Bather, the Toronto-based swimwear brand founded in 2013, is opening its flagship store on Friday in the city’s west end.

Known for its colourful and ethically made designs that embrace patterns and prints, the new space, located at 450 Dufferin St. W., will carry the brand’s lineup of leisurewear including lightweight sweats, camp shirts and tees, and of course, the signature swim trunks and surf shorts that more often than not, lands the brand on a plethora of “best-of” lists curated by swimwear experts.

The store will also stock a selection of lifestyle products that compliments the brand’s products including artisanal ceramics from California, home accessories from Copenhagen, as well as a collection of surfboards from Nova Scotia company, Whit Surf, known for their custom shapes and freshwater boards. Bather’s capsule collection, Parkdale Yacht Club, will also be carried, which pays homage to the neighbourhood.

In partnership with Toronto café, 135 Ossington, the space will also house a coffee shop aptly named, 450 Dufferin.

Bather Founder, Kyle Kaminsky initially launched the brand to create the perfect swim trunk after an “ill-fitted” trip to Croatia led him to realize that accessible, high-quality men’s swimwear was missing in the market.  By 2019, the brand was available in more than 70 locations across North America, Australia, Japan, and the UK.

“Bather launched nine years ago as a passion project with no real long term expectations. Swimwear in Canada seemed like a long shot,” said Kaminsky. “Nine years later, against all odds, it’s pretty remarkable to see how far the brand has come from one surf trunk to a full menswear brand.”

The store opening coincides with the final drop of Bather’s Spring/Summer ’22 collection, designed and manufactured in Toronto and inspired by everything from vintage fashion design and athletic clubs, to retro postcards and swim teams. The collection includes nine new swim trunk designs in homespun shades and eclectic prints.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring our online experience to the real world,” said Kaminksy.

The flagship store will open on Friday, May 13  from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.