LA Fashion District
LA Fashion District
3.5
About
The LA Fashion District is a 100 block district in downtown Los Angeles and is the hub of the West Coast apparel industry. Here, lots of shopping opportunities and amazing discounts await you. You can shop for clothes and accessories at Santee Alley—an outdoor bazaar, or at notable showrooms like the California Market Center where fashion related tradeshows happen. The area is also part of downtown's Gallery Row and is home to several art galleries which are open to public—but do check in advance which galleries are currently active. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Neighborhood: Downtown
Downtown Los Angeles is a busy metropolis of towering buildings, bustling streets, and industrial warehouses. There is a distinct multiplicity of cultures here with a growing influx of business professionals and hipsters. Many call the evolution of Downtown over recent years gentrification. New lofts, bars, hotels and restaurants are popping up regularly. Downtown is home to some of the very best restaurants in the city leading the LA foodie scene, plus it is the location of cultural and sports venues including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Staples Center, and the Coliseum at the University of Southern California.
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2,418 within 3 miles
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640 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
288 reviews
Excellent
90
Very good
93
Average
59
Poor
24
Terrible
22
Debbie G
7 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Felt like another country. Felt kind of sketchy at first but that’s if you’re used to living in “posh” places or safe neighborhoods. The homeless here really look needy. I was going here specifically for linen fabric. There’s TONS of stores that hold similar fabric. Some of the linens I got seemed legit and some are probably blends that they passed as 100% linen. Michael Levine store seemed the most legit but has the most “legit” prices to match. Other stores you can bargain a bit, here not at all. Some of the linen fabric was lower than normal and some typical prices you’d find online and or Etsy. Finding parking is easy but pricy. I parked in a lot and an attendant guided me… I struggled wondering if I was getting hustled or not.. but all was well. I did visit the clothing section (Santee alley..) overwhelming as well and full of that Miami Latina and hoochie type style of that is what you’re looking for. Hard to find modest clothing (like barely anything) I was alone and felt fine as I kept it moving but I think the experience is better if you have friends (you can feel safer)
Overall feels like you’re stepping in NYC, bring your bartering skills and know what you want. Prepare for excess walking and lots of stores!
Overall feels like you’re stepping in NYC, bring your bartering skills and know what you want. Prepare for excess walking and lots of stores!
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kelly
Arcadia, CA17 contributions
Dec 2019
I love exploring the fashion district. I find it's easier to take metrorail to Union Station and then Uber or lyft to Santee Alley. Wear comfortable shoes (Preferably closed toes, as there tends to be alot of puddles of water from street cleaning)and clothes that are either easy to take on and off or like me leggings and a tank top, for me it's easier to try clothes on OVER mine, as dressing rooms are not always that private. Start early and be prepared to spend all day as there is so much to explore. Mid week will find more stores open and less crowds than on weekends or mondays (alot of places seem to be closed on Sundays and/or Mondays) beware of the guys walking around claiming to have designer bags, it's all not only knock offs but the absolute worst quality junk. The shoe shops are the greatest and my most favorite thing about going to the district
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurer27960
bakersfield california1 contribution
If your looking for cheap prices the garment district is the place to be.I take my wife there often.It seems better to buy from dealers who have racks and stands outside they drop there prices down to something so cheap you are wondering if they are making a profit. From what i hear if you get there before 12 in the afternoon thats where you can get name brand clothing in bulk meaning if you buy 10 at a time are something like that but we got there after that and if your like me you dont need 10 of the same shirt. It is a place of endless amounts of little dealers working out of holes in the wall place's. You cant show too late by 200 o clock afternoon there closing up and calling it a day you get mostly kids clothes and womens clothes really cheap, but in my experience mens clothes are a bit higher. I couldn't even see all the stores if i wanted to there is a main street for these seller's, i cant remeber the name but you will know it when you see it it has good deals on that street womens pants for 7$ nice dress up shirts for women 3 for $10.00. What you need to do is get to the back streets and thats the deals. you should park where you can remember and bring something to drink, they do have places and little mexican resteruants hidden away but this place is so big theres no gaurantee that you will find them there is indoor type pavillions with clothhing. Just one caution they do have name brans clothes for cheap but if the the price is too cheap for something you know cost a lot it is a fake but i dont care if you dont. stay away from the waches and jewrly there poor quality. I also think you should not make any dealer charge tax they dont usaully but if they do there taking advantage of you most prices are nogotiable so if you dont feel like haggling then just ask for no tax most dealers will do it to save the time are because there scared of loosing a costumer. p.s. why your there enjoy hollywood its a short drive and its kind of cool to walk around and get something to eat. if there is anybody that knng in la please email me.
