State of Flux: For guys who live in streetwear

This four-year-old Mission spot is plain ol' cool. Cofounders Johnny Travis and Herbert Gracia are the real deal with an uncanny eye for up-and-coming global brands. The fresh and fun space is filled with amazing hoodies, graphic tees, pants, hats, and kicks from the likes of Bueno, Kuwalla Tee, Pas de Mer and Karhu. Another major draw for the many stylish guys (and girls) who frequently visit? State of Flux's own label, which features small monthly collections and one-of-a-kind designs. (This Mojo Weekender Bag is fire.) //1176 Valencia, St. (Mission), stateofflux.shop

Mr. Lin: For impeccably dressed, Scotch-swirling misters

The plush leather sofas and fully stocked bar are savvy temptations to convince the guy who hates to try stuff on to stay awhile. Designed by San Francisco tastemaker Eche Martinez (a dapper dude in his own right), Mr. Lin is a sophisticated man cave where you can sip a whiskey while you peruse Barena cotton zip-up jackets, Haupt printed linen shirts, and Paul Smith accessories. As for the moodily painted wall murals by Caroline Lizarraga, we're obsessed. (Psst: The ladies might recognize this as the brother store to the longtime womenswear shop from owner Betty Lin.) //3615 Sacramento St. (Presidio Heights), mrlin.com

Taylor Stitch: For nature-loving gentlemen

Sophistication meets durability and sustainability at Taylor Stitch, which prides itself on the use of recycled fabrics and regenerative fibers and the avoidance of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Begun more than a decade ago with the simple idea to create a shirt that lasts, Taylor Stitch's staple piece employs French seams with 22 stitches per inch to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. The earth-toned Mission store is lined with shirt cubbies and also stocks knits, outerwear, and footwear that will take you from chopping wood to the office to coffee breaks at Ritual. Its newer spot in the Marina is sunnier and has an expanded women's section. // 383 Valencia St. (Mission); 2020 Chestnut St. (Marina), taylorstitch.com

The Darkside Initiative: For the guy who knows his kicks—and then some

In a city where sneakers have a firm footing in the daily dress code, the regularly updated selection at The Darkside Initiative caters to aficionados with a dark, minimalist side. With its slick collection of Nike sneakers, streetwear and limited-run accessories, including hard-to-find pieces by Japanese street labels Neighborhood and WTaps (they are the exclusive distributor of WTaps in SF), the brand presents each item in a clear, coherent way in two stores in the city. // The Darkside Initiative, 1827 Powell St. (North Beach; temporarily closed for renovation) and 989 Valencia St. (Mission), thedarksideinitiative.com

Rolo: For casual, urban guys who support local

Founded in SF by Roland Peters and Mark Schultz in 1986, Rolo is a guy's go-to for quality closet staples—classic T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories—both from Rolo's own label and iconic designers such as G-Star Raw, Brixton, and Fred Perry to name a few. Stop by R by Rolo (2267 Market St.) for workout apparel, men's swimwear, and athletic shoes. // 2351 Market St. (Upper Market), rolo.com

Bobby London

Gents with a taste for finer things should roll up to Cow Hollow’s new Bobby London store, which stocks both up-and-coming and well established (but always exclusive) brands such as Robert Barakett, Milestone, and Jack Victor—plus more that you’ll find nowhere else. When only custom-made threads will do, Bobby London gets it done efficiently and seamlessly with digital measuring technology and a finished product in just a few weeks. // 2120 Union St. (Cow Hollow), 917.796.0547, bobbylondonsf.com

Thank you to our partners at Bobby London.

The Archive: For the avant-garde guy who doesn't go with the flow

The Archive, now settled into a new Richmond District storefront post Covid, remains a guy's go-to for avant-garde, fashion forward pieces that you're unlikely to find elsewhere. A great place to discover unique menswear from a thoughtful curation of visionary designers, The Archive is worth checking out for its design-focused, high-end men's clothing and accessories from the likes of A.F Artefact, Blake Kuwahara, and Guidi 1896, to name but a few. Think sculptural silhouettes, textural layers and innovative design details, all set against a predominantly black, white and gray palette. // The Archive, 5911 Geary Blvd. (Richmond), archivesf.com

Self Edge: For the die-hard selvedge denim fan

If denim's your thing, then Self Edge on Valencia should be your first stop. This SF outpost stocks an unparalleled range of jeans from some of the best makers in the world, including Iron Heart, Stevenson Overall Co. and Studio D'Artisan. It's where denimheads come to feed their addiction for unsanforized denim—jeans that come with a grittier texture and are then shrunk to fit, rather than being pre-shrunk—and a sweet spot for rugged silver jewelry and leather accessories from the likes of The Flat Head, not to mention an on-point collection of inspirational indie mags. Also, check out the store's online jean finder to discover your perfect pair of jeans based on body measurements. // Self Edge, 569 Valencia St (Mission), selfedge.com

Todd Snyder: For guys with a penchant for quiet luxury

This 2,300-square-foot emporium of classic American style was a welcome addition to the Hayes Valley retail scene when it opened in the fall of 2022. The NY designer Todd Snyder's eponymous store exudes a welcoming, upscale vibe thanks to a mid-century meets utilitarian world where wooden built-ins nuzzle with Carrara marble accents. The decor serves as a perfect complement to the label's signature rugged and refined clothing. Found on the shelves and draped from hangers: re-engineered classics and modern workwear, including bestselling suede Dylan jackets, selvedge oxfords, Japanese and made-in-USA denim, luxe tees, Italian cashmere, sport coats and more. Succession's Kendall Roy would, no doubt, be a regular. // 584 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley) toddsnyder.com

Cable Car Clothiers: For the guy who wants classic style and a shave

A Financial District institution for over 75 years, the high-ceilinged, emporium-style Cable Car Clothiers is an impressive one-stop destination for dapper dressers. The traditional men's clothier caters to enthusiasts of classic menswear, with an emphasis on British style—though they also carry updated renditions of old favorites such as a Tellason's indigo striped selvedge shirt. Step inside and you'll find everything from handmade Loake wingtips to iconic Stetson fur felt and straw hats. There is also an on-site barber shop and shoe shine service, ensuring a head-to-toe finish for those so inclined. // Cable Car Clothiers, 110 Sutter St. (FiDi), cablecarclothiers.com