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Clothes Contact
Category: Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
473 Valencia St(between 16th St & Sparrow St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 621-3212
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
90 reviews for Clothes Contact
Review Highlights
"like 70s Sexy Secretary styles."
(in 4 reviews)
"they have lots of great dresses, shoes and lingerie."
(in 17 reviews)
"And what a fabulous form a pound can be in."
(in 36 reviews)
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90 reviews in English
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Review from Dale S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/24/2012
I always find such fun trendy clothes here, eventhough sometimes I have to go through a lot of racks to find what I'm looking for. Most recently, I featured a cute vintage scarf on my fashion blog in a 70's inspired outfit.
Here's a link to my newest Potrero Hill post: http://www.savvyspice....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/2/2011
I've been here about five times and it's my favorite Vintage store because I always find something I… Read more »
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Review from Betsy H.
Boulder, CO
1/5/2012
Only in SF could you walk into a vintage store and browse a rack called "Burning Man Outfits." This rack is, of course, seasonal. . .
Clothes Contact is definitely on my hit list each time I come to SF to visit family. This year I picked up a bow-tie perfect for my NYE costume. Whatever your costume needs are, you are bound to find something that works here. Meticulous details on the clothes era and style organization, too. This is always a huge plus in my book.
Where else can you buy choice vintage items by the pound?!?! -
Review from Marc K.
1/1/2012
for as long as i've been a Mission reveller, i've NEVER ever been into this shop. Yes, i've walked through it many times, but never shopped before... until i had to find something EXTRA SPECIAL/UNIQUE piece of fashion. I believe that fashion should be super duper interesting and exciting (and of course, it should fit an individual's lifestyle), and I found out that this store gave me a boner seeing those super duper interesting and exciting pieces!
and another thing, i LOVE how they sell their stuff.. $10 PER POUND! YES, $10 PER POUND! shopping for vintage/used couldn't get any better than that! to sum it up, you can, at least, have 3-5 shirts for that kind of price.. or maybe 2 cardigans for under $20.. or whatever! (plain ol' cheap-ness fabulousness!)
after i shopped, i told myself that i found my favourite used/vintage/consignment store--next to crossroads! yipeeeee! -
Review from Shaun-mathieu S.
North Hollywood, CA
12/6/2011
Does anyone ever have those moments when they feel as if they were born in the wrong era? I seem to have those quite a lot, especially when it comes to my fashion - hence my love for vintage clothing. I can usually be seen in a fedora, with a tie, dress pants and shirt, and either a fancy jacket or studious cardigan to complete the ensemble. And I'm always on the lookout for select new items for my wardrobe.
On my recent visit to San Francisco, I popped into Clothes Contact. A delightful bewilderment settled over my being as I gazed around the shirt, slacks, and chapeaus from various decades. And cardigans! Many in different colors. After careful selection, I opted for one in a royal red, which fit perfectly.
Now, some items, like their ties and hats, do have price tags. But if there isn't a price tag, they charge per pound! My sweater was very reasonably priced. Everything is clean and organized, and the sales people friendly. This will now be one of my regular stops when I visit the Bay Area.Listed in: The Stylish Man
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Review from Paul M.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2011
I have found some amazing pieces in the place, you just have to be willing to sort through the racks a little. Ended up with a great Wrangler jean jacket, some really cool worn in t-shirts and dug up a few vintage YSL scarves in their huge bin of scarves and bandanas.
Don't come here expecting to get any type of service or help unless you're literally throwing money at the people who work there while trying to pay. But this is one of the Mission second hand clothing stores anyways so that is basically all they're there to do anyways.
The best part of this place is that everything is so cheap as it's all priced depending on how much it weighs. Perfect for those of us on a budget. -
Review from Mayra L.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2011
Fabulous. Campy. Thrifty.
I love this place. It has a great selection of carefully selected vintage clothes, and they are sold by the pound of reasonably priced. They have a great selection of shoes and purses.
The staff is supe nice and friendly and accomodating and they always place great music.
By far one of my favorite vintage clothing stores! -
Review from Analleli G.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2011
Everything is sold by the pound, mostly around 10 bucks.
Pretty cheap. I did find really cute shirts here, but nothing really fit a skinny girl like me.
