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American Rag Cie - CLOSED
Categories: Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Shopping Fashion Men's Clothing Women's Clothing, Used, Vintage & Consignment, Men's Clothing [Edit]
1305 Van Ness AveSan Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
(415) 474-5214
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Laura F. said: "No one spoke to me when I went in, but I love that... I know how to shop by myself, and I don't need to be greeted. I'm there to buy something awesome at a decent price... not to have my butt kissed. Walked out with a fierce DVF…" read more »
115 reviews for American Rag Cie
Review Highlights
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"...fun shopping here - they have vintage stuff and new stuff." In 12 reviews -
"They also carry a great selection of denim." In 6 reviews -
"Hard to find Mike and CHris leather hoodies, awesome pumps..." In 3 reviews
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115 reviews in English
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Review from Spanky M.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2010
I like this store, a lot of front end style, Between PS, Prada and AR i was convinced that I really should try cardigans. Even though i abhore the Mr. Rodgers look. Only problem is their prices are stupid expensive for no other reason than fashionista status.
I also agree with the hipster staff problem, but come on your in SF. Thats what get around here.
They have cool vintage stuff here, i prefer this place to the haight because the haight is over priced and disgusting.
Their show selection is not that great. I mean look at your price points, who you targeting? hipsters are generally broke yet your clothes are geared at hipsters. -
Review from margie b.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2008
Staff there must be very religious.
All I hear while strolling throughout the store is...
-Oh my God, that's so cute.
-Oh my God, are you serious?
-Oh my God, I was like, Oh my God ..
-Oh my God, no.
-Oh my God, yes!
-Oh my God, that's awesome!
-Oh-My-God.
-Oh my God, what??
Freaking annoying.
Despite their big belief in God, they still commit a big sin by overcharging on clothes already way too expensive for what they are. Cause as their name mentions, clothes there are basically rags. And it's not because they are American rags that they should be more expensive. They are still rags. -
Review from Jessica T.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2008
Haight Street will always be my vintage mecca, but American Rag is a worthwhile stop if you're a thrift store junkie and enjoy browsing through fairly well organized thrift clothes.
It can be easy to take San Francisco's thrift-stores for granted. To think they're commonplace - but the selection of authentic vintage wear that we have in this city is unique and quite exceptional. Especially considering the prices.
All you have to do is browse a couple of vintage clothes website - to learn that the cute 50's or 60's dress that you can easily find on Haight or at American Rag for around 30 dollars can run for well over 100 dollars - online.
American Rag is huge - they carry a diverse selection of both new, modern designer ware, as well as a large vintage selection in the back. If I could afford their new items I'd be all over them. They have vintage edges to them, but are fitted and hip. That being said they price for well over 200 dollars each. Absurd prices.
Their vintage stuff, as well as the prices, are decent though. Especially if you enjoy browsing through flannel shirts, old army coats, sweater vests, belts, 50's and 60's dresses etc. Their dresses seem to err on the larger side, but each have unique shapes and patterns, and you can easily swing around the corner to a nearby tailor have them altered.
I have yet to buy anything here at American Rag, but I have nothing but utter love for their passion for vintage, and will always support a thrift store scene that understands their vintage, and doesn't crazy up-sell items the way I've seen many stores in NY do. -
Review from K-leen F.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2007
Sucks.
I noticed that many guys don't have the same issues
that women do when they walk into this pretentious dump.
I don't like a store that immediately treats me like a shoplifter
by taking my bag upon entering their establishment.
I HATE THAT!!
Mostly because I *did* shoplift as a kid and I've turned my life
around. I was an 11 year old bad-ass.... I'm clean. Now.
Anywho, on my last visit to this rag, the guy at the front counter
said I needed to check my bag. I said "But that's where I keep
my money." He says...."I'm not interested in your money!"
Hell! You got that right, mary!!
I left.
That was over 15 years ago. I just don't need used crap so
much to treated like a criminal. Who are these people?
They're selling what, USED clothes, right?
No thanks. -
Review from ruggy j.
5/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Sad face
:( -
Review from Mc Matty b.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2007
$125 for a vintage blazer that I could have found at Goodwill for half that?
GAH!
$48 for a pseudo-cool, green, vintage ski vest (partially ripped with an obnoxious, unzippable zipper)?
It was lovely...even lovelier had it actually zipped. Don't get me wrong: I completely understand the concept of ' fashion before comfort ', but homey don't pay top dollar to look like a schmo...or to remain cold ~
Snitty, androgynous sales boy/ girl/ (not sure) following me around and informing me every time I picked up a damned tee-shirt how lovely it was?
