LA Fashion District Manufacturers

If you're in fashion sourcing or running a clothing brand, you've probably heard of the LA Fashion District. It sounds exciting—but navigating it can be overwhelming. Who sells to the public? Who’s just wholesale? Who manufactures? It’s not always clear.

The LA Fashion District is a massive hub for wholesale, retail, and manufacturing. Whether you're a designer or buyer, it’s a key spot for sourcing apparel and connecting with manufacturers.

Let’s break down how to find clothing manufacturers in the LA Fashion District and what to expect if you plan to visit or do business there.

How to buy from LA Fashion District?

It’s easy to get lost in the LA Fashion District—physically and mentally. With hundreds of stores, showrooms, and wholesalers, the choices are endless. But not everything is open to the public or clearly labeled.

To buy from the LA Fashion District, you’ll need to decide between retail and wholesale areas, bring the right business documents, and know how to negotiate.

What licenses do you need to buy wholesale?

If you’re buying wholesale, you can’t just walk in with a wallet. Most vendors will ask for a resale license¹ or a seller’s permit². These documents prove you’re buying to resell—not for personal use.

Here’s what you should have:

Most vendors won’t sell wholesale unless you show proof. If you don’t have these, you’ll be treated like a retail customer, and the prices will reflect that.

How do you find real manufacturers there?

Not every shop is a manufacturer—many are just resellers or retail boutiques. But there are clothing manufacturers in the district. To find them:

• Walk around Maple Ave, San Pedro St, and 9th Street
• Visit California Market Center for established showrooms
• Search for “cut and sew” or “full package production” in business listings
• Ask vendors directly—many retail shops are connected to back-end manufacturers

If you’re serious, set up appointments in advance. Many B2B manufacturers won’t accept walk-ins. Emails and cold calls still work—just be clear, short, and professional.

Can anyone go to LA Fashion District?

A lot of people assume the district is only for insiders or brand owners. It’s not. Anyone can go—but access to certain areas or prices depends on your purpose and paperwork.

Yes, anyone can visit the LA Fashion District. Some areas are retail-friendly, while others are for licensed buyers only.

Which areas are public, which are not?

The LA Fashion District is roughly 100 blocks of apparel businesses. Most of the retail areas are centered around Santee Alley⁴. Here, anyone can shop—no license needed.

But wholesale areas often have signs like “Wholesale Only⁵” or “Business Buyers Only.” These places require a resale certificate and business ID.

If you're new, start with retail areas to get a feel. Then move into wholesale once you know what you want and can show you're a serious buyer.

When is the best time to visit?

The district is busiest Monday to Saturday, 9AM to 5PM. Most wholesalers are closed on Sundays, and some retailers are only open on weekends.

If you’re doing business, go Tuesday to Thursday—those are the best days to meet manufacturers and avoid the weekend rush. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. You’ll walk a lot.

Does Los Angeles have a garment district?

Many people don't realize just how big and organized LA’s fashion scene is. It's not just shopping—it's a full ecosystem of design, production, and logistics.

Yes, Los Angeles has a garment district. It’s officially called the LA Fashion District and spans about 100 blocks in downtown LA.

What makes LA’s district unique?

Unlike some other fashion hubs, LA’s garment district includes every step of the process:

• Fabric suppliers
• Pattern makers
• Cut-and-sew factories
• Screen printers
• Sample makers
• Trim and label vendors

This vertical setup means you can go from idea to final product—all within a few city blocks. That’s a huge advantage for startups or fast-moving brands who want to control the process.

It’s also one of the last active U.S.-based garment manufacturing hubs. While many brands now produce overseas, LA still supports a strong “Made in USA⁷” movement—especially for premium and streetwear.

How do laws impact LA manufacturers?

California has strict labor laws, especially in the garment industry. This means higher wages and tighter regulations. For buyers, that often means higher production costs—but also better working conditions and transparency.

In 2021, the Garment Worker Protection Act (SB62)⁸ was passed. It requires manufacturers to pay workers minimum wage and prohibits paying by piece rate unless it meets hourly minimums. This affects how factories quote pricing and manage production timelines.

So yes—LA is more expensive than overseas manufacturing. But you get local support, faster turnaround, and cleaner compliance.

Who are the biggest clothing manufacturers?

The LA Fashion District is home to hundreds of factories—some big, some boutique. Knowing who’s who can save you time and money.

Some of the biggest clothing manufacturers in LA include Lefty Production Co, The Evans Group, Indie Source, and Bella+Canvas. These companies offer full-service or specialized production.

What types of factories are in LA?

Not all manufacturers do the same thing. Here’s a breakdown of common types you’ll find:

Some factories specialize in activewear⁹. Others focus on streetwear, lingerie, denim, or basics. Always ask for a sample portfolio and verify their minimum order quantities (MOQs).

Can small brands work with big factories?

Even if you’re not a big brand, many large LA manufacturers have programs for small runs or new designers. You just have to ask. Some offer low MOQs¹⁰ (as few as 50 pieces per style). Others have “incubator” programs to help brands launch.

To get started:

• Have a clear tech pack or idea
• Be professional in your outreach
• Expect a longer lead time if your order is small

Working with a reputable factory means better quality, but also higher standards. If you come prepared, even the big players will take you seriously.

Conclusion

The LA Fashion District is more than just a place—it’s a network. Whether you’re sourcing fabric, looking for a reliable manufacturer, or shopping wholesale, knowing how to navigate it makes all the difference.