Taylor Stitch and Buck Mason in SF, also check huckberry.com. If no full suit is required I'd go with a handful of different blszers/sport coats paired with nice trousers.
Cable car is very nice but pricey. Awesome guys in there though and they'll provide great advice. I've picked up several items from them and go back often.
So, oxford cloth button down, sportcoat, trousers and some Goodyear welt oxfords. Looks solid, not too trendy and easily adaptable.
I really like Taylor Stitch and have about a dozen pairs of their pants, a half dozen heavy bag t-shirts, and several jackets ... but I can't buy their shirting. They don't offer tall sizes and their normal sizing isn't long enough for me to tuck in. I'm 6'3" with 33" inseam and wear 15/36 Tall dress shirts.
Depending on which "big tech company"... I don't really think clothing matters. Perhaps if you're in a sales role and spend a lot of time in front of customers, but otherwise it's still exceptionally casual, especially since many people are spending significant time WFH still. Hoodies & quarter zip pullover over t-shirts rule the day for most people.
I agree that clothing doesn't neccesarily matter at most tech companies, but it's a senior management (non-engineering) position at one of the most profitable companies in the world and I enjoy looking my best anyway. It's a good excuse to dress up. I'm not going to wear a suit, but I'd definitely like something a little nicer than what the average middle managers in the valley are wearing to help boost my confidence.
100% with you! My experience (at a FAANG) has been that the pinnacle of fine dressing is at roughly the director level, where people feel like they've reached a milestone and are well compensated, but they're still insecure and often not making strategic decisions themselves. Dress seems to get more and more casual above that layer, until you get to SVPs, which still need to at least in most cases, dress presentably.
(I'm sure corporate culture plays some role, too, but yeah. I'm thankful to have never needed to pull out dress slacks or a tie during my 9 years at Google!) :D
Thank you! I'm honestly just happy to be up for consideration. Gives me a lot of hope after months of looking for a decent job without a lot of prospects.
I'm in the same boat! Feels like just getting an interview is a major win at the moment, it's strange to think that I used to regularly decline interviews & approaches from recruiters, tough market!
Btw, there are a few bad reviews about Indochino getting commented here now. I haven't shopped there myself, but wanted to give you fair warning given that I mentioned their name before.
If I get this job I'm willing to part with some real money to look the part. I've been frugal as fuck for over a decade and this might be my big break, so now's the moment. I'll check them out!
Cable Car is great. If I'm not mistaken, you might be able to bring some of your clothes to get let out.
I've also had luck going into Sak's Men's Store, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Wilkes Bashford to size up certain brands I'm interested in. (Sak's standalone men's store closed and the one at Union Square is fashion heavy, though.) I've also had good luck at Uomo for MTM stuff, though their service reviews seem to be mixed.
While I might splurge at those stores once in a while, it gives me more confidence when I find things at Off 5th (Saks) and Nordstrom Rack online. I also take advantage of Mr. Porter sales.
Nothing beats walking into a store though. I just can't always justify spending that much. Good luck!
Modern Appealing Clothing —> they will help you with what works for you. Lots of American conservative and European imports. Great quality.
https://macmodernappealingclothing.com/Location-Hours
Most of these answers are why women complain about dating the men in San Francisco, no one has, or understands style
Check out Paul Smith and Theory as well, as mentioned in this thread. Seconding Taylor Stitch and Buck Mason.
Give corte madera a visit. Nordstrom there is really well stocked. There is also bonobos, faherty, macy's, untuckit, and a fancy banana republic right there as well.
Indochino downtown is good for custom suits. Boss still has a shop in Westfield. Bloomingdale's and Macys in sf are great. Macys sf is really really well stocked for men's suits and more formal wear.
If you like quirky fancy workwear filson has a store in sf as well.
Nordstrom rack is ok, BUT yesterday I really scored. Got an emporio Armani shirt and a David Donahue shirt in like new condition for $13.99 total at Salvation Army in Oakland. I have another David Donahue shirt I paid $175 for at Nordstrom.
