Summer calls for swimwear that’s comfortable, durable, and looks good. Check out these 5 styles.
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Sure, Canadian beaches may not have the thatched-roof huts and spindly palm trees of Mexico, the Maldives or Mallorca, but the swimming conditions come summer are still pretty great. Indeed, whether you’re heading to a cabin at the lake or picking your favourite log at Spanish Banks, summer calls for swimwear that’s comfortable, durable, and looks good.
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Here are five Canadian-designed styles that make a strong case for shopping local this season.
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BETH RICHARDS ANDRE ONE-PIECE
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West Coast Table
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Vancouver designer Beth Richards always delivers chic, sleek swimsuits that fit and feel as well as they look. This Andre one-piece is no exception, delivering modern minimalism — but also something a little different. Asymmetrical, with a bandeau top that sits under a wide, single-shoulder strap, it brings a sculptural edge to your look, whether you wear it as swimwear or as a bodysuit with pants, shorts and skirts.
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LEFT ON FRIDAY SUNNY SIDE TOP AND HI HI BOTTOMS
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Founded by Laura Low Ah Kee and Shannon Savage, who met while working at Lululemon, it makes sense that Left on Friday’s swimwear has the same focus on fit and fabric that the athleisure giant is known for. Originally what Low has called “a bikini side project” that launched in 2017, the brand — now based between Victoria and Venice, Calif. — made huge waves for its one-shoulder Playa top, worn by the beach volleyball players at the Paris Olympics. We love the cute keyhole detail on this new Sunny Side Top, which also comes in six other colours and pairs perfectly with whichever bottoms you like best.
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Left on Friday, leftonfriday.com | Sunny Side top and Hi Hi bottoms, $120 each
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SASA SWIM CALISTA TOP AND BOTTOM
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If you fall into the camp that believes that swimwear is best when it’s sexy and skimpy, the Calista bikini by Sasa Swim was made for you. Created by Toronto sisters Mia and Sandra, who started the company after their father, Sasa, died suddenly in 2019, each style is designed to fit a gap in the market. Indeed, while the pearls on this top and bottom look completely natural (and, hello, glamorous), can you remember the last time you saw pearls on swimwear?
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Sasa Swim, sasaswim.com | Calista top, $98.99, and bottoms, $74.99
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SELFISH SWIMWEAR SOPHIA SEASHELL PRINT ONE-PIECE
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We’re not sure why so few other swimwear brands have elasticated, adjustable straps on their one-piece swimsuits, but this Sophia style by Selfish Swimwear does — and also manages to be supportive and more interesting than your basic tank suit. Designed and handmade in Montreal, it comes in a range of additional colours and prints, all of which manage to look unique and mean you can justify investing in multiples.
