If you’re lucky enough to escape the freezing cold this winter to a place where the grass is green, the palm trees sway in the humid breeze, and the water is warm, then there’s a good chance you need to stock up on new swimwear. Dipping in and out of the pool all summer might’ve taken a toll on your favourite bikini, and now you’re panicking to find one that fits and feels the same. Luckily, we rounded up 11 places to buy bathing suits online for a cold weather getaway that champion comfort, quality, size inclusivity, and style.
Read on to find out where you can pick up almost two weeks worth of vacay-ready swimwear that are just a few clicks away.
REVOLVE
REVOLVE has a wide variety of swimsuits and beach fashion pieces from different brands for you to shop right on its website. The shop always carries the latest trendy styles, so you can trust you’ll be looking chic while laying out on the beach.
Saltwater Collective
From ocean blue turquoise to sandy beige, Saltwater Collective handcrafts flawless swimwear basics. Sewn by local Toronto seamstresses, all Saltwater one pieces and bikinis are made out of sustainable fabrics like econyl yarn which is spun from wasted nylon fabric. There’s nothing better than wearing something that’s better for the water while you’re swimming in it, right?
Unika Swim
Also made in Toronto, Unika swimsuits are comprised of econyl yarn too. The brand was founded by Brazilian native, Betsy Campos, who was inspired by her heritage and how every beach bum’s swimwear reflected their style. Through Unika, Campos aims to empower women to recognize their individuality and feel confident in a swimsuit, which is now more possible with an in-store fitting at her Yorkville boutique.
Knix
To live “unapologetically free” is Knix’s motto, and its body-loving bathing suits allow you to do just that. The creators of seamless bras and functional underwear have now expanded into designing swimwear that fits cups sizes A to G and pants sizes 2 to 22. Plus, they’re wire and chafe free.
Aritzia
Incase you weren’t aware Aritzia now sells swimwear! Like the rest of Artizia’s inventory, its swimwear collection is full of elevated basics that will never go out of style.
Cult Gaia
Go ahead and conjure up a daydream of a countryside villa in the south of Italy, where the paintings are as plentiful as the spritzes and empty lawn chairs in the steamy summer heat. What would you want to be wearing? We’ll answer that for you and suggest an artfully designed one piece by Cult Gaia. It’ll live in your wardrobe forever.
Tropic of C
Founded by South African model and Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel, Tropic of C is a swimwear line that celebrates the female form and a life spent at the beach. Right down to the bamboo tags and biodegradable garment bags, it’s a true eco-brand. Tropic of C also uses a bioplastic derived from tree pulp to make the hygiene liners for the inside of bathing suit bottoms, which are completely compostable. Another one, for the planet.
Aerie
Just like its clothing, Aerie swimwear is all about making women feel good, inside and out. And with un-retouched models pictured in every style on their website, that’s exactly what the brand has accomplished. Its bathing suits are just as cute as its intimates and pyjamas, and they’re all available in cup sizes AA to DDD.
Everlane
Everlane is known for its sustainability efforts by partnering with ethical factories, using fine materials for its pieces, and creating timeless designs. Its swimsuit collection is no different! At Everlane you can shop a variety of staple swimwear pieces that are built to last, so you can take them with you on many vacations to come.
Hunza.G
Wondering where you’ve seen a Hunza.G swimsuit before? You might recognize the iconic Hunza dress that Julia Roberts wears in the most classic of rom-coms, Pretty Woman. Today, London-made Hunza.G bikinis are literally everywhere, and they’re the absolute comfiest. Even Hailey Beiber’s a fan.
Youswim
Youswim might make the most comfortable swimsuits ever, and we know that’s a bold statement to make. Though it’s possible, because the brands suits adapt to fit your body’s natural state of flux. If you’re a size 2 to 14, Youswim has got you covered – its suits are seven sizes in one. These suits are also ethically woven, dyed, cut, and sewn in England using European-sourced nylon and elastane.
Modcloth
Modcloth‘s bathing suits come in a full range of sizes up to a 34. The brand use of original patterns and vivid fabrics are seen in high-waisted and vintage-inspired designs that aim to represent all different shapes and styles. As they like to say, every outfit (or swimsuit) is an opportunity to express yourself, and there’s no way you can’t in a piece of Modcloth swimwear.
