Canadian clothing doesn’t have a bad reputation, but it also doesn’t have a big one to begin with.

Local Laundry is on a mission to change what people think about Canadian clothing, and they’re changing communities for the better along the way. Maybe you have some preconceived ideas about what Canadian clothing is or isn’t, or have been thinking about supporting local and buying more domestically produced garments.

Whatever your current thoughts, this article will debunk 3 myths about Canadian clothing and hopefully inspire you to buy some the next time you shop!

#1 Clothes Aren’t Made in Canada, Just Designed

Not true! Though plenty of Canadian companies outsource their production, there are companies in Canada (like Local Laundry) that design and produce their clothing right here in the Great White North.

#2 Canadian Clothing is Too Expensive

The cost of clothing made in your home country is always going to be a little more than garments that are produced overseas. This is due to a few reasons, but mostly because of discrepancies in the cost of production. Clothing produced overseas often takes advantage of lax labour laws to pay workers much less than what would be considered fair in places like Canada.

Additionally, clothing produced in developing countries is made more quickly, and using cheaper materials and dyes that unfortunately reduce the lifespan of the garments. So though Canadian clothing may be more expensive, it is up to consumers to decide what we think is too expensive, and if the price tag on home grown clothes is worth supporting living wages and high quality garment production.

#3 Canadian Clothes Aren’t as Cool

When we think of clothes, we can be a little biased when it comes to what we think they represent, and where we’re getting them from. For example, when a brand name conjures up images of cool and exotic places like Milan, Paris, or even Huntington Beach—we naturally associate these images with trendy clothing. 

But that doesn’t mean only clothes that invoke exciting or historic destinations are cool. 

Style can come from anywhere, and it’s awesome when you can say that a piece of clothing you’re wearing was made right in your own backyard!

Written by Danny Randell

Danny Randell holds a Bachelor's Degree in history with a minor in business administration. He is a passionate writer and lyricist, and currently a major contributor to the Helcim blog at Helcim Inc., a financial technology company in Calgary. View his portfolio of work at dannyrandell.com or contact him here to have him write for you!