How to Start Building a Canadian-Made Wardrobe
If you've ever wanted to shop Canadian but weren't sure where to begin, you're not alone! Building a wardrobe with Canadian designers can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you're trying to find pieces that suit your style, fit your lifestyle, and are made to last. The good news? You don't have to start from scratch. At Victoire, we've spent the last 20 years curating a collection of Canadian designers that make it easy to build a wardrobe you'll love. From everyday basics and versatile layering pieces to unique pieces that will become instant favourites. Whether you're looking to shop more locally or create a wardrobe made entirely by Canadian designers, these are the pieces we'd recommend starting with!
1. A Basic Tee
Let's start with the foundation of any great wardrobe: a well-made basic tee! It's a piece most of us wear on repeat, yet many people don't realize they can find ethically made, Canadian-produced options right here at home. The best basic t-shirts are thoughtfully constructed from breathable, durable fabrics and designed to fit comfortably for years of wear. While a Canadian-made tee may cost a little more upfront, it's an investment in quality you'll notice every time you reach for it!
Left to Right:
Odeyalo Brook T-Shirt
Birds of North America Dipper Tee (comes in a bunch of colours)!
Bodybag by Jude Ringo T-Shirt (comes in a bunch of colours)!
Naked & Famous Circular Knit Ballet T-Shirt (comes in 4 neutral shades)
Rightful Owner Monica Tee (2 colours available)
2. Straight Cut Pants
Canadian fashion is blessed with a plethora of options for fantastic well-made and fitting pants! The choice to finding that perfect pair of pants can be overwhelming but more often than not, a classic straight cut trouser or jean is just what you need. A straight cut pant offers a clean and classic silhouette that has a consistent width from thigh to ankle. They are often a sure fire bet when you don't know where to start when looking to upgrade your wardrobe to include a staple pair of pants that can go with everything and make you look and feel good all day!

Left to Right:
Naked & Famous Bestie Jeans
Marigold Rocky Pants
Valerie C. Loose Classic Pants
Bodybag by Jude Ronnie Trousers
Dagg & Stacey Cranston Pants
Eve Gravel Barney Pants
3. Barrel or Wide Pants
Already have straight-leg pants covered, or looking to introduce a more modern silhouette into your Canadian-made wardrobe? A barrel-leg or wide-cut pair of pants is the perfect next step. Barrel styles have a subtle curved shape through the leg, while a wide leg pant cut falls straight and loose from the hip or thigh. Both typically feature a high-rise waist and create a silhouette that feels modern and incredibly wearable. What we love most about these styles is how easy and fun they are to style! Below are some of our favourite and best-selling barrel-leg and wide-cut pants.

Left to Right:
Veri Dario Denim Pants
Eliza Faulkner Yves Pants (comes in different fabrics and colours)
Odeyalo Marci Pants
Ursa Minor Flor Arca Pants (comes in a bunch of colours)
Veri Dario Pants (mentioned twice because they are that good)!
Mercedes Morin Barrel Pants
4. A Classic Button-Up Shirt
A classic button-up shirt is a must have in your Canadian made wardrobe. Luckily there are no shortage of beautiful options at Victoire ;) While a crisp white button-up is the perfect place to start, expanding into colour or prints can bring a fresh perspective to your wardrobe and open up new ways to style what you already own. It’s an easy way to play with personality while still keeping things timeless and wearable. Below, we’re starting with classic white button-ups before moving into more expressive pieces that can take your wardrobe to the next level!

Left to Right:
A Bronze Age Robbie Shirt
Bodybag by Jude Brandon Shirt
Meg Big Collar Shirt
Eliza Faulkner Wren Shirt
Left to Right:
Eve Gravel Celeste Shirt
Eliza Faulkner Wren Shirt
Eve Gravel Haley Shirt
Eve Gravel Malabou Shirt
Eve Gravel Pompei Shirt
5. A Perfectly Tailored Dress
Birds of North America is legend in the Canadian fashion industry, designing and creating for nearly 20 years, Hayley has a expertly honed in on her skills has a garment maker. Known for her delightfully eccentric fabrics and impeccably tailored cuts, A Birds of North America dress is an essential in starting your Canadian made wardrobe. Hayley offers a size range from 2-20 without any compromise on fit throughout the sizes making her dresses an excellent option for all bodies. From playful prints to simple solids, there is something for everyone within Birds of North America's dress collection. Below is a small sampling of what she has to offer. Click the image to shop all Birds of North America!
From Left to Right:
Birds of North America Columba Dress
Birds of North America Sparrow Hawk Dress
Birds of North America Thistlebird Dress
Birds of North America Ladyhawk Dress
Birds of North America Courlis Dress
6. A Good Bag!
A great bag does more than complete an outfit, it carries all of your essentials throughout the day! Whether you're looking for a roomy commuter tote or a compact crossbody, investing in a well-made Canadian bag means choosing a piece you'll reach for every single day. That's why we love these Canadian leather handbag designers Eleven Thirty and Market Canvas. Their handcrafted leather bags are designed with longevity in mind, combining thoughtful design, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship to create pieces that are as practical as they are beautiful.
From Left to Right:
Eleven Thirty Anni Large Backpack
Eleven Thirty Katie Mini Shoulder Bag
Market Canvas Caroline Shoulder Bag
Market Canvas Marina Commuter Tote
7. A Transitional Weather Jacket
Let's be honest, in Canada, jacket weather is practically a season of its own. That's why a great transitional jacket is one of the hardest working pieces in any wardrobe. Perfect for those in-between days when it's too warm for a coat but too cool to head out without a layer, the right jacket will carry you through season after season. From timeless trenches to unique one of a kind pieces, these Canadian-made jackets are designed to complement your wardrobe while keeping you prepared for whatever the forecast decides to do next!

From Left to Right:
Eve Gravel Cole Jacket (available in 3 colours)
Eve Gravel Rick Jacket (available in 3 colours)
Meg Cape Jacket (available in 2 colours)
Eve Gravel Pope Jacket (available in 4 colours)
Bodybag by Jude District Blazer
The jackets below are all OOAK (one-of-a-kind)! We have a constant rotation of OOAK coats throughout the year so if these are sold out, keep yours eye peeled for new ones!

From Left to Right:
Hey Johanna Kim Car Coat
Sweet Juju Wool Blanket Coat
Middle Sister Co. Chore Coat
Hey Johanna Kim Car Coat
Sweet Juju Wool Blanket Coat (Red Plaid)
Long Trench Coat Options

From Left to Right:
Bodybay by Jude District Trench
Eliza Faulkner Emanuella Trench
Meg Summer Trench Coat
At the end of the day, building a wardrobe with Canadian designers is about more than just where your clothes are made, it's about investing in pieces you'll love wearing, supporting independent makers, and developing a personal style that feels uniquely your own.
The good news? You don't have to do it all at once. Start with a great basic, add pieces as you discover what works for you, and enjoy the process along the way. With so many incredible Canadian designers creating beautiful clothing, accessories, and outerwear, there's never been a better time to shop closer to home <3