The fitting rooms should probably be "fixed." I understand it's a thrift store...but really? Ripped up blankets as covers? .. Eh. Might come back here. -
Review from Jon T.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
LOTS of hats. LOTS. This is what I specifically came here for. I was looking for a hat to match the one Jeanne Moreau wears in Jules et Jim when she's dressed as a man. Surprisingly, I did not find the right one to complete my halloween costume. However, even in the short amount of time I was there, I got the impression the place was pretty organized and had a good variety of used clothes.
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Review from Marilyn R.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2011
Fabulous vintage clothing store! I happened upon it by mistake when I kept walking down Valencia Street instead of turning down 18th and back to Mission, and was very pleasantly surprised by what I happened into.
I've been questing after vintage 60s "shift dresses" since I moved to SF but haven't encountered them in any thrift stores around...but Clothes Contact has LOADS of them! They sort clothes into eras and styles too (i.e. 70s day dresses, 'sexy secretary', 80s prom dresses). Sometimes the clothes can be a little bit more than what you'd expect - generally $5 to $10 more than what seems like the item should be. However, they have a discount rack of unsold items that get moved onto it where you can find some great clothes for around $5! They have a large selection of hats, scarves, and coats, and while their women's clothes section is stronger, they have plenty of men's clothes too. Highly recommended! -
Review from John B.
San Jose, CA
9/4/2011
Clothes Contact is quite unique in the sense that it carries a lot of random clothes. And when I say random clothes, I mean costumey and festive ones! The store's aesthetic leans more towards legitimate vintage/retro clothes from the 80s or so and they carry lots of it. I was pretty excited when I cam across a few jackets and shirts... but when I tried them on I realized they all had moth holes in them. Either they need to screen their clothes better or they need to figure out a way to stop those moths from eating their clothes -- regardless, it'd be nice to find an unholy shirt there. The store charges by weight too so it's not so bad. Swing by Clothes Contact if you want, but don't go out of your way for this unless you really need a costume for a party/concert/halloween.
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Review from Margaret R.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2011
There's a huge selection of 70's, 80's and 90's clothes. Too bad all the women's clothes are all too big for me (all around size 8 and plus).
However, the boy's selection is better. The bf actually walked away with a cute vest and jacket for the 80's prom party we were attending.
You pay by the pound here. -
Review from Malkov D.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2011
I wish the branding of the store matched the interior. The typeface of the awning makes it seem like a "Cheap Thrills" competitor but they're completely different.
This is legitimate vintage clothing by the pound. Spending $10 could get you a brand new outfit, if you play your cards right.
The staff has always been helpful and sweet. But they also leave you alone to shop, which is such a nice change of pace. No constant checkups like other stores (I hate that). I love the employee that chose to play The Misfits for the entirety of my shopping experience. You are awesome.
I just love this store, I always find something truly unique! -
Review from Sean S.
8/11/2011
This store is a major warmup spot for burning man finds. They carry some serious wack shit that you will only find in SF. Crazy hats, and furry jackets, vintage shoes, and costumes you can't explain. LOL It's also very convenient right on Valencia. They sell much of the stuff "by the pound" which is kind of an interesting concept. Anyway, I've always been satisfied by what I have found there.
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Review from illyanna M.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2010
You've really got to rummage deep (that's what she said) in this thrift store. I personally don't like the whole "by the pound" get up when it comes to clothing. A damn thin threadbare hoodie could end up costing you $10, as the case was with me some odd years ago.
But, there's a killer $1 bin in here where you can find shoes, vests, pants, skirts and everything else your little heart desires.
Dig deep you must. -
Review from Vittorio L.
Oakland, CA
7/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Perhaps this is the place to go if you're metamorphosing into a hipster or are shopping for one; plaid galore, used boots, dresses, and shoes, and even coats. Yes, one might come here for help in blending into the local Mission vibe, but i'll be going here to buy an ugly sweater for this year's xmas card as they are abundant in this store. Or maybe you can come here to shop for a decades theme party. Or for halloween. Otherwise, the employees are helpful and the store is fun to look around in, and worth the trip.
Listed in: La Mission
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Review from Bridgette S.