Left On Friday
If you’re looking for a suit with a little extra coverage, Left On Friday’s Italian-made Smoothing Dream Fabric is just what you need in your life. You can count on it to be compressive when wet and dry, hiding the appearance of cellulite and leaving a buttery feeling on the skin. Its snag resistant too because as LOF puts it, sometimes a girl has to sit on the pool deck – right?
Summersalt
Summersalt took over 1.5 million body measurements from 10,000 women to inform how its swimsuits fit. Now, if that isn’t a commitment to making every woman feel confident in their own skin while wearing one of the brands bathing suits, we don’t know what is. Summersalt’s brightly coloured fabrics and chic patterns make its swimwear perfect for the modern nomad who wants to look just as fashionable in her skivvies as she does on the streets.
Hunza G
Sometimes there’s nothing worse than finding the right sizing online, especially in terms of swimsuits. Hunza G is here to the rescue with its 80s-style crinkle-design fabrics that make its pieces one-size-fits-most! Seriously though, it’s like sisterhood of the travelling swimsuits.
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It’s no secret that there’s a major shortage of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for frontline healthcare workers. To help, brands have started to pause production and have switched to only manufacturing masks so that folks can stay protected. One brand has teamed up with adidas to manufacture masks.
Toronto-based custom swimwear brand, Ūnika Swim has partnered with adidas Canada to create face masks.
“Despite the fact that our store and studio has been closed due to COVID-19, as a local and small business, we wanted to do something to help our community and our essential workers who are currently on the front lines. Although we normally produce custom swimwear in house, we wanted to use this as an opportunity to do our part and make face masks to support those who are risking their lives for our health and safety,” said Betsy Campos, founder of Ūnika Swim.
The Ūnika team is making its masks out of hundreds of unworn adidas t-shirts that the brand donated after Campos reached out.
The face masks that Ūnika is manufacturing are designed to be worn on top of healthcare workers’ N-95 masks to improve their efficacy as these workers only wear one mask per day.
What’s unique about them is that these masks tie at the back which take the pressure off the wearers ears.
Campos’ goal was to create 500 masks but thanks to the generous donation from adidas, the brand will surely surpass that as 300-350 masks are being made in a week. This is all thanks to Betsey and her team who are working remotely to get this done.
The masks are being donated to hospitals and institutions across Canada, as well as nursing homes, midwife clinics, and retirement homes.
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Ready to start building your sustainable wardrobe, but don’t know where to start? We get it.
As a shopper, it can be hard to decide which brands are doing sustainability the right way. Lucky for you, we found six Toronto brands that are incorporating sustainable fabrics and materials in their pieces, while lessening their overall impact on the environment. From clothing to swimsuits to accessories, we have you covered!
Here are six of our favourite sustainable Toronto fashion brands to shop right now:
1. Uncle Studios
Instagram/@unclexstudios
Co-founded by Toronto-based style influencer Allegra Shaw, Uncle Studios is for the cool girl who wants to do good for the environment. Each garment is made in Canada from eco-friendly, recycled, or deadstock fabric and shipped to you in packaging made out of recycled and biodegradable materials, without those pesky paper receipts and plastic hangtags.
Our picks: the Slip Dress in ivory ($178), the Linen Tunic in white ($130), and the Perfect Crewneck in blush ($67).
2. Peoples Product
Instagram/@peoplesproduct
Looking for dreamy feminine pieces to add to your wardrobe? May we introduce you to Peoples Product, a slow fashion, ethical womenswear company based in Toronto and started by Eva Parrell and Chelsea Mazur. Each piece is designed in Toronto and handmade by Fair Trade artisans in India. Head on over to the website to see the price breakdown of why each piece costs what it does, from the materials and labour, to the shipping and duties.
Our picks: the Bon Bon Top in rose gold ($118) and the Hook & Eye Pants ($108).
3. House Of Ell
Instagram/@houseofell
Katia is the super cool Toronto-based creative behind the vintage and upcycled jewellery brand, House of Ell. Each piece is handpicked and transformed into a one-of-a-kind showstopper that will transcend those trendy and poorly made fast fashion pieces.
Our picks: the Upcycled Charm Necklaces and the Vintage Rings. Browse the styles on Instagram.
