Lifestyle

Inventory: 5 hot swimwear companies based in B.C.

Read on for the best bikinis, trunks and children's suits to check out this summer.

By Alyssa Hirose /
Free Label

Credit: Free Label

Read on for the best bikinis, trunks and children’s suits to check out this summer

Izumi StudioIzumi Studio

Sew Cool

Natasha Ashby founded Izumi Studio in August 2020, after the pandemic prompted her to pick up a new hobby—sewing. She makes each piece in Vancouver using recycled nylon, aiming to combat the fast fashion industry with suits that are made to last. Each item is made to order, so buyers can customize their size and colour. Online

Petit ReveryPetite Revery

Beach Baby

New Richmond label Petite Revery makes swimwear for kids that also protects against the sun (all of the suits have 50+ UPF sun protection). Founder Tammy Lo started the brand in 2021 as an offshoot of her first childrenswear business, Nest Designs. Her genderless designs channel a soft palette and playful patterns. Online

Nettle's TaleNettle’s Tale

Do the Wave

After a successful Indiegogo campaign, Julia Church launched Vancouver-based Nettle’s Tale in 2014. Church founded the brand with the aim of making locally manufactured, size-inclusive swimwear available for all. The company’s recycled polyester tops and bottoms are made to mix and match, and the thick, luxe material isn’t just stylish—it’s ocean-ready. In-store and online

OCINOCIN/Alan Chan

Deep Dive

Courtney Chew grew up swimming competitively, so it was only natural that her lifestyle brand Ocin would include a swim label. Founded in Vancouver in 2018, Ocin makes suits that are versatile (think swim shorts with a mesh compression liner and quick-dry materials, so they can be worn as regular shorts even post-swim) and sustainably packaged—the company’s furoshiki-inspired Versatex gift wrap is cloth that can be used again and again. Online

Free Label 2Free Label

Cool Dip

All of Free Label’s clothing is made in Canada (even their cult favourite bamboo fabric is milled in Toronto). Founder Jess Sternberg started the business in Vancouver in 2015, and the brand has grown to be a favourite among locals and a leader in the industry—its Empowerful Incubator program has contributed $17,000 to support BIPOC entrepreneurs in the last two years. Online