Put a Bridge on It: The Best Brands That Rep the Bay
Fans of IFC’s Portlandia know that the best way to sell merch is to “put a bird on it.” While that may work up North, the Bay’s version has less to do with ornithology and more to do with architecture. If you want to show your San Francisco/Oakland pride, put a bridge on it! Here are some of the best local brands that’ll help you rep the Bay.
What started in a garage in the Richmond, has quickly evolved to be one of the most locally beloved brands. Culk’s deceptively simple designs and classic styles are a perfectly subtle way to show love to The City. Plus, the materials used are so insanely comfortable—don’t be surprised if you find yourself living for the sweet embrace of that new-sweatshirt feel. Check them out on Instagram if you want to see Sam Culk, the man behind the brand, announcing deals, new products, and trade show locations—all while skateboarding through his warehouse (and often falling into things).
Found online and around town
Not just a clothing brand, but a lifestyle, San Franpsycho started out in 2001 as just those cool surfer guys at a party screen printing designs on whatever article of clothing came their way. Today, they’re still those cool surfer guys screen printing at parties, but the brand has evolved into so much more. Recently they teamed up with Anchor Brewing Company to create their very own IPA. Check out their calendar for upcoming events, latest designs, and collaborations.
1248 9th Ave. (9th and Irving)
San Francisco is already a magical place, but Local Take adds even more whimsy with mythical and majestic creatures like dinosaurs and unicorns embracing our beloved bridges. What started as a “love letter to San Francisco,” Local Take showcases designs from local artists and designers with 150 currently contributing. It’s the perfect place to take that out-of-town friend or relative who wants an SF souvenir but doesn’t want a basic “I Heart SF” from Walgreens or some other random vendor.
3979B 17th Street, San Francisco (Castro) | 1371 9th Ave, San Francisco (Inner Sunset)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm1rRjcgemu/?hl=en&taken-by=adapt
Adapt reps the Bay hard. Focusing mostly on sports and pop culture merchandise, Adapt quickly takes our favorite catchy phrases, ideas, and concepts, and turns them into clothing and accessories that immediately shows the rest of the world that you bleed gold.
2801 Judah St., San Francisco | 2077 Edison Ave., San Leandro
Haight Ashbury T-shirts may get a bad rap for being a mostly “tourist” spot, since it’s situated on a corner that people from all around the world like to take selfies and block traffic on, but it’s also one of the best places in town for vintage City gear. Plus, you don’t have to spend hours searching through thrift store aisles to find. Here you can get your summer love on with bridges soaked in tie-dye, as well as snag a shirt from the old school days of San Francisco baseball before we were the Giants.
1500 Haight Street, San Francisco
