LA Fashion District Tips
Photos by Michelle Kroytor
If you are something of a fashionista, Los Angeles really is the city for you. LA has one of the most impressive fashion districts on the planet, spanning an eye-watering 100 blocks in the midst of Downtown LA. It is said that the district is home to over 2,000 retailers and wholesalers that operate independently to provide fun, stylish apparel and accessories for all ages. The warehouses are particularly popular among shoppers, with the chance to bag clothing discounts of 50-70%. If you’re planning on visiting LA and you’re someone that likes to shop until they drop, check out this comprehensive guide to the LA fashion district.
You’ll find the fashion district in the backdrop of Downtown LA, with the FOX Sports West headquarters looming large over the area. The broadcaster is still one of the biggest sports networks on the planet and has just launched its new Super 6 game where fans can guess the correct outcome of major league sports games. The district is also home to the LA Flower District, the biggest flower market in the US, and Santee Alley, which specializes in fabrics.
How to get to the LA Fashion District
If, like many visitors to LA, you’ve hired a car to get around, you’ll be pleased to hear that the fashion district is within reach from several freeways. In fact, you can get to the district via freeways 5, 10, 60, 101 and 110. It’s easy to park in and around the district, with plenty of buildings offering all-day parking, and there’s also lots of metered street parking for those not planning on sticking around for too long.
For those that don’t have a vehicle, you can still get there using public transport. Take the Red Line on the Metro to Pershing Square. From here, you can get aboard the DASH bus which serves most of Downtown LA, including the fashion district, for as little as 50 cents.
An area geared to wholesale bargains
The vast majority of the LA fashion district is focused on the wholesale market. There’s heaps of discount outlets here, with more than 1,000 outlets offering garments, shoes and accessories to the general public at rock-bottom wholesale prices. When we say wholesale prices, we really mean it too. Don’t be surprised to pay almost a quarter of the recommended retail price.
There’s plenty of other retail stores too, with the blocks lined with independents rather than chains and big-name brands that you’d find in a large shopping mall. If malls aren’t your thing, you’ll love taking the time to explore the LA fashion district.
Tips for shopping in the LA Fashion District
- Make sure you have plenty of cash on you before making the pilgrimage to the fashion district. Most of the wholesale outlets and independents are cash-only, but there are a few ATMs dotted throughout the district.
- Be mindful of the fact that most wholesale outlets won’t have dressing room facilities. It’s one of those things where the rock-bottom price will allow you to take a risk on one or two items.
- Don’t take too long deciding whether you want to buy a certain garment. There’s an enormous turnover of goods daily in the LA fashion district. If you see something you like in the morning, it might not be there to return to later in the afternoon!
- Another nuance of the LA fashion district is that all items are sold “as seen” right there in the warehouse. No receipts are offered, so no refunds are given at a later date. Make sure you’re happy with the quality of your items before parting with your dollars.
- Buying in bulk is a great way of enticing warehouses and independent store owners to offer greater discounts on your purchases.
- There’s also a dedicated menswear section of the fashion district. You’ll find this between Los Angeles Street to Maple Avenue and 14th to 16th
- Last but by no means least, be sure to wear some comfortable shoes to explore the fashion district in. With more than 100 blocks to choose from, it could be “blister city” if you’re not careful!
There’s no doubt that most locals would argue that the LA fashion district is far superior to Rodeo Drive for bargains and rock-bottom prices. Although it can be an intimidating place to shop, look beyond the noise and carnage and you’ll find plenty of great-value garments and accessories just begging to be bought. Once you’ve bagged those deals then you can go and celebrate at one of these five Happy Hours dotted throughout the city.