4. Kotn
Instagram/@kotn
Kotn is a Toronto retailer that sells well-fitting, basic, everyday pieces made from sustainably and ethically produced Egyptian cotton. Founded by two three entrepreneurs, Kotn works with a local NGO in Egypt to tackle the high illiteracy rates and provide children living in their farming communities with access to education? We’re not crying, you’re crying.
Our picks: the Men’s Essential Crew in black ($30), the Women’s Mock Neck Tank in lilac ($28), and the Women’s High Neck Tank in white ($25).
5. Scrunch
Instagram/@scrunch.to
Finally, a Toronto-based company to make all your scrunchie dreams come true! Michèle Klaponski works with re-purposed fabrics and makes each and every scrunchie by hand! Bonus: she’ll even take your old pants, dresses, and sweaters and upcycle them for you.
Our picks: the Coral Scrunchie ($10)and the Picnic Scrunchie ($10).
6. ?NIKA
Instagram/@unikaswim
Finding a sustainable swimsuit can be hard. But not anymore! ?NIKA is a Toronto-based swimsuit brand that uses a 100% regenerated nylon yarn fabric created from pre and post-industrial waste to make its made-in-Canada pieces. Sizing runs from Small to 4XL. Plus, each piece can be custom made to fit each and every curve of your body. Run, don’t walk! Check out our custom swimsuit experience with ?NIKA.
Our picks: the Hannah Bottoms ($97) and the Tulia Top ($89) in Sangria Slush.
Featured image: Kotn’s Queen St. West store via Instagram/@bunz_official
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If shopping for swimwear is something you loathe, then I think I have the solution for you. Like shopping for any item, if you find the right fit, you’ll look fabulous no matter what size you are and that’s exactly what the folks at Unika Swim do. Known for creating suits that feel like a second skin, Unika not only offers custom experiences, but you can feel good about shopping local because your swimsuit is actually crafted in-store in Yorkville.
Keep reading to find out what it was like getting a custom-made suit at Unika Swim!
Upon walking into Unika, I was instantly calmed by the smell of soothing palo santo that wafted through the space. I definitely appreciated this detail because even as someone who has always been slim, I detest swimsuit shopping and avoid it at all costs.
After checking in, I was welcomed into a private room to chat with Unika founder, Betsy Campos, about what kind of suit I was looking to get made. I flipped through the Unika Swim line sheets that show customers what your options are — there are over 200 different styles!
After a few flips through the book and talking it all out with Betsy, I decided to opt for a super minimal bandeau-style bikini that would be perfect for tanning at my cottage.
I tried on the samples that Betsy suggested as they were similar to the suit I was going to have made. After finagling a few small details like how high cut the leg would be, how high I wanted the waist, and how I wanted the top to look, I was good to go.
All that was left to do now was pick out a colour — sounds easy, but wait until you see all the options Unika has.
With pretty much any colour, hue, and pattern you can think of, good luck choosing just one for your custom suit. When I walked into Unika for my first fitting, I prided myself on knowing exactly what I wanted. However, I ate my words quickly because I spent a solid half an hour pulling colour options and making decision after decision.
In the end, I opted for a bright red colour that not only will look fab against a bronzy tan, but is different from all the other swimwear I own already.
Once the colour of the suit was finally decided upon and locked down, I scheduled my second fitting for a few weeks later and then I was off on my merry way.
I thought that the time between fittings would crawl by as I was desperate to see my custom-made swimsuit but it honestly flew! The second fitting was super chill — I tried on my suit, took pics, and had a small alteration made to the top to make it a bit narrower. That’s it! I finally had a custom swimsuit of my own and I couldn’t be happier!
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how seamless and enjoyable this process was.
I was so worried that the experience would be so lengthy and time-consuming but the first fitting was around 45 minutes and the second was literally less than 20.
The whole team at Unika was so lovely to work with and I can’t wait to strut about the beach and cottage in my fire engine bright custom swimsuit!
Featured Image: StyleDemocracy
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With summer just around the corner, and swim season sneaking up on us, it
For our career series “How I Got My Job,” we’ll be talking to real people, working real jobs across a variety of industries. These people are pushing boundaries and have made their mark. They’ve found success on their own terms, and now we’re extracting their advice on how to carve out your own career path.
Vanessa Cesario is a creative director, stylist, brand consultant, and certified Toronto cool girl.
