Things are no longer beachy-keen for Canadian bathing suit retailer, Swimco. The former shopping mall staple just announced that it’s closing after 45 years in business.
The company posted a notice on its website saying it “was unable to make a viable proposal…and is thereupon deemed to have made an assignment into bankruptcy effective October 10, 2020.”
The company’s history
Swimco started as a home-based, mail-in order business out of founder Corinne Forseth’s basement. The first store opened in Calgary in 1983. The chain was later passed on to Forseth’s daughter, Lori Bacon.
“[They] mastered the art of personal service catering to women,” said retail real estate specialist Michael Kehoe. (They also sell men’s swimwear, FYI.)
All about body positivity
Another reason to love the brand: Swimco was all about feeling beautiful in your body the way it is.
“When you walk into a Swimco store, you see REAL models that look like the people around you — because being aspirational isn’t just about what happens on the surface, it’s also about what happens beneath it,” its website says.
But COVID hit North America at the worst time (Spring Break — RIP beach vacay) for Swimco.
“Swimco was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down the cruise ship industry and international vacation travel. The loss of the local iconic Swimco brand, a family owned and operated legacy fashion retailer, will be mourned.”
The beginning of the end
All 20 of Swimco’s brick-and-mortar locations across Canada have closed, but you can still shop its online store. All sales are final and you won’t be able to use your gift cards (*sad face*), but you can take advantage of the 45% off sale. You know, in case you want to lounge around your house in a bikini. It sells bathing suits from a ton of different brands, like Adidas, Roxy, and Polo Ralph Lauren, in addition to its own Swimco line, so there’s plenty to choose from.
You can also enjoy free shipping on orders over $150, so you should definitely stock up for your post-lockdown, pandemic-free tropical getaway. Make sure you get your order in fast so you don’t miss out.
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Toronto-based underwear company Knix and its founder and CEO Joanna Griffiths have come a long way since the brand
Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to stock up on bathing suits! And did you know you can find some quality swimwear brands right here in Canada?
Whether you’re looking for a classic bikini style, or something more vibrant and trendy, these Canadians brand have got you covered. Here are some of our favourite Canadian swimwear brands you need to shop this summer.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjbKsTQF4H2/?taken-by=leftonfriday
This company was created in Vancouver by two former Lululemon product developers who wanted to make swimsuits that felt just as good to wear as they looked on. Left on Friday creates comfortable suits that can keep up with the active beach-goer.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhyqxZ1hDUT/?taken-by=juneswimwear
Founded by three women named Julie, this Montreal-based brand makes trendy swimsuits in summery colours and prints with a focus on affordability. June Swimwear is also known for their “bootykini” which makes for the perfect ‘beach bum’ Instagram photo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTPbE3tDQqW/?taken-by=thiefandbandit
All of Thief&Bandit’s bathers are custom-made and hand-printed in their Halifax studio. Plus, the company features real women of all shapes and sizes in their swimwear campaigns.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjVMdHwFGly/?taken-by=bethrichardsswimwear
Founded in Vancouver, Beth Richards produces cool-girl swimwear with an athletic twist. All of the styles, from the mock-neck tops to the mesh one pieces, are ethically-produced and provide 50+ UVB protection.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFeSuPiKAPg/?utm_source=ig_embed
Bathing Belle was created by George Brown graduate Danica Salajko who also hand-makes all the designs. The line carries everything from colourful bikinis to classic black one-pieces, but it’s their wild prints that make this Toronto company a stand out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjU2PVyHvup/?taken-by=thesaltwatercollective
This Toronto-based brand was created with one goal in mind: to save the oceans. For every item sold, Saltwater Collective donates a portion of the profits to ocean conservation organization Oceana. Not to mention all their fabrics are sourced from environmentally-friendly materials.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BisvoNFg6sE/?taken-by=mimihammer
This Montreal label is known for their adorable prints which are illustrated by the brand’s designer and team members. With fun cuts and cute ruffles, these bathing suits are a summer must-have.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgL7foSlSi5/?taken-by=minnowbathers
Minnow Bathers is the kind of swimwear line that will make you stand out at the pool. Not only are their suits super stylish, but one dollar from every item sold is donated to Ocean Conservancy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFEY292zOhn/?utm_source=ig_embed
Although Andrea Iyamah is based in Ontario, this unique swimwear line is designed by Nigerian-born Dumebi Iyamah. Her designs focus on incorporating African cultures into the pieces, serving as the inspiration for the cut, colour and print.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi7-2xTHAQH/?taken-by=gattinaswim
Hamilton-based company Gattina is all about minimalist swimwear. The brand specializes in rich colour palettes and romantic prints, with styles that look good on their own or with a pair of denim shorts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhbjcc9AszI/?taken-by=honubelle
Calgarian Julia Barnes founded Honubelle to cater to those who love the outdoors, putting an emphasis on quality without compromising the price. The line is specifically designed for the surf enthusiast and the label features fun, sporty swimwear with a chill aesthetic.
