Canadian fashion is a reflection of the country's deep-rooted history and culture, with styles, trends, design and production of clothing, footwear, accessories and other expressions of fashion originating from the political organizations that have shaped the nation. From the early days of colonization to the present day, Canadian fashion has evolved to reflect changing ideals about gender roles, cultural influences and consumer trends. The garments of the first Canadian colonists were made following French and later English fashion patterns. The efforts of suffragettes in favor of women's rights, in particular the Canadian Celebrity Five, as well as the increase in women's participation in sports, helped to promote changing ideals about the role of women in Canadian society, which was reflected in the evolution of fashion.
In the 1950s, a transition from the conservatism, moderation and formality of the 1940s to a freer, looser and more informal style took place. Over the decade, it became much more acceptable for men to dress “to show” and both genders became much more aware of fashion. Women's suits (which usually consist of a jacket and a skirt), in particular, became an important fashion story, becoming a wardrobe staple and being described as a “Canadian tradition”. Canadian consumer fashion trends are linked to the legacy of the country's fashion history and are often an expression of the varied lifestyles associated with Canada's social classes and geography, as seen in sportswear and functional clothing. Unlike the macaroni craze that took off in London during the Georgian era, men's fashion in the Canadian colonies tended to shift toward a relatively casual and elegant appearance. Canadian national clothing was formed under the influence of native Indians (who lived in these lands for centuries) and European colonizers (who arrived in Canada in the 17th and 18th centuries).
Canada's fashion economy includes numerous clothing and accessory brands (such as Arc'teryx and Lululemon), department stores (such as the historic Hudson's Bay Company and Holt Renfrew), several annual and biannual industry events in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, fashion magazines (such as Elle Canada and Fashion Magazine), and a variety of post-secondary fashion design and marketing programs. Today, Canadian fashion continues to be shaped by its history while also reflecting modern trends. From traditional garments to contemporary designs, Canadian fashion is an expression of its people's culture and identity.
