Why Buying Local Helps Fight Tarrifs
Toronto currently spends an estimated CAD 2.8 billion per year on clothing. With new American tariffs disrupting cross-border trade, the fashion choices we make directly impact our local economy. Shifting even a portion of this spending toward Canadian-owned apparel, accessories, and footwear can help protect local jobs, nurture homegrown creative talent, and keep billions circulating within our communities.
Strengthening Our Economy
Local Multiplier Effect
According to the 2019 The Economic Impact of Local Businesses study done by LOCO BC, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, about $63 is recirculated back into the local economy—compared to just $43 when that same $100 is spent at a multinational chain.
This multiplier effect means more of our dollars support local supply chains, business services, and community programs that benefit us.
Boosting GDP and Tax Revenue
The Government of Canada’s Key Small Business Statistics found that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute roughly 51% of the GDP generated by the private sector in Canada. When you spend on local fashion, your dollars help maintain and grow our tax base, which in turn supports our schools, public infrastructure, and essential services
Creating Resilient Supply Chains
Buying from Canadian-brands makes our community less vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and market volatility.
By supporting local production, we build a resilient domestic industry that can better absorb shocks, reduce dependency on international suppliers, and ensure a more stable supply chain even in the face of economic uncertainties.
Creating Sustainable Jobs
Job Growth in the Creative Sector
SMEs represent 99.8% of all businesses in Canada and employ 64% of the total private-sector workforce according to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Supporting Canadian fashion brands directly contributes to job creation—from design and manufacturing to retail, digital marketing, and more!
Community-first Hiring
Local businesses hire community members, which creates stronger neighborhood ties and increases civic engagement.
According to the Canadian Apparel Federation, the Canadian fashion industry generates over $27 billion in revenue annually and supports more than 150,000 jobs across design, manufacturing, and retail.
Building Stronger, Healthier Communities
Community Investment
Local businesses are more likely to sponsor youth sports teams, donate to community events, and engage in neighborhood improvement projects. Buying local means we and business owners can form strong and mutually beneficial relationships.
Cultural Identity
Independent stores, brands, and designers play a key role in preserving Toronto’s distinctive fashion culture. By making intentional efforts to shop with them we ensure that our city remains diverse, creative, and rich in local character.
Reducing Environmental Impacts
Reduced Transportation and Lower Carbon Footprint
Buying Canadian-made fashion means that garments travel much shorter distances from production to consumer.
Even if Canadian goods are made overseas, skipping transportation from the US to Canada reduces fuel consumption, and significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a smaller overall carbon footprint.
Commitment to Sustainable Production
Many Canadian fashion brands prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. By using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste in production, and adopting responsible manufacturing processes, these brands lessen environmental strain.
Supporting local fashion encourages businesses to continue and expand these green initiatives, fostering a more environmentally responsible industry overall.
Fashion in Canada Market Insights
Growing Market Value
The Canadian fashion industry is projected to reach revenues of over CAD 30 billion by 2025, demonstrating the substantial economic impact of domestic brands.
Employment Impact
Canadian fashion brands—many of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—are key drivers of job creation in the industry. These businesses support thousands of jobs across design, manufacturing, and retail, contributing to a vibrant local economy.
Changing Consumer Preferences
Increasingly, Canadian shoppers are choosing locally produced apparel. Nearly 50% or more of consumers now indicate a preference for fashion items made in Canada, driven by values like quality, sustainability, and support for homegrown talent.
Sustainable & Ethical Production
With growing consumer interest in ethical and sustainable fashion, local brands are well-positioned to meet demand. This trend not only helps reduce the environmental footprint associated with long supply chains but also reinforces the cultural and creative identity of Canadian fashion.
Streetwear has never been just about clothing, it’s about the statement behind it.
From bold prints to subtle details, every piece says something about culture, identity, and community. And while the printed tee is a streetwear classic, Canadian brands are proving there’s so much more to explore.
Why Support Canadian Streetwear?
When we invest in Canadian brands, we’re investing in our own communities. That money stays here, contributing to public services like schools, community centres, and programs that shape the places we live.
But it’s not just about the economy, it’s about impact. Many Canadian fashion brands focus on sustainable and ethical production, using eco-friendly materials, cutting down waste, and ensuring responsible manufacturing. Supporting them means reducing the environmental footprint of what we wear, keeping our fashion choices aligned with a cleaner, more sustainable future.
And let’s be real, beyond the economics and sustainability, Canadian designers are just bringing something different to the table. The brands we’re highlighting below aren’t just making clothes; they’re pushing the boundaries of design, storytelling, and innovation. When you wear Canadian streetwear, you’re wearing something with meaning—something that represents creativity, culture, and the future of fashion in Canada.
So, if you have enough t-shirts (for now), check out these dope Canadian streetwear brands bringing new perspective to the space.
