Chai Swinton-Truch | Calgary’s Best Dressed 2026

The owner of Calgary’s only inclusive lingerie store, Body by Chai, Chai Swinton-Truch loves to combine feminine and masculine pieces while highlighting her love of baseball.

Jacket: Footlocker; Bodysuit: Body by Chai; Skirt: Dissh; Hat: Peace Collective; Shoes: Prada. Photo by Jared Sych; Styling assistance by Park Production House; Hair and makeup assistance by Michelle Simoneau-Clayton. Shot on location at Bankers Hall and Bankers Court.

How did you figure out your personal style?

“It took years. My dad was an artist and an activist in the Philippines, and that’s where the rebellious side comes from. My style has evolved so much, and now it’s being true to myself and just wearing what I want to wear all the time.”

 

How does your personal style affect the way you show up in your job?

“Because of [Body by Chai’s] inclusive factor, I want to show up ready to help whoever is coming into the store. My style is feminine and masculine, and I mix in the lingerie to show people ‘you can do this.’ Be confident, be comfortable, and as long as it fits and you feel good in it, wear it.”

 

Top: Smythe; Blue baseball jersey: MLB flagship store in New York; Pants: Issey Miyake; Earrings: Jenny Bird; Black pearl bracelet: Crossroads Market; Rings: Dean Davidson and Kate Spade. Photo by Jared Sych; Styling assistance by Park Production House; Hair and makeup assistance by Michelle Simoneau-Clayton. Shot on location at Bankers Hall and Bankers Court.

 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to cultivate their own style?

“Get out of the algorithm, and just wear it. It’s super cliché to say, but you are the occasion.”

 

Where is your favourite place to shop in Calgary?

“I love Vespucci Consignment. You’re always finding things that are a little more unique, it’s not off the shelf. Then, maybe it’s had a past life, and you’re giving it a new life. Also Smythe.”

 

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This article appears in the September 2026 issue of Avenue Calgary.

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