San Anselmo, CA
11/12/2011
bought a winter overcoat here recently, weighed 2.7 pounds! I still have my previous winter coats -a classic Pendleton wool with faux fur collar and a "dirty mac" from JC Penny that I purchased here over 15 yrs ago. vintage without the price tags. just stick it on the scale and you're good to go....
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Review from Avery G.
San Francisco, CA
7/12/2011
Came here because of the yelp reviews , and it was an amazing experience. Vintage by the pound, so nothing has a price tag. This has become my new favorite vintage shop.
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Review from jane m.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2011
On the day I stopped into clothes contact I wasn't able to find anything that was worth buying, but there were plenty of things to try on because they were too hilarious to pass up. This store has both classic vintage threads and some great ideas and bits and bobs for dressing up partys.
Loved this shop.. fun staffers and great threads. -
Review from R M.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2007
When I first moved to Sucker Free, I remember calling home to one of my gay dads and exclaiming, "I found the most amazing vintage shop that sells each piece by the pound".
He haughtily replied in his posh English accent, "Surely not a practice that Nieman Marcus condones".
Eight years later, I make only a smidgen more than I did back then in college so this is still my go to store.
Friday--- I pop into Clothes Contact to look for a formal dress to wear to my Annual Fundraising event for work. I didn't just find ONE dress, I found three. At $8, $10, and $12. I could have bought them all!
They were amazing specimen's from the 60's and 70's. Really unique.
Saturday---I drink
Sunday---I drink
Monday---I work, then show up to the Gala looking like a Rock Star/Goddess in my $10 gown. (I ended up with a classy black strapless that fit the best and needed no altering.)
At the end of the night knew I had dun good when a gay man told me I win "Best Dressed" for the event. Inside I screamed happily ($10 $10 $10!!!!!!!!) -
Review from Cyrelle D.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2008
I go to Clothes Contact to find my unique party dresses. They have quite a selection organized by decade and length and the prices are pretty affordable. My favorite place to find treasures is the Employee Picks rack right near the counter. I found my Yelp Holiday Party dress (which merited a couple mentions on the best-dressed of the party, I am very proud to say) and my birthday dress on this rack and neither cost more than $25 dollars. I don't think I've every gotten anything but dresses here but they do have quite a big selection of other items, including a large men's section.
If you have a theme party to go to, this is a great place to check out. Not only do they have dresses from every era, they also have wigs, tights, and more.Listed in: Where did I get this?
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Review from Tina L.
Los Angeles, CA
7/30/2008
I found a 5 dollar dress with a dog in Florida resting on a chaise lounge enjoying a margarita-print.
Nice. Would've looked around more had I not been pressured to leave. :S I'll come back for you, CC! -
Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
2/23/2009
Holy vintage heaven, Batman! This is a place I could easily spend lots of my hours and my dollars if I lived in San Fran. They have fantastic stuff and it's completely affordable. I bought an awesome white, 50s style dress for $22 when I stopped in here to browse.
Also, let's talk about organization. This place is the bomb when it comes to it. Everything is organized by decade or category. For example, there was a rack of 80s soap opera dresses. I'm sure you can imagine the sequins that abounded here.
If you love vintage or find yourself in need of a period piece or costume check out Clothes Closet. I have a feeling you'll find whatever you're looking for.Listed in: San Francisco Fun, San Francisco's Mission…
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Review from JAYCE B.
Burlingame, CA
8/25/2006
I'm riding on the wave of a really really successful trip to Clothes Contact so I'm leading towards four stars even though I give it an overall 3.5
I've had wonderful and terrible visits here.
Most of it is my own fault because it comes down to knowing exactly what you are looking for and either finding it or moving on. The times I've gone just to peruse, I've ended up disappointed only because I just wasn't in a creative or aesthetic mindset.
The staff and music shape the environment a lot. Some visits have literally felt like night and day. One time with cold, hipper-than-thou cashiers blasting metal and hardly giving a shit about you. But recently really warm and friendly cashiers listening to feist!!
Definitely an upgrade.
The by the pound gimmick isn't all that appealing considering you usually end up paying the same as you would at buffalo exchange but is saves time. And typically the cashiers will be the first to point out damage and give you a hefty discount (I got a 99 cent thermal and 10 bucks off a jacket.)
By far a better choice in the realm of thrift.