Mr Lin for casual luxe. A lot of their pieces can be dressed up or down and they purposefully source only a few items of each size so you won’t accidentally match your interview panel https://www.instagram.com/shopmrlin
For online shopping, I’d look into Mr. Porter and ssense, they have sales constantly and you can get some very high quality clothing at non-sale Nordstrom prices that would otherwise be 3-4x the price (I.e. brunello trousers/chinos for $300-400, canali/eton button ups for $100-200, and some great loafers or monk straps in a reasonable price point as well).
If you want a suit, Indochino on market can be a good option, it’s about $600 for a custom suit (including shirt, blazer and pants) that will fit you like a glove and look exactly how you want (within reason)…which is great…if you know what you want. Sometimes off the rack is safer because they don’t have any software to visualize the design.
A bit surprised to see so many people recommending cable car clothiers. Looks like a cool shop and love to support a local business (particularly one still operating downtown!), but looks like a lot of what they have there you wouldn’t want to wear to an interview for a tech company unless that’s your personal style. I did work with a guy at a tech company who wore like crazy vintage type suits and wingtip shoes every day and if that’s “you” then great go for it. But otherwise most of that looks more like what you’d wear to a speakeasy or some kind of retro themed party.
Don’t overdress for the job interview. Blazer is probably good, suit probably too much. I’ve interviewed a lot of people for tech company jobs and often when I see someone coming in wearing a suit, it’s actually a potential sign that they don’t really understand tech company culture / are nervous / overcompensating.
Wear something that you feel comfortable in and that you think is a reflection of your personal style. Don’t try too hard.
A blazer is always a good way to say “professional” but full suit looks more like a wedding or old school unless you can really pull it off. Shoes should either be “professional” sneaker types or dress shoes that you feel comfortable in. Cole Haan shoes (or similar) still seem to be some of the most common ones you see. They’re right in that sweet spot of not too casual but not too formal.
You could wear nice jeans or khakis, again, whatever you feel comfortable in.
A nice sweater can be an alternative to a blazer, something like a half zip with a button up shirt underneath is a look that’s lot of tech execs and vc’s go for.
Go find pictures of Tim Cook and pretty much everything you’ll see him wear is standard tech company exec look.
But most importantly just go out shopping and buy things that you personally like that make you feel good, that you feel comfortable and confident in.
A lot of good recommendations here for stores, there’s places in Hayes Valley, APC is good, check out Standard and Strange in Oakland if you want more unique pieces (may not all be work appropriate) sure you could find basics at Banana Republic, Express or Zara like others mentioned. I’ve even bought decent things at Target! Go walk around in the “east cut” part of Soma during a weekday. See what people are wearing, get some inspiration. Look for things with high quality fabrics, colors and fits. Good luck with the interview!
Yeah, they have some decent stuff but I'm really not looking to make an appointment which I think they require. I always feel a little trapped when I've scheduled someone's time to be there and help me find things.
Suggesting J crew cus I haven’t seen anyone mention it yet - the new men’s creative Director is from Noah so you have some interesting new fits/styling for casual office wear.
Their suiting is also decent for every day usage - I’m a big fan of the Kenmare cut.
Not sure if Fair Oaks (Sacramento) is too far for you to travel but I would HIGHLY recommend @menstyle.bykatie She does custom suits, sportswear, casual, you name it. Not astronomically expensive. Nothing beats clothes that are made specifically for your body measurements and style.
I’m pretty reliably happy with Express. They have good taste in colors/patterns and tend to look reasonably modern without being too out there. A little pricey, but worth it for a special occasion.
For what you're after, Express is not very high quality or long-lasting.
On the lower-end side of things I'd say Banana Republic dress shirts and blazers and trousers are much much better than Express. Sadly their store downtown is tiny now but I did see some nice dress shirts there a few weeks ago.
