Parmi Lifewear, a new Canadian brand established in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, is in the business of creating responsible, durable premium outdoor essentials.
The brand was launched last year by five professionals with similar experiences, viewpoints and goals, including two visionary leaders: Michèle and Véronik Bastien. These two co-founders are supported by a team of partners.
[Men’s Free Range Merino LS Tee in Black Beauty]
Michèle Bastien believes that Parmi is set to become a trusted Canadian benchmark in the outdoor industry, where minimalist design meets luxurious comfort.
Our values reflect the way we work, through our concern for the sustainability of our environment’s health, and the importance we place on social inclusion for a more open society. — Véronik Bastien
Although their growing collection is focused on mountain, gravel and commute biking, hiking and cross country-skiing, these pieces mix very easily with your wardrobe for casual days into evenings.
[Men’s All-Trail SS Tee in Rain Washed, Moss Garden]
By creating core items for outdoor life activities, Parmi believes that we can minimize our closets and keep quality, durable essentials at hand, to break the cycle of overconsumption.
Items are crafted in both Portugal and Italy, two countries recognized for textile mastery and respectful working conditions. Both countries are detail-oriented and offer exclusive access to eco-conscious fabric suppliers so that shoppers can rest assured that they’re buying responsibly-produced clothing.
[Women’s Play Shorts in Bluebird]
Products are shipped in 100% eco-friendly bags or boxes and are packed in plant-based compostable plastics alongside traditional plastics. Information can be found on the compostable polybag or online using the QR code on the tag.
We were sent a selection of both men’s and women’s pieces from their current lineup and noticed how compact the shipping box was on arrival, a big jump from some brands that ship small items with boxes stuffed with packing material.
All pieces in this feature are made in Portugal with exception of the socks (Italy).
Men’s Split Shorts
These lightweight, lifestyle shorts are super soft and comfy, made of a combined 94% Polyamide/6% Elastane material. The side splits give the shorts an athletic look but they also look great when worn with a denim jacket or sports hoody.
They’ve got two-way stretch, are abrasion-resistant, water-repellent (DWR) and quick-drying, making the Parmi Split Shorts ideal for travel. And they’re Oeko-Tex and IO9001 certified, adhering to responsible manufacturing practices.
In sizes S to XL, available in Black Beauty, Scone and Wine; $215
Men’s All-Trail SS Tee
The short-sleeve All-Trail Tee is ideal for sports to casual events, with a technical, four-way stretch that’s both durable and breathable.
Built-in UV protection protects you against the sun’s rays as well.
[All-Trail SS Tee, Split Shorts]
They’re made using 75% Polyamide/25% Elastane and are both Oeko-Tex and Bluesign certified. In addition, the SS Tee is machine washable on delicate cycle and can be hung to dry.
In sizes S to XL, Black Beauty, Moss Garden, Rain Washed and Sun Rose; $150
Men’s Free Range Merino LS Tee
For a bit of warmth combined with moisture-wicking Merino, Parmi’s Free Range long-sleeve t-shirt is super comfy and easy to wear for both sports and urban adventures. The moisture-wicking fabric (75% Merino Wool/18% Polyamide/7% Elastane) helps to control odor naturally.
The Oeko-Tex and Bluesign certified Merino long-sleeve tee comes in sizes S to XL, in Bluebird, Blush and Black Beauty; $170
Informal Crew Socks
Parmi’s unisex Italian-made crew socks are made of a soft, cotton-blend yarn (60% cotton/35% polyamide/5% elastane) with integrated cushioning designed for all-day comfort.
SIZING
Small: 35-38 EU (Men 3.5-5.5 / Women 5-7.5)
Medium: 38-42 EU (Men 6-8.5 / Women 8-9.5)
Large: 42-45 EU (Men 9-12 / Women 10-13)
The socks are available in a variety of colours: Blush, Black Beauty, Sun Rose, Eucalyptus, Rain Washed and Moss Garden; $32/pair
Women’s Play Shorts
The women’s version of the split shorts also has a lightweight, comfortable fit and offers that same two-way stretch created from abrasion-resistant fabric with built-in DWR. Consciously made with a 94% Polyamide/6% Elastane material, the Play Shorts are also both Oeko-Tex and IO9001 certified.
With a length of 5.5”, the shorts are sized from XS to XL, in Bluebird, Wine and Scone; $200
Find Parmi Lifewear products online as well as at specialized retailers in Canada, including Altitude Sport, Oberson and Vélo Cartel.