Written April 10, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer34415
San Diego, CA1 contribution
My husband and I visited the Garment District for the first time a couple of months ago and what a trip! Too bad I had a bum knee, otherwise we would have been there for days....and days...and days....
Although I am Latina and the majority of the shoppers and sellers were Latino, I suspect that the reason I saw few non-Latinos shoppers was that they might be intimdated by language, safety, parking, knowledge. I feel sorry for them,they missed out on a grand adventure, appropriate for all. There were families with children, old people, young people of all colors and bargains to last until the end of time. We spent most of our time in ~Santee Alley~(just ask, someone will point you there) but there are keys things to remember:
1. Wear good walking shoes and if you have a rolling cart, mini shopping basket or stroller, bring it to carry all your goodies back home.
2. Arrive about an hour before everything opens (9am) to get a good parking space one of the rooftop parking lots.
3. We brought a small cooler filled with frozen bottles of water and it saved our lives!
4. Bring lots of cash, small bills and don't be afraid to ask if that is the best price they can give you.
5. I pass on the "alley dogs", they look good but oy!!
6. Be prepared to spend, spend, spend!
7. Don't be afraid to wander outside the garment district, after we got in our car and left the parking lot, we noticed that only two or three blocks away there was the Fabric District(bolts and bolts of fabric, buttons, laces, zippers, beads) the Flower District and the Jewlery District. By that time my feet has begun to swell sitting in the car and no way was I going to get out and walk again!
8. Watch your back and watch your stuff. Most folks are very nice and very helpful but becareful......
9. HAVE FUN!
Although I am Latina and the majority of the shoppers and sellers were Latino, I suspect that the reason I saw few non-Latinos shoppers was that they might be intimdated by language, safety, parking, knowledge. I feel sorry for them,they missed out on a grand adventure, appropriate for all. There were families with children, old people, young people of all colors and bargains to last until the end of time. We spent most of our time in ~Santee Alley~(just ask, someone will point you there) but there are keys things to remember:
1. Wear good walking shoes and if you have a rolling cart, mini shopping basket or stroller, bring it to carry all your goodies back home.
2. Arrive about an hour before everything opens (9am) to get a good parking space one of the rooftop parking lots.
3. We brought a small cooler filled with frozen bottles of water and it saved our lives!
4. Bring lots of cash, small bills and don't be afraid to ask if that is the best price they can give you.
5. I pass on the "alley dogs", they look good but oy!!
6. Be prepared to spend, spend, spend!
7. Don't be afraid to wander outside the garment district, after we got in our car and left the parking lot, we noticed that only two or three blocks away there was the Fabric District(bolts and bolts of fabric, buttons, laces, zippers, beads) the Flower District and the Jewlery District. By that time my feet has begun to swell sitting in the car and no way was I going to get out and walk again!
8. Watch your back and watch your stuff. Most folks are very nice and very helpful but becareful......
9. HAVE FUN!
Written June 30, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving34349
Oakland, Ca.1 contribution
Oh my Goodness, I did it again shopping at the Garment District (Fashion District) is down right a wonderful experience. The prices are great and I have became a pro in bargaining with the dealers. My family and I arrived at the G/D at 9:00 and we shop until it close at 6:00 I will be going back in October. I just can't help myself. It's really FUN
Written July 21, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happiness12478
Sacramento, CA1 contribution
Sacramentans DREAM of going to L.A. to go shopping...When I lived in L.A., I didn't appreciate the prices, although my kids were small then.