As a woman eager to take on any challenge that comes her way, Vanessa is a force to be reckoned with; she got her start in Toronto working late nights in the service industry so that she could keep her days free to intern and build her portfolio, a smart route that allowed her the flexibility to work with brands she loved. Now, as the Creative Director of Ünika Swim, Vanessa is using her creative eye and skill to build a brand megabeast and pursue her dreams.
Read on to get a peek into an average day for Vanessa, how she’s gotten to where she is in her career, and how you can follow in her footsteps! Also be sure to check out Ünika Swim on instagram for ultimate vacation inspiration, or book an appointment to get your own custom made swim suit.
Full Name: Vanessa Cesario
Job Title: Creative Director, Consultant & Stylist
Photo via Vanessa Cesario
First thing’s first, what was the first job you ever had? The job after that? And how did it lead you to where you are today?
My first job ever was Dairy Queen! After that I worked at a hair salon until I turned 18 and began waitressing, til’ eventually getting into working in nightclubs. I believe this was an integral part in getting me where I am today. Having my days free and making great tips allowed me to do a lot of unpaid interning, which without a doubt lead me to some great opportunities.
What’s a typical day at work for you?
Honestly, there really is no typical day. Because I do such a mish-mash of things, it can be anything from: working out of our Unika storefront, dressing artists/talent on a music video set, running around the city doing pulls/returns, or answering emails at home in my robe. There are definitely a lot of me staring at my computer days in some capacity, as well as meetings.
Photo via Vanessa Cesario
What has been the most fulfilling project you’ve worked on so far?
I just directed a Women’s Day campaign for ?nika featuring 5 really awesome ladies—including a firefighter, Olympic weightlifter, and 73 year-old model/actress. It was an all-female team, and overall a piece of work I am extremely proud of—both aesthetically and for its message. It’s the most involved I’ve ever been in any shoot, and allowed me full creative control.
In your time working, what do you think has been the most important thing that you’ve learned?
That there’s no linear path to success. As long as you’re doing things that you enjoy and doing your best, the dots will eventually connect.
Creative industries are notorious for unpaid internships or pay via “exposure.” How do you feel about this? Are you for or against unpaid internships?
First off, I believe the reason that this continues to prevail is because people that want to work in this field are usually doing so because they have a burning passion inside them to do so—it’s not really about money for them. Unfortunately, this allows a gaping opportunity to be taken advantage of for many young people attempting to ‘get their foot in the door’. However, I do think that sometimes exposure and unpaid stuff can be beneficial, and can bring you great opportunities. I still do unpaid projects/work if I know it’s going to be beneficial to my portfolio—the key is knowing when to do it.
What’s your advice to someone looking to get into your line of work?
I would probably have to say…intern!
What was the push that made you decide to move forward with Unika?
Betsy (?nika Founder) and I were both working in a nightclub together – I had watched her throughout the years studying fashion design in Toronto and London, while making swimsuits out of her boyfriend’s den. All that was really there when I came into the picture was the concept and name. I really admired Betsy’s vision of body positivity and inclusiveness, her commitment to running an ethical business, as well as her personal story. Years of working in the fashion sphere left me feeling empty, and it was a breath of fresh air for me. As she was ready to launch the brand, she asked me initially to style her first shoot—which quickly grew into consulting on the brand identity, and eventually snowballed into me directing creative and taking on a larger role within the company.
Photo via Vanessa Cesario
Do you have any exciting upcoming projects you’d like to share with us?
Nothing I can talk about to an extent unfortunately, but we have some really exciting ?nika collaborations coming up—one is with a designer, and one is with a makeup brand.
What’s the best thing about working for yourself? Also, what is the most difficult part of working for yourself?
Freedom of schedule. Whether that means going on vacation pretty well whenever I’d like, working from home when I want to, and having and overall flexible schedule. The part I struggle with most is feeling guilty for not working “enough”, or thinking I should be doing work/seeking out new projects/creating something when I have an off day. I always have this voice barking in the back of my mind—but I’m learning to shut it off!
All images courtesy of Vanessa Cesario
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For those on the hunt for the latest and greatest, you’ve come to the right place. On this list, you’ll find the newest store launches in Toronto and the GTA, as well as some special limited-time pop-up shops.
From a one-of-a-kind experience from Google to new flagship stores opening across the city, there are so many exciting retail spaces to explore.
