15 Small, Independent Vancouver Brands to Shop Instead of the Shein Pop-Up

You may have already seen that “leading global online fashion retailer” Shein is popping up IRL at Metrotown in a few weeks. Some local publications have reported on it; influencers are sharing it on social media. Maybe you said “Shein” a little too close to your phone and now social media is barraging you with ads for $7 shapewear or cowboy boot-shaped shot glasses (yes, I’m being personally victimized by my algorithm).

Here’s a take that can barely be considered hot: Shein (and other brands like it) does not deserve your money. There’s the horrific environmental impact of fast fashion, the sketchy-at-best working conditions, the accusations that the company has ripped off small artists and more. Mosey on over to Google if you’re in the mood for some truly depressing reading.

Anyway, we’re not ones to dwell on the negative. So instead of going on a rant about capitalism or consumerism or corporate greed or pollution or forced labour or artistic integrity or why Facebook is telling me I need “1pc Compressing Full Shapewear Romper Plus Size High Waist Body Shaper Tummy Control Faja Shorts Waist Trainer Girdle” (this is exact text), I thought I’d just share some local, independent brands that are doing good work. If you actually need new clothes, take a look at these.

Or, don’t buy anything. Go for a walk. Touch grass.

And if you want details on Shein’s pop-up sale at Metrotown this April, look somewhere else.

Vancouver Slow Fashion Brands to Shop at Instead of Shein

For Reversible Swimwear and Bras That Are Actually Comfy: Free Label

You know them, you love them, they’re constantly selling out (in a good way). Read more here.

For Hand-Crocheted Goods That Are Adorably Grandma-Chic: Atelier Solana

Tessa Kassinger is handmaking beautiful, intricate garments right here in the city. Read more here.

READ MORE: 16 Vancouver-Based Skincare and Beauty Brands We Love

For Mix-and-Match Sets Perfect for Summer: Slate Wearables

We love linen, and Vancouver designer Shelby Wick does too. Read more here.

 

For Whimsical Colour-Blocked Clothing: Ization Studio

This slow fashion brand uses deadstock fabrics to create wacky, wavy and wonderful wares. Read more here.

For Architectural Denim That’s Made to Last: Givers and Takers

What happens when a fashion designer has a background in interior design? Spectacular structure. Learn more here.

For Lightweight, Eye-Catching Statement Earrings: Scandinazn

Big earrings don’t have to weigh you down, and they don’t have to create more waste, either. Learn more about this Vancouver brand.

For a Puffer Designed with Longevity in Mind: Adhere To

A trinity of sustainability, functionality and aesthetic is a tricky one to balance, but former Lululemon designer Alexandra Dean is giving her all to this solo project. Read more about Adhere To’s mission here.

For Luxe Streetwear that Embraces South Asian Nostalgia: Aselectfew

The cross-cultural fashion brand merges relaxed, cozy elements with luxury design. Case in point? The KMBL pullover is made from deadstock fleece that looks an awful lot like a floral blanket commonly found in South Asian households. More about Moneey Singh’s Vancouver brand here.

READ MORE: Vancouver-Based Furniture and Homewares Brands You Need to Know

For Your New Favourite Toque: Lloyd Clothing

Designer Kathy Hamagami makes more than just chunky toques, but the hat is what her Vancouver brand has become known for. Read more about her comfy West Coast wardrobe essentials here.

For a Corset Made of Fruit Leather: Briiskie Bobbins

Briiskie founder and designer Iryna Steller sources materials that are made from industry by-products of household goods such as juice and perfume that would otherwise go to waste. More about the pinapple leather pieces here. 

For Gender-Neutral Statement Jackets: Shivajothi

Every piece from this Vancouver brand is hand-stitched—and blurs the line between feminine and masculine. More about designer Sujitha Shivajothi’s work here. 

For “Contemplative Knitwear”: Dunne Cliff

Designer Allison Dunne has sent philosophical essays, art references, math equations and tongue-in-cheek political commentary down Canadian runways, with images and coded messages interlaced right into the materials. Read more about Dunne Cliff here.

For Comfy Drawstring Dresses: Fortiv

Fortiv founder and designer Michelle Larsen sews each piece from her collection by hand, like the Tulip dress and Eli dress, which both feature drawstrings to create a perfect fit. Learn more about Fortiv here.

For Whimsical, Feminine Pieces: A Bronze Age

A Bronze Age produces thoughtful, multi-season garments lovingly adorned with romantic details—think quaintrelle- worthy lace, ruffles and puff sleeves, always infused with function and place in mind. More about A Bronze Age here.

 

Want even more great Vancouver fashion designers to fall in love with? Find more profiles here.