one of the coolest places in sf for fashion! if you're into avant garde, super rare designer clothing (in grey/black) this is your home. you'll find sunglasses from the future. shoes that last you a lifetime. jackets that make you leaner, taller & better smelling i was road tripping through california, and not prepared for two feet of snow. brrrrrrrrrrrr, i got a isabel benenato wool sweater for 60% off. it's instantly my favorite sweater. & i hate sweaters... it saved my trip! arthur has owned this place for 20 years, and is currently the only employee!!! he goes to paris fashion week every year to find the coolest designers & rarest pieces. designers include: boris bijan saberi, daniele basta, devoa, guidi, incarnation, isaac sellam, thom krom, etc check out this museum of glory!!! read more

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There's no other place to go for avant-garde clothing in SF besides The Archive, and fortunately, the owner Arthur offers exceptional knowledge and customer service. Stop by and take a look! read more

The Archive has an impressive selection of dark avant garde clothing you won't find anywhere else in the Bay Area. I wanted to buy almost everything in the store! Arthur also provides fantastic service; I'm a newcomer to this style of fashion but he was very friendly and welcoming as I got my first few pieces. I'll definitely be back for more! read more

Men's fashion leaders, David Becker and Arthur Louie have assembled a fantastic men's apparel boutique here. There is a reason for investing in quality men's clothing vs. picking up something from the Gap or Old Navy. Here are some: superior fit, quality fabrics, artisan workmanship, keen style, personalized service, pleasant shopping experience. the Archive personifies all of the above. and you don't have to be a metrosexual to shop here! read more

The Archive - Men's Clothing Near Me - San Francisco, California

G-star we have to talk. Now I know we've been together for a couple years, but I'm starting to think this isn't working out. At first we were so great, we'd go out to the bars, hit the clubs, people would always be curious about us. But now, well...there is no easy way to say this but, you've really let yourself go. No please stop crying, there is nothing more to say really, well except... I'm seeing someone else, actually a few others. Yes that does make this all the more awkward, I should have told you earlier...I'm sorry. Do the names really matter? I mean it's not going to make this any better. Fine, FINE I will tell you... Transit, L.G.B., and Nice Collective to name a few. Yes they are more "expensive", but they are always ready to go out which is more than I can say about you lately. So I've said my piece and I bid you adieu, it's the end of a memorable chapter in our lives. We will always have those good times, remember '04 and '05? But that is in my past now, I must follow my heart and leave you for my new fashion friends. Ciao. PS I've already been back, Arthur and David you guys are great! read more

"Working out is modern couture. No outfit is going to make you look or feel as good as having a fit body. Buy less clothing and go to the gym instead."--Rick Owens The Archive makes me want to pump iron, and I don't even like the idea of lifting weights. I have very little occasion to dress up in the clothes they sell here, but it's a fun place to try things on. They stock a good number of items in small sizes, too. read more

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Having lived in the East Bay for a long time, The Archive was always sort of a golden oasis; a shining exemplar of discretion and simplicity in a city so consumed by consumerism that good stores are often left on the wayside in favor of something bigger, something brighter, and something (usually) of much more marginal quality. But now that I live in the city, I truly understand how ridiculously lucky San Francisco is to have a place like this. If you don't like spending money on your clothes (and I'm not talking about inflated prices like what you'll find at Abercrombie or Reiss), then you should take any super positive review with a grain of salt. Unlike restaurants or nightclubs, it's much harder to set an objective standard for cost-to-value for what you wear. The people who come here and the people who work here don't necessarily want to buy expensive clothing; it's just that they've come to realize that the clothing that they want can only be made by certain people and can only be purchased at certain price points. David and Arthur are, by far, two of the most knowledgeable people about fashion in the entire Bay Area. Between the two of them, they know enough about history, construction, and just plain old taste that if people gave them a chance, they could probably save all of the city from its grunge-y, self-destructive habits. People who complain about the service here just don't understand that the usual clientele don't require someone fawning over them every single second. If you want to see how good the folks at The Archive can treat you, try engaging them in a genuine conversation about clothing: how things fit, how things are fabricated, who makes them, what fabrics are used, where are they sourced? Unlike pushy sales people are other stores, they actually know and love every single one of their products and are more concerned with you getting what you want than them getting a sale. I felt compelled to write a review since their recent buys have been absolutely stellar: the first pieces from Rick Owens, Label Under Construction, Devoa, Nice Collective, and N. Hoolywood have just arrived. If you're in the market for a suit, I would heartily recommend trying on the N. Hoolywood tropical-weight wool, two-button suit. The incredible eye for detail that these guys have shows in that selection alone. Men of San Francisco, I beg you to come and to tap into your true fashion potential. read more

