Los Angeles Garment District

The Los Angeles Garment District spans 100 blocks, with over 1,000 stores and warehouses selling fashions and accessories at 30% to 70% off retail prices.

Saturdays are the busiest Los Angeles Garment District shopping days, when wholesale-only shops open to the general public.

The Sunday shopping epicenter is Santee Alley between Olympic and Pico Boulevards, where you'll find low prices, lots of knock-offs and fakes.

Los Angeles Garment District designer showrooms hold sample sales the last Friday of the month, especially at California Market Center (110 E. 9th) and New Mart (127 E. 9th), selling one-of-a-kind pieces and overstocks. Most take cash only.

Getting the Most Out of the Los Angeles Garment District

You might make a few finds on a random walk, but you'll have more fun (and save more money) by going with an expert. Christine Silvestri of Urban Shopping Adventures knows the Los Angeles Garment District end to end and can help you find trendy designers, shops who make a bigger fuss over you than a high-end department store, insane bargains and the cutest clothes in the Los Angeles Garment District.

To do it yourself, the Los Angeles Garment District website offers helpful tips, or download an MP3 tour. For info on the street, look for the bicycle-riding, yellow-shirted Safe Team, who can help with questions or anything else.

A few tips may help you enjoy the Los Angeles Garment District:

• Restrooms are scarce. Use them when you find them.
• Dress casually in clothing that's easy to take on and off
• Bring cash to get the best prices - and it's OK to bargain: How much for this? What if I buy this, too? What if I pay cash?

Other Bargains Near the Los Angeles Garment District

The Flower Market is on Wall Street between 7th and 8th. For sparkly things, try the Jewelry District at 640 S. Hill.

Getting to the Los Angeles Garment District

Shopping nirvana is bounded by I-10, 7th St, San Pedro St and Broadway (more or less). DASH bus routes D and E run through it. If you drive, use a parking lot to avoid tickets and parking hassles. Lots on Olympic Boulevard west of Los Angeles Street are sometimes cheaper.

^{As is common in the travel industry, the writer received a complimentary tour. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.}