Toronto might be an unlikely destination for swimwear design (we do only have summer for three very short months), but thanks to a sea of local designers, beachwear that's made in this Canadian city is suddenly stylish and very, very cool for these super hot days (no wonder the bikini is looking better with age). Here are five of our favourite local lines.

Miss Jackson Swimwear

Toronto native Lisa Jackson launched her debut collection, Lovelorn Assassin, earlier this summer. Inspired by textures and colours, Jackson’s designs exhibit rock ‘n roll accents matched with sexy silhouettes.
Pieces cost $181 – 236. Available at www.missjacksonswimwear.com

Minnow Bathers

Designed by Karen Donaldsen and Vanessa Warrack, these homegrown suits are punk rock inspired, with neon colours and floral embellishments, which means they’re great to take to both the cottage and Coachella.
Pieces average $146. Available at Penny Arcade Vintage, 1177 Dundas St. W., 647-346-1386

Tosca Delfino

Tosca Delfino’s eclectic indie-chic swimwear is perfect for a Cayman Islands getaway (the line is sponsored, in part, by the Cayman Islands tourism initiative). With awesome embellishments and high-waisted cuts, these suits have beach towel swag written all over them.
Pieces cost $149 – $239. Available at Coral Bliss, 2989 Bloor St. W., 647-341-9236

Cascata Blu

Best friends Cheryl Gushue and Joan Kelley are behind Cascata Blu, a tribal-inspired line that was officially launched this year. With its peek-a-boo cut-outs and and neutral palette, the suits are ideal for that paradise getaway to Ibiza you’ve been planning.
Pieces cost $75 – 150. Available at www.cascatablu.com

Skmpeez

Thanks to friends and partners Mark Barrera and Vil Sihamanotham, men now have more stylish options other than boring board shorts or a Speedo at the beach. Their cuts are fun and colourful, and as the name suggests, provocative. Ideal for a vacay to Miami or Rio.
Pieces cost $52 – 67. Available at shop.skmpeez.com