HAIKU REVIEW: Apocalyptic Ash white, sullen black, soot grey: Hues of best-dressed man. The Viridi-Anne, Label Under Construction, Werkstatt Munchen (fave!) Rare designers from Norway and Los Angeles, Germany, Japan. If you're goth-and-roll, If you deserve a runway, Find your treasures here. Sharp sartorial. Hipsters beware: you'll need coin. Hit their killer sales. read more

Yes, this place is a little pricey, but you are paying for a piece of art. Next time you are looking at Helmut Lang, Prada, or Hugo Boss, check the tag and see where it is from. 90% of it is made in China, Mexico, or Vietnam. You are paying for a label name.....not quality. Now take that same $$$ and head to The Archive. Their labels aren't just clothes makers, they are artisans. Most pieces are made in Japan, Italy, and the USA. Disregard the negative reviews....if they were a connoisseur of clothing, then they would realize that The Archive is doing a service for San Francisco. They are the only place that carries my beloved Attachment, Julius, and V::Room. When you are ready to move beyond Varvatos, Helmut Lang, Burberry, etc, then step it up at The Archive. Arthur and David are good guys. Arthur is always patient with me because I will try to negotiate a better price (I work in sales and my work traits carry over to day to day stuff). Sometimes Arthur works with me...sometimes not, but all in all, he is fair. To the people who complain about $200 T-shirts and the high prices.....OK, sure, you have every right to think that $200 is too much, but don't rate them low stars because of that. I love going into the Lamborghini Dealership and admire the lines of the cars, but I'm not going to give the dealership 1-star because the car's price starts at $275,000. The car is handmade using the top of line materials which is why it is 10x pricier than my car. Just like that $200 t-shirt was designed by a master and crafted by artisans using the best materials. I agree that may be pricey, but if that is the case, don't buy it. It's not your thing...more power to you. Shove out and I will come in and buy it.....hopefully for $140 though. read more

You are not going to find clothing and accessories like this anywhere else in San Francisco, or at least it'll be a challenge. Every item they carry has a modern elegance to it, there's a little bit of Paris, Tokyo and Antwerp all rolled into one. The Archive is about brands like Bagutta, Costume National, Masatomo, all hand selected with some serious fashion TLC by the three owners (I met Arthur last night, a gracious host in his own right). Discriminating and smart customers take note: sign up for their mailing list to be kept up on sales and when new inventory arrives. read more

There is no such thing as a 3-star rating for the Archive. It will either be 1 or 5. You either love the curated selection or you hate it. Either way you still have to appreciate the buying staff's vision. Even if the avant garde selection is not for you, this is the type of smaller sole proprietor business you root for and want to support. The pieces in here are artisanal, unique, stark, and minimalist. Yes the prices are VERY high but you do not walk in here looking to buy stuff that is widely available at major department stores. There is no other way to describe the clothes here other than to say that it is the anti-Brooks Brothers for guys who still want to appear well-dressed. Some of the stuff is probably not appropriate for work, especially if you are employed in a more "corporate" or client-facing setting, but I can see it working for environments that have a more creatively oriented staff. The guys who run the store are very friendly and knowledgeable about the designers on offer. I have only seen one other store in the US that had a similarly curated selection (in NYC) so kudos to the guys for putting this together. I look forward to going back. read more

One of the few boutiques in SF that has near-perfect taste in men's clothing and accessories. While this is a very subjective statement, one walk through the store and it would be hard to disagree. Such difficult to find lines as Ann Demeulemeester, J-Brand and Ring jeans are well represented. The buyers have refined taste and it shows. Europe, Japan and the US are well represented. I prefer this store to the top floor of Saks Mens store. The color pallette is very SF, that is the colors are muted and are usually dark (or white). The styles reflect an urban lifestyle and fall more to the classic than the trendy. Coats are beautiful. Jeans are unique. The shoe selection is small but well chosen and the jewelry is fun/cool. The selection is varied and I never leave without something in my bag...especially when they have an end of year sale with up to 65% off most of the store. Get on their mailing list to be sure you get notified of the sales. read more