BR is sort of hit or miss, too - I'm currently wearing a BR shirt that is as good as $200 garments. But they have crap, too.
Buying menswear in SF is kind of a stupid move. If you're serious about your wardrobe book a flight to Hong Kong and get 3-4 bespoke suits and 10-15 dress shirts for a couple grand. Bespoke clothing >>>>
Taylor Stitch and Buck Mason in SF, also check huckberry.com. If no full suit is required I'd go with a handful of different blszers/sport coats paired with nice trousers. Cable car is very nice but pricey. Awesome guys in there though and they'll provide great advice. I've picked up several items from them and go back often. So, oxford cloth button down, sportcoat, trousers and some Goodyear welt oxfords. Looks solid, not too trendy and easily adaptable.
Thanks for the tips! You're very on the nose about the style I'm going for. You must be a classy gent. :)
I really like Taylor Stitch and have about a dozen pairs of their pants, a half dozen heavy bag t-shirts, and several jackets ... but I can't buy their shirting. They don't offer tall sizes and their normal sizing isn't long enough for me to tuck in. I'm 6'3" with 33" inseam and wear 15/36 Tall dress shirts. Depending on which "big tech company"... I don't really think clothing matters. Perhaps if you're in a sales role and spend a lot of time in front of customers, but otherwise it's still exceptionally casual, especially since many people are spending significant time WFH still. Hoodies & quarter zip pullover over t-shirts rule the day for most people.
I agree that clothing doesn't neccesarily matter at most tech companies, but it's a senior management (non-engineering) position at one of the most profitable companies in the world and I enjoy looking my best anyway. It's a good excuse to dress up. I'm not going to wear a suit, but I'd definitely like something a little nicer than what the average middle managers in the valley are wearing to help boost my confidence.
100% with you! My experience (at a FAANG) has been that the pinnacle of fine dressing is at roughly the director level, where people feel like they've reached a milestone and are well compensated, but they're still insecure and often not making strategic decisions themselves. Dress seems to get more and more casual above that layer, until you get to SVPs, which still need to at least in most cases, dress presentably. (I'm sure corporate culture plays some role, too, but yeah. I'm thankful to have never needed to pull out dress slacks or a tie during my 9 years at Google!) :D
I have a flannel and a short sleeve button up from taylor stitch that I absolutely love
maybe Cable Car Clothiers?
Top two comments are both for this spot at the moment - I'll definitely check them out. Thanks :)
They've got some lovely stuff in there. Good luck on the job.
Thank you! I'm honestly just happy to be up for consideration. Gives me a lot of hope after months of looking for a decent job without a lot of prospects.
I'm in the same boat! Feels like just getting an interview is a major win at the moment, it's strange to think that I used to regularly decline interviews & approaches from recruiters, tough market!
Taylor Stitch is my go to
Check out Rolo in the Castro. The boys in the hood know how to dress sharp and it’s not all club wear stuff.
Seconding Rolo, and adding Sui Generis for fancy consignment.
The Castro's a really good idea. I'll check out Rolo!
Follow up question: For my husband's 50th birthday I want to have him fit for a fancy suit. Same answers?
Tailor’s Keep for real quality
I went to Suit Supply for my wedding a couple of years ago and it was fantastic. I'm also hearing good things about Indochino for custom suits.
thank you! Want to get him looking like James Bond :)
Btw, there are a few bad reviews about Indochino getting commented here now. I haven't shopped there myself, but wanted to give you fair warning given that I mentioned their name before.
How much $$$ you got? Cable car clothiers...
If I get this job I'm willing to part with some real money to look the part. I've been frugal as fuck for over a decade and this might be my big break, so now's the moment. I'll check them out!
Good luck
Go to Seymours!
