Having relied on Yelp to choose a fabric store to go to for my first jaunt into the Garment District, I quickly realized something important: since there are so many stores in the area, similar in many ways except that each specializes in different kinds of fabric, it's difficult -- if you have a specific fabric in mind -- to find a place that will suit everyone.
If I had gone on Yelp reviews alone, I never would've gone to Chic Fabric. Instead, I would have visited Paron and AK Fabric (which I did, except I found them too expensive and their range of prints and soft dress fabrics limited).
But I'm thrilled that I stumbled upon this shop anyway! Yes the store is a bit cramped, but the selection of printed silks (which is what I was looking for) was excellent. Pretty and very well priced ($12 a yard for some really lovely silk fabric -- which to me is a good price since I was paying a similar price for cotton online and in Brooklyn).
The shop owner, who is from Bombay, was friendly and I didn't notice any staring and I wasn't followed around by some bothersome employee. So, all in all an excellent experience and I'm definitely going back. (Also, I'm honestly not looking for great service when I'm shopping in this neighborhood, just good fabric.)
Having said that, the shop might not be for everyone. Depending on what fabric you're looking for, it may not be the right place for you... I noticed some pretty cotton printed fabrics at the back of the shop and as I said, they have some lovely silk... but if you're looking for a wider range of cotton fabrics, polyester or spandex/glittery or sequined fabrics, then you may want to go elsewhere.
Best advice from someone who has scoured the Garment District for a day? Put aside a couple of hours, visit every store on 39th and 38th and see what you like! It took me many visits to a variety of stores to find the fabric I loved (which was here, at Chic).
Also, as a side note: if you are looking for RAYON, be warned that I couldn't find it ANYWHERE (though I did find some rayon mix fabric). Apparently, it's not a fabric that is easily found in these parts. If you want rayon, go on Etsy! read more