San Francisco’s Mid Market has been a destination for urban streetwear for more than 50 years. This area of the downtown core has always been a hub of fashion retailers, even the old Kaplan’s army surplus store played a significant role during its 75 year run on Market Street, with Levi’s and Ben Davis clothing, until the owners retired in 2014. Currently, Market Street retailers are outfitting those in search of cutting-edge styles, from head to toe, in hoodies, hats, pants and shoes.
While much has changed in Mid Market and fashion in recent decades, some things remain the same. “We’re like a mini department store, we have everything,” says Alex Hana, the owner of Oxford Street, a men’s store that has operated at 991 Market for 30 years. Oxford’s extensive inventory includes everything from Timberlands and t-shirts to sneakers and suits; with some of their pieces incorporating the sought-after vintage elements of the ‘80s and early ‘90s.
How would you define San Francisco’s streetwear style?Skate culture embodies the true streetwear style here, and as a native I have seen more comfortable and casual looks in recent years; it also gets cold, so think hoodies, beanies, and fitted hats. How has streetwear evolved over the years?Transplants to SF have added their own style and path. Some style choices have been repeated, where you see the same shoes over and over again, or a familiar way to style an outfit. But there are some young people I see that experiment with their clothes, shoes and accessories; which I love.