New Stores
Armed
Instagram/@upandarmed
Toronto-based jewellery brand, Armed, has found a home in the neighbourhood of Parkdale. The new flagship store is big and bright with white, gold, velvet, and wood detailing. Here, visitors can shop Armed’s collection of necklaces, sunglass chains, rings, and more, as well as a selection of vintage clothing. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of Armed Home, which will feature a carefully curated collection of home furnishings.
Where: 1380 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ontario
UNIKA Swim
Instagram/@unikaswim
Nestled in Yorkville, UNIKA is the new kid on the block creating custom swimwear. The storefront and studio is different than most swimwear stores — here you choose the fabric, fit, and silhouette. No order is too complicated for the all-woman team at UNIKA, and custom orders take just 8-10 days.
Where: 101 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, Ontario
MUJI
Twitter/@neverfallapart/@misscamco
While the store itself might not be brand new, it has gotten a huge upgrade! MUJI Atrium, across from CF Toronto Eaton Centre, is now the largest MUJI outside of Asia. The new flagship includes a coffee counter, an aroma bar, and a MUJI Yourself station where shoppers can digital print directly onto purchases or laser engrave items.
Where: 595 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario
OVO
Instagram/@hieuzus
Mississauga is now home to the GTA’s third OVO store. Located in Square One Shopping Centre across from the Microsoft store, fans can shop OVO’s collection of hoodies, tees, footwear, and more, along with the OVO Kids line, which is exclusively featured at the location.
Where: Square One Shopping Centre, 100 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, Ontario
Limited-Time Pop-Ups
‘Earth Luxe’ Holiday Pop-up in Yorkville Village
Instagram/@_earthluxe
Offering an extensive variety of high-quality wellness products, Earth Luxe (previously only available online) has just opened a pop-up storefront location in the lower level of Yorkville Village. From their roll-on essential oils to their Negev Desert-inspired soaps, the new products remain true to Earth Luxe’s holistic philosophy but extend further into the origins motivating the brand in the first place.
When: Now to mid-December
Where: 55 Avenue Road West, Toronto, Ontario
Céla Pop-Up
This will be different than the Bayview Village, as that one featured all brands used at the Hammam Spa, whereas the Saks Pop-up is a space in that store that exclusively features Céla. The Pop-Up will also feature the brand’s two newest products the Essential Face Mist and Essential Face Cream which will be launching mid-December.
When: Now to the end of December
Where: 176 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario
Pixel Records by Google
Instagram/@gatto.joseph
Google plays homage to the traditional record store with its latest activation. Dubbed Pixel Records, visitors are invited into the space to test out the Google Pixel 3. Handed the phone upon arrival, guests can roam around the space and go snap crazy, testing out the camera on Instagram-worthy installations. Visit our friends at Retail-Insider for more details.
When: Now to Sunday, December 2, 2018
Where: 202 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ontario
Amazon Pop-Up
Alina Prajapati
The future is here, and this pop-up by Amazon proves it. Located at CF Eaton Centre, visitors are invited into the smart home to see what life with Alexa is like. From turning on appliances to setting temperatures of rooms, there’s (almost) nothing that she can’t do. The pop-up is also Amazon’s first brick-and-mortar in Canada, so be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind experience before it’s too late.
When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Where: 220 Yonge St. (Yonge and Shuter intersection), Toronto, Ontario
Kombi Canada
Instagram/@kombicanada
KOMBI Canada, a winter accessory specialist, will be opening the doors to its first-ever pop-up right here in Toronto! Visitors can drop by Union Station to experience and shop the Canadian-made brand for themselves. In addition, KOMBI has partnered with Salvation Army to collect gently used mittens or gloves. Donations will get you 20% off in-store.
When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Where: Union Station, Toronto, Ontario
Healing House
With a mission to end the stigma surrounding HIV, Casey House will be opening a spa. Visitors can enjoy a variety of free, rejuvenating treatments provided by HIV+ Healers. Those interested can book services like hand, neck, back, and shoulder treatments, or a mini facial online. If you’d like to support the initiative but can’t make the pop-up, you can make a donation on the Casey House website.
When: Friday, November 30, 2018 to Saturday, December 1, 2018
Where: 128 Peter St., Toronto, Ontario
Featured Image: Instagram/@upandarmed