An Early History of The Garment District, NY

The personal injury attorneys in Garment District, NY, sponsor this article to offer a detailed excerpt about the area.

The Garment District, also known as the Fashion District, is a neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The Garment District has been known for many years as the epicenter of fashion in New York. The district is home to many of New York City's showrooms and numerous major fashion labels.

The Garment District is home to 4,769 residents and is less than one square mile between Fifth Avenue and Ninth Avenue, from 34th to 42nd Streets. The neighborhood belongs to ZIP codes 10001, 10018, 10122,10119, 10036, and 10123.

Early History

New York City assumed its role as the center of America's garment industry by producing clothes for slaves working on southern plantations. Master's in the south found it better to use the time to order clothing from New York instead of having slaves make their own.

Before the mid 19th century, many Americans made their own clothes while only the wealthy could purchase tailor-made clothing. However, by the 1820s, clothing of higher quality began to be produced for the broader market.

The market for ready-made garments took off, especially in the 1850s, following the invention of the sewing machine. By the American Civil War, the need for thousands of ready-made soldiers' uniforms helped the garment industry expand further.

Before 1840, women were the main workforce in the garment industry. However, by 1880, most skilled professions were taken over by men due to the massive migration of Jewish men from Poland and Russia to New York City. Many of whom were tailors.

In the early 20th century, the garment trade was powered by Eastern European immigrants. At the same time, Russian jews recruited workers from their hometowns and broke the production into tasks able to do by less-skilled workers.

The Garment District quickly became home to an ample supply of cheap labor and a well-established distribution network. By the later 1860s, most Americans were purchasing their clothes as opposed to making them.

Suddenly, the value of garments increased sixfold, and by 1880, New York produced more garments than its four closest urban competitors combined.

In 1909, the leading industries in New York were manufacturers of clothes for women and men. New York's function as America's culture and fashion center also helped the garment industry by aiding constantly changing styles and new demands.

Today, the Garment District is accredited as the founding ground of American fashion.

Visitor Attractions

If you ever find yourself in the top global fashion city in America, be sure to check out some of the best attractions The Garment District has to offer including,

The Fashion Walk of Fame

• Along 7th Avenue, a corridor synonymous with the fashion industry, you will find plaques to commemorate internationally renowned fashion designers. Some fashion designers recognized by the walk of fame include Geoffrey Beene, Bill Blass, Perry Ellis, Rudi Gernreich, Halston, Marc Jacobs, Charles James, Calvin Klein, Norman Norell, and Willi Smith.

Needle Threading a Button Sculpture

• In the Garment District, you will find a massive button at the Fashion Center kiosk at Seventh Avenue and 39th Street leaning against the Fashion District Information Center. The sculpture is one of a kind and is 31 feet tall, so you cannot miss it.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out: Bloomingdale, NY: A Local Guide

Our Local Office

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries from an accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Trust the knowledgable Garment District, NY, personal injury attorneys to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.

Banville Law
165 West End Ave #1h
New York, NY 10023, USA
(917) 633-4808