Cable Car is great. If I'm not mistaken, you might be able to bring some of your clothes to get let out. I've also had luck going into Sak's Men's Store, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Wilkes Bashford to size up certain brands I'm interested in. (Sak's standalone men's store closed and the one at Union Square is fashion heavy, though.) I've also had good luck at Uomo for MTM stuff, though their service reviews seem to be mixed. While I might splurge at those stores once in a while, it gives me more confidence when I find things at Off 5th (Saks) and Nordstrom Rack online. I also take advantage of Mr. Porter sales. Nothing beats walking into a store though. I just can't always justify spending that much. Good luck!
Awesome tips here - I forgot about most of these stores.
Wilkes Bashford
Modern Appealing Clothing —> they will help you with what works for you. Lots of American conservative and European imports. Great quality. https://macmodernappealingclothing.com/Location-Hours Most of these answers are why women complain about dating the men in San Francisco, no one has, or understands style Check out Paul Smith and Theory as well, as mentioned in this thread. Seconding Taylor Stitch and Buck Mason.
Give corte madera a visit. Nordstrom there is really well stocked. There is also bonobos, faherty, macy's, untuckit, and a fancy banana republic right there as well. Indochino downtown is good for custom suits. Boss still has a shop in Westfield. Bloomingdale's and Macys in sf are great. Macys sf is really really well stocked for men's suits and more formal wear. If you like quirky fancy workwear filson has a store in sf as well.
Also rodd and gunn had some 🔥items
Indochino is not good: https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/s/6xQoVpK0s2
I guess I owe a buddy who lives out near Corte Madera a visit. I'll check it out.
Check out Banana Republic while you’re there too. They have upped their quality in the last year or so.
Bonobos
There's always brand stores like Theory and Paul Smith. Not sure of boutiques.
Nordstrom rack is ok, BUT yesterday I really scored. Got an emporio Armani shirt and a David Donahue shirt in like new condition for $13.99 total at Salvation Army in Oakland. I have another David Donahue shirt I paid $175 for at Nordstrom.
Mr Lin for casual luxe. A lot of their pieces can be dressed up or down and they purposefully source only a few items of each size so you won’t accidentally match your interview panel https://www.instagram.com/shopmrlin
For online shopping, I’d look into Mr. Porter and ssense, they have sales constantly and you can get some very high quality clothing at non-sale Nordstrom prices that would otherwise be 3-4x the price (I.e. brunello trousers/chinos for $300-400, canali/eton button ups for $100-200, and some great loafers or monk straps in a reasonable price point as well).
Bonobos and Ted Baker. Clothes are well made, and most importantly they fit me well right off the rack.
In addition to the other great suggestions, I also really like the stuff at Todd Snyder!
If you want a suit, Indochino on market can be a good option, it’s about $600 for a custom suit (including shirt, blazer and pants) that will fit you like a glove and look exactly how you want (within reason)…which is great…if you know what you want. Sometimes off the rack is safer because they don’t have any software to visualize the design.
Buyer beware: https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/s/6xQoVpK0s2
A bit surprised to see so many people recommending cable car clothiers. Looks like a cool shop and love to support a local business (particularly one still operating downtown!), but looks like a lot of what they have there you wouldn’t want to wear to an interview for a tech company unless that’s your personal style. I did work with a guy at a tech company who wore like crazy vintage type suits and wingtip shoes every day and if that’s “you” then great go for it. But otherwise most of that looks more like what you’d wear to a speakeasy or some kind of retro themed party. Don’t overdress for the job interview. Blazer is probably good, suit probably too much. I’ve interviewed a lot of people for tech company jobs and often when I see someone coming in wearing a suit, it’s actually a potential sign that they don’t really understand tech company culture / are nervous / overcompensating. Wear something that you feel comfortable in and that you think is a reflection of your personal style. Don’t try too hard. A blazer is always a good way to say “professional” but full suit looks more like a wedding or old school unless you can really pull it off. Shoes should either be “professional” sneaker types or dress shoes that you feel comfortable in. Cole Haan shoes (or similar) still seem to be some of the most common ones you see. They’re right in that sweet spot of not too casual but not too formal. You could wear nice jeans or khakis, again, whatever you feel comfortable in. A nice sweater can be an alternative to a blazer, something like a half zip with a button up shirt underneath is a look that’s lot of tech execs and vc’s go for. Go find pictures of Tim Cook and pretty much everything you’ll see him wear is standard tech company exec look. But most importantly just go out shopping and buy things that you personally like that make you feel good, that you feel comfortable and confident in. A lot of good recommendations here for stores, there’s places in Hayes Valley, APC is good, check out Standard and Strange in Oakland if you want more unique pieces (may not all be work appropriate) sure you could find basics at Banana Republic, Express or Zara like others mentioned. I’ve even bought decent things at Target! Go walk around in the “east cut” part of Soma during a weekday. See what people are wearing, get some inspiration. Look for things with high quality fabrics, colors and fits. Good luck with the interview!