Now that I am back in Sacramento, when I go there, I want to stay and NEVER leave! I now run my own children's clothing store, and definitely have to pinch pennies, and shopping in The Garment District is the best place for me to buy what I need and still save money!
Now that I am back in Sacramento, when I go there, I want to stay and NEVER leave! I now run my own children's clothing store, and definitely have to pinch pennies, and shopping in The Garment District is the best place for me to buy what I need and still save money!
Written October 23, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mofiffy
Los Angeles3 contributions
The garment district used to be the be all and end all place over 10 years ago. It was a generous whole sale place where the owners who sold their knock offs and clothing at a discount wanted your business. It was fun and ethnic, meaning, you could eat reasonably prices fresh fruit and corn on the cob from Spanish speaking vendors.
Now, the garment district has turned into a crowded hell hole. If you don't look Hispanic or speak Spanish, they will jack up the price another 10 dollars thinking you don't know the game. Its turned into a place of B.S. where some vendors, not all, insult your intelligence and discriminate.
I can get better quality clothes at the Citadel Outlet off of the 5 Freeway for the same pricing as the Los Angeles Garment district, and better quality, too. I refuse to go down there anymore. Its just plain flea market trash and the glory days of the garment district are now over.
Now, the garment district has turned into a crowded hell hole. If you don't look Hispanic or speak Spanish, they will jack up the price another 10 dollars thinking you don't know the game. Its turned into a place of B.S. where some vendors, not all, insult your intelligence and discriminate.
I can get better quality clothes at the Citadel Outlet off of the 5 Freeway for the same pricing as the Los Angeles Garment district, and better quality, too. I refuse to go down there anymore. Its just plain flea market trash and the glory days of the garment district are now over.
Written April 9, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thekld
Santa Barbara, CA664 contributions
Just this weekend the wife and I took our two children down to the Garment District for a fun day of shopping. We have done it on several occassions and always have a fun time. THIS IS NOT THE ATTRACTION for anyone that is meak, unconfortable with crowds, strangers and afraid to negotiate. The best area and the one that is the most crowded is the area surrounding Santee Alley (Between 10th and 12th and on Olympic).
This place is full of low priced clothes, designer knockoffs, and some of the best bargins I've ever seen. The best deals seem to be on women's shoes (between $5 to $20), cell phone accessories at half of retail, fashion jewerly, and packages of tshirts and socks at about 20% of what you pay in the store. A lot of people also like the knockoff Gucci, Prada, Kate Spade and Fendi purses, wallets and sunglasses.
Things to avoid buying are: (1) the sunglasses as they are often terrible quality; (2) the $5 DVDs copys of newly relesed movies; and (3) the turtles, birds and other pets (as the turtles go they are illegal at the size that they sell them and the other animals are often sick or diseased). Also beware of your surroundings, I only say this because it is very crowded and I have heard of pick-pocketing in the area.
This place is full of low priced clothes, designer knockoffs, and some of the best bargins I've ever seen. The best deals seem to be on women's shoes (between $5 to $20), cell phone accessories at half of retail, fashion jewerly, and packages of tshirts and socks at about 20% of what you pay in the store. A lot of people also like the knockoff Gucci, Prada, Kate Spade and Fendi purses, wallets and sunglasses.
Things to avoid buying are: (1) the sunglasses as they are often terrible quality; (2) the $5 DVDs copys of newly relesed movies; and (3) the turtles, birds and other pets (as the turtles go they are illegal at the size that they sell them and the other animals are often sick or diseased). Also beware of your surroundings, I only say this because it is very crowded and I have heard of pick-pocketing in the area.
Written September 24, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara K
Los Angeles, CA47 contributions
Feb 2012
The Fashion District in Downtown LA is the place to go for prom dresses. There is an incredible selection of dresses from inexpensive to designer, and from plain to overboard. Take your time and be selective. Don't buy the first dress you like.
Bring good walking shoes, patience, cash, and an open mind. The better shops are adjacent to the Alley off Santee Between Olympic and Pico. Prices are negotiable.
Bring good walking shoes, patience, cash, and an open mind. The better shops are adjacent to the Alley off Santee Between Olympic and Pico. Prices are negotiable.
