Home » Los Angeles: The Garment District

Los Angeles: The Garment District

If the tag on your clothing reads made in Los Angeles, they more than likely come from the Fashion District. Hollywood costume departments have custom outfits made for starlets and A-Listers in the Fashion District alongside kids from the Valley looking for an affordable suit for the prom. Just about anything under the sun can be found in the Fashion District, making it a must-visit for fashionistas and history buffs alike.

The Fashion District was once known as The Garment District until it became LA’s first Business Improvement District (BID), which led to revitalization and an entire squad of yellow-shirted helpers to keep the district safe, but that didn’t change the layout. The Fashion District is made up of winding alleys of varying lengths and widths laid out upon blocks that would look at home among the ancient streets of Europe. Spanning an area encompassing 90 blocks of southeast downtown, the district is divided into four quadrants, each with a different, specialized focus. Much like a department store, the district has men’s, women’s and kid’s wear and an entire section of blocks devoted to textiles.

Though it serves as an under-the-radar bragging rights location to visit on your next vacation, keep in mind that it’s a working district, too. Many manufacturers call the Fashion District home, as do many Angelinos who have recently moved into the district looking for a unique and inexpensive place to live. American Apparel, whose billboards read “sweatshop free, made in downtown Los Angeles” can make that claim because their factory is in the Fashion District, as well as what might as well be an American Apparel outlet, where discounted goods can be had.

In the Santee Alley, bargaining is encouraged – there’s no better place in Los Angeles to stretch that cash, where shopkeepers are willing to make deals on bulk purchases. Keep your eyes on the calendar, especially for events occurring at the California Market Center. Every couple of months, Unique L.A., a show dedicated to the craft people who live and work in Los Angeles, arrives with handcrafted goods, clothing, artwork and even gourmet food. Buttons, zippers, ties; whatever. If you’re looking for it, it’ll be in The Fashion District. Step onto the streets of this fashion bazaar in downtown Los Angeles and experience the history and bargains LA is becoming well known for.

More Fashion Fabula

The History Behind PF Flyers

From their classic canvas look, to their elusive background, PF Flyers are American history and culture compressed into one shoe. We dug deep into their

Editors Picks: Floral + Graphic

RO & De Floral Print Blazer just went out of stock, try the L’Agence floral print blazer instead. L’AGENCE ‘Jean Marie Floral Blazer Fresh white

The History of Blush

Blush. Blusher. Rouge. Whatever you may call it, it still serves the same purpose; to provide a healthy flush of color to the cheeks. Blush

ACNE Studios Weekend Look

Counter clockwise from left to right Acne Studios Jeans, Superga Sneakers, rag & bone Fedora, Acne Studios Jean Jacket, Acne Studios Aviators

The History of Lingerie

Underwear has come a long way since the days of linen drawers. In the beginning stages, underwear was originally designed to serve several purposes –

The History of Female Hats

Would you say hats are an accessory or a necessity? Looking back in time it becomes apparent that they have been both. Let’s take a

Tips for Visiting National Parks

There are so many breathtaking landscapes and endless activities in our U.S. national parks. From whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon to exploring the elegant

8 Rules For Party Season

Dust off your finery— It’s party season once again. From turning up under dressed to getting too dressed up, we know it’s not always easy

5 Gowns worn by Queen Elizabeth

In celebration of her 90th birthday, the Royal Collection Trust will be showcasing three exhibitions, showing over 150 of her most memorable looks, including ceremonial

Origins of the Overcoat

As with many contemporary staples, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when the overcoat first emerged. Several online accounts name 1772 as the year the overcoat

How to Sculpt Your Face

When you contour your makeup, you’re essentially doing some real life Photoshop on your face. Your cheekbones pop, your face glows, and in general, your

History in Fashion: The Tracksuit

So much of the modern woman’s wardrobe finds its origins in the world of sport, and the tracksuit – unsurprisingly, given the name – is