlington
125 Lakeshore Rd. E, Oakville
revolutionher.com

A passion for women, which includes supporting women owned brands, is central to the work of RevolutionHER. One of their initiatives is a 3,000 square foot retail space, the RevolutionHER store, whose flagship location is in Burlington’s Mapleview Mall. The store features 100 women-owned brands, including Smash & Tess and Dotty, which are also available in their new downtown Oakville Location.

Founder and CEO Maria Locker reports seeing a rising trend in women-led clothing design and manufacturing businesses in Canada, and says customers regularly seek home-grown fashions.

“From my experience,” she says, “women-led clothing brands place a more prominent focus on how their products look and feel for their customers, while also being mindful of their impact on the environment and avoiding fast-fashion pitfalls.”

On your next fashion spree, be sure to ask for clothes that are made in Canada. You’ll up your style game and learn what quality feels like, all while supporting the artistic innovators who are the backbone of Canada’s fashion industry.

By Cyndi Ingle

Summer’s here and with it, the sun-kissed days we’ve been dreaming of all winter. But while you’re soaking up those golden rays, it’s crucial to keep your skin protected. The good news is you can shield yourself from the sun and look fabulous at the same time. 

Here’s how to protect your skin in style. 

Head to the Hat Rack
Hats aren’t just a fashion statement; they’re your first line of defence against sunburn and premature aging. Wide-brimmed hats are as trendy as they are functional. Think oversized, floppy brims that scream glamour while also providing shade for your face, neck, and shoulders. Choose natural fibres like straw and cotton for breathability and comfort.

I love a visor but my scalp does not. And while a trendy baseball cap offers some protection, it leaves much of your face and neck exposed. Instead, opt for a trendy bucket hat if you’re looking for a sportier vibe. These provide 360-degree protection and come in a variety of fun patterns and colours.

Go Big With Shades
When it comes to sunglasses, bigger is better. Large, oversized styles not only make you look like a movie star but also offer more coverage to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Look for sunglasses with UV400 protection, which blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays. 

Aviators and wayfarers remain timeless classics, but the latest trend includes bold, geometric shapes and coloured lenses. Mirrored lenses are also in, reflecting away even more sunlight. Ditch the small, narrow frames—they may be trendy, but they don’t do much in the way of sun protection. Or, channel your inner Cory Hart and only wear those at night. 

Wrap It Up
Lightweight wraps and scarves are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your sun-safe outfit. Vicky and Ruza at Jus B Gauze Burlington suggest draping them over your shoulders or using them to cover your legs when the sun gets too intense. “Think breathable fabrics like linen and cotton in bright, summery prints or classic neutrals.”

“Sarongs are also making a stylish return, versatile enough to be used as skirts, dresses, or even headscarves. Heavy, dark-coloured fabrics can make you overheat, so go for light and airy.”

Less Skin Is More
“For swimwear, opt for maximum coverage with classic one-piece suits or tankinis,” advises Karen Capocci from Linea Intima in Oakville. “This season’s modern designs along with playful prints and colour blocking are trending. If a bikini is more your style it can be paired with pretty cover-ups, tunics, and sarongs that will add a fun and functional layer to your beachy or poolside look.”  

Choose UPF Fabrics
Synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon offer better protection than natural fibres because they are less likely to let UV rays through. However, natural fibres like tightly woven cotton and linen can also be effective. 

Some fabrics are now being treated with special UV-blocking agents. Check for labels indicating UPF ratings, and consider investing in these high-tech textiles.

Sun shirts, or rash guards, are no longer just for surfers. These stylish pieces are perfect for beach days or any outdoor activity. A UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+ is ideal, meaning the fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s rays.

Final Touches
Don’t forget your sunscreen! No matter how covered up you are, sunscreen is essential for any exposed skin. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Accessorize with a chic beach tote to carry all your sun-safe essentials and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. It’s easy to protect your skin without sacrificing style. 

LOCAL LINKS

Jus B Gauze,
4019 New Street,
Burlington
jusbgauze.com

Linea Intima,
196 Lakeshore Road East,
Oakville
lineaintima.ca