Fall wardrobe refresh? These fashion-forward boutiques ensure the city's gentlemen are always in style.
969 Valencia St., 415-525-4594 / Website
For San Francisco gents looking to upgrade their kicks, The Darkside Initiative is sneaker central. Boasting more than 21 years in the biz, the retailer is known for its wide variety of footwear from classic designers—think Oakley and Nike—to Japanese street labels like NEIGHBORHOOD and WTAPS (the boutique is an exclusive distributor for these brands). Alongside the coveted shoe collection, shoppers can browse a selection of men’s clothing and quirky extras like incense, lip balm, thermoses and hand cream.
569 Valencia St., 415-558-0658 / Website
This denim haven houses high-quality menswear carefully curated by husband-and-wife team Kiya and Demitra Babzani, as well as an in-house jewelry line, T-shirts, hoodies and more. Shop brands like Iron Heart, Samurai and 3sixteen, all handpicked for their unique stories and dedication to the craft. Pro tip: Self Edge has sole exclusivity for the majority of its designers, so stop by for unique brands not available anywhere else.
Multiple locations / Website
Sometimes, it’s best to stick with the classics. The Italian fashion house known for its opulent, timeless aesthetic is quite often a stylish gent’s tried-and-true for everything from everyday apparel to black-tie events. The label’s latest Dark Side collection makes a statement with plenty of dramatic flair. Our fave pieces are the bandana-print hoodie, faux fur sliders and skinny stretch jeans with studs.
Browse shelves of luxury offerings at Self Edge.
375 Sutter St., 415-986-4380 / Website
Wilkes Bashford, a veritable fashion icon consistently found on Esquire’s international Best Dressed List, founded his eponymous brand in 1966. In fact, Bashford is credited as the first retailer to bring top Italian designers such as Giorgio Armani to the U.S. The brand has since merged with Mitchell Stores, but dapper dressers can still shop luxury cardigans, high-top sneakers, neckties, polos, chinos, denim and more.
2351 Market St., 415-431-4545 / Website
ROLO has been bringing the latest fashion trends to the forefront of the men’s market since 1986. Focusing on up-and-coming international brands alongside new American designers, expect stylish pieces from Fred Perry, Nudie Jeans Co. and 7Diamonds, as well as the store’s own line of T-shirts, jackets, hoodies and accessories. R by ROLO (2267 Market St.) is an offshoot of the brand, featuring even more exclusive names.
Tailored suits are always in style.
Multiple locations / Website
High-end styles and sustainability come together at Taylor Stitch, a brand that aims to create pieces to last a lifetime. Shoppers will find ample looks perfect for the fall season among the shop’s vast selection of earth-toned shirts, cool denim and fashion-forward outerwear and footwear. The brand strives to use recycled and regenerative fibers whenever possible so clients can look great and feel good about the ensemble, too.
Dressing rooms fit for a king
624 Divisadero St., 415-801-5862 / Website
Founded in 2011, this lifestyle apparel brand is for the young, seasoned professional seeking hip, quality clothing. Sporting a mix of local (Culk, SF Mercantile) and nonlocal brands (Outerknown, Katin, Animal Instincts), each product is carefully curated to celebrate craftsmanship and high design. Clothing offerings include hoodies, knit T-shirts and outerwear, while beanies, colorful socks and trendy backpacks complete the look.
Still can't find what you're looking for? Need more retail therapy? Shop around at San Francisco's best vintage boutiques, or check our guide to finding the best store for your personal style aesthetic.
Photography by: NORDWOOD THEMES/UNSPLASH; DANI PONCE; JUDEUS SAMSON/UNSPLASH