Know what you want in advance, it helps.
And whats with this hippie burning man shit everyone keeps referring to?? Every store has lame clothes but that doesn't mean the ENTIRE store is like that. dorks. -
Review from Mike K.
12/30/2008
Greatest selection of 70s clothing!
From loud vests to ridiculous pant,s, this place has it all.
Buying clothes by the pound? Genius.
When in need of going retro, hit up this Mission spot and deck yourself out! -
Review from Gabrielle F.
Santa Ana, CA
4/20/2009
This place is just lovely! Vintage quality clothes at a thrift store price always makes me excited. Slightly more than the majority of the store is priced per pound (10 dollars a pound) While nicer items, most accessories, and all dresses are priced individually. I do wish this store had a slightly larger skirts, shorts, and blouses sections as opposed a large section of not that exciting t shirts but I still loved this store. Plus the lady working there gave me and my friend discounts off of our price per pound weight :] All dresses and clothes are nicely organized bye style or era and everything is clean and in good condition (no stains broken zippers, workers constantly pressing etc..)
GO then write your own review! -
Review from Ryan P.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2009
if you like to look like a rag-a-muffin, transient, vagrant, or bum than this place is for you. They do have a great Hawaiian shirt selection.
Just moved to the Mission, havent quite finished your fixed conversion, just need some gear to chill at DP in, but dont want to be confused for bridge and tunnel, or god forbid the Marina crowd, want to get that real authentic SF grimey look? Your fashion mullet dread lock padawan braid thing isnt quite full grown? Well shit stop in to this pit and pick up some really old, gross, smelly bullshit. You will achieve Mission Dork sumpremacy, immediately, and you will look like a bum doing it. Unless of course you just need a Hawaiian Shirt for the Jimmy Buffet concert... -
Review from emi s.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2008
I found myself wandering about the Mission district for a while, and came across this shop.
It is small but seems to have a good flow of people coming through.
I would have browsed more but my boyfriend blew up my phone because he was getting nervous from his appearance.
There are a lot of things/clothing from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. -
Review from Speedoo G.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2008
Don't come here with something in mind!
I'm more 40s-early 60s vintage so Clothes Contact is not high on my list of shops to hit when I want to add to my peep-toe or pencil skirt stash. BUT if you come in with an open mind, you will definitely be rewarded.
They have a HUGE selection of women's shoes, mostly 70s-80s pumps or chunky 60s, but I have seen some pretty Springolators and Rita Hayworth-esque platforms before.
TONS of skirts, prairie, kilt, tennis, wrap, etc.
A lot of western-style shirts, sadly none in my size.
What I've bought: 5 belts ($2-$8 each, Mexican tooled leather, corset-style, buckled Bad-era Michael Jackson), great condition green 50s pinup sweater, delicate slips, a couple ankle-strapped sandals.
Check it out, you'll most likely leave with something you never knew you wanted! -
Review from Katharine A.
San Jose, CA
3/19/2008
This is a great Thrift Shop is you know exactly what kind of Vintage you are looking for. Clothes are arranged by era-- 70's "sexy secretary", 60's mini dresses, 80's "Golden Girl" etc. I loved the fabric that lined the wall in back.
I didn't buy anything here, but it was such a pleasure browsing. -
Review from Jean K.
10/28/2008
Clothes Contact has some great stuff, but for most people probably wouldn't be able to pull off wearing this stuff on an everyday basis. They specialize in theme clothing - 60's sexy secretary, 80's prom, etc. Great for fancy dress or special occasions, but not something I'd usually wear.
And be forewarned that not all clothing is by the pound, and something that's $10/pound won't be cheap unless it's a thin t-shirt because most clothes weigh more than a pound. -
Review from Amy A.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2007
There are usually two kinds of thrift shops. There are the utilitarian types, like GoodWill, where the clothes and items are practical, but you have to look hard to find the stylin' duds. Those are the ones with the amazing prices. Then there are the fashionable ones like Wasteland where the clothes are truly fabulous but the prices are pretty much the same as full retail.
