Mann & Bros Inc

Specialty goods from overseas arrive daily at a discreet importer in the Garment District. Mann & Bros Inc has spent decades sourcing textiles, leathers, and hardware that New York designers can’t find anywhere else. Their inventory turns over quickly, so repeat visits are common among local ateliers.

The office sits on the seventh floor of 48 W 37th St, a building where freight elevators still hum with bolts of fabric and crates of buttons. Midtown’s density means space is tight, but the neighborhood’s concentration of showrooms and pattern-makers makes it a logical hub for this kind of trade. A call ahead can save time; (212) 868-3535 connects directly to someone who knows the stock.

Orders range from a single spool of thread to container-loads of Italian zippers. Clients include costume houses, furniture makers, and small-run apparel brands that need materials with specific finishes or certifications. The company doesn’t advertise, relying instead on word-of-mouth among professionals who value both reliability and rarity.

For directions, a map is available here. Visitors should plan to arrive between standard business hours—no appointment is required, but the freight elevator can be slow during peak delivery times.