The Garment District — Local services in Cambridge

The Garment District: Cambridge’s Vintage Wonderland

The Garment District, located in Cambridge’s Kendall Square neighborhood, is a treasure trove for vintage fashion lovers, bargain hunters, and anyone with a passion for unique clothing finds. This iconic store has been a fixture in the area for decades, and it’s easy to see why it remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Atmosphere: Walking into The Garment District feels like stepping into a time machine. The sprawling, multi-level space is packed with racks and bins of clothing from nearly every decade, offering a wide range of styles, from the 1960s to the early 2000s. The colorful, funky decor and upbeat music add to the eclectic charm, making shopping here feel more like a fun adventure than a typical retail experience.

Selection: The selection is massive, with something for everyone. The store is best known for its incredible variety of vintage clothing, whether you’re looking for a 1970s leather jacket, 1980s windbreakers, or 1990s graphic tees. Beyond vintage, The Garment District also offers contemporary second-hand items, designer pieces, and costumes for themed events or Halloween.

A unique feature is their famous clothing-by-the-pound section, where you can sift through large bins and purchase items at a flat rate per pound. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt, but for those willing to dig, you can score some unbelievable deals. If you’re looking for high-end vintage, they also have a curated collection upstairs with rare and higher-end items that are well worth checking out.

Pricing: Pricing is one of The Garment District’s biggest draws. The clothing-by-the-pound section is the ultimate bargain, where you can grab multiple items for under $20, depending on how much you’re willing to dig. Vintage and designer pieces are priced more competitively, but compared to similar shops, the prices are reasonable given the quality and rarity of what you might find.

Customer Experience: The Garment District operates with a laid-back vibe, where you’re free to browse at your own pace. The staff is friendly but mostly hands-off, though they’re knowledgeable if you need help or have questions. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll get personal shopping assistance, but that’s part of the charm—finding treasures is part of the experience.

Drawbacks: Because it’s such a popular destination, The Garment District can get crowded, particularly on weekends. The aisles are narrow, and during peak times, it can be tough to move through the store without bumping into other shoppers. The by-the-pound section can also be chaotic, so patience and perseverance are key if you’re searching for hidden gems. Additionally, while most items are in decent condition, it’s important to inspect your finds for wear or damage before purchasing.

Overall Experience: The Garment District is a must-visit for anyone in the Cambridge area looking for unique, stylish, and affordable clothing. Whether you’re searching for a vintage piece to complete your wardrobe or simply want to dig through the clothing-by-the-pound bins for fun, it’s an experience unlike any other. The eclectic selection, nostalgic atmosphere, and unbeatable prices make it a Cambridge institution that’s well...

I wish I could give zero stars. Racist much?! I have visited this store multiple times and this time it was the worst experience ever. Found a few items I liked and was about to cash out. The lady at the register greeted me with an awful scowl. Not even an hello, or did you find everything okay. Instead she said "let's start by cashing out your items from the Pound first." She proceeded to ring up my items from the Pound, then I paid for them. Then she began to ring up the items from upstairs. When she told me the total I respectfully told her I wanted to make sure enough was in my account to cover the purchase. I politely told her to serve the person behind me. As she cashed him out I noticed a complete difference in the way she treated him compared to how she treated me. She greeted him politely, laughed with him and was personable. After she finished serving him, she greeted the other person behind me, as though I was invisible (both customers were Caucasian). Then I looked at her and she said in a rude tone, "are you going to buy this or what?" I said yes, she rung up my items and I said to her "I heard you offering the other customer a discount, do I get one?" She said, in a matter of fact way, "No!" After she finished cashing up the items I noticed she had not given me my items from the Pound, they were just sitting on the scale in the bag. I was livid at the blatant disrespect and the immense lack of customer service she showed me. After getting my items off the scale I then asked to speak to the manager. The manager seemed unbothered and aloof as I asked why some people were given discounts and others weren't. She said that only friends of their employees were given discounts. I don't think that's fair, but I was more so disgusted by the way the manager and the awful sales representative explained the reason I was not given a discount. I left there knowing that I would never return. This store is definitely no longer a place where everyone of all races are welcomed...

Definitely a place to visit if you want vintage or costumes! Cool atmosphere and vast selection upstairs. I love that they actually have dressing rooms open and available for use. Much more organized than everyone having to crowd around a mirror trying on items. And the store itself is very organized - separating things by era, type of clothing, size and color, depending on which rack you're looking at. Pricing is...pricey for a resale shop, depending on what area of the store you're looking at. Think H&M pricing, but for used clothes. You're paying a big fraction of the items regular price - esp for the contemporary items. And it seems to me they don't vary pricing too greatly, depending on the wear of the clothing or quality of the fabric. Ex: $30 for a pill-y polyester jacket, or for a polyester pair of pants. I'd say the vintage area is overall fairly priced, as long as the fabric is of good quality and the piece is still in good condition. The by-the-pound section on the 1st floor behind the stairs is literally unorganized chaos. So if you're good with sorting thru a giant pile of clothes on the floor that is being stepped on by everyone it is a good deal - $2 per pound. I bought a wool sweater and silk shirt from upstairs, then I braved the pile and found a few nice things, too. My total was $52. If I want something specifically vintage or costume, I will definitely be back. But if I'm shopping for "regular" clothes, I'm headed to a cheaper thrift where you could just as easily find some good gems. Enjoyed the experience either way. (Photos are of the downstairs costume &...