World NYC
187 Chrystie St., nr. Rivington St.; 212-677-4296
Favorites at this sublevel space include Double Goose’s puffy leather jackets from France, Kiks Tyo graphic tees from Japan, and slogan shirts from Italy’s Vanguard. It’s also the first spot in the U.S. to stock shirts from German designer Wemoto.
About Time
736A Franklin Ave., at Sterling Pl., Crown Heights, Brooklyn; 347-789-5513
This Crown Heights newcomer mixes hard-to-find international and local street brands, including the two Trinidad-born founders’ original Krow Hill line of T-shirts, polos, and button-ups. Also check out Japanese denim from U.K. brand Sugar Cane Jeans.
Union
176 Spring St., nr. Thompson St.; 212-226-8493
The collection here includes tees from Ransom in Canada and Perks and Mini (PAM) in Australia. But the main draw is the exclusive Japanese apparel, like cartoon-inspired shirts from Original Fake and military-inspired jackets from WTaps—Union is the only U.S. supplier of both brands.
Wealthy Hostage
1924 Church Ave., nr. Ocean Ave., Flatbush, Brooklyn; 718-856-3043
Known for its collection of sneakers and mainstay New York brands like Alfie, Crooks & Castles, and Hellz Bellz, this sprawling spot also stocks Japanese imports, like pullovers reading “El Presidente” from Swagger and plaid jackets by Revolver. Stop in later this summer for selvage jeans from Brit brand One True Saxon.
Global NYC
129 Grand St., nr. Crosby St.; 212-625-0200
This London-based outfitter set up a Soho outpost this spring, shipping over graphic T-shirts and hoodies from U.K. designers Currency and Ichiban. (A current top-selling tee reads “The pound is stronger than the dollar—Holla!”). Visit now to snag a limited-edition shirt from Paris brand Two Angle.
Reed Space
151 Orchard St., nr. Stanton St.; 212-253-0588
Reed Space buyers scout the Bread & Butter trade show in Barcelona for unusual international designers like Rockwell (the brainchild of Amsterdam-based artist Parra), Know1edge from Hong Kong, and the French line Sixpack, who are known for their Art Deco–inspired tees.