KD's Unique Apparel: Where to Find Locally Made Women's Clothing in Charleston

What KD's Unique Apparel Offers

KD's Unique Apparel is a Charleston-based women's clothing boutique specializing in locally designed and independently produced pieces. The shop carries a rotating selection of dresses, tops, jackets, and accessories made by regional makers and small labels, with an emphasis on quality fabrics and construction details you won't find in chain stores. Most inventory is limited-run or one-of-a-kind, which means the pieces change regularly and sizes don't always repeat.

The store sits in the heart of Charleston's shopping district and draws customers looking for something beyond mass-produced options. Staff can tell you which items are made by local designers and which come from small manufacturers across the Southeast. If you're building a wardrobe around pieces that have a story—and supporting the people who made them—this is the kind of place where that matters.

Key Takeaways

• KD's Unique Apparel stocks women's clothing from local and regional designers, with inventory that changes regularly because most pieces are limited-run.
• The boutique is located in downtown Charleston and carries dresses, tops, jackets, and accessories alongside shoes and jewelry.
• Prices reflect the quality and handwork involved in small-batch production, typically higher than chain retail but lower than high-end boutiques.
• Shopping here means you're buying directly from a local business owner and supporting the independent makers whose work fills the racks.

The Inventory and What to Expect

KD's doesn't operate like a traditional boutique with permanent collections. Instead, the owner curates pieces from makers she knows personally or discovers at trade shows and through industry connections. You might find a Charleston designer's hand-sewn linen dress one month and a North Carolina maker's structured blazer the next. This rotation means regular customers come back often to see what's new, and it also means if you love something, you should try it on and decide quickly—it may not be there next week.

Sizing tends to run small to medium, with most pieces in XS through L. The shop carries some plus-size options, though availability varies by designer. Staff can tell you which brands run large or small and can often special-order items from makers they work with regularly if you need a different size.

Price Range and What You're Paying For

Expect to spend between $60 and $250 for most pieces—dresses and jackets typically land in the $120 to $200 range, while tops and basics run $50 to $90. Prices are higher than Target or H&M because these items are made in smaller batches, often with better fabric and construction. A dress from a local maker might use natural fibers, hand-finished seams, or custom dyeing that a mass-produced equivalent simply doesn't include.

The boutique occasionally runs sales on previous-season inventory, usually in January and July. Email signup on their website will alert you to these events. Because pieces are limited-run, sale stock moves quickly and doesn't restock.

How to Shop and What to Bring

The store is small—roughly 1,200 square feet—so browsing is straightforward. Staff are knowledgeable about each maker and can explain construction details, fabric content, and care instructions. If you're shopping for a specific occasion or looking for something to pair with pieces you already own, telling staff what you're after helps them point you toward the right section.

Bring your measurements if you're between sizes or unsure about fit. Many pieces are designed to layer or can be tailored by local seamstresses the staff can recommend. The shop doesn't offer in-house alterations but maintains a list of trusted tailors in Charleston who work with boutique clothing.

Location, Hours, and Getting There

KD's Unique Apparel is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of other boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Street parking is available but often tight during weekends and tourist season; a paid lot sits one block over. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It's closed Mondays.

The storefront is accessible by wheelchair, and dressing rooms are spacious. If you're visiting from out of town and want to shop without time pressure, weekday mornings tend to be quieter than Saturday afternoons.

Why Local Makers Matter

Shopping at KD's means your money goes directly to a local business owner and, through her, to the independent designers and makers whose work fills the racks. Many of the makers represented are based in Charleston or nearby towns and often have their own studios or small production spaces you can visit. Some designers offer custom orders or made-to-measure services if you connect with them through the shop.

The boutique also hosts occasional trunk shows and designer meet-and-greets, usually announced on their social media. These events are a chance to meet the people behind the pieces and sometimes score first access to new collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or by phone?

KD's doesn't maintain a full online shop, but you can call or email with a description of what you're looking for, and staff can tell you what's currently in stock or take your information for new arrivals. Some pieces are posted on their Instagram account, which is updated regularly.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes. Gift cards are available in any amount and can be purchased in-store or by phone. They're useful for people who want to shop but aren't sure what size or style they prefer.

What's the return policy?

Most items can be returned or exchanged within 14 days with tags attached and a receipt. Because many pieces are one-of-a-kind or limited-run, exchanges may not be possible for the exact same item, but staff will work with you to find an alternative.

Do you carry men's or children's clothing?

KD's focuses exclusively on women's clothing and accessories. The owner occasionally carries pieces that work for anyone, but the shop is designed around women's sizing and styles.

Are the makers' pieces available anywhere else?

Some designers sell through other boutiques or online, but many work exclusively or primarily with KD's. If you fall in love with a maker's work, staff can often connect you directly or tell you where else to find them.