Sexiest. Mens. Clothing. Ever. Warning: Axe and Tag body sprays got nothin' on the clothes in this store, boys be careful around sexy women while wearing selected items....consider wearing a helmet just in case....maybe cup too ;) read more

If you see a guy around town wearing the hottest coat ever say hi. It's me. read more

Bought few Devoa, Guidi there... Great selection, great service, definitely a must go place if you are into this style

The only store in San Francisco that carries my color palette - black, white and gray...and all the colors in between! Definitely a must for fashionable guys with an edge! If you want to look good without looking like everybody else then this is the store for you. Just make sure that you brought your sugar daddy's black amex card!!! UPDATE: Finally, I bought something from this store. The owners are super cool. They're very helpful and not pushy unlike the people at Nida!!! I got a super cool Neil Barrett assymetrical zip-up buffalo leather jacket which I love for like the third of its original price!!! And my friends got a couple of items as well! Love this place! Definitely one of my favorite men's store in the city! Trust me guys...The Archive is one of the two stores (the other one is Barneys of course) that I go to when I'm depressed. And yes it certainly works its wonders because I always end up spending way too much money...We all need something beautiful to feel better when depressed. Now I know where to blow my entire severance when I get it...Yes I need that Rick Owens leather jacket and that Julius messenger bag in my life!! I totally love this store and its owners. It took me several visits until I bought my very first item here but have never been mistreated at any occasion. Everytime I go here the owners always welcome me with their warm smile! Even if I'm broke I will forever go to this store for inspiration. I wish more stores are like the Archive...not like the crappy service they provide at Marc Jacobs on Maiden Lane. read more

Simply *THE* best men's-only clothing store I've ever been to. First of all, David (if I'm not mistaken - the caucasian guy) was THE best salesperson I've ever dealt with. Knowledgeable, soft-spoken, convincing, never pushy - man, I wish he was my salesperson for everything I ever had to buy. I would've gone broke long ago though. Their semi-annual end-of-season sale around New Year's made lots of things actually somewhat affordable (full price in this store is out of consideration for most people..), and the quality, style and uniqueness of items, mostly Italian and Japanese designers, is simply unmatched. Never thought I'd be so "sold" on a small men's boutique, but after buying just a couple of things there I can't help but notice how I like myself more out on the street. Even my walk has changed. Ouch. read more

Great selection - check Friendly and knowledgeable staffs - check Great sale price - check My good friend referred me to check out this store. Before I realize it, I quickly become their regular. I feel that it is difficult to find a store like Archive in SF. I have been browsing around and I feel Archive is one of the best clothing store for men. The staffs (David and Arthur) are very knowledgeable and friendly. They will tell you if a piece of clothing really fits you or not. Once you shop there, they understand your taste. If they get something that might interest you, they will contact you immediately. Once they have sale, the price could go as low as 70% off. if you see what you like, buy it. I did not buy a shirt and I have to wait a couple seasons to find something similar. 5 stars for me (: read more

Okay... so here goes! This place would have received 5 stars because it has the BEST selection (meaning hard to find designers) of mens clothes that you can not find ANYWHERE else in the BAY area (if you can afford it)! But honestly... I've only been in there once and the guy who was working (whom I assume was the owner) was a plain ol ass! very unfriendly as I perused and asked questions and since I work retail and have worked in the fashion industry for the past 5 years I usually love it when people are friendly and interested in the place Im working in... but this guy was so off putting that all I could do was laugh it off. Im sure he is much friendlier to people he might think are going to purchase something but honestly... I looked the part so maybe he just didnt like my dreads or something... I dont know what was going on but I've never been in since and even though I refer guys to the store for certain designers/styles Im not sure I should because of him. maybe one day I will venture back in. read more

They have amazing things at this store, but it's out of my tax bracket.

