Who would have thought of Fresno, CA for fashionable clothing? The town is far more famous for agriculture and tractors than designer styles. However, Fresno is the biggest city in central California, so it stands to reason the town would have a few gems for clothing and wear.
Here are 10 of the best choices available in Fresno’s city limits and cover a broad spectrum of styles or interests.
1. Bella by Design
For ultra high-end wear to big weddings, ceremonial balls, special events, formals and proms, Bella by Design tends to be at the top of the short list for many folks in Fresno.
While it operates as a boutique versus a full-size store, Bella by Design has proven to be the ideal stop for anyone looking for a special gown or dress that stands out in the crowd from the start.
Their gown selection is so robust, just about anyone is going to find a special choice they like, including tailoring modifications made on site as well.
Price: $$$
Location: 335 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710
Contact: (559) 271 1362
2. The Cinderella Cellar
Technically, the store comes across at first as a bridal dress venue if judged based on its online presence and website, but Cinderella’s Cellar is in fact a broader formal wear store for women.
Carrying bridal dresses as well as informal gowns for fine wear, prom dresses, special event dresses, evening wear and more, Cinderella’s Cellar is a well-known local secret for finding a wide selection of dinner gowns as well as ideal special event dresses.
Price: $$$
Location: 393 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710
Contact: (559) 497 6644
3. David Bridal
Unlike mixed clothing stores, David Bridal is specifically geared just to wedding dresses and similar for bridesmaids, providing customers access to handmade dresses designed that are unique and hard to duplicate.
The dresses available are custom tailored and crafted for the customer, so there is very little in the way of a generic look. The customer goes through a full fitting and measurement, so the finished product is exactly a personal fit for the big day.
Price: $$$
Location: 455 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710
Contact: (559) 230 2748
4. The Foundry
A boutique clothing store named after an industrial manufacturing facility doesn’t spark unique and stylish clothing in anyone’s mind, but Fresno’s Foundry boutique clothing has scored repeat raves and reviews from shoppers of different ages and tastes for their product line.
Offering both casual clothing as well as gift items, customers consistently find surprises and buys they didn’t expect to walk out the door with. The store also gets lots of positives for its décor and look as well as layout.
Price: $$
Location: 601 Pollasky Ave Ste. 104, Clovis, CA 93612, United States
Contact: (559) 960-2538
5. Kordova
Definitely in very casual wear, Kordova provides both men and women shoppers shirts and accessories for relaxed fun and fashionably standing out. The store gets big raves for its helpful staff as well as lots of t-shirts with interesting graphics and specialized detailing.
The key difference versus other shirt stores is that Kordova’s products are locally made in Fresno versus shipped in from overseas factories and screenprinting mills. That gives Kordova a bit of a reputation as a destination store in Fresno and the Central Valley.
Price: $
Location: 1419 M St Ste 5B Fresno, CA 93721
Contact: (559) 481-8112
6. La Rouge
Definitely for the sweater, jeans and jacket styles, La Rouge caters to general women’s clothing and stylish fashion market. They also have an extended selection of women’s lingerie as well.
And, to round out the picture, La Rouge also provides a wide assortment of accessories and gifts, including chocolate covered strawberries. They carry swimwear and plenty of vintage style as well as regular t-shirts for women, and have been voted in the top Fresno boutique list repeatedly.
Price: $$
Location: 770 W Shaw Ave Ste 102 Fresno, CA 93704
Contact: (559) 226-1972
7. Malibu Fashions & CHIC II
When it comes to local businesses, it’s extremely rare these days to find one that’s been operating since the 1970s. And, to find one that can claim business title and operation back to before 1900 is probably exotic.
Malibu Fashions & Chic II is just that, originally named Normarts and today selling high end fashion and special event dresslines. Whether it’s a fancy ball, a night out on Vegas in style or a wedding, Malibu will have a unique dress choice ready to go.
They also carry a solid line of luxury handbags, furs and related accessories for matching styles.
Price: $$
Location: 3031 W Bullard Ave, Fresno, CA 93711
Contact: (559) 243 1001
8. 5.11 Tactical
A chain store available in multiple locations across California, Fresno has its own branch of 5.11 Tactical, and the local store carries all of its favorite products that customers like to get in threes and fours.
From field-ready clothing to bags, hats and shoes, 5.11 Tactical provides customers clothing that fits well in casual work wear but can handle rugged camping on the same day.
A favorite as a men’s clothing store, 5.11 has all the standard casual brands as well as operational wear too. And, yes, they carry all the 5.11 accessories and tools as well. No surprise, it’s a bit of a clothing toy store for some folks.
Price: $$
Location: 5133 N Gates Ave #101, Fresno, CA 93722, United States
Contact: (559) 277-5511
9. Ooh La La
Targeted to younger women, Ooh La La sells a wide assortment of casual women’s clothes, with a good amount of selection appropriate for warm weather and summer versus the cold.
Having been in operation in Fresno-Clovis since 2007, Ooh La La carries a local business spirit operated by owner-staff. The store has two sites in Fresno, and has been voted in the best boutique list for Fresno for at least four years.
The store is a particular favorite for high school and college age, focusing on the latest brand names and styles when possible.
Price: $
Location: 1305 N Willow Ave Ste 140 Clovis, CA 93619
Contact: (559) 297-7770
10. Patrick James
In the men’s formal genre, Patrick James gets high points for its offerings and selection of men’s suits, business casual wear and men-oriented gifts. The store provides both tailoring and fitting, as well as a wide assortment of suit jackets, shirts and matching slacks.
There is no question one will be able to find high quality choices for men’s clothing at this venue, but it will come with a higher than average price tag as well. That said, customers confirm they are able to find ideal gifts for men of all ages at the store and are quite happy with the service.
Price: $$$
Location: 780 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93704, United States
Contact: (559) 224-5500
11. Scepter and Sash
In the category of pre-owned, Fresno select luxury items see a second life at Scepter & Sash, with a large assortment of designer handbags and purses. They also have a notable selection of second-hand jewelry as well.
Many customers repeatedly note the high quality of the products offered, competitive pricing, and a very detailed selection available for the discerning types. While there are other used clothing stores, Scepter and Sash have definitely established themselves as a cut above the rest.
Price: $$$
Location: 1528 E Champlain Dr Ste 103 Fresno, CA 93720
Contact: (559) 434-4589
12. She She
Catering to the women’s clothing market, She She provides everyday clothing and sets, particularly for casual wear and related accessories. The store stocks a wide assortment of jean brands as well as plenty of blouses, dresses, shirts and shorts.
In fact, many customers are surprised by how much selection She She actually has, being just a boutique clothing store versus a larger venue. The staff always try to be helpful, and the pricing has been considered more than competitive by many reviewers.
Price: $$
Location: 8480 N Friant Rd Ste 107 Fresno, CA 93720
Contact: (559) 434-4114
Summary
So, next time you’re in Fresno, explore the place a bit. With the list above as well as what you see driving around, you will be surprised by what the Central Valley city away from the coast has to offer.
While Fresno will always be tied to its farming roots, the city has changed dramatically. And the difference is showing up in the variety of clothing stores it has to offer customers of all ages and tastes.
Jessica Oliver is a fashion enthusiast with more than ten years of experience in the industry. She previously managed her own clothing store in New York before becoming a mother of three. With a passion for sustainability and a desire to share clothing care and recycling tips.