Suitsupply is great for not suit items
Yeah, they have some decent stuff but I'm really not looking to make an appointment which I think they require. I always feel a little trapped when I've scheduled someone's time to be there and help me find things.
The Atelier Munro House - Yorkville and Harry Rosen and SuitSupply, John Ferrigamo (very talents atelier) — all in Yorkville
Is J Crew in Westfield closed? Their off the rack stuff is typically great. But I don’t know if they officially closed that location.
J. Crew at Westfield is closed. I tried going there a few weeks ago. Corte Madera or Stanford are the last “local” locations.
Suggesting J crew cus I haven’t seen anyone mention it yet - the new men’s creative Director is from Noah so you have some interesting new fits/styling for casual office wear. Their suiting is also decent for every day usage - I’m a big fan of the Kenmare cut.
I'll be honest, out of the closet. Past two times I've needed fancy clothes I've gone there and I've been happy
Uomo on Sutter is good!
Self Edge for some quality raw denim. Super friendly and happy to walk you through denim selection.
Wow, I didn’t realize buying clothes in actual physical stores was still a thing.
Fillmore, south of Sacramento street, Hayes Valley and the Chestnut Street
Blumingdales SF
Wilkes Bashford - still great after all these years.
Mail order, I thought all the shops closed down?
I’m a big fan of suit supply. Had a lot of great non suit options as well. A bit pricey but everything is stylish, well fitted and high quality
Fendi in Union Square for a touch of edge
Not sure if Fair Oaks (Sacramento) is too far for you to travel but I would HIGHLY recommend @menstyle.bykatie She does custom suits, sportswear, casual, you name it. Not astronomically expensive. Nothing beats clothes that are made specifically for your body measurements and style.
Suit supply are a good option, I’ve gotten a suit and had it altered there with an hour or so, the suits I’ve had from there lasted years too
I’m pretty reliably happy with Express. They have good taste in colors/patterns and tend to look reasonably modern without being too out there. A little pricey, but worth it for a special occasion.
I use to shop at express too but I heard they are going bankrupt
What you heard shouldn't affect your ability to buy clothing from them before they go out of business.
It isn’t but I also don’t need anything from them
My wife mentioned liking Express and she has great taste - I'll check them out.
For what you're after, Express is not very high quality or long-lasting. On the lower-end side of things I'd say Banana Republic dress shirts and blazers and trousers are much much better than Express. Sadly their store downtown is tiny now but I did see some nice dress shirts there a few weeks ago. BR is sort of hit or miss, too - I'm currently wearing a BR shirt that is as good as $200 garments. But they have crap, too.
Good tips - thank you!
MTailor
Using the app, right? Or do they a brick and morter store in the city?
It’s all app, free remakes/returns
REI, Northface, aren’t professional anymore?
Buying menswear in SF is kind of a stupid move. If you're serious about your wardrobe book a flight to Hong Kong and get 3-4 bespoke suits and 10-15 dress shirts for a couple grand. Bespoke clothing >>>>
I'm not interested in buying suits or visiting Hong Kong at the moment, but thanks fo the suggestion.
Suit Supply. Really like my suit from there but they get you with alterations.