Walk down 6th Avenue in Manhattan’s Garment District and you’ll see plenty of storefronts that feel like ghosts of a different era. But M&J Trimming is different. It’s loud. It’s crowded. Honestly, it’s a little overwhelming if you aren't prepared for the sheer volume of "stuff" packed into those aisles. Since 1936, this place has been the heartbeat of the DIY and high-fashion world, survived through the rise of fast fashion and the digital shift, and somehow managed to stay relevant. It’s not just a store; it’s a 5,000-square-foot archive of human creativity.
You've probably seen their work without knowing it. When a costume designer for a Broadway show needs 400 yards of specific gold metallic braid, they don't go to a big-box craft store. They go to M&J. When a DIY enthusiast wants to save a thrifted jacket by swapping out cheap plastic buttons for genuine Swarovski crystals, they end up here. The place has this weird, magical energy where a college student from FIT is standing right next to a head designer from a major luxury house, both of them obsessing over the exact shade of navy blue grosgrain ribbon.
The Secret History of M&J Trimming
The story actually starts with Samuel Cohen. He opened the shop during the Great Depression, which, if you think about it, is the ultimate time for a repair-and-embellish business to thrive. People couldn't afford new clothes, so they fixed the old ones. They added lace. They changed buttons.
Eventually, Samuel's son, Michael, took the reins. He’s the one who really pushed the "M" and "J" (Michael and Jane, his wife) brand into the stratosphere. They moved from a smaller spot to their current flagship at 1008 Sixth Avenue, and that move changed everything. It transformed from a local supply shop into a global destination. Now, the third generation—Samy Cohen—runs the show. He’s kept the old-school charm while making sure they don’t get left behind in the age of Amazon. It’s a delicate balance.
Maintaining a physical footprint in Midtown Manhattan isn't cheap. A lot of their neighbors folded years ago. M&J stayed because they realized that trim is tactile. You can’t truly judge the "hand" of a silk velvet ribbon on a 13-inch laptop screen. You have to touch it. You have to see how the light hits the sequins.
Why Quality Trim is the Only Way to Save Your Wardrobe
Most people think about trim as an afterthought. It’s just "the extra bit." But that’s a mistake. If you buy a $30 blazer from a fast-fashion giant, the first thing that gives it away as "cheap" is the hardware. The buttons are hollow plastic. The stitching is weak.
By spending twenty bucks at M&J Trimming on real horn buttons or a sturdy metal Riri zipper, you can basically "hack" your wardrobe. It’s the easiest way to make cheap clothes look expensive. Designers like Marc Jacobs or the late Alexander McQueen understood this—the detail is the design.
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Think about the Chanel jacket. What makes it iconic? It isn't just the tweed; it’s the braided trim that defines the edges. M&J carries thousands of variations of these braids. Some are made in Italy, others in France, and some are custom-made right here in the States.
The Swarovski Connection
One thing that really sets M&J apart is their relationship with Swarovski. They are one of the few authorized resellers that carry the full industrial catalog. If you’re looking for "hotfix" crystals for a dance costume or flat-back stones for nail art, this is the gold standard.
The variety is insane. You have:
- Pointed back stones for jewelry making.
- Sew-on stones with silver or gold settings.
- Crystal fabric that feels like shimmering sandpaper.
- Buttons made entirely of lead-free crystal.
It's not just about "bling." It’s about precision. Cheap glass rhinestones lose their foil backing or get cloudy after one wash. Swarovski doesn't. That’s why the pros don't mess around with knock-offs.
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If you walk into the 6th Avenue store without a plan, you will get lost. It’s organized, but it’s high-density. There are walls of ribbon that reach the ceiling.
First, look for the "Button Room." It’s basically a library of thousands of styles. You’ve got everything from vintage-style toggles to modern minimalist matte finishes. Don't be afraid to ask the staff for help. These guys have seen it all. They can look at a swatch of fabric and tell you exactly which weight of interfacing you need or which lace trim will drape correctly.
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Then there's the ribbon section. Velvet, satin, grosgrain, organza, jacquard—if it can be woven into a strip, they have it. Pro tip: if you’re doing a big project, check the yardage on the spool. Buying the whole "put-up" (the full roll) is usually way cheaper than buying it by the yard.
Beyond the Physical Store: The Digital Shift
Let’s be real: not everyone can get to 37th and 6th. For a long time, that was a problem. But the Cohen family invested heavily in their e-commerce platform. They managed to digitize a catalog that changes almost weekly.
This was huge for small business owners on Etsy or independent bridal designers in the Midwest. Suddenly, you had access to the same inventory as a Vera Wang or an Oscar de la Renta. The website is surprisingly easy to navigate, though nothing beats the "wall of color" in person.
The DIY movement on TikTok and Instagram really breathed new life into the brand, too. When "upcycling" became a trend, M&J was ready. They started stocking more patches, iron-ons, and "easy-to-use" embellishments that don't require a master's degree in tailoring.
Leather and Suede: The Rugged Side of Trim
It isn't all lace and glitter. A huge portion of their business is leather cords, suede fringes, and heavy-duty hardware. This is where the makers come in. If you're building a custom leather bag or repairing a vintage motorcycle jacket, you need industrial-grade supplies.
They stock:
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- Genuine leather piping for upholstery.
- Suede tassels for bag charms.
- Studs and spikes (the variety is actually a bit intimidating).
- Heavyweight cotton webbing for bag straps.
Practical Advice for Your First Order
If you're starting a project, do not guess your measurements. Always buy 10-15% more trim than you think you need. Why? Because corners happen. Fraying happens. Mistakes happen.
Also, consider the weight. If you put a heavy, beaded trim on a lightweight silk chiffon, the fabric is going to sag and eventually tear. You need to match the "hand" of the trim to the "hand" of the garment. M&J’s staff is usually pretty vocal if they think you’re making a technical error—listen to them. They’ve seen thousands of failed projects.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
We live in a world of mass production. Everything looks the same. M&J Trimming offers a way out of that cycle. It’s about the "slow fashion" movement. Taking something old and making it yours. Taking something new and making it unique.
The fact that a family-owned business has survived this long in the most competitive real estate market in the world is a testament to the human desire to create. People want to make things. They want to touch things. They want the perfect shade of "merlot" grosgrain, and they want to know that the person selling it to them knows the difference between polyester and silk.
When you support a place like M&J, you aren't just buying a button. You're keeping the Garment District alive. You’re supporting a legacy of craft that is slowly being digitized out of existence.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Project
- Audit your closet. Find one piece of clothing you love but never wear because it feels "plain." Maybe a cardigan or a denim jacket.
- Choose a focal point. Decide if you want to swap the buttons or add a trim along the collar or cuffs.
- Get your measurements. Use a flexible measuring tape to find the exact length of the edges you want to trim.
- Order samples if you’re unsure. If you're buying online, M&J often allows for small swatches or minimum yardage so you can check the color match in your own lighting.
- Invest in the right tools. Don't try to sew heavy trim with a standard needle. Buy a pack of "denim" or "heavy-duty" needles and some quality thread (Gütermann is the standard) while you're at it.
- Start small. If you've never used a needle and thread, start with a simple button swap. It’s the highest impact for the lowest effort.
Take your time. The beauty of trimming is in the process. Whether you're in the heart of NYC or ordering from a small town, you're part of a long tradition of making things better, one stitch at a time.