Gear Up: A Guide to Canadian Bike Apparel Brands

 

Following our article on Canadian bike manufacturers, we have compiled a list of cycling clothing brands based in Canada. This selection features a diverse mix of companies, ranging from those that are born, bred, and manufactured entirely within our borders, to those that leverage the exceptional skills of offshore manufacturing. Each brand on our list is dedicated to producing high-quality garments, and we believe this compilation will serve as a valuable reference for the next time you’re in the market for new cycling apparel.

In this guide, you’ll find an array of options to suit various preferences and needs, whether you prioritize locally-made products or are looking for innovative designs crafted with international expertise. We aim to celebrate the craftsmanship and creativity that Canadian cycling clothing brands bring to the table, showcasing their commitment to quality, performance, and style. So, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer to the sport, we hope this list helps you discover the perfect gear to enhance your riding experience.

Akta Apparel

Founded and launched in 2022 by co-founders Travis Bilton and Jesse Brandt, Akta Apparel emerged after they spent many years working for major players in the MTB garment industry. Akta is an exercise in giving back to the industry, aiming to grow significantly while staying true to their roots and designing superior products that offer high value to their customers. Designed and developed on the West Coast and made overseas, check out their website for more information.

Ride Free Apparel

Born in Powell River under the dream of Garrett Shaw, Ride Free Apparel was created to offer high-quality personalized MTB apparel. In 2020, Shaw made his dream a reality, now offering a full range of stock jerseys and the opportunity to design your own custom pieces. Working with their team of designers, you can create branded jerseys for a local team, event, or personal project.

Trees Mountain Apparel 

Trees Mountain Apparel is one of the few brands left that designs, develops, and manufactures entirely within Canadian borders. Based in Quebec, Trees is creating modern bike clothing for those who support onshore manufacturing and like to look good doing it.

7Mesh

Probably the most well-known brand on this list, 7Mesh has been around since 2015 and has since changed the game with its development of some of the finest, high-quality mountain bike apparel on the market. Beyond their incredible product quality, the company is transparent in its manufacturing processes, inclusivity programs, dedication to the environment, and more. Visit their website and the “About Us” section to learn more about their contributions to the MTB community.

Samsara

Faced with the challenge of finding cycling shorts that fit her style, Samsara founder Janet Heibert took matters into her own hands, designing both a short and a pattern she loved. This led her to make more for her friends, and now, many years later, Samsara offers an entire collection of cycling wear meant to empower women to get on their bikes. With recycling initiatives, inclusive sizing, and a commitment to creating durable, high-quality products with less waste, Samsara is working hard to build the cycling community they envision.

Peppermint Cycling Co.

Targeting the often-overlooked female side of the cycling industry, Peppermint is leading the charge to bring high-quality cycling apparel to women. Designed in Quebec, Peppermint offers a full range of road, gravel, and mountain bike garments focused on “inspiring women to live an active lifestyle by promoting the many benefits of cycling.”

Bicycle Booth 

Bicycle Booth is a Canadian brand taking a different approach. Frustrated with the high prices and questionable quality of most brands, the three-man team behind Bicycle Booth decided to skip the middleman and went straight to manufacturers in China to create a direct-to-consumer brand. They offer a vast catalogue of jersey and kit designs for both road and mountain biking at affordable prices.

 Jakroo

Specializing in custom kits for cycling teams, clubs, and more, Jakroo has been supplying high-quality custom garments for years. Along with a full range of road and mountain bike clothing, they offer options for triathlon, running, and casual wear. Lead times are short, with orders taking approximately two weeks from the time of order. If you are looking for custom pieces for your team, event, or personal use, definitely check out their offerings.

 

Canadian Accessory Companies

In addition to the clothing companies mentioned above, several Canadian accessory companies offer premium products for those who like to keep their dollars local.

Bn3th

Probably the largest company on our list, Bn3th specializes in men’s undergarments and basics utilizing their patented MyPakage Pouch Technology. They’re on this list because they are Canadian and have developed a padded bike liner that is like no other. The North Shore liner uses a patent-pending MTB-specific STS pad along with the pouch technology to keep everything in place and make you as comfortable as possible on the bike.

Outway

Another company that’s not bike-specific but worth mentioning because they make some of the best sports socks out there. Based in Victoria, BC, they offer a huge array of stock designs and also allow for custom sock orders for your team or personal project.

Coast Optics

Founded in Whistler in 2023 by two friends who wanted to change the way brands focus on their environmental footprint, Coast Optics aims to be an example of how other brands can enhance their sustainability. With a focus on leaving a minimal environmental impact while providing high-performance and sustainably sourced products, they offer MTB goggles, sunglasses, and some soft goods. Check out their website to support a couple of guys trying to make a difference.

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect cycling apparel and accessories to enhance your riding experience while supporting local brands. And if you are a Canadian company looking for help navigating the insurance world, don’t hesitate to reach out and get connected to a broker today. Happy cycling!

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