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Shopping Guide Garment District NYC

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Shopping Guide Garment District NYC

A guide to the industrious, wholesale heart of New York’s fashion industry.

Shopping in the Garment District is an experience unlike any other in New York City. This is not a neighborhood of polished flagship stores and casual window shoppers; it’s the engine room of the city’s fashion industry.

The vibe is industrious and fast-paced, with streets bustling with designers, students, and artisans pushing rolling racks piled high with fabrics and designs. The air hums with a creative, almost frenetic energy, a testament to the commerce and craftsmanship happening all around you.

For anyone who sews, designs, or creates, the Garment District is a paradise. It’s a dense concentration of stores selling an overwhelming variety of textiles, from luxurious silks and wools to rare designer deadstock. Beyond fabric, it’s the epicenter for every conceivable notion, trim, button, and bead.

Shopping here is a tactile, treasure-hunt-like experience, where you’re just as likely to be browsing next to a famous designer as you are a film costumer or a fashion student. It’s a place to find materials you simply can’t find anywhere else.

This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to navigating the fabric stores, trimming shops, and wholesale energy of this iconic industry hub.

“The Garment District is a sensory overload for the creator. It’s where you don’t just buy fashion, you buy the possibility of it, piece by glorious piece.“

You might be interested in shopping in these nearby locations

Location	Vibe	Distance (from The Garment District)
Herald Square	Department Stores & High Street	~0.2 miles
Times Square	Entertainment & Mega-Stores	~0.4 miles
Fifth Avenue	Iconic Luxury & Flagships	~0.5 miles
Flatiron District	Trendy & Contemporary Brands	~0.8 miles
Bryant Park	Boutiques & Seasonal Markets	~0.3 miles

Shopping Guides in Neighboring Areas

4 Tips for Shopping in The Garment District

Look Up: Many of the best stores are not at street level. They are often located on the upper floors of office buildings with little signage. Have the address ready and don’t be afraid to enter a lobby and take an elevator.
Know the Rules: Many stores are primarily wholesale and may have minimum purchase requirements (e.g., a minimum of one yard of fabric). While most welcome retail customers, it’s good to be aware of their policies.
Go on a Weekday: The district truly comes alive on weekdays. This is when you’ll find the best energy and selection, as many stores have limited hours or are closed on weekends, especially on Sundays.
Bring Swatches and Inspiration: The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. Come prepared with color swatches, inspiration photos, and measurements to help you stay focused and make the most of your trip.

Keep an Eye On: The Needle and Button Sculpture.

Located at the corner of Seventh Avenue and 39th Street, the iconic “Button and Needle” sculpture is the official landmark of the Garment District.

This large-scale pop-art piece, featuring a 15-foot diameter button, serves as a whimsical tribute to the neighborhood’s history and its role as the center of fashion manufacturing in the United States.

It’s a popular photo spot and a perfect symbol of the creativity and industry that define the area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Garment District?

The Garment District, also known as the Fashion District, is a neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan that is the historical and current hub of fashion design and manufacturing in New York City. It’s a dense concentration of showrooms, production facilities, and suppliers of textiles and notions.

Can anyone shop in the Garment District?

Yes, while many businesses cater to wholesale clients (designers and brands), most of the fabric and trim stores are open to the public for retail sales. It’s a top destination for home sewers, fashion students, and DIY enthusiasts.

What are the best days to shop in the Garment District?

Weekdays (Monday through Friday) are the best time to shop, as this is when all the stores are open and the district is at its most vibrant. Many shops have limited hours on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

Ranking: 10 Best Shops in The Garment District

Below, check out the ranking of the 10 must-visit destinations for creators in this iconic hub, in a special curation by AZ New York.

1. Mood Fabrics

Made famous by the TV show “Project Runway,” Mood is the undisputed superstore of the Garment District. This massive, multi-level space is packed with an incredible selection of fashion fabrics, from designer silks and wools to leather and home decor textiles. It’s an essential first stop for any fabric enthusiast.
Address: 225 W 37th St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 730-5003
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: moodfabrics.com
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: A world-famous, all-encompassing fabric mecca for every possible project.

