Lost & Found on the LES: Your Insider Shopping Map

By Angela Fang

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As a not-so-seasoned transplant but a very seasoned shopper, I keep finding myself drawn back to one place: Orchard Street on the Lower East Side. It’s wild how much one stretch of pavement can hold: history, design, and some of the best shopping in the city. So here’s my perfect afternoon on Orchard. Maybe you should try it too.

Tumbao

20 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 • Open 7 days a week, 12 - 7 pm • Unisex • $$$

Tumbao hosts the largest curation of Latin American designers in the world, making it one of the most energizing shops on the street. Think unique silhouettes, rich textures, and staples with just enough spice to make your basics feel brand new. Everything feels wearable, but never boring.

Society of Cloth

36 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 • Open Wed-Sun, 12 - 7 pm • Unisex • $$$

This boutique highlights contemporary South Asian designers. Expect bold patterns, artisanal fabrics, and a jewelry selection full of nature-inspired shapes. Everything feels intentional and quietly striking.

Free Agency

85 Hester St, New York, NY 10002 • Open everyday except Tues, 12 - 8 pm • Mens • $$$

A must-stop for menswear lovers. Free Agency is packed with sleek leather jackets, beautifully cut trousers, and workwear staples that feel timeless. It’s the place to go if you want to elevate your essentials.

Khata

83a Hester St, New York, NY 10002 • Open everyday, 12 - 7 pm • Womens, Trinkets • $$$

A certified hidden gem. Khata stocks dreamy homeware and accessories, hand-painted matchboxes, delicate glassware, quirky jewelry dishes, alongside vintage and Ukrainian designer pieces. Their shoes and bags are especially worth looking through.

Kabi

41 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 • Open Thurs - Sun, 12 - 7 pm • Womens, Magazines • $$$

A limited-time pop-up open until December 31st (I believe they’re coming back to NYC in Spring 2026 too), Kabi is heaven for lovers of Japanese fashion and print culture. Their archival magazine selection is incredible, and their clothing racks feature pieces from greats like Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe, and Rei Kawakubo.

Morphew World NY

63 Orchard St South, New York, NY 10002 • Open everyday, 11 am - 7 pm • Unisex • $$$$

Morphew is a treasure trove of in-house designs, vintage couture, and iconic archival pieces. If you’re an Issey Miyake Pleats Please fan, this is your pilgrimage, they stock everything from rare 90s gowns to one-of-a-kind silhouettes. Ask to see the secret gown display. Trust me.

ROOME

324 Grand St, New York, NY 10002 • Open everyday, 12 - 7 pm • Womens • $$$

ROOME is a joyful celebration of Asian designers. Their range goes from elevated everyday sets to playful statement coats. My friend bought an unforgettable fur coat here, and their designer bag selection like Fendi Baguettes and Chloe Paddingtons is so fun to browse.

313 Vintage

324 Grand St, New York, NY 10002 • Open Wed-Sun, 11 am - 7 pm • Womens • $$$$

If your style leans Hedi Slimane, alternative, or runway-inspired, 313 Vintage is the place. Every piece feels deeply considered: heels, Rick Owens classics, Helmut Lang, and rare runway moments.

The Vintage Twin

69 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 • Open everyday, 12 - 7pm • Unisex • $$

A thrifting staple for a reason. Their style leans early 2000s meets trend-forward basics, especially fur coats and denim. The iconic “Jeanus” bar is worth visiting alone carrying some of the best (actual) low-rise flares.

Komune

92 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 • Open everyday except Tues, 12 - 7pm • Unisex • $$$$

Komune specializes in East Asian designers and fragrances, and the store is known for being one of the coolest creative hubs in the city. Interactive, design-forward, and always buzzing. They also host frequent events and exhibitions.

Hautline

95 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 • Open everyday except Tues, 11 am - 7pm • Womens • $$

Hautline offers pieces for rent or purchase, blending emerging designers with vintage gems. You can find everything from indie labels to Chanel totes, perfect if you want something special without fully committing.

Zemeta

96 Orchard St Store #2, New York, NY 10002 • Open everyday, 12 - 7pm • Womens • $$$

Designed by a Korean designer based in NYC, Zemeta is full of playful, hyper-trendy clothing and adorable accessories. Everything feels young, fun, and very Lower East Side.

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If Orchard Street is anything, it’s a crash course in global fashion voices, Latin American, South Asian, East Asian, archival, vintage, emerging, and experimental, all within a few blocks. It’s the perfect afternoon for anyone who wants to see where New York fashion is actually happening.