Too often, fashion stories focus on the ladies. But what about the gentlemen? We took a look back at the sartorial trends in the city, from the 1840s to the 1970s, and take it from us: SF fellas have always been fly.
1840s: This daguerreotype, taken sometime between 1848 and 1854, shows an actor by the name of Fulton wearing the style of dress common at the time among Gold Rush miners: an ascot, wide-brimmed hat, and loose-fitting shirt. (via Online Archive of California)
1860s/1870s: Loose-fitting three-piece suits and pocket watches were popular during these decades. This image was taken by photographer John D. Godeus, at the Photograph Gallery on Third Street. (eBay via Pinterest)
1890s: The site of the old Sutro Baths may now be an archeological ruin, but back in the day the luxe bathhouse even had its own swimsuit, worn here sometime during the 1890s. (Courtesy of the Jim Dickson Collection via Cliff House Project)
1896-1907: Taken in front of Cliff House sometime between 1896 and 1907, this photo depicts men wearing shortened sleeves characteristic of the 1890s and a driving overcoat, popular in the 1900s. (Courtesy of Jim Dickson via Cliff House Project)
Early 1920s: Before there was a "newsboy look," there was just the cute newsboy, seen here in the cap and suspenders still emulated today. (Courtesy of Laura40M via Reddit)
1935: A casual pullover and well-shined shoes did the trick for a day at the skeeball parlor at Playland at the Beach. (via Pinterest/OpenSFHistory)
1950: If you wanted a glimpse of the city's snazziest street fashion at the dawn of the 1950s, you would have cruised by Fillmore Street where you might have spotted these cats hanging out at the Melrose record shop in double-breasted suits or cardigans, fedoras, and spit-shined shoes. (David Johnson via FoundSF)
1950s: A mens fashion retrospective wouldn't be complete without the essential leather bomber jacket. (Mujer Del Hampa via Pinterest)
1967: This was the Haight in 1967. It doesn't get more hippie than these ensembles in hues of pumpkin and burnt sienna, with plenty of patterned accessories. (Courtesy of Jim Marshall via flowers in your hair)
1971: This photo by Nick DeWolf shows the over the top and very individual looks that men were wearing in 1970s San Francisco. Check out those appliques! (Courtesy of Nick DeWolf via Vintage Everyday)
1970s: On 18th Street in the Castro during the '70s, the guys were giving off all the confident vibes—this down-to-there neckline came two decades before J. Lo did it. Those leather pants, though! (via Logo. NEWNOWNEXT)