Please leave me be...I know it's lovely - that's why I picked it up. I don't need your approval to recognize quality. Shoo...if I had wanted obtrusive salesmanship I would have donned my grungy beanie and headed on down to Gumps (I recommend everyone do this at least once)
Between having to check in your damned bag, the large theft detectors at the door, and their Vlad the Impaler security guard, one might think the crown jewels were on display.
This ain't Rodeo Drive - It's Van Ness. Please do get over yourselves! -
Review from Claire B.
Oakland, CA
9/21/2007
Reasons I hate this store:
1) Their vintage prices are over the top ridiculous.
2) They mix fake vintage "reproductions" in with the real vintage stuff and charge the same ridiculous prices
3) If you have a security guard and security tags on everything in the store why is it you need me to check my completely normal sized purse?
4) The staff are rude rude rude.
And now a little story that ends in me never ever stepping foot in this wretched place again....I go in on a Thursday afternoon. They are not busy. The staff is standing around chatting. I wait by the counter because past experience has informed me that they are going to want me to check my not very large purse. I wait and I wait. The staff keeps talking and talking. Finally one of them notices me and comes to check my bag. I am also carrying my camera. My camera is in a camera bag that is the exact size of my camera. There is no way I could put something in there if I wanted to. The staff guy wants me to check my camera. I refuse. I am not going to hand my very expensive camera over to a perfect stranger, sorry American Rag. I will not support a business that insists on treating every single one of its customers like they are thieves. -
Review from John M.
Cambridge, MA
8/19/2008
I find AR has friendlier staff these days, albeit, they seem understaffed. It's still a better setup than before, when shopping here was an exercise of patience and restraint. I swear, some employees were acting like AR was Fred Segal's or something, giving attitude instead of help, as if that were some form of desirable customer service.
I was recently disappointed with the vintage selections. It wasn't Crossroads bad, but it was still pretty bad, with lots of stuff that had holes or permanent marks. It was the vintage sale racks that looked as tore up as Crossroads stuff.
AR is really bi-polar. They often have nice stuff, and then one season they're just off. This season the fall stuff is rather dull. But overall, I like coming here because I can find stuff that doesn't make me look like a clone. -
Review from Michael H.
Hayward, CA
12/10/2008
LA style comes to SF with a BS price tag.
I thought I had found a new thrift store so I decided to take a gander. Inside is well laid out and organized. There are some graphical details around the store, but all the clothes essentially make it feel like a thrift store. For you thieves out there, be weary of the security guard next to the entrance.
The first jacket I look at I notice the $112 price tag. Warning sirens go off in my ears and I proceed to the next garment. $200 something -- ahh! It's as if I'm playing minesweeper with rag tag clothes.
After the second "bomb" I decided this wasn't in my price range. I did notice that sunglasses went for about $23 bucks so I assume that they should have some reasonable stuff here. I just didn't feel like going for the dig.
It's amazing what prices people will pay for trendy outfits. It happens with every movement.
Reminds me of that Todd Barry joke:
"We have KMart now in New York City. New Yorkers were pissed off when KMart came to came to town. They were outside the store protesting. They didn't even know what to say. 'Down with KMart!..and their merchandise people can afford. Down with KMart...and their 300 gallon drum of laundry detergent. For a $1.99? Whoa! I mean why don't you take your good values to another town. Let's turn that building into a vintage clothing store. The kind that sells used KMart t-shirts for $700.'" -
Review from Jessica d.
Sausalito, CA
4/6/2008
"Ew." "Ugh." "Huh?" "Riiiiight."
This is pretty much a store for trust fund kids who want to dress like they are poor.
I was out in a flash... just like half the styles up in that joint.
PEACE. -
Review from Wakako U.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2006
Earnest Sewn denim prices here are the right price. Surprise surprise.
Dylan's jacks it up by $30-$40.
PRPS, Comme de Garcon, Paul Smith, Fake London Genius...what's there not to like. American Rag also gives men's clothing his rightful half of the store. I like that.
And all those shoes in the center of the store. -
Review from ninja M.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2006
Watever if their clothes are nice.
The security guard had the poorest manners and ask my companion if he was gonna buy anything while I was trying stuff on.
Then the cashiers are braggin on how much they spent that month shopping there.
Meanwhile security guard continues to follow shopping buddy around the store.
meanwhile Im wondering why sizes in the 8o's fit me better than any dress now.