A Select Few
Location: Vancouver
About the Brand: A Select Few aims to unite cultures and foster a global perspective through luxury fashion and sustainable design.
Chosen Designs
Location: Toronto
About the Brand: Chosen Designs is more than a clothing brand; it’s a faith-driven lifestyle movement.
3.PARADIS
Location: Montreal
About the brand: 3.Paradis is a Parisian contemporary ready-to-wear brand founded by Emeric Tchatchoua in 2013. We celebrate freedom, hope and universalism.
Mercy House
Location: Montreal
About the brand: Mercy House is a love letter to culture, as its seasonal collections are influenced and take references from art, music, architecture and film.
Spencer Badu
Location: Toronto
About the brand: Spencer’s work is a semi-autobiographical collection that uses fashion to explore culture and acts as a self-reflective body of work, presenting the idea of uniforms as ever-changing and fluid.
The History of Streetwear
If you strip streetwear down to its core, it’s not about logos, hype, or resale value. It’s about the message.
Streetwear has always been a way to communicate, whether it’s about identity, culture, community, or perspective. Every piece carries meaning, and if you look at what Canadian brands are doing right now, it’s clear that streetwear is more than just clothes, it’s storytelling.
It’s about connection and how well a brand’s mission resonates with the people who wear it. Whether it’s about uniting cultures, reflecting personal beliefs, or challenging norms, every piece says something, even in the smallest details. The cut of a jacket, the weight of a hoodie, or the way a garment moves, these choices are deliberate, carrying the same weight as any graphic or slogan.
Streetwear has always borrowed from the world around it from art, to music, architecture, and film, these influences shape not just how pieces look, but what they represent. The best brands don’t just sell clothing; they create movements, conversations, and create a sense of belonging.
And that’s exactly why supporting Canadian streetwear brands matters. These designers aren’t just making clothes; they’re building our communities, reflecting our culture, and pushing Canadian fashion forward in ways that feel uniquely ours.
How to Spot Canadian Streetwear Brands Online
Since many independent Canadian streetwear brands don’t have physical stores, it can take a little extra effort to know where your pieces are coming from. If you want to make sure your next purchase is supporting a Canadian brand, here are a few ways to check:
- Check the Website’s “About” Page
- Most brands are proud to share their story. Look for details about where they were founded, where they manufacture, or how they contribute to Canada’s fashion scene. Some brands design locally but produce internationally, while others handle everything right here.
- Look at the Contact Information
- A “.ca” domain name, a Canadian mailing address, or a local phone number can be good indicators that a brand operates here. But even if they use a “.com” or ship internationally, their contact page should give you a sense of where they’re based.
- Follow Their Social Media
- Social media is where brands connect with their audience, and many Canadian streetwear labels showcase their roots through their content. Look at their tagged posts, collaborations, and event mentions, if they’re working with Canadian artists, photographers, or retailers, they’re likely part of the local fashion landscape.
- Look for Local Collaborations
- Many Canadian brands team up with local musicians, designers, and businesses, whether through capsule collections, pop-ups, or partnerships. These collaborations are a great way to see how a brand supports and engages with the fashion community here.
- Check the Shipping & Pricing
- A Canadian brand might sell internationally, but if you see local shipping options, Canadian pricing, or mentions of domestic production, it’s a strong sign that they’re truly operating from here.
- Ask Directly
- If you’re still curious, send them a quick message! Many independent brands are happy to share where they’re based and how they produce their pieces. It’s also a great way to connect with designers and learn more about the story behind what you’re wearing.
At the end of the day, supporting Canadian brands is about more than geography—it’s about backing designers who are shaping our fashion culture. Whether they produce locally or design from here and manufacture abroad, these brands are part of Canada’s streetwear scene, and every purchase helps fuel their growth.
Where to Find More Canadian Streetwear Brands
A great resource for finding more Canadian streetwear brands is Toronto Loves Fashion, a directory dedicated to making it easier for Canadians to find and support Canadian-owned fashion brands. Our mission is to highlight the incredible talent within our country, provide a platform that connects Canadian fashion lovers with Canadian-owned fashion brands, and champion the benefits of buying local.
Did I forget someone? Let me know and get them listed on Toronto Loves Fashion.
Fashion has always served as a powerful medium for political expression. In the early 1900s, suffragettes donned white, as a symbol of purity, unity, and the collective strength in their relentless fight for the right to vote.
The 1980s further underscored fashion’s political potential when British designer Katharine Hamnett boldly confronted Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with a T-shirt that read “58% Don’t Want Pershing”, directly protesting nuclear weapons.
Notably, iconic figures like Vivienne Westwood have long championed this fusion of style and activism. Westwood once remarked,
“I just use fashion as an excuse to talk about politics. Because I’m a fashion designer, it gives me a voice.”
Her words encapsulate a truth: our clothing choices serve as visible statements of our values and beliefs.
