BC Business
Created in B.C., these activewear pieces won't let you down in a workout, but you can sport them other places, too
A lifestyle shift and the ascent of Lululemon created athleisure, a trend that has reached beyond activewear’s traditional market—those who exercise—and become a culture in itself. Now, people wear yoga pants like they would jeans and will buy anything with a stylized A logo on it. These four B.C.-based clothing makers focus on innovative fabrics and functional designs that work as well in the gym as they do on the street. Here, we highlight their top-selling garments and the fabric behind them.
BRAND Public Myth
LAUNCHED 2007 in Vancouver
FOUNDER Kerry Pollock
AVAILABLE Online and at select retailers
DESIGNED FOR Women
FABRIC Eco-conscious, biodegradable bamboo material that is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and four times more absorbent than cotton
BESTSELLER Bamboo Pocket Leggings ($139)
BRAND Strongbody Apparel
LAUNCHED 2014 in Vancouver
FOUNDER Meghan Conyers
DESIGNED FOR Men
FABRIC NanoElite+, made by combining textiles with chitosan, a substance derived from the shells of crustaceans that is antimicrobial, eco-friendly and non-toxic
BESTSELLER Pulse Elite Tee ($88)
BRAND RYU Apparel
LAUNCHED 2015 in Vancouver
FOUNDER Marcello Leone
AVAILABLE Online and at four stores in Vancouver, plus one in Toronto. More opening soon in Etobicoke, L.A. and New York
DESIGNED FOR Women and men
FABRIC Ethos Structure Knit features CorLayr Structure Fabric made with a proprietary 3D knit technology that combines two layers of fabric with Lycra. The result: a garment that stretches horizontally and vertically, and is light, comfortable and warm
BESTSELLER Ethos Crew ($137)
BRAND Inner Fire
LAUNCHED 2012 in New Westminster
FOUNDER Leah Emmott
DESIGNED FOR Women and Men
FABRIC Made from BPA-free recycled water bottles and eco-friendly water-based inks, it’s nonfading and non-pilling, with an antimicrobial finish and SPF 50 protection
BESTSELLER Woodland Legging ($94)