I admit I'm Daddy's Little Girl. I always wanted to be like him, wanted to emulate him. I even wanted to... well, it is embarrassing to say it. I'll stop now. But if I were a guy, I'd be in heaven because I'd be able to shop at The Archive! The store is owned by my friend's hubby and I finally popped in yesterday to check it out. No wonder Arthur is called the fashionista. They've got yummy clothes for the guys and it makes the eye candy even sweeter. read more

David, you are stellar. After perusing the website and me immediately loving the look, JR and I decided to go have a look-see in person. David, who was extremely helpful, assessed JR's frame, determined what suited his tastes in style as well as available for him all within a handful of minutes. THIS is what I would expect from a boutique; then again, after making small talk and conversing with David while JR changed, I found out he has among other design houses, Versace under his belt which explains the stellar service. He has a great eye, great taste and can anticipate, which any good boutique owner will do; he isn't pushy and won' t sell you something that you'll look terrible in and is all wrong for you. I loved a lot of the designers and the quasi-military line made me wish they had something for me there! In addition to that look, they also had more casual elegant pieces as well as more youthful and flashy styles. The store had nice flow to it, the presentation was perfect and the selection was very good. Thanks David, Arthur and Caesar for a great shopping experience. read more

Allow me name several outstanding contemporary men's fashion brands (fyi, unlike those world-famous fashion brands, which you can find them everywhere in Union Square, most labels at the Archive are THE rare breed in continental US) Rick Owens Ann Demeulemeester Label under Construction Viridi Anne Attachment, Number (n)ine Julius If you are into these "indie" brands, you'd understand what the fuss is all about the Archive. It can be expensive to be a patron at Archive, however, designer fashion is sadly never cheap. The Archive has certain types of aesthetics and the brands they carry fit the image extremely well. I'm just happy that they save me hassles of flying to Tokyo, Milan, or Paris. read more

Hubby doesn't like to shop. It's really hard to get him to a men's store because he knows the focus would be on him. Luckily, he was at least up for it when I suggested checking out Archive. He does his usual browsing and as always, not finding anything. I came upon this cool jacket and asked him to try it on. He was reluctant but I insisted...well, he was hooked because the jacket fitted him perfectly! Kode9 - light and very stylish. Hubby has had so many compliments on the jacket, he sports it regularly and proudly! read more

I checked out this store today. Very cool boutique clothing. The clothes seem to be slim/athletic cut (though I didn't try any on). If you like neutral colors: black, grey, white (and the occasional brown and navy blue) and don't mind paying $80 - $160 for a shirt, you'll like this store. They also have pants (various faux-beat jeans), belts, and jackets. I wasn't impressed with the belts -- the designs weren't distinctive nor was the quality great. With $200 price tags, they're not worth it. You can find similar designs, as well or better made, over at Macy's for $50 - $80. For the label-aware, the clothing brands I remember seeing were T-Skin and Stephan Schneider (Belgium). Staff is welcoming and helpful. They didn't make me feel out of place, despite my very untrendworthy army surplus shirt, beat up old sneakers, and Levi's. There's a sale at the moment with one rack of 50% off, and several of 30% off. As the prices start off pretty high -- the 50% shirts are $80. read more

I happened upon this store while walking downtown on Saturday - what a great surprise! I absolutely love it! How nice it is to have a higher end place to shop where the clothes are only for men. And the team there were all very helpful - void of any attitude. I will definitely be back. Cheers! Jason read more

I challenge you to find me something here that is not black, dark gray, or brown. Makes me feel like this place takes itself too seriously. I think it was also because when I walked in, there were like ten guys standing around dressed the same as each other (also in black, dark gray, or brown) with an attitude that was boringly stereotypical. It's a clothing store. Where is the sense of humor? Their Kicking Mules were on sale though, can't say I've ever seen that anywhere else. read more

Sorry for bursting the bubble here but this place was a disappointment. I saw all the good reviews and I was intrigued. I buy Armani, Dolce and Gabana, Louis Vuitton and McQueen all the time, which are the same prices as The Archive. I say this not to brag but to give perspective that these clothes are not the same quality or style. They have amazing pieces but they would not survive a wash. Many of their clothes are used with materials that are nice but I could do the same effect with a little bleach and scissors on an H&M shirt. Beware: Do not wear these clothes on the streets because people will feel pity and give you change in your starbucks cup. The clothes do not have clean lines, or finished cuffs. There is an extreme amount of time that goes into making them but you will look homeless or hungry for attention. These are great clothes if you are going to a rave in a castle in Germany. Anywhere else, you will look displaced in a war torn country. People pay me for fashion advice. Take it or leave it. I am a hypocrite in many cases, which means I will probably get something there in the near future. Just DO NOT BUY SOMETHING TORN OR BLEACHED. I am looking out for you. It will be out of style in a couple months. read more

