For far too many years, it’s felt like Canadians were lagging woefully behind our American counterparts when it came to online shopping. Finally we seem to have caught up with an increasing number of stores launching easy breezy online shops that offer a great way to avoid unnecessary duties and support our country’s fashion industry, too! Plus, many offer free shipping, and returns are made soooo much easier. Here’s a definitive list of our fave Canadian online shopping destinations.
Best Online Clothing and Accessory Stores
6 By Gee Beauty
What started as a tiny shop in Toronto’s midtown is now one of our go-to online retailers for a perfectly curated collection of luxe knits and tees, one-of-a-kind jewellery, edgy outerwear and select activewear pieces from homegrown line Michi. Even better? You can show shop their enviable Insta feed.
Aritzia
You knew this one was coming. Born in Vancouver, Aritzia’s bread and butter is well-made, affordable staples. When Meghan Markle rewears the stuff, you pay attention.
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Augustina
The Yorkville, Toronto-based boutique hunts for rich-coloured clothing and sophisticated designs by cool, high-end labels like Sphere One and Lemonplet.
Beyond the Rack
Known for its 48-hour flash sales, the membership-based online shopping destination offers big deals on designer labels.
BonLook
Vertically integrated and highly self-sufficient, this Montreal Eyewear company creates high quality and fashion-forward frames for your everyday wear. Working with lens-maker Essilor, they strive to create your dream pair of handmade prescription glasses or sunglasses.
Boutique 1861
This Montreal-based, fully bilingual site offers feminine and affordable fashion from smaller labels. Check out their prom and bridal sections for sweet special occasion items, and don’t miss the vintage accessories. New items are added daily.
Dutil
Having opened its first location in Vancouver years ago, Dutil has quickly become a Canadian favourite for premium denim, offering an impressive selection of coloured, printed, distressed and raw selvedged varieties.
Fellow Earthlings
Giving customers the freedom to design their own glasses, founders Christopher and Sydney Seggie created Fellow Earthlings, Prince Edward Island’s go-to spot for custom handmade eyewear. They also have their own line of pre-designed goodies.
Fortnight
Made in Canada, Fortnight hails from Toronto and is passionate about celebrating women’s curves through timeless lingerie. Their pieces are tailor-made with precision to ensure maximum gorgeousness! Catch us sporting the Ivy classic bodysuit year-round.
Frank + Oak
F+O started as a menswear retailer in Montreal just four years ago, and they’ve taken the plunge into womenswear and even footwear. They’re increasingly dedicated to sustainability, too.
Gravity Pope
Established in Edmonton in 1990, Gravity Pope is one of Canada’s top high-end footwear boutiques. The brand has since added a carefully curated selection of contemporary clothing to the mix, selling labels like Acne and Maison Kitsuné online and in stores.
Jenny Bird
This Toronto-based celeb-fave jewellery brand, run by Bird and her husband, offers ethically made modern pieces at affordable prices.
Joe Fresh
Whether you’re replenishing your basic white tees, testing a trend or buying a head-to-toe outfit for less than $100, Joe Fresh has plenty to offer in its online store.
Judith & Charles
A womenswear brand that combines a mix of feminine flare with a touch of structured menswear. This Montreal-based company is known for its amazing fits and quality, all while being 80 percent locally manufactured.
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Kit and Ace
Lululemon’s sophisticated younger sibling launched a few years ago, and they’ve been serving up the softest cashmere ever since. Their pieces are made to be worn by those on the go, and they took their knowledge of workout wear to create the perfect marriage of function and design.
Kotn
With a focus on selling ethically sourced Egyptian cotton basics, Toronto-based cofounders Mackenzie Yeates, Benjamin Sehl and Rami Helali work directly with cotton farming families in Egypt to produce the coziest garments for both men and women.
Lululemon
This iconic Vancouver-based brand made all non-yogis realize how comfortable and functional yoga pants are (duh).
Mary Young
Mary Young’s eponymous lingerie and loungewear is all about comfort and minimalist design. No underwire or padding, just chic basics made of breathable bamboo rayon.
Mejuri
Reasonably priced, hand-crafted, made-for-Instagram fine jewellery? Yes, please. New drops every Monday!
Melanie Auld
Melanie Auld’s motto is simple: create amazing jewellery that women want to wear every damn day. And with stones sourced from around the world, these are lived-in jewels that can be layered, stacked and worn day-to-day
New Classics Studio
Blogger Alyssa Lau started this e-commerce site that specializes in locally sourced, sustainable and fair trade products. You’ll find minimalist, ethically-created pieces that are designed to remain in your wardrobe for years.