Written February 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emajona
Chino Hills, CA7 contributions
Aug 2018
I've lived in California my entire life, shopping in downtown is a staple, especially if you grew up in the Los Angeles area. The Fashion District is hit or miss and more often than not, you'll find a TON of knock-offs. Fashion District has it ALL, fabric, ribbon, thread, clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. Here are some tips if you've never been:
1. Always care cash - haggling is expected, cash allows you to purchase tax free and more often than not, you can negotiate better prices when you have cash
2. Don't carry a purse - the area is VERY crowded and the crowd is a mix of locals, tourists and unfortunately, people trying to steal from you, so carry a coin purse with cash or an over the shoulder satchel or as cheesy as it sounds, a fanny pack.
3. Park at the structure on Maple and Santee above the McDonald's. it's the cleanest and safest and it's close to everything
4. Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes
5. During inclement weather, take an umbrella, a lot of the stores are out in the open or on the sidewalks
6. Do NOT listen to the guys on the sidewalk who are offering you name brand purses, obviously they're knock-offs, some of them are VERY believable, some are BEYOND obvious fakes, either way, it's illegal to purchase them
7. Try the food at your own risk, if you have an iron stomach, you'll be fine, otherwise, steer clear
8. Don't buy anything until you've looked around a few shops, chances are, you'll see the same item, more often than not for much less
1. Always care cash - haggling is expected, cash allows you to purchase tax free and more often than not, you can negotiate better prices when you have cash
2. Don't carry a purse - the area is VERY crowded and the crowd is a mix of locals, tourists and unfortunately, people trying to steal from you, so carry a coin purse with cash or an over the shoulder satchel or as cheesy as it sounds, a fanny pack.
3. Park at the structure on Maple and Santee above the McDonald's. it's the cleanest and safest and it's close to everything
4. Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes
5. During inclement weather, take an umbrella, a lot of the stores are out in the open or on the sidewalks
6. Do NOT listen to the guys on the sidewalk who are offering you name brand purses, obviously they're knock-offs, some of them are VERY believable, some are BEYOND obvious fakes, either way, it's illegal to purchase them
7. Try the food at your own risk, if you have an iron stomach, you'll be fine, otherwise, steer clear
8. Don't buy anything until you've looked around a few shops, chances are, you'll see the same item, more often than not for much less
Written May 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it safe to park in the fashion district between 7pm and 11pm on the street? I'd be near Maple and 12th I think.
Written November 6, 2019
It's not the best neighborhood, but I suppose that as long as you're vigilant about your surroundings you should be ok. Lock the doors and make sure you don't have anything of value visible.
Written December 10, 2019
I found a nice apartment to stay for a few days with my family in this neighborhood.
Is it a safe place?
I'll be near 8th Street and Santee Street.
Written January 31, 2019
Hi,
I'm looking for a jacket for a Bane costume (from the Dark Knight Rises). Its similar to a long shearling weather coat. Would this be something I could find here?
Written October 9, 2018
Cynthia W
Goodyear, Arizona
Wanting to take my 17 year old daughter to the Garment District. Looking for shops that have plus size clothing, recommendations please.
Also seeking recommendations for reasonable hotels nearby.
Written July 15, 2018
I wouldn't recommend Garment District for Plus Size. The clothes is CHEAP!!! I don't buy clothes there, maybe a sandal or something. Go to Forever 21 out there in the Plus Size dept. Nice clothes and the hotel. You can look on Groupon and put LA in the search. A lot of the hotels aren't in good area. That's the only thing I DO NOT like about L.
Written July 16, 2018
LA Fashion
Los Angeles, California
Hola Liliana, recomendamos Ace Hotel DTLA, 929 S Broadway o Tuck Hotel, 820 S Spring St
Written February 26, 2018
Stephanie A
San Jose, Costa Rica
Quiero iniciar mi propio negocio de venta de ropa tipo boutique para mujer, pero desconozco cómo funciona esto en Fashion distritc, es necesario sacar un permiso para comprar mayorista? Siendo así que debo hacer y donde?
Hablan español o solo inglés?
Written February 1, 2018
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