It’s pride month, and as of the 20th, Summer is officially in full effect. So if you’re looking to pump up your summer wardrobe, June is the perfect time to do just that while also showing your pride and supporting 2SLGBTQ+ businesses. Sound like a plan? Great! Here’s a list of some cool Canada-based brands owned and operated by members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community that you can shop at for those new summer looks!
Peau de Loup
Peau de Loup is a brand based in Vancouver, specializing in button down shirts cut to accommodate bodies with curves. Traditionally worn on bodies assigned male at birth, most button down shirts on the market today come with a standard slim and straight fit, but Peau de Loup’s clever tailoring allows for people with all body types and gender expressions to comfortably wear button downs without feeling restricted. “It’s about creating something authentic that makes people feel the same way on the outside as they do on the inside,” their website reads.
Aadhe
Aadhe is a Toronto-based, gender-neutral streetwear brand. Part of the slow fashion movement, Aadhe’s mission is to elevate basics and offer vibrant statement pieces in the world of streetwear that are inclusive, sustainable, comfortable and high quality. Owner and designer Catta Lyst said she was inspired to create the brand when she felt she couldn’t find anything she wanted to wear, so she put her story of being a Non-Binary Canadian Punjabi creator into her fashion. Since, Aadhe has pursued local partnerships and hosts monthly events to help promote and support local BIPOC creators.
Revel & Riot
Revel & Riot is a non-profit organization based in Montreal that sells clothing and merchandise with activist themes from 2SLGBTQ+ liberation to racial justice, and more. Specializing in graphic T-shirts, Revel and Riots uses the funding from their sales and from donations to offer resources for 2SLGBTQ+ people through their website, along with collaborating with and donating to other 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, and attends pride events the world over.
Juniper and Eve
If you’re looking for basics, Juniper and Eve has got you covered. Based in Toronto, the brand produces small batches of ethically made underwear for all body types across the gender spectrum. The garments come in soothing neutral colours, and are made by hand from ecofriendly fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, or recycled nylon. And, despite the name, Juniper and Eve is actually just a one-woman operation, which ensures each garment is crafted with the same care and attention, and held to the same quality standards to provide the best quality.
SOAP
SOAP, or Operation Soap, is named for the codename given to the Toronto police’ 1981 bathhouse raids, an important conflict in Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ history. The brand’s website says that they’re reclaiming that name to reimagine and “gayify” Canada, and for the second year in a row they’re partnering with Pride Toronto to provide official T-Shirts for the Pride 2021 celebration. SOAP also donates 5% of their proceeds to local charities and advocacy groups including The 519, Maggie’s Toronto, and the Black Youth Helpline.