From expressions of individuality to cultural affiliations, fashion serves as a powerful tool for self-expression. Certain cities stand at the forefront of this industry, shaping the fashion world as we know it. But which cities are they?
To find out, Printful analyzed the average cost of clothing items, the number of shopping locations, fashion events, fashion bachelor degrees and each city’s fashion popularity across search and Instagram. For the US and Canada, the team also revealed the number of boutiques. The data has also revealed the best cities for fashion start-ups by looking at GDP, business tax rates and average fashion designer and merchandiser salaries.
New York, one of the fashion capitals of the world, is named the most fashionable city in the US and Canada, boasting 1,590 shopping locations.
New York is well known for its influence on the fashion world, sitting at the epicenter of US fashion. With an impressive 1,590 shopping locations and 65 fashion courses, New York offers unparalleled access to the latest trends and developments.
The city’s extensive fashion scene receives a lot of attention online, with an average of 27,600 monthly searches and over a million posts using #newyorkfashion on Instagram. However, this popularity comes at a price; New York is one of the most expensive cities for fashion.
Chicago follows in second place The city is renowned for its unique fusion of styles. Chicago is home to 23 boutiques, making it a prime destination for discovering independent stores.
Toronto comes in third with fashion acting as a vibrant reflection of the city’s multiculturalism which can be seen through the 1,550,441 hashtag posts on Instagram. Toronto may be the most appealing for fashion enthusiasts on a budget, with more affordable prices than New York and Montreal – $35.68 for a summer dress and $58.36 for a pair of jeans.
| Rank | City | Number of shopping locations | Number of boutiques | Average cost of a summer dress | Average cost of jeans | Average monthly search volume | Number of Instagram Posts | Number of Bachelor Fashion Courses | Number of Fashion Events (3 months) |
| 1 | New York | 1,590 | 46 | $47.04 | $68.95 | 27,600 | 1,147,502 | 65 | 1,279 |
| 2 | Chicago | 555 | 23 | $50.82 | $61.66 | 9,990 | 524,407 | 15 | 1,255 |
| 3 | Toronto | 327 | 10 | $35.68 | $58.36 | 3,600 | 1,550,441 | 5 | 717 |
| 4 | Montreal | 272 | 41 | $47.97 | $62.34 | 3,880 | 291,796 | 0 | 361 |
| 5 | Los Angeles | 393 | 21 | $44.35 | $61.46 | 5,200 | 334,537 | 11 | 673 |
| 6 | Houston | 333 | 8 | $44.88 | $48.86 | 5,440 | 427,411 | 4 | 626 |
| 7 | Philadelphia | 269 | 9 | $37.49 | $53.49 | 3,390 | 18,457 | 4 | 515 |
Birmingham takes the crown as the UK’s most fashionable city outside of London, home to 105 shopping locations.
Birmingham takes the title of the UK’s most fashionable city outside of London. Not only is the city home to 105 shopping locations, they also host their own fashion shows throughout the year. Despite being a fashion hotspot, Birmingham offers some of the lowest prices at just £25.71 for a summer dress, and £57.35 for jeans.
Bristol comes in second, with this city being a leader in sustainable fashion. Bristol’s fashion scene is one of the most popular with an average of 5,340 searches per month, and 39,439 hashtag posts on Instagram.
New York is found to be the best place for fashion start-ups, with fashion merchandisers earning an average salary of $83,701.
New York’s robust economy is the key factor giving it the title of the best city for fashion start-ups. With a high GDP of 9.87 per 100 people, New York has ample opportunities for business growth and business owners can expect customers with a higher purchasing power. The high salaries for fashion designers and merchandisers solidify New York’s place in the top spot, particularly for fashion merchandisers who can expect to earn an average of $83,701 a year.
On the other hand, Chicago is the best place for a fashion designer to set up a shop, with an average salary of $94,099. The wide variety of shopping locations from upscale boutiques to eclectic shops mean that whatever your style as an emerging business owner, you’re sure to fit in.
Some helpful tips for starting your own fashion business include: finding your niche, selecting the right supplier, focusing on marketing, and keeping up to date with trends.
Expert reveals the power of fashion as a tool for self-expression.
Agnese Bite, Head of Design, Spokesperson at Printful adds: ““In a world where fashion trends seem to change with the seasons, it can be tempting to follow the latest styles in an attempt to stay relevant. You should never feel constrained by trends when it comes to choosing your style, you should instead focus on how your clothes can best represent you as a person. Whether this is drawing on creative inspiration from fashion hubs across the globe or making your own clothes to ensure uniqueness.
Another way to ensure your style is a true representation of yourself is by making your own clothes. This allows you to have complete control over the fabrics, colors, and designs you choose, resulting in a wardrobe that is entirely unique.”
