Why Canadian Parents Love The MEC Toaster Suit

I cannot imagine being a kindergarten teacher in Canada during the winter months. The amount of energy and patience it must take to get 25 (if you're lucky) five-year-olds outside for recess must be next-level. All those layers and zippers and laces.

Parents get it, too. Every winter morning feels like a battle from Robert Munsch's hilarious book, Thomas' Snowsuit: kids crying on the floor because their snowpant suspenders are twisted, melting down over wedgies, or whining that now they have to pee. You wrestle them into their gear, send them off and cross your fingers.

But maybe Thomas's mom had it right all along. According to fans of Mountain Equipment Company's (MEC) best-selling Toaster Suit, a one-piece suit is the way to go. MEC's 31-year-old winter wonder keeps kids warm, is durable enough to be handed down and, possibly most importantly, easy to put on and take off. (Plus, we hear that it's teacher-approved.)

Here's why this snowsuit has become a Canadian parenting icon.

What is the MEC Toaster Suit?

If you're not familiar with Mountain Equipment Company, it's a Canadian sporting goods store that opened in 1971 as a cooperative. Up until 2020, customers had to purchase an inexpensive membership to shop there.

Launched in 1994, the Toaster Suit comes in sizes as small as six months (it's called the Toaster Bunting Suit for babies) and goes up to a Youth 10. It's an insulated snowsuit with two zippers on the front that open wide enough for kids to step right in.

"They are what we call tantrum-free," says Joshua D'Silva, MEC Merchant for Kids Apparel. "We’ve designed them to be easy to put on and take off by both parents and children themselves, which makes going out to recess fast and easy." He adds that each suit has features to keep kids comfortable. "They have clever details like a foot cuff liner to prevent snow from going up the suit. Reinforced patches on higher wear areas like the bum and knee."

The Toaster Suit also includes a grow hem. "The grow hem lets you undo a line of stitching at the ankle, allowing for a longer pant leg when the time comes," says D'Silva. It's become one of MEC's most in-demand items.

What parents have to say

Julia Silvestri Wong (above), a mom of three in Toronto, is a big Toaster Suit fan. "All three of my kids have worn them since they were six months old. I love them so much. I have traded them in a few times. I bought one for my oldest child in a size four. She wore it for two winters, her sister wore it for two winters, her brother wore it for two winters, AND I sold it for $50! My kids loved wearing them, and better, the teachers loved it when they wore them to preschool/school because they could get themselves dressed."

Jen Aitchison, a mom of four in Sutton, Ontario, says, "That was the BEST suit. Warm, waterproof and super durable."

Something to keep in mind: parents say the Toaster Suit is perfect for little kids, but older ones sometimes find it a bit bulky for everyday winter wear. Still, even those who think it’s best suited for grade one and under agree it’s unbeatable on those super cold, snowy days.

Key features that keep kids warm and dry

Insulation

The suit uses Hyperloft synthetic insulation, 300g through the body, with slightly less (240g) in the sleeves and hood. This balance helps keep kids warm without limiting their movement.

Waterproof and breathable shell

The polyester outer shell is both waterproof and breathable, with a durable water-repellent finish. This means snow and slush slide off but moisture can escape, so kids don’t end up damp from sweat.

Reinforced areas

The knees, seat, and cuffs are reinforced with tougher nylon fabric. These high-wear areas are designed to handle crawling, sliding and the kind of play that quickly wears out ordinary snow gear.

Cuffs and hood

Elastic cuffs with internal storm cuffs help keep snow from sneaking in around wrists and ankles. The hood is toggle-free for safety and lined with elastic to fit snugly, while a fleece-lined collar and chin guard add comfort.

Zippers and closures

The dual front zippers make it easier to get kids in and out of the suit, and storm flaps cover the zippers to help block out wind and snow. Reflective details add visibility.

The trade-in program that saves parents money

"MEC Members can help to keep Toaster Suits in play by bringing in their pre-loved MEC Toaster Suits, kids Parkas, Bibs and Bunting Suits to select MEC stores so we can pass them along for a new life of belly slides and knee shuffles," says D'Silva.

Customers can trade in their old Toaster Suits for a gift card worth 50 percent of the suit's original price. To receive the gift card, you must be an MEC Rewards Member, the suit must be clean and in good condition, and you'll need proof of purchase. If you're an MEC member, your purchase may be recorded in your profile, so don't panic if you don't have a printed receipt.

What's considered "in good condition"?

According the the MEC website, the suit must be "laundered, have working zippers, no alterations (lowering the drop-hem is okay), no holes or tears, no worn-out areas (i.e. cuffs). The items cannot have tears or stains. Minor scuffs on scuff guards are acceptable. MEC reserves the right to refuse trade in based on quality."

Can you buy gently used Toaster Suits?

Yes. Although they're subject to availability, you can buy second-hand Toaster Suits in-store. You'll have to ask a store associate.

The bottom line

Looking for a hard-working snowsuit for your kid? Parents who love the MEC Toaster Suit say it's a great investment if your child is seven and under, especially if you have (or are planning to have) younger kids who can wear the suit when your eldest grows out of it.