Clothes Contact has the best of both worlds and they absolutely rule for costume items. Steve and I just walked out of here with four PACKED shopping bags of awesome Playa wear for just under $90, including a brand new scarlit red, full length crinoline. (I can't WAIT to wear it!) -
Review from Sara B.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2008
Clothes Contact has been my go-to for Bay to Breakers outfits ranging from Rosie the Riveter to Def Leppard groupie.
I also found a pair of vintage black leather boots with a LIGHTNING BOLT on the side for $14 on my last visit.
Love it! However, I deduct one star for the overpriced t-shirts that would go for 50 cents at the Salvation Army. -
Review from Matt F.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2008
This is a vintage store, so I won't go and blast them for their selection, as well, all vintage stores are pretty much the same - hit or miss.
No, the real draw of Clothes Contact is the Buy the Pound system; you pay $10 per pound of stuff. If you're buying lightweight stuff, this may be the best deal in town. But a blazer/sportcoat and pair of pants can run you upwards of $30, 40. I've had more than one trip to the register thinking I was about to get a deal, only to find I can't accurately weigh-by-hand and subsequently pay more than I bargained for. -
Review from Chantal P.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2008
Of course, upon entering Clothes Contact the most normal thing for me to do is to gravitate toward the shoes located in the right corner closest to the door. Oh, the glory! Shoes... They're vintage and beautiful and I want all of them!
With shoes aside there is the phenomenon of buying clothes by the pound, which is how Clothes Contact is set up. And what a fabulous form a pound can be in! It's not a pound of fat, but a pound of clothes... Mind-blowing, right?
The people who work there seemed to let people get their vintage-shopping groove on without too much fuss of overly-attentive customer service (which is kind of isn't expected when you're n the mission, duh). I appreciate that about any boutique-y setting because it's less overwhelming than that of a department store.
So, essentially this phenomenal vintage store is your go-to place for funky pieces that make your wardrobe fabulous.
Gimme, gimme! -
Review from Rachael S.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2010
Not nuts about the clothes here, but the boots are awesome! Shoes are great in general here if you have small feet. Not much bigger than a size 8, other than the awesome boots! What bumps them up from 3 stars to 4 in my book is the fact that they have fitting rooms. It saved me from wasting money on several skirts that didn't fit me right but looked great on the hanger. The sales people were really nice as well.
Also, most of the clothing, and all of the shoes, are not sold by the pound, FYI. Still good prices though. -
Review from Alejandra W.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2008
I love the dresses here!
They have a great selection of 60s and 70s dresses that I NEED in my closet...I wish I could wear one every day!
I've found a top or two, but they still have room for improvement in that department.
I once bought a pin from the 70s here that I thought said "I'm not gay but I'll disucss it." I was SO excited about it and had plans to pin it permantely to a jacket. Yeah, turns out it said "I'm not EASY but I'll discuss it." Classic. -
Review from Susie W.
5/23/2009
Wandered in here by accident and scored my favorite jacket here ever at a reasonable price for the condition and style. It's a small-ish store but they seemed to have a good selection of jeans, jackets, and other "essentials." It didn't have that thrift shop smell either, which is always welcome.
If you're looking for a leather jacket I especially recommend this spot, although of course "past performance is no guarantee of future results" with a Vintage store. -
Review from kate r.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2007
Me: picking up vintage brown slouch boots with stacked heels (that I have been in search of all day) off of the counter, "Uhh, are these for sale?"
Salesgirl: "Umm. Sure, try 'em on."
Me: No hesitation... takes the pair to the nearest mirror... realizes they fit beautifully and they're still in pretty good shape... takes 'em back to the counter. "So these don't have a price on 'em."
Salesgirl: Looks at them, "For these, uhh how about $15?"
Me: Trying to hide my enthusiasm, "YEAH I'LL TAKE THEM!"
SCORRRREEEEEEEE. -
Review from Kyel M.
New York, NY
3/27/2010
Decent vintage. No couture but a good selection of wearable clothing at reasonable prices. Not necessarily a bargain but hey your not digging through feces at Goodwill here.
Good place to add some simple shirts to your wardrobe or find silly things to wear out to clubs, bars and parties.
Large selection of sparkly 1980's shirts and dresses for women. -
Review from Jessa H.
Kennesaw, GA
6/15/2010
This is a good costume store but doesn't cater to the everyday.
The shoe selection is mostly heels, with few flats or boots.
