8 Local Apparel Brands.
To Check Out This Winter
December 27 2023, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
Vancouver is a city known for its modern urban culture and stunning (if not wet) naturescapes, so it’s no surprise that a number of local brands have stepped up to offer high-end outerwear that is as functional as it is fashionable. From using sustainable, high-quality materials to creating cutting-edge designs, these local clothing brands offer the perfect solution to get you through the season.
Read on and level up your winter wardrobe for whatever the forecast calls for this season!
Glasnost
Glasnost brings a refreshing blend of minimalist chic and rugged practicality to outerwear. The sleek, clean lines are perfectly complemented by utilitarian designs made from high-quality leather and waxed cotton. Started by Stephanie Schneider in 2006, this outerwear brand rapidly became a favourite among seasoned adventurers of the local forests and mountains.
The brand's waxed cotton raincoats are a must-have for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors, even on the wettest of days. With colours that reflect the deep greens and blues of our stunning province, you'll feel right at home when sporting these raincoats while surrounded by the breathtaking landscape.
For those with little explorers in tow, Glasnost's kids raincoats are the perfect accompaniment to your rainy hikes. Everyone in the family will be well-equipped to handle anything the weather has to offer.
Don't worry if something is sold out. Most of the items are made to order, so all you have to do is reach out and ask for something specific.
Ecologyst
Made from responsibly-sourced materials like merino wool and organic cotton, Ecologyst has been unwaveringly committed to removing synthetic blends and creating completely natural clothes since 2014. Their overall philosophy is simple: own fewer apparel pieces and instead, opt for pieces that will last a lifetime.
The brand has a deeply-rooted love for the west coast's natural wonders and they are passionate about promoting a connection with the outdoors and its preservation. What better way to honour this than by sourcing clothing made only from the most natural materials available?
Every piece of apparel, like the Heavy Wool Overshirt, is designed to bring you closer to the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, all while providing exceptional comfort and style. With Ecologyst, you'll not only look good, but you'll feel good knowing that you're making a positive impact on the environment.
Reigning Champ
For those living an active lifestyle and seeking simple yet high-quality athletic wear, Reigning Champ is the go-to brand. Established in 2007 in Vancouver, Reigning Champ's focus on rugged construction and unmatched comfort has earned them a loyal following among local athletes.
Their outerwear collection offers an array of comfortable jackets, including the incredibly cozy Goose Down Hooded Jacket and the lighter Dot Air Running Jacket. With such a diverse selection year-round, we highly recommend browsing their shop to find the perfect piece of apparel for your needs.
Veilance By Arc'teryx
Veilance by Arc’teryx is the epitome of stylish urban functionality, catering to the modern city trekker who demands nothing but the best. Each garment is designed with Arc'teryx's mountain-tested technology, ensuring that the clothing is as resilient as it is fashionable. It's no wonder that this brand has become a go-to for Vancouverites who want to look their best while exploring the city-scape.
Stay protected from the rain while looking stylish with tons of options, including the Monitor Insulated Tech Wool Coat for men, which is perfect for cold winter days. And don't forget the waterproof Bucket Hat, the ultimate accessory to complete your outdoor look and protect you when those dark skies open up and start pouring buckets overhead.
Dayton Boots
Dayton Boots opened in 1946 in Vancouver and to this day they still use the same 230-step process at the same factory store when hand-crafting each and every boot. Why? Because it works.
The quality of these boots is regarded as some of the best in the world, with Dayton using only the finest quality leather which is hand cut and individually sewn. The insoles are made of leather (where lesser quality boots use cardboard) and the use of steel shanks instead of leather or fiberglass ensures a lifetime of arch support.
Every boot is given the attention it deserves in production, ensuring consistent quality across the board. It’s no wonder that Dayton offers a limited lifetime warranty on every pair of boots. You’ll find boots that are perfect for everyday wear, such as the Wholecut Chelsea Boot, as well as more formal aesthetics like the Parade Brogue.
Haven
Established in 2006, Haven implements a functional design approach to modern, everyday clothing. Walking the razor’s edge between familiarity and innovation without sacrificing comfort, performance, and utility is difficult for any clothing brand, but Haven makes it look easy. You’ll find an array of pants, hats, gloves, and more, making them the perfect one-stop shop for clothes that are crafted to last.
WIRTH Hats
Combining mental health awareness with stylish hats, WIRTH Hats donates a part of every purchase towards supporting mental health initiatives and the WIRTH Foundation’s Counselling Fund. With every hat made right here in Vancouver, WIRTH Hats have become a symbol of ending the stigma surrounding counselling and therapy.
You’ll find a variety of hats for both kids and adults at WIRTH - some of our favourites include the Night Owl Beanie and the Sticks & Stones Cap. For the gloomy winter days that seem especially dark, look to the positivity of WIRTH to lift your spirits.
Stonz
For those who want to outfit their little explorers with apparel that can handle the wild, messy, and wonderfully unpredictable world of childhood, look no further than Stonz. Founded in 2004 by the intrepid CEO and Founder Lisa Will, Stonz was born out of a desire to share the joy of outdoor adventure with her own pint-sized adventurer. But as any parent knows, finding the right gear for a curious and energetic tyke can be a Herculean task, so Lisa created her own line of apparel for kids.
Stonz makes it easy to gear up and go with durable, vegan, and non-toxic apparel and footwear that can keep up with even the most rambunctious tots. And as a company that cares about the planet as much as it cares about kids, Stonz is committed to sustainability and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the great outdoors for years to come.
From the rugged new Cruiser Plus shoes, specially designed for growing feet, to a range of cozy snow, rain and sun suits, Stonz has everything you need to make your family's outdoor adventures unforgettable. So don't let the rain, snow, or mud keep you indoors - with Stonz, you can get outside and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Stay in the loop on all of our favourite Vancouver outlets for clothing, accessories and dining by subscribing to the Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle newsletter today.