Shopping buddy is giving me looks like the guard is actually shopping with him, side by side.
Arghhhhh, who knows. quite rude rude. That is def. off my list -
Review from Wei H.
San Mateo, CA
9/29/2005
To sum it up, American Rag is incredibly awesome ONLY during sales events. I have been shopping there for 5 years and I hardly see anyone pays retail. For instance, a great looking Euro/Japan Style shirt is around 164$ retail and it is only 15$ on sale!?!?
The best time to go to American Rag C for sale is around End of Aug to Beginning Sep every year. You can find the hippest style clothing that's around 50-90% off. Don't be put off by the overprised designer jeans, and be patient. Hey if I can get it why can't you? :) -
Review from Nicholas E.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2006
Okay, yeah, I hate this place. But it is what it is. Why is everyone complaining about the prices? Go get some levis and let Richie Rich do his thing. I ain't mad at 'cha.
When you pay $150 for a t-shirt or $350 for jeans, it usually looks like you did. If you want this, shop here. -
Review from Maurice R.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2008
I like to shop here from time to time so that I don't look like everyone else. As a guy, that can sometimes be hard in a city where 90% of the guys are dressing like hipsters (excuse me while I stick my finger down my throat and purge). American Rag has so much potential to be a great vintage store, but the customer service here can be spotty. A few of the cashiers act like this is God's gift to retail. Especially when they try to enforce the "no bags in store" policy. I've only had to fork my messenger bag over once, though. But depending on who's working, they can get snippy.
The selection of clothes for guys is hit-or-miss. It all depends on the season. However, they have a great assortment of Member's Only jackets in every color under the rainbow! Too bad that's not enough to make up for the lack of variety and styles. And a lot of the clothes with marks/stains/rips on them are just plain too damn overpriced. I would say your best bet is to look for the spring and summer shipments, as the Fall 2008 layout didn't excite me whatsoever. I'll be back, though... -
Review from Brandon M.
San Francisco, CA
11/17/2007
It was late and I needed to find a clothes store fast! Their t shirts were slim pickings but was told because of the summer was over. The ones they had was expensive to say the least.
I finally found a reasonably priced t shirt, socks and underpants. But, I wasn't going to spend $80 for a pair of pants. (because I wasn't going home and did not have change of cloths) :) -
Review from Marz W.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2007
I'm not sure how to use my words here....
This place used to be a great 2nd hand clothing store. It had reasonable prices. I mean the clothes are USED.
We must now determine the true meaning of used, and how it does or does not apply to the term VINTAGE. They are not the same. No no no.
Used in this case, means that someone else wore the clothes, sweated in them, washed them, slept in them, washed them (we hope), had them pulled from their bodies in the heat of passion and thrown on the floor or where ever and washed them. Then decided one day that the clothes were old and they no longer wanted them and sent them away to, in this case....American Rag.
Vintage on the other hand means representing the high quality of a past time: vintage cars; vintage movies, vintage clothing, or jewelry; old-fashioned or obsolete: vintage jokes. Unless of course we are speaking of wine, and even then its sort of the same concept.
Little to nothing in there actually seems vintage. Decor aside. It all seems like someone else's old clothes being sold in some cases for nearly what was paid for it were it new.
I loved this store back in the days when it WAS a vintage clothing store. Now i don't know what it is other than over priced used clothes. -
Review from O. S.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2008
I was the other customer in this shopping trip, with e.p.
The feeling is mutual.
e.p. review-
"two stars for having a decent vintage/second hand section, but i want to give less for the stellar team of cool kids that run the place.
seriously, what's with the angst? whatever the reason don't take it out on us; we're trying to spend money in your store!
and a special shout out to Heather at the register. her attitude was almost as unfortunate as her appearance. not only did this starlet almost swallow her face when we asked for a discount on some items, that had stains on them and were not marked "as-is", but she actually pointed some ones i didn't see and said "bummer!"
her rational that "everything back there has something wrong with it" is total BS because there is a lot of vintage back there in perfect condition!"
And to add on, I bought two 1950s vintage shirts that day. one for about $39.99, that was not perfect. and another for $16.99 that was perfect! And to the American Rag owners/managers you guys are selling used vintage clothes, you need some kind of as-is system. -
Review from Elizabeth T.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2008
I've been shopping here for 10+ years and it's just about impossible to not buy something if you venture inside. For a LONG time they had awesome fashionista friendly service who would totally wait on you offering advice and tips . Those days are long gone and the service was absolute shit to the point of, I almost called to make a complaint, until last week!! I wish I could remember her name but she's in her 30s, I'm guessing, with short blond hair and was uber nice and awesome.
