Knix brings its wares to Kitsilano
Knix has made a sizable splash in the undergarment category in Canada in recent years.
The company, which is headquartered in Ontario, is focused on creating functional pieces that work for a variety of body shapes, sizes — and needs.
The company recently opened its first bricks-and-mortar locations, one in Toronto and one in Vancouver.
Postmedia News caught up with Joanna Griffiths, the founder and CEO of the brand, to learn more.
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what is Knix?
A Knix is an intimate apparel brand on a mission to empower women and girls to be unapologetically free. We do that by reinventing products for real life and through our marketing that tackles everything from body image, fertility, postpartum, mental health and more. We are a Canadian brand that was founded in 2013 and were recently named the sixth-fastest-growing company in Canada.
Q What makes it different from other undergarment brands?
A All our products are designed with our customers, real women, real bodies in mind. They are ultra comfortable and have a focus on innovation to make every day easier; think leak-proof underwear, tanks and bodysuits with built-in bras, sports bras that actually work, and wireless bras that support up to a 42G cup.
Q Is there a ‘hero’ product in the line? If so, which one and what makes it so great?
A I’d say we are best known for our leak-proof underwear that is machine washable and absorbs the equivalent of two regular tampons. It’s great for back-up protection during your period, bladder leaks and working out. It’s available in our women’s line, Knix, and our teen line knixteen. We are also really known for our amazing wire-free bras that are more supportive than underwire bras and insanely comfortable. As well as our Catalyst high-impact sports bra that, via third-party testing with the Research Institute for Breast Health, outperformed over 800 other sports bras and is officially the most supportive sports bra on the market.
Q What made this the right time to open a store in Vancouver?
A Vancouver, for a long time, has been our second-most active market and so we have been looking for a reason to spend more time with our customer base and build community. We are so much more than just the products we make, and so we wanted the chance to have a greater impact on the lives of our Vancouver customers. Like by hosting our Life After Birth Project panel with Jillian Harris and The Birds Papaya. We also know that there are a ton of people who are curious about our brand but want to touch and feel the product as well as get help with fit, we are thrilled to be able to offer that.
Q What made the location at 2076 W 4th Ave. a perfect fit?
A I think that Kits is the perfect location for Knix. It’s been the jumping off point for so many iconic Canadian brands, we love the community vibe as well as the focus on health and wellness.