The Garment District:Building Midwest Fashion Infrastructure
Connecting Makers, Growers, and Manufacturers Across the Midwest
The Dayton Garment & Textile District connects the people who make fashion possible. From fiber growers and textile artisans to designers and manufacturers, we are building the Midwest’s production ecosystem, linking creativity, sustainability, and opportunity across Dayton, Cincinnati, and beyond.
The Dayton Garment & Textile District (DGTD) is more than a directory. It is a living, evolving infrastructure that unites the people who power fashion, from fiber growers and engineers to artisans, makers, and manufacturers. Together, we are building a resilient, interdisciplinary pipeline that connects every part of the supply chain from concept to consumer.
Our Mission
Through DGTD, (DE-FI) Global INC expands its mission to strengthen the regional fashion ecosystem by:
- Supporting independent designers with high-quality manufacturing services
- Providing affordable resources for scaling brands
- Offering opportunities to sell products through Cincinnati Threads and Dayton Threads
A Network That Lives Online and Offline
The DGTD operates as both a virtual and physical network of professionals across Ohio, the Midwest, and beyond. Through partnerships with artisans, fiber growers, scientists, engineers, and textile innovators, we provide real access to workspace, mentorship, and community in multiple cities.
This growing network connects the entire value chain from farm-based natural fibers to finished garments ensuring that innovation, production, and opportunity remain in our region.
Rooted in Workforce Development
The DGTD is part of (DE-FI)’s Workforce Development Educational Initiatives, which also include:
Farm to Fashion: Supporting regional farmers, natural fiber producers, and textile innovators to promote ethical and sustainable garment production.
STEM Atelier: Merging science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and fashion to prepare youth and college students for careers in material science, fashion innovation, and textile engineering.
We are intentionally creating a fashion infrastructure that connects farmers, engineers, and makers — positioning fashion as both art and economic engine.
Join the Directory
Our directory is not for everyone. It is for serious professionals, designers, sewists, fiber producers, textile artisans, and engineers who want to collaborate, innovate, and help (DE-FI)ne the future of the Midwest fashion industry.
This is not about followers or trends. It is about skill, quality, and impact. If you are ready to grow, contribute, and help shape a sustainable fashion ecosystem, register to join the Dayton Garment & Textile District today.
The DGTD is where the creative economy, craftsmanship, and innovation converge where the Midwest’s fashion industry grows from the ground up.
Click HERE to Apply to the Dayton Garment & Textile District
Fashion Week of Cincinnati...You're on Deck!
The inaugural Fashion Week of Cincinnati is here and we’re doing things differently. This isn’t a traditional runway-heavy fashion week. This is the foundational year that's taking a bold, unorthodox step toward amplifying Cincinnati’s incredible fashion talent and laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
We’re building bridges, elevating voices, and weaving together the fabric of the industry one designer, collaboration, and one moment at a time.
Invitation requests are now open. Space is limited, and this is where it all begins.
Be part of the foundation.