Local sourcing can be complicated. Especially when you are a newbie to the fashion industry and NYC. Where to go or who to contact are the most asked questions, so I decided to put together a post about all my favorite vendors in NYC and where to find them.
You can thank me later! For now, enjoy the below list where I hand-picked the best vendors around the garment district in NYC.
1. Zelouf Fabrics
I wanted to start with the best and this place represents perfection pretty well!
Novelties, silks, and millions of different prints are all done by their design team… they not only have everything, but they also have low MOQs, such as 5 yards for sampling, you can order online through their website but you can also schedule a visit to their showroom, which right in the heart of the garment district, so you can see and see and feel all different fabrics they have.
Here is their website: https://zelouffabrics.com/
Where to find them and how to contact them? 225 WEST 37TH STREET, 8TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10018
info@zelouffabrics.com
(212) 221-3131
2. Mood Fabrics
Ok, I admit that this place is not the best price and it is a retail store that can be super overwhelming, since it is pretty much self-service when you go there, BUT if you are doing fabric research and you want to find inspiration, great swatches and small MOQs available, then this is the place to go.
This place tends to be great for new small designers, since you can find everything and buy small quantities, the biggest catch here is that they don’t keep stock. What you find on their shelf is what they have and if you are interested in ordering a bigger quantity, you won’t be able to.
225 W 37th St 3rd floor, New York, NY 10018
(212) 730-5003
3. Elliott Berman Textiles
Ok, I am just going to say that this brand is not only great in terms of trendy fabrics, but they also create fabrics for Burberry, Marc Jacobs, and a lot of different high-end brands.
The catch is that you have to order bigger quantities. I believe their MOQ is one roll - which makes sense and ends up being very cost-effective depending on the size of your production.
237 W 37th St Floor 7, New York, NY 10018
(800) 609-6072
4. 5 Start Fabrics
This place is just like Mood Fabrics, but it is a great place to go look for inspiration - especially if you are looking for silks, and shiny sequins in all possible ways/colors, and prices.
One of the good things about this place is that, if they don’t have something or if they are out of stock, they can always re-order stock or place a custom order for you. Yes, you have to meet their MOQs (which I don’t remember what it is), but it is something pretty standard to NYC and the garment district area.
PS: they are one of those old-school style retail shops, so they don’t even have a website, but you can stop by there at any time to take a look at what they have and get their business card.
They are located on 39th street between 7th and 8th avenue.
5. Buttonology
If you need buttons or snaps, these are literally my favorite people!
Small shop, family-owned business, low MOQs, and every type of button or snap you could imagine.
I became very fond of this place and its owners since I started working in my previous job. They are not only great at what they do, but if you are new to this industry and you are trying to learn about trims, they will have all the patience in the world to teach you and help you with everything you need.
264 W 40th St Suite 404, New York, NY 10018
(212) 768-3342
6. Pacific Trimming
This is a retail store just like Mood Fabrics, so the prices are automatically more expensive (because of the retail markups), but it is also a great place to look for inspiration and buy low MOQs.
Also, they do order bigger quantities and custom orders - which is great in case you find something you love and need big quantities for production.
220 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
(212) 279-9310
7. Start Snap
Ok, I know I just mentioned Buttonology and the fact that they are the best vendors for buttons or snaps, but I had to share with you guys about this place.
Star Snap has been at that place for over 20 years, also family-owned by a Mexican guy who came here and started his little shop in the heart of the garment district. They have a wide selection of snaps, they can also add or remove snaps for you. No MOQs are required.
This place is great if you have a jacket or a custom order that does not require big quantities.
One thing, they don’t do custom orders. Whatever you see in the store is what they have - no dye to match colors or custom shapes.
As I said, it is a small family-owned business, so they also don’t have a website but here is their address and contact number
262 W 38TH ST 3RD FL, STE 307, New York, NY 10018
(646) 414-1212
8. Guide Fabrics
This is a great place if you are looking for the lining. They have a wide selection of poly silks, kinds of cotton, and spandex.
They are also a retail store, but with great prices, no MOQs (literally no MOQs, you can walk in there and buy 2 yards of any fabric they have) and they can do custom orders and large quantities if needed.
262 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
(212) 575-8855
I hope you all enjoy this blog post and find helpful information. If you are in NYC and if you plan on stopping by/ contacting any of these places, don’t forget to let them know that I sent you there!
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