IMHO best men's store in San Francisco. Only place that carries men's avant-garde and Stylezeitgeist approved collections like Boris Bidjan Saberi, Julius, A1923, Guidi etc. I have purchased items online and in-person, their service is spot on. The sale associates/owners are helpful, know their stuff and aren't stuck up (like the typical SAs at department stores). Only thing is I wished they carried Carol Christian Poell. read more

THIS IS ONE OF THE BETTER STORES IN THE BAY AREA, Better than Barney's. I only wish I discovered it sooner my whole life would have been better. If people say it's too expensive then they are poor and should probably go to ROSS or something. read more

the only one of its kind in the entire bay area for avant-garde men's fashion. For the people who gave this place two stars or less, its because you don't belong in here and you don't get it. Realize your 1-2 stars wont make a difference because the star rating of this place won't encourage or discourage people to buy here.. you either have the money to spend or you don't. This store is not intended for the masses. read more

costume national, ann d, neil barrett, best men store in SF IMO... sales are insane, if you get on the mailing list you get invited to private parties which often include the designers themselves, like the upcoming Nice Collective party, too bad I won't be able to make it this time... oh did I mention sales are insane? I copped a pair of Neil Barrett boots for 200 bucks, serious! the guys are really cool there, I always stop by when I'm in the area, great place to just chill and check out the latest season from some of my favorite lines... read more

Hands down the best men's store in San Francisco. Beautiful, avant-garde, deconstructive fashion from Guidi, Incarnation, Boris Bidjan Saberi, Julius and more. And the service is top-notch--Arthur and his team are kind, patient and extremely helpful. Stop in sometime and I promise you will not shop anywhere else in San Francisco. read more

Incredibly impressive clothing, incredibly expensive, incredible fits. I ration myself one item a year from this place. Where else would I ACTUALLY entertain the idea of buying a 600 dollar hoody? I snapped out of it when I thought about how many burritos and xbox games that amounts to... but It was THAT nice. read more

Great men's boutique with thoughtful brands and wonderful service from Arthur, the owner.

The hippest, most fashion forward store for men of any age in San Francisco. The selection of designers is like nowhere else in the city, the staff is very helpful. Prices are high but this is high-end product, and you won't find most of it anywhere else. Don't pinch pennies when you can sport threads that stand out and make you look great! And the accessories are just as good as the clothes. If you like looking good, let these guys suggest what may look good - you will see for yourself what a great mens store this is. 2 of the owners work in the store, so you are guaranteed service from someone who has spent decades in fashion and has a keen eye. I've now seen an entire year of clothes on their racks, and each and every piece is fashion forward, beautiful fabric beautifully cut and assembled. You won't find the runways extremes that some designers do, just great clothes for regular guys who just happen to have fashion sense and knows how to look good. read more

The only shop of it's kind you'll find in San Francisco/Bay Area for men's dark, conceptual fashion. Great selections and great service from the helpful and knowledgeable staff. I live in Tokyo, but I'm tall (190cm) so I do most of my shopping abroad. Happy to have discovered the The Archive during a business trip to SF. The Archive also ships internationally from their online shop. read more

Great service here, the guys were very friendly and helpful even though I don't match the archive's aesthetic. Came up with a lot of suggestions and helped me try out some outerwear that is definitely outside my usual look. read more

A great selection of designers you aren't going to find anywhere else in SF. I love the clothes here, especially the Attachment and Undercover pieces. I also love how the owners buy - it's a great edit of all the best pieces from each line. The pricing is good for what you are getting (and competitive with other stores in New York which have some of the same designers), a jacket I expected to be way more was actually quite reasonable. Arthur, one of the owners, is always friendly and ready to help. A+ read more

Beautiful space, beautiful clothes it reminds me of something in Barcelona or Amsterdam in the Jordaan and they sell Ann Demuelemeester! How cool is that? I love saying her name! Way waaay out of my price range but if they can get the clientele to pay those prices all the power to them. I like Rolo on Market just as well. read more