Do you know any other Canadian swimwear brands? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @andreaiyamah
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By now, all of the winter jackets are in full rotation, the last of the summer glow has disappeared from the face, and the vacation snap browsing on Instagram has gotten pretty serious. Whether it means an easy-on-the-wallet trip to a surf camp in Nicaragua, or a jaunt to an all-frills-attached luxury resort in Bali, a winter escape to the sun is always a good idea – and a new bathing suit is obviously a welcome addition.
Here are 9 great Canadian swimwear brands to help your winter vacation cause.
Everyday Sunday
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ8SZelFk7N/?taken-by=esmtl
This Montreal-based brand creates conversation-starting swimwear for both the ladies and the guys, offering stylish suits won’t break the bank. Everyday Sunday’s tops and bottoms are sold separately to allow for mixing and matching and to accommodate different body types. Pieces typically range in price from $35 to $60. As an added bonus, the company offers free shipping on orders over $120.00 CAD.
Bather Trunk
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNugvkEAjgt/?taken-by=bathertrunks
This one is for the guys: swim trunks that combine streetwear, style, and swimwear. With bold patterns and colours and a clean design, Bather Trunks will take you from the beach to the swanky pool bar for lunch. Launched in 2013, the Toronto-based brand offers fun, mid-length trunks (a perfect compromise between the too-short suit and the old-school board shorts) that are made from a quick-dry nylon. The trunks typically retail for $75.00 and $85.00 CAD.
Minnow Bathers
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7FHMpnC-1/?hl=en&taken-by=minnowbathers
Your bathing suit purchase from Toronto-based swimwear label, Minnow Bathers, comes with a side of giving back. One dollar from each sale is donated to the Ocean Conservancy, a foundation that creates science-based solutions for a healthy ocean.
Known for their retro-inspired suits and a celebration of the female form, each swimsuit is handmade to order by a team of women in a Toronto studio. Pieces (tops and bottoms are sold separately) range from $65.00 to $180.00 CAD.
Shan
https://www.instagram.com/p/BauDQlQHug_/?hl=en&taken-by=shanswimwear
If you have the dollars to drop on a St. Tropez yacht-worthy suit, look no further than super successful Canadian resort and swimwear brand Shan. Designed and manufactured in Laval, Quebec, Shan has flagship stores in Montreal and Toronto, as well as boutiques in Miami and the Hamptons. With a focus on quality over quantity and designed to last, the editorial-ready suits retail for around $300.00 CAD.
Saltwater Collective
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYZe5avnjtm/?taken-by=thesaltwatercollective
Taking it beyond just offering stylish suits for both the ladies and the gents, Toronto-based Saltwater Collective defines itself as “an impact-minded clothing and lifestyle brand” that places importance on using only environmentally friendly fabrics and making a difference in the world. For every item sold, the company donates a portion of its profits to the ocean conservation organization Oceana. Swimwear pieces range from $32.00 to $102.00 CAD.
Honubelle
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbZ6fkXlMsz/?taken-by=honubelle
Filling the void in sporty (as in, you can waterski and surf carefree in it) yet stylish swimwear, Honubelle – a brand designed by Calgary-based designer, Julia Barnes – marries function and fashion. The eye-catching pieces are designed with Italian fabric and produced in Bali. On average, the mix-and-matchable pieces retail for about $78.00 CAD.
Beth Richards
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbyhiLwFV1q/?hl=en&taken-by=bethrichardsswimwear
This Vancouver-designed and created brand has become a major player – and celeb go-to – when it comes to fashion-forward swimwear for today’s female. With a mandate to change the way women feel about swimwear and to provide confidence and empowerment, the brand offers women the ability to highlight or hide what they want to, helping with any insecurities. Prices range from $100.00 for separates to $260.00 CAD for one-pieces.
Fortnight
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYTyQYjh41u/?hl=en&taken-by=fortnightlabel
If you’d rather opt for more of a minimalist and elegant approach, high-end Canadian lingerie brand Fortnight branched out into swimwear last summer, with an all-black, five-piece collection. All pieces are made with an opaque matte jersey – making for easy mixing and matching – and are designed to contour, support and enhance the female form. The pieces range from $79.00 (for basic bottoms) to $229.00 CAD (for a versatile one-piece).
Nettle’s Tale
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbvaSE_hdFh/?hl=en&taken-by=nettlestale
This Vancouver-based brand is made for the “real” female in all of her stretch mark, full-breasted, six-pack-rocking, or cellulite-sporting glory. Offering no shortage of mix-and-match options, the website invites users to shop categories like “I’ve got a full bust,” “flatter my stomach,” and “show off my waist,” among others. Pieces range from $59.00 to $149.00 CAD.
What is your favourite Canadian swimwear brand? Share with us in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @esmtl
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