Paris, London, Milan, New York … and Vancouver?
The laidback west coast city likely doesn’t come to mind when you think of the world’s fashion capitals. With its stunning natural surroundings of mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it’s a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts, but it’s never been known for its fashion scene.
That is, until athleisure took over the world.
Even before the pandemic came and forced us all into cozy jogger sets, street style and everyday wear was on a very casual spiral. Influencers, celebrities, editors, and the rest of the global fashion crew began swapping their spiky heels for sneakers in the mid-2010s. The high-low look got a whole new meaning when trench coats were styled over sweatshirts and yoga leggings, and even premium knitwear brands have switched their focus to hoodies and lounge pants.
It’s become abundantly clear that athleisure was never a fleeting trend – it was a cultural shift that cemented the fashion world’s changing priorities. While there will always be a place for couture gowns and avant-garde accessories on red carpets, fashion lovers are no longer willing to compromise their comfort for style on a daily basis. They’re looking for the best of both worlds, which is why brands that know how to blend functionality into chic designs are reigning supreme today.
Vancouver’s Biggest Athleisure & Fashion Brands
Many of the athleisure world’s top players hail from fashion’s most unassuming destination: Vancouver. Lululemon, Aritzia, and Arc’Teryx form the city’s big three, having gained major global traction over the past decade. The stratospheric growth of Lululemon and Arc’Teryx have been particularly fascinating to watch, as both brands started out as niche labels for yoga and performance outdoor gear, respectively. Now their apparel and accessories are worn for just about any occasion, and both brands are regularly featured in fashion’s biggest publications.
Other honorable mentions from Vancouver include sustainable fashion pioneers Tentree, and minimalist rising stars Oak + Fort and Kit and Ace. The city is home to even more independent fashion labels, who all inject comfort and functionality into their ultra-wearable designs.
Why Is Vancouver An Athleisure Hotspot?
So, what is it about Vancouver that makes it such a haven for athleisure and everyday wear?
The city’s culture is famously outdoorsy, with citizens spending just as much time hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and attending yoga class as they do bar hopping and brunching. With such incredible natural beauty in the vicinity, it’s easy to understand why Vancouverites want to take advantage of it as much as possible. Local brands are adept at optimizing their designs for the rugged and rainy climate, likely because their founders are just as outdoorsy as the average Vancouver citizen. Even brands that are more fashion-centric, like Aritzia, still serve up technical outerwear that works just as well for a mountain trek as it does for city wear.
It remains to be seen if Vancouver will ever join the ranks of the fashion world’s Big Four, but it’s a city to watch if you’re looking for the perfect outfit to take you from the yoga studio to a laid back lunch date.
Are you a fan of any Vancouver-based athleisure brands? Let us know and follow along for more fashion fashion updates on @StyleCartel and Style Cartel.