Hi,
 I'd like to import garments - mainly women's tops, pants, shawls -
from India, and sell it in the Northern California area. I want to
know the US customs tariffs or fees that would be charged. The
garments are made of various material - cotton, silk, synthetics.
Note that this is not for a big business, hence the shipment size
would be fairly small. I would sell occasionally at crafts fairs, flea
markets, etc.
What are some economical and convenient ways to transfer the goods
from the supplier to me? Do I need to use a customs broker?

The import duties on the items you mention vary from about 3% to 20% in general.

Each item would need to be classified, mainly in chapters 61 and 62 in
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to determine the exact import
duty rate.  For textiles and garments, the duty is based on what the
item is, what it's made of and if it is knitted or non-knitted
(woven.)

A Customhouse broker or someone with a valid U.S. Customhouse broker's
license may assist you and offer importing and duty advice.

Yes, if you import goods that exceed your personal exemption when
traveling, you may need a Customhouse broker, or if you import via a
courier company or freight forwarder, a Customhouse broker may be
required for most shipments.

It is easy to import - as the person mentioned go through a customs
broker. You must also comply with the labeling laws and your import
duty will be determined by the fabric you import. Each fabric has it's
own duty rate so do your reseach call up a broker and pick his or her
brain - you would also need a RN number. Most customs brokers will
charge around $100 - $150 as there importing fees no matter what the
invoice amount of your goods.

I was successful at importing after finding a supplier from New Delhi
- and now also desig, import, wholesale and retail my tunic types in
the US - i import them into NYC.

Contact me for more info, no problem.

http://www.chakranyc.com
email: info@chakranyc.com

thanks!