Oak + Fort
Another Vancouver-based boutique that’s expanded in recent years, with stores in Alberta, Ontario and NYC. Think well-made basics with a stylish edge that will pair with just about everything in your closet. A fashion editor fave!
Rent Frock Repeat
Originally a dress rental service started by two Torontonians, Rent Frock Repeat now offers subscription service where you receive a box of curated clothes every month. Wear, return and repeat! If you want to keep something, you can buy it at a special rate.
Ssense
The online shop carries an impressive roster of high-end and luxury designer labels like Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent. As a destination for all things cool, Ssense also treats shoppers to a selection of fashion editorials, music playlists, and trend reports.
The September
Shop designer shoes from cult faves like Aquazzura, Tabitha Simmons and Vince—plus exclusives like Sarah Flint—but skip the duty fees and hefty shipping costs when you order from this Canadian-owned e-boutique.
Unicorn Boutique
This Montreal shop has an amazing online selection of clothing, lingerie, artisanal beauty products, minimalist jewelry and those perfect black Chelsea boots you’ve been searching for all your life.
VSP Consignment
Owned by Britt Rawlinson, VSP is an exceptionally curated vintage Toronto boutique that offers both contemporary design and rare classics. The shop is our go-to for a killer vintage fit, selling everything from a gorg Chanel suit to a killer Acne leather jacket.
Zane
This Queen West, Toronto-based shop offers a diverse assortment of bright and bold accessories, specializing in hard-to-find handbags and jewellery.
Read this next: Our Favourite Places to Shop for Plus-Size Clothing in Canada
Best Online Makeup and Skincare Stores
Cheekbone Beauty
This beautiful makeup brand was founded by Jenn Harper, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur who turned down her Dragon’s Den offer to retain more control over her company. Cheekbone donates to address the educational funding gap for Indigenous youth, and they’re aiming to be zero-waste by 2023.
Clementine Fields
Hit up this Canadian e-tailer for all your green beauty needs—they stock all our favourite natural, and many locally made, brands like Crawford Street Skin Care, S.W. Basics, Kjaer Weis and Tata Harper.
Consonant Skincare
The chemical-conscious can shop here for effective skincare products that are 100 percent natural and free from all the nasties.
Deciem
This popular “abnormal beauty company” prides itself on simple ingredients, all while owning and operating a bunch of different brands that range from skincare and makeup to hair and body. Not to mention the amazing prices and sleek, modern aesthetic.
The Detox Market
If you’re looking for expertly curated green beauty products, this is the place. Everything sold here is vetted to make sure it’s cruelty-free and doesn’t contain anything from the “banned ingredients” list.
F. Miller
Fran Miller, former FLARE 30 under 30 superstar, is the Toronto darling behind F. Miller. Her holistic and natural approach to skincare is second to none, free of fragrance, parabens and all that chemical nonsense. Each potion is blended by hand to help soothe, rejuvenate and balance all skin types.
Gee Beauty
Gee Beauty sells their own line of makeup, meant to enhance natural features rather than hide them, along with select cool-girl beauty brands like Rodin and Shani Darden.
Kaia Naturals
The no-frills makeup and skincare retailer famous for their charcoal deodorant, also selling dry shampoo and facial wipes. A workout must-have!
Lise Watier
Pioneered by Canada’s Lise Watier herself, this brand is known for its high quality and innovative products and has become one of the largest players in the Canadian beauty market. For all your cosmetic, skincare and fragrance essentials.
M.A.C Cosmetics
Did you know M.A.C was born in Toronto? Shop for a wide range of makeup that blends street savvy with glamorous style—these products were made for selfies.
Saje Natural Wellness
This Canadian-owned and operated powerhouse should be your go-to for 100 percent natural skincare and wellness products.
Best Online Department Stores
Drake General Store
A go-to for both quirky gifts and well-made basics, ranging from home decor to clothing.
Holt Renfrew
The OG Canadian luxury store carries super fancy clothing, skincare and makeup brands like Christian Louboutin, La Mer and Sisley.
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Hudson’s Bay
The Canadian department store has plenty of stylish stock for sale online (and web-exclusive sales, too.) Some offerings from The Room are also available on their website.
Nordstrom
While technically an American department chain, Nordstrom just launched a Canadian e-commerce platform, making it easier than ever to shop their wide selection of clothing, accessories, beauty and more sans duties and pricey shipping fees.
Simons
A Quebec-City institution, the 175-year old, family-owned department store offers an easy-to-navigate site with brands for every price point including designer labels like Carven, Elizabeth and James and Theory.
This article was originally published in July 2013.