Anyway, about the clothes. New and used, both rock, the new stuff can certainly be a bit pricey but there's usually something affordable and there's always some sort of mini sale going on. I just bought some rockin dark denim jeans for $150 from $220 ..not bad. That's cheaper then Diesel or Miss Sixty. The styles are Urban chic or Street chic, however you'd like to describe it. Sort of similar to Villains Vault if the name drop helps anyone out? They also have some great shoes, however I've only bought a pair or 2 over the years, mainly do to spending so much on their clothes that I simply can't afford a pair of kicks too.
They also have great mens clothing, and right now they have gorgeous colorful mens wallets ....deep maroons and turquoise, pricey, around $200 but could be an awesome gift?Listed in: My Neighborhood, Born to Shop
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Review from Andrew N.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2006
Why the bad reviews? if you don't think the clothes are worth the prices then don't buy them, but some of us think they are worth it... The security guard was indeed a but "curious", but then I just assumed that was just his job.
I love AR coz they stock W+H (formerly known as Spruce), and Wings&Horns/W&H stuff... (only 4 stars coz they didn't stock enough sizes and styles - slim fit!!)... they also have Engineered Garments, Rogan, and some stuff that are pretty hard to find in SF. Their jeans collection is also decent for SF, last time I was there I saw some Evisu No. 2's, raw selvage, of course. They also had Prps and Cheap Monday (nice and cheap!), Nudies, and J Brand for girls who wants skinny jeans. They also have LVC but I'd just cop those at the Levi's store in Union Square.
You can occasionally cop some dope stuff in their used section as well, my girlfriend copped a vintage purse for cheap. The people working there were also friendly and they let us go shop with our yorkie.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Paloma B.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2009
American Rag Cie does not stand behind their poorly made products. It hurts me to do this, but after trusting them for YEARS for amazing fashion and great designers, I will not be returning as a customer.
I recently bought some Bensimon sneakers there that I loved. I liked them so much, I bought two pairs! However, after just over a week of wearing one pair, the bottom started really wearing down. But I liked the shoes, and I decided I'd just have them repaired by my local cobbler. I went to my cobbler who told me his glue would not stick to a sneaker bottom. The shoes could not be fixed.
Disappointed, I attempted to return the unworn second pair to American Rag Cie. The shoe wore out easily, it could not be fixed. It was a bad product. However, not only was the staff person who assisted me snide when I explained the situation, he almost seemed pleased when he pointed at the 7 day return policy on the receipt, which mentions NOTHING about poorly made items. Seven days! I have to work to afford the expensive and obviously poorly made clothes they sell there, I don't have time to run to the cobbler and back in that amount of time. Furthermore, I don't want a product that will need to be repaired after a week of wear!
I personally work hard for my money. I know some expensive clothes are delicate, but retailers should stand behind their products. American Rag Cie does not. Shopping there in my opinion is a waste of hard earned money. -
Review from Marissa D.
Oakland, CA
12/6/2007
Yes it's expensive. Overpriced vintage in the back. But I looooooove it. So much it makes me feel ashamed. Although not ashamed enough to stop myself from posting it on the internet.
Wonderful, wonderful shoes. Overpriced vintage, but great quality and selection for the most part.
Designer stuff is fun to try on and go so far as to almost have it rung up on your credit card, only to realize last minute that rent is more important than a marc jacobs dress (arguably). -
Review from Seaweed F.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2007
Such a great store! Absolutely LOVE this place.
Very wide selection of jeans, and so much different styles to chose from. If you're feeling fancy and sophisticated go for the Paul Smith and for days you want casual go for the Stussy and Obey. Lots of adorable shoes for any occasion too!
For all of you that are into used clothes this is the place to be. Unlike the other thrift stores where they just have anything used, this place actually have CUTE, TASTEFUL vintage clothings. Perfect for finding Halloween costumes too.
The other day I found a trilby hat that actually fits my ginormous head, and it's made out of 100% paper. How cool.
It can get a little pricy due to the quality of clothings they carry, but once in a while they have a blow out sale that decreases the price to up to more than 60% off!! Cheers to that you poor suckers!!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Charm N.
