Shopping for local and ethically made clothing is increasingly a priority for many Vancouverites.
We have amazing designers in our backyard creating clothing — from couture to high-performance activewear — which makes it easy to put an outfit together.
And, as it turns out, we can get dressed from top to bottom, head to toe in Vancouver. We have no shortage of entrepreneurs creating lingerie and undergarments for every preference, style and gender.
We have rounded up six of the best underwear brands that are based right here to wear underneath all the other amazing local designers.
Understance
This body-inclusive brand came under fire from an Ontario councillor recently but Understance lingerie is beloved by Vancouverites. The designs combine ergonomic features with vintage-inspired styles and have a wide range of choices from cotton high-rise boyshorts to thongs to seamless shapewear.
There's a similar range available in their bra lineup, from lacy demi cups to full support sports bras with sizes that go up to a 42 band and G cups with plans to expand to H, I, and J cups this summer.
Understance has a storefront on Robson Street, offering a mix of statement pieces and everyday underwear; virtual fittings are available too.
Saxx
Vancouver underwear brands aren't limited to women. Saxx is a locally-founded company that sought to eliminate chafing and discomfort for men. The underwear, swim trunks, and activewear bottoms all come with a 3D hammock-shaped pouch to keep everything in place and prevent skin-to-skin friction.
The everyday underwear fabric is soft and super breathable but there are options for different activity levels too. And all come in different lengths and fun designs.
After exploding in popularity Saxx also introduced socks and a collection of casual tops.
Rosaseven
This soft cotton-blend underwear is made for people on their periods but it's so comfortable it can be worn at any time of the month. Rosaseven has five different flow options and different levels of cheek coverage that won't budge or leak.
There aren't many colours to choose from, black or black and teal, but that just means that the bralette they make will match any of their underwear.
Ôde
Ôde began in Amsterdam but relocated to Vancouver in 2020. Founder Sihame Lucio is Parisian, as is the lace used to make these delicately feminine bra and panty sets. The cheeky hipsters are super flattering and the matching bralettes are good for everyday wear though not the best for people with bigger chests as Ôde caps out at 36 cup D and DD.
For those who like more bum coverage or a higher waistband, there are other underwear style options like culottes and less lacy designs.
Hirrs
Hirrs can only be described as sexy minimalism. The pared-back silhouettes and colourways are made sexy by the sheer micro mesh fabric. The 80 per cent nylon, 20 per cent Lycra blend is soft and sits comfortably against the skin without scratchiness. Plus the pieces are breathable and the bralettes offer easy movement without any underwire.
Hirrs has eliminated what they consider to be superfluous details like lace and overly feminine frills and done away with uncomfortable tags and clasps so it's just the essentials with no fuss. And yet that's a stylish look in itself.
Modern Match
The front closure wireless bra from Modern Match is a total game-changer for people who like to wear low-cut necklines but can't go braless or need extra support.
The underwear brand has a small collection of three underwear styles (lace back cheeky, thong, and bikini cut) and four bras. But the basics are covered for anyone in a 3X or 38DD size range.
