Encircled
Rated: Good
Price: $$
Location: Canada
Quick verdict
Best for eco-conscious women seeking versatile, multi-way clothing that works as a capsule wardrobe foundation. Especially frequent travellers, minimalists, and professionals wanting comfortable pieces that transition from work to weekend. The brand is a Certified B Corporation with a score of 107.6 (the second-highest among Canadian apparel companies), and every garment is ethically made in Toronto. The caveats: premium pricing ($130–$260+ USD) is a barrier for some, and
Key info
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Founded
- 2012
- Product categories
- Womenswear
- Price range
- $$
- Key certifications
- Certified B Corporation (score 107.6), OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Encircled sustainability rating
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (We Avoid) to 5 (Excellent). How we rate
Rating breakdown
Uses Lenzing Modal®, TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton, organically-grown bamboo, linen, and hemp/organic cotton blends. All OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and dyed with non-toxic, low-impact dyes. Over 55% of fabric is knit locally in Toronto. Fabrics are biodegradable and produced in closed-loop processes.
All garments 100% made in Toronto, within 60 km of headquarters. Three factory partners are named on the website. Workers claimed to be paid "well above the fashion industry average" and all factories sign an Ethical Code of Conduct. Weekly factory visits. However, no third-party verified living wage documentation.
Local manufacturing (50%+ fabric knit and dyed in Toronto) drastically reduces transport emissions. Studio runs on Bullfrog green energy with green-powered web hosting. Packaging is 100% recyclable with no plastic polybags. Scrap fabric upcycled into accessories. However, no published carbon footprint or formal environmental metrics.
Names and describes all three factory partners on its website, provides materials and sourcing details, and publishes B Corp score (107.6). B Corp certification itself requires transparency in governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. However, no published formal impact report or disclosed wage data.
Most pieces cost $130–$260 USD. The multi-way concept adds genuine value. A Chrysalis Cardi worn 8+ ways effectively replaces multiple garments. Made-in-Canada quality, sustainable fabrics, and B Corp certification justify the premium. Free shipping threshold is $250 USD.
What they do well
- Multi-way design innovation that eliminates the need for multiple garments. The Chrysalis Cardi alone can be worn 8+ ways, maximising wardrobe efficiency and reducing consumption
- 100% made in Canada with all garments cut and sewn in Toronto within 60 km of HQ, and over 55% of fabric knit locally, Rare in the fashion industry
- Certified B Corporation with a score of 107.6 (vs. 80 minimum, 50.9 median business score): the second-highest among Canadian apparel companies
- Female-founded and mission-driven since 2012 by Kristi Soomer, as one of only ~9 B Corp apparel companies in Canada
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified sustainable materials including Lenzing Modal, TENCEL Lyocell, organic cotton, and hemp/organic cotton blends
Room for improvement
- Living wage verification gap. While Encircled claims fair pay "well above industry average" and manufactures in Canada, there is no third-party verified living wage documentation
- Limited formal transparency reporting. No published sustainability/impact report, no environmental metrics, and no formal factory audit results. The brand is transparent relative to most fashion brands but falls short of leaders in published data.
About Encircled
Encircled was founded in 2012 in Toronto by Kristi Soomer, a former management consultant (PwC, ThoughtWorks) with an MBA from Queen's University and zero fashion training. While working 80-hour weeks flying weekly for consulting, her suitcase broke while packing for a yoga retreat, inspiring her to create a multi-way garment. She sewed the first Chrysalis Cardi prototype on a Craigslist sewing machine on her kitchen floor with $20K in savings.
Soomer ran Encircled part-time for 2.5 years before going full-time in late 2014. In April 2015, she appeared on CBC's Dragons' Den, received two offers. But the deal fell through—an anonymous impact investor subsequently backed the company. The brand uses Lenzing Modal, TENCEL Lyocell, organic cotton, hemp, and linen. All OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. Over 55% of fabric is knit in Toronto by Rosewell Studios.
Encircled became a Certified B Corporation in February 2018 with a score of 91, later improving to 107.6. Prices range from ~$48–$260+ USD. The brand ships worldwide from Canada and from Buffalo, NY (tariff/duty-free for US customers). The Encircled "Impact" Fund supports emerging BIPOC-founded ethical brands.
Product highlights
The Chrysalis Cardi
Single piece of fabric with hidden snaps worn 8+ ways (infinity scarf, cardigan, Grecian tunic, one-shoulder gown, halter dress, and more); ultra-soft Modal or TENCEL
~$208 USD
The ultimate travel piece that packs small and replaces multiple garments. Consistently cited as "the best travel dress"
The Dressy Sweatpant
Looks like trousers, feels like sweatpants; pleated waistband, tapered cuffs, hidden zippered security pocket; wrinkle-resistant modal
~$176 USD
Cult product praised by Pack Hacker and travel bloggers for combining comfort with professional appearance
The Wanderer Pant
Travel-ready pant designed for comfort and versatility; also available in slim leg version
~$204 USD
Part of the brand's "wanderleisure" category for frequent travellers
The Everyday Twist Top
Reversible, multi-way top in TENCEL/Modal fabrics; can be styled multiple ways
~$100–$130 USD
Demonstrates the brand's core philosophy of versatile, do-more-with-less design