Fast forward to more recent times, and we see the red square pin from the 2012 Québec student protests. What began as a small token of defiance quickly morphed into a ubiquitous emblem of resistance against tuition hikes, worn by thousands on jackets, backpacks, and scarves.
The Hat, A Reminder That Canadian Fashion Has Power
More recently, an unexpected moment in Canadian politics has once again reminded us of fashion’s influential power. Doug Ford’s hat, embroidered with the phrase “Canada is Not for Sale”, originated as a tongue-in-cheek response by two OCAD graduates, Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane, to U.S. tariffs and economic strong-arming. What began as a small independent Canadian design captured national attention, selling over 45,000 hats as citizens rallied behind its message. This phenomenon isn’t just about a catchy slogan; it’s about reclaiming the narrative and asserting that Canadian-made fashion carries deep cultural and political significance.
So Why Are We Still Shopping Like Canada Is for Sale?
Despite the rich heritage and contemporary relevance of Canadian fashion, our shopping habits often tell a different story. Many Canadians continue to funnel their money into fast fashion from international retailers or big U.S. brands, inadvertently sidelining a vibrant ecosystem of homegrown talent. Supporting local fashion isn’t merely a trend—it’s a commitment to sustaining our cultural identity and strengthening our economy.
Local Fashion is More Than a Trend:
- Empowering Canadian Designers: Every time you choose a product from a local brand, you’re investing in creative talents that embody Canadian values and innovation.
- Building a Resilient Economy: Money spent on local fashion circulates within the community, supporting jobs, startups, and independent labels that are passionate about producing unique, locally made designs.
- Preserving Political and Cultural Narratives: Canadian fashion is steeped in history and activism. By supporting it, we help maintain a platform for voices that challenge the status quo and advocate for change.
Imagine if every purchase you made was a vote for the future you believe in. Instead of contributing to a global fast-fashion cycle, why not invest in Canadian-owned brands that echo your political and cultural values? The next time you’re about to click “checkout” on an international retailer, pause and ask yourself: Are you supporting the narrative you want to see?
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Engage and Share: Use social media to highlight your favorite Canadian designers. Share your own stories of how local fashion has influenced your identity using dedicated hashtags.
- Educate Yourself: Dive deeper into the history of political fashion. Explore timelines, interactive galleries, or documentaries that showcase pivotal moments where style met activism.
- Support Local: Prioritize purchases from independent brands and designers who not only produce in Canada but also hire local talent. Your support helps shape an industry that is not only economically robust but also culturally significant.
What You Wear is a Vote, So Vote Local
Fashion isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a powerful form of expression. Every piece of clothing is a conversation, a statement, and sometimes, a protest. As Canadian fashion continues to evolve and assert its identity on the global stage, your choices play a pivotal role in shaping that narrative. By supporting local talent and independent brands, you aren’t just updating your wardrobe—you’re casting a vote for a future where our cultural, political, and economic identities are celebrated.
Discover the stories behind your style. Explore Toronto Loves Fashion and join a movement that’s as passionate about politics as it is about design. After all, what you wear isn’t just a fashion choice—it’s a declaration of who you are and what you stand for.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON – February 19th – Toronto Loves Fashion (TLF) is excited to announce the launch of its newly revamped online directory, dedicated to connecting consumers with Canadian-owned fashion brands. We currently host 250+ brands with that count growing daily.
Toronto spends $2.8 billion annually on fashion and TLF was founded to help redirect that spending towards Canadian-owned businesses, boosting the Canadian economy and supporting the growth of our fashion industry.
Discover and Support Local Talent
There currently is no centralized directory of Canadian-owned fashion brands so consumers find it difficult to make informed decisions when it comes to spending their dollars. TLF addresses this by offering a user-friendly platform where shoppers can explore a wide variety of designers in all major categories (womenswear, menswear, kidswear, accessories, home, and beauty). From sustainable fashion to avant-garde designs, TLF showcases the depth of Canada’s fashion landscape.
Empowering the Community
“Our mission is to make it easy for Canadians to find and support Canadian-owned fashion businesses. TLF aims to highlight the incredible talent within our country, provide a centralized platform that connects Canadian fashion lovers with Canadian-owned fashion brands, and a platform to champion the benefits of buying local.”
Join the Movement
In conjunction with the launch, TLF is initiating the #TorontoLovesFashion Pledge, encouraging consumers to commit to purchasing from Canadian-owned brands and sharing their finds on social media. This movement not only amplifies the visibility of Canadian designers but also cultivates a culture of conscious consumerism. Sign up here and join us!
Explore Toronto Loves Fashion Today
Visit www.torontolovesfashion.ca to discover your next favorite Canadian-owned brand and join the community that’s redefining Canada’s fashion landscape.
Media Contact:
Tia McQuaid
Founder & Editor
Toronto Loves Fashion