This Canada Day, we’re reflecting on what it means to be a brand that’s made in Canada— especially in an industry where that’s becoming increasingly rare.
At BEDI Studios, every product we make, whether a cotton t-shirt, a durable tote bag, or a winter coat built for –30°C, is made entirely in Canada. Not just designed here. Not just “finished” here. Made here, from start to finish.
For us, "Made in Canada" isn't simply a label. It's a way of designing, building relationships and creating products that are made to last.
A Canadian Brand, Through and Through
BEDI is proudly Canadian-owned and operated. Our studio is based in Montreal's Mile End, a neighbourhood known for its creative energy and community spirit. It's where our collections are designed, where founder Inder Bedi sketches new ideas, and where we work closely with the people who help bring those ideas to life.
We're proud to be one of very few brands that still manufacture our outerwear entirely in Canada. Our winter coats are cut and sewn in Montreal. Our YKK zippers are made here in Montreal. The hardware on our coats and bags is produced locally from recycled metal, and many of the smaller details that make our products unique are sourced just a few kilometres from our studio.
Designing and manufacturing in the same city changes the way products are made. New ideas can be prototyped in days instead of months. Details can be refined in person. Problems get solved around a worktable rather than across time zones. It's a slower way of building a business, but it allows us to create products with an attention to detail that would be difficult to achieve any other way.
Local Manufacturing, Local Materials
Whenever possible, we also try to source our sustainable materials close to home.
Our classic example is the seatbelts we salvage from Montreal scrapyards. These seatbelts become the signature straps found on our bags, keychains, and the sleeve detail on every winter coat.
We also recently worked with a local business that had excess patio furniture material, which would have been discarded. We saw an opportunity to use this incredibly durable, weather-proof material to create strong, summer-y tote bags, and it's worked perfectly.
We've even been able to source many of our smaller components locally. Our YKK zippers are manufactured here in Montreal, and the metal hardware used on our bags, keychains and outerwear is produced locally from recycled metal.
These decisions may seem small on their own, but together they allow us to reduce waste, support other Canadian businesses, and create products with a unique and sustainable story.
Why Local Matters
For us, manufacturing locally isn't about the convenience of distance, although that is a nice perk. Our commitment to producing locally is about people, relationships, accountability and quality.
We know the tailors who make our coats. We know the people who produce our hardware. We can visit our suppliers, work through challenges together, and celebrate the finished product together too.
When Inder puts the finishing touches on a new design, he doesn't send it overseas. He puts the sketches in his backpack, bikes across Montreal, and works directly with our tailors who turn those ideas into finished products.
Making everything locally also means we can uphold the highest standards for workplace safety, fair wages, and environmental responsibility. Everyone involved in making our products is paid fairly, works in safe conditions, and is treated with respect. For us, that's not an added benefit— it's simply how business should be done.
Made Differently, Made to Last
Manufacturing close to home also allows us to focus on something that has always mattered most to us: quality.
Every coat and bag is built to last, not just for one season, but for years to come. Working closely with our talented tailors means we can refine every detail, from the materials we choose to the way each piece is assembled.
It's this level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that gives us the confidence to offer a lifetime guarantee on all of our coats and bags.
Why It's Worth It
Manufacturing in Canada isn't always the easiest choice. It's more expensive. It takes more time. It requires building long-term relationships with local suppliers and manufacturers instead of simply looking for the lowest cost.
But it's also what allows us to build a business that reflects our values.
It supports skilled manufacturing jobs here in Canada. It helps preserve local craftsmanship. It gives us greater oversight of how our products are made, and reduces unnecessary transportation and supporting a more circular approach to design. For us, that's worth it.
Looking to Discover More Canadian Brands?
One of the best parts of shopping locally is discovering the incredible independent brands being built across the country. If you're looking to do more of that, there are a few resources we'd highly recommend.
The Canadian Edit is a delight to explore. Unlike massive online marketplaces, it's very intentionally curated, bringing together independent Canadian brands that prioritize quality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design. You can browse by region, product category, or values like sustainability and B Corp certification, making it easy to discover brands that align with what matters to you. As an added bonus, it's beautifully designed.
OriginSelect helps shoppers discover Canadian-owned and values-led businesses through detailed product and brand tags. Whether you're looking specifically for Canadian-made products, women-owned companies, sustainable brands, or organic goods, their comprehensive search function is designed to make shopping a little easier while helping smaller independent businesses become more discoverable.
Made in CA is a grassroots initiative dedicated to helping Canadians discover products that are genuinely made here. Their directory makes it easier to support local businesses while strengthening Canadian manufacturing and the communities behind it.
This Canada Day, Choose Local
Choosing Canadian-made products is about more than waving a flag. It's a thoughtful way to invest in craftsmanship, support local communities, and help preserve the skills and businesses that continue to make things here at home.
Every purchase tells a story, and we're proud that ours begins, and ends, here in Canada!
