Em & May

My name is Emilie and I’m the founder of Em&May. I wanted to take you back to the very beginning of Em&May. It all started as a little dream back in 2019 while I was still in fashion school in Montreal. Ever since I was a seven-year-old doodling outfit designs, I knew fashion was the industry I wanted to be a part of. The spark for Em & May came when I posted a photo of a red bikini I made—my friends loved it and all wanted one. That’s when I dove in, hunting for scraps of spandex, deadstock, and any fabric I could find to make custom bikinis. I’d post fabric swatches on my story, letting people pick colors and styles. Each bikini was unique, made to fit each person’s vision and shape (and all custom-made!!).

Pretty soon, I realized that standard sizing just wasn’t cutting it. So, I created my own size chart—starting with 15 top sizes based on real measurements (now 27!). It was a game-changer, and it opened up the world of custom sizing. My mission became clear: to design clothing that anyone could feel amazing in.

Since our beginnings, Em & May has grown and transformed so much. We’ve expanded from swimwear into lingerie and ready-to-wear, all produced with a made-to-order business model. This way, we can stay sustainable, making pieces only as they’re needed. From designing to production, marketing, and shipping, everything happens in our Mile End studio, which has truly become my dream space. Being hands-on in every step ensures our commitment to quality and ethical production.

Sustainability has always been at the heart of Em & May. Our fabrics are sourced from deadstock, organic, and recycled fibers, and our hardware is Oeko-Tex 100 certified or repurposed. Even our packaging is 100% recycled. Transparency and authenticity mean everything to us, so we keep you in the loop about how we make each piece, letting you feel confident in what you wear and where it came from.

Em & May started as my passion project, but it’s our incredible team and your support that make it all possible. Thank you for being part of our journey—we’re just getting started, and I’m so excited for what’s next.