Los Angeles, CA
3/3/2006
Whenever I get the chance to stop by I head straight to the shoes and check out what's on sale...ok nothing in my size or taste. Moving along to the women's sale rack where clothes are between 30-75% off, but slim pickins due to their sizes (XXS or XXL anyone?). Then, I browse through their vintage racks and start to become irrate at the slightly used $40 blouse!!! Vintage my a$$. With prices like that I suggest everyone throw nothing away and open up your own vintage store later.
But the days I am lucky I've been able to grab a pair of Joe's Jeans for $45 instead of $134. Not bad, not bad. -
Review from Lisa T.
5/8/2007
Smells like a thrift store -- you know that faintly moldy essence of dust -- yet has the COJONES to charge $28 for a little scarf that I would pass by at a garage sale for 50 cents.
Shocking! -
Review from Shannon V.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2006
I'm tearing up right now writing this review, because that's what American Rag does to me. I usually have the good sense to hold in the tears while checking out the gorgeous clothes and trying to not act surprised by the surplus of digits on the price tags. I usually see some plaid cotton number, go, OOHH the one thing that will only cost half my rent, and then once I see how exorbitant the actual price is, I am all "oh they don't have my size anyway."
It's one of my great shopping tragedies.
p.s. The vintage section is pretty good if you can't get to Held Over in the haight for some strange reason. -
Review from Melissa H.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2008
You say you like Vintage Daniel son? You say you are searching for funky with a Kapital K!? You say you want a mix of new, hip (Pr$cey) duds mixed in with the vintage garb of the last 6 decades - well come on down to the rag!..sorry gross.
Admittedly, I run straight to the mid/back of the store as I can't afford a spec of clothing in the front (all the new stuff) - But I have found bags, belts and an amzing cape (I swear ill bring them back into style!!)
Good for those who enjoy wearing costume pieces or just want to browse till they find an amzing semi affordable piece. I find the items are priced well and the selection and store space is big big big!
And one day If I have the means to buy a Crazy Kool piece of jewelry (read huge earrings, cheetah ring etc) I know there is a sick selection under the glass case up front. Oh ya fun sunglasses too!! -
Review from Adrian L.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2007
The vintage dept at American RAG appears to have already been ripped to shreads by reviewers here, they are a bit spendy, are questionably authenticly vintage and sizes aren't marked on the tags. BUT, they do organize them damn well, and I think that is at least part of the premium you pay for them. If i want a mustard colored long sleeve shirt, easy, if i want size 30 trousers, no problem, if i want a butt-ugly sweater, it's right there in the butt ugly sweater rack. I am not a rummager, it takes too much time. So i thank the people at RAG for putting some order in their used clothes. Maybe there are better vintage stores in the city, I haven't lived here long enough to know of 'em or really searched at all to find them, so i like RAG's vintage dept.
As for their new clothes, those run on the pretty spendy side. Though they are probably some styling threads, nothing really jumps off the rack at me most of the time. If you have a wad you wanna blow, i guess you could do it here. They have jeans, everyone has jeans, everyone wears jeans, YAWN!
The people working there haven't ever given me any flack, nor have they EVER asked to if I needed help. It seems like everyone has some serious street cred. to get a job there.
And i got some trousers there last week from the 75% off clearance rack that were RAD, and fricken cheap! -
Review from Amanda F.
2/8/2009
Vintage shop without the hectic: I like.
This is THE ONLY shop in San Francisco to which I can drag Donny S. without him warning me (after 5 minutes, no less) that he's bored/tired/hungry/decided that okay your five minutes are up now let's go to the motorbike shop.
Stroll on past their front-of-store wares which most of the time looks cheap yet costs a bomb. Except for maybe their jewelry/hats/sunglasses. Great collections of vintage clothing in the back for not-unreasonable prices. I got a gorgeous black velvet blazer for about $40 last time I was here, and while admittedly that's not a "secondhand" price, the jacket was in good condition and didn't smell of mothballs. And $40's not exactly a "vintage" price either, at least not in my experience.
Really appreciate the fact that great care is taken with the layout and to maintain the tidiness of the shop: so many vintage stores are so freaking hectic it's difficult to see what you're looking at. -
Review from Teddy d.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2007
Sorry but no...it just doesn't cut it anymore...everything that they are carrying (with the exception of vintage???) can be found at any other retail store in the city and the selection is limited. And the shoes...what horror (what happened to the days of Ghost brand shoes...and a wider selection of sneakers?)
Now for the good part...when they have sale it is a steal if you can find your size.(up to 70% off...) and for that I give American Rag an extra star -
Review from Mattie G.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/15/2008
In my top 5 favorite places to shop - and the one I spend the most money at outside of Rolo.