2. B&J Fabrics

A family-owned institution since 1940, B&J is known for its high-quality, high-fashion fabrics. The store is impeccably organized and offers a beautifully curated selection of European textiles, designer prints (including the city’s best collection of Liberty of London), and luxurious materials. A more refined and focused shopping experience.
Address: 525 7th Ave, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 354-8150
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: bandjfabrics.com
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: The premier destination for high-end designer and European fabrics.

3. M&J Trimming

If it can be sewn, glued, or attached to fabric, you’ll find it at M&J. This is the ultimate destination for trims, ribbons, buttons, and embellishments. The street-level store is a dazzling emporium of sparkle and color, with aisles upon aisles of every conceivable decorative item, from Swarovski crystals to leather cording.
Address: 1008 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 204-9595
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: mjtrim.com
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: An encyclopedic collection of trimmings, ribbons, and embellishments.

4. Pacific Trimming

A go-to resource for industry professionals and home sewers alike. Pacific Trimming offers a huge and comprehensive selection of essential notions, including zippers, threads, buttons, buckles, and tools. It’s a no-frills, practical shop that is beloved for its vast inventory and knowledgeable staff.
Address: 220 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 921-9510
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: pacifictrimming.com
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: The ultimate one-stop-shop for every essential sewing notion.

5. Paron Fabrics

Known for its excellent prices and deep discounts on designer fabrics, Paron is a favorite for bargain hunters. The store offers a wide range of textiles, and its annex location is famous for its flat-price tables, where you can find incredible deals on high-quality fabrics. It’s a must-visit for finding luxury materials on a budget.
Address: 206 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 768-3266
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: paronfabrics.com
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: The best place to find high-end designer fabrics at a discount.

6. Spandex House

As the name implies, this is the global epicenter for all things stretch. Spandex House offers an unbelievable selection of spandex and stretch fabrics in every color, pattern, and finish imaginable. It’s the go-to source for activewear, swimwear, dance costumes, and performance wear.
Address: 263 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 354-6711
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: spandexhouse.com
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: An unparalleled, floor-to-ceiling selection of stretch fabrics.

7. New York Elegant Fabrics

A well-regarded store for high-quality staples, particularly fine wools, silks, cottons, and linings. While they carry a bit of everything, they are a strong resource for classic, high-end textiles perfect for tailoring and dressmaking. The staff is known for being helpful and knowledgeable.
Address: 242 W 36th St, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 302-4980
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: newyorkelegantfabrics.com
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: A fantastic source for classic, high-quality wools, silks, and suitings.

8. Chic Fabrics

A smaller, street-level shop that is packed with treasures. Chic Fabrics is a great place for browsing and discovery, with a diverse inventory that includes everything from novelty prints and brocades to fine laces and eveningwear fabrics. It’s a more traditional, old-school Garment District experience.
Address: 247 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 398-9451
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: A packed-to-the-rafters shop perfect for discovering unique fabrics.

9. Metro Textiles

An upper-floor hidden gem beloved by those in the know. Run by the charismatic Kashi, Metro is the place to find incredible deals on high-quality designer and Italian fabrics. It’s a true treasure hunt, with bolts of fabric stacked high, requiring a bit of digging to unearth the perfect find.
Address: 265 W 37th St, Suite 908, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 202-0199
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: metrotextilesnyc.com
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: A hidden gem for incredible deals on high-end designer fabrics.

10. Lou Lou Buttons

A tiny shop that proves the importance of details. Lou Lou Buttons is dedicated exclusively to buttons, offering a wonderfully curated selection of vintage, modern, and novelty buttons. It’s an enchanting place to find the perfect finishing touch for any garment, from simple basics to ornate, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Address: 71 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 302-9379
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Neighborhood: Garment District
Highlight: A charming and specialized boutique for beautiful and unique buttons.

All research and the final selection of the shops in this guide were carried out by the team at AZ New York.

Explore Our Guides to New York City

Neighborhood Shopping Guides

For a look at another area famous as a historical hub for textile and fabric wholesale in a global city, you can also explore the shops in the 25 de Março region of São Paulo.

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