Natalie is a total sweetheart. buy things from her.
YMC
Julian Red
Henrik Vibskov
Nudie
ETC...
do it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/26/2007
Mens:
This store carries a lot of great lesser-known lines you won't find in other boutiques around… Read more »
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Review from samanta v.
Healdsburg, CA
6/26/2008
This is always a stop for me on my shopping trips to the city.
why? i'm not really sure, I haven't actually bought much here --aside from an excellent little pucci wanna be print dress -straight from the 60's that I sported to a party.
I guess I'm enthralled with the uniqueness, and the fact that if you have the time, and the patience, there are some really amazing finds and of course some "i can't believe anyone actually wore that -ever!!" finds. -
Review from miriam b.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2006
Best organization of vintage jackets by color and fabrication. Plenty of dressing rooms and easy to find parking on Van Ness.
Just be aware that there were some cars that ended up with broken glasses because the meth. addicts were freakin desperate for someone's backpack filled with workout shorts and laptop. Sad but reality bites you in your *ss when you're straight and sober. -
Review from Miss K.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2006
Gorgous clothing and accessories, no doubt about it. Unique stuff. Cute.
But waaaaay too overpriced. I do like scoping around though... sometimes an occaisonal gem can be found bargain priced. I suppose their sales are worth checking out.
Service: I think once did I ever receive really good service here (with shoes. Which we ended up buying even though it was hella expensive. And uncomfortable too. But SO cute.) On the whole, these people are frighteningly stuck up, sort of like they think they're too cool for anyone else who don't look like them. Which is sad considering they are only salespeople. -
Review from JASON L.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2007
Over priced vintage! Although they have a great selection, they cost the price of new clothing. They also have a variety of higher end independent labels you might not find elsewhere in the city.
When they have sales, Like right about now, theyre pretty damn good sales.. 30% to 50% off stuff.. All the shoes are great... they got style whomever their shopper is. -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2008
One man's trash is another man's treasure.
Quite frankly, they've got some downright ugly and some semi-cute things here. Consider yourself lucky if you find something that is isn't tattered, torn, or scratched and if it's clothes, in your size. I snagged an $18 vintage purse during my last visit and it is adorable, albeit a little dirty on the inside.
One thing I must compliment American Rag on is their supreme organization; everything is separated by decade and type of clothing. The expensive, non-vintage, items are in the front of the store, and everything else is in the back.
Overall, I sort of like American Rag. I'm not so sure it's the cheapest vintage around town, but it's a good place to start. -
Review from Smooth R.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2008
Ever since this place opened up I always have gone in to see whats new.
Everything is all good. The clothing is very nice. I like the styles on most items they Cary. I am a slave to trend. So trendy, vintage and new clothing. It's difficult to not grab something and placing it back on the rack.
A bit pricey but sometimes you have to give in, rite?
Vintage and retro items in the back and new clothing line on the left side and shoes in the front middle. The Associates are pretty nice. They greet you and ask if you need help.
Look for sales. They have them occasionally. -
Review from Aaron K.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2007
Don't waste your time on the vintage clothes here; they are indeed overpriced. But that's about all the negative I have to say 'bout this shop.
I see that some people found the place pretentious, but American Rag gave me a pretty mellow vibe, especially given they do carry a couple pricey labels. I found the merchandise more fun than Rolo or Villians Vault, both of which seem a bit drab/post-apocalyptic by comparison.
If i'm going to drop coinage on some clothing, I want it to pop a bit, and I think American Rag is probably my best bet in this town. Not to mention, they get mad street-cred for carrying the best (and most difficult to find) cut/style of Nudie Jeans.
But I'm not telling you which ones; go read my other reviews and figure it out. Then you may copy me. -
Review from Blah B.
San Jose, CA
11/3/2008
I like the cloth ; very nice quality and Italian made jackets. Used vintage stuff in the back is more affordable than the front. I love the shoe selection, but I am not even sure how the store makes money. Its always kind of empty and some items are Prada prices.
3 stars for the great unique items. -
Review from K F.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2010
The positive:
-good vintage stuff although it's slightly overpriced.
The negative:
-the new stuff isn't even worth looking at. it's so overpriced it's almost laughable.
-the security guard who makes circles around the store NON-STOP and makes every customer feel like a threat. i've never in my life felt so stalked in a store.
-pretentious hipster staff.
-awful shoe selection.
-they sell tedious hipster cds and movies that you can find for cheaper.
