Sean

Having lived in Manhattan and spending time in Paris, I am not sure how I missed out all this time but I am glad a place like this exists in SF. If you want Birkenstocks or Northface jackets, there is no shortage of stores that carry those items but trying to find places that carry interesting, colorful, styles of men’s clothing is rather difficult.
Of course there are some places in Union Square but who likes to deal with the crowds and tourists? Although the inventory is limited, there is always something in stock that catches my eye.
The colors remind me of items I would find in Ted Baker but the styles/​fit lean toward more of those designs by Hugo Boss. Their website does not do a great job of describing the current inventory nor showing in depth photos so if you really want to check out their clothing, you will have to stop by in person. Furthermore, the inventory turns over twice a year March/​September so it is fairly static year round. As a side note, the accessories and shoes are from local merchants (I believe from the East Bay) are not from Paris /​Sean (just an fyi).
Definitely worth a visit if you are seeking something European and un-​San Francisco.

Stylish and well priced clothes, but the over all shopping experience not so great. I’ve been buying clothes from Sean for 10+ years. Unfortunately, on the 2 occasions when I’ve tried to make an exchange (within 21 days, but admittedly outside the 7(!) day exchange window printed on their credit card slips and outside the 14(really?) days on their printed store receipt) the reaction from the sales person (both times) was more drama than anyone should put up with for a $ 130 shirt. I’m sad to be saying goodbye to Sean, but there are too many other stores with cool, well priced clothes that also deliver a great shopping experience.

I though Sean was too good to be true and it was. As much as I wanted to believe that I was buying a high quality suit for $ 600.00, turns out I bought a poorly made suit instead.
I purchased a lightweight wool suit that was freakin’ beautiful. Very modern, well tailored and handsome. Unfortunately after just a few wears the crotch was pretty worn down. I’ve had a lot of suits and never had this problem. It eventually wore all the way threw and I had to sew a patch in.
After another few wears, the zipper just broke entirely. Got the zipper repaired and wore it one last time last night on New Years to wedding and the pants again ripped all the way up the back for the death blow to the suit. Also worth noting is that the left front pocket seem was coming undone as well.
In total, I’ve gotten just over a dozen wears out of it.
I basically averaged about $ 40 per wear and it’s done. I haven’t and won’t even attempt to go the Sean with my beef because judging from a number of reviews, they don’t stand by their product and I’m sure I’d just leave pissed.
Damn it looked good while it lasted, but 15 wears is just totally unacceptable.

Walked by their Hayes St. Store just after closing and said to my girlfriend that I had seen some not too good reviews on Unilocal.An employee was outside and heard my comment and got very abusive about what I said… yelling abuse at Unilocal and me as he rode his bike away. With employees like this who needs their clothes.

I was browsing through the store looking at ties, and I was told not to touch the ties because I would stain them. Excuse me? Do I look like a homeless person? That is a fantastic way to win over a new customer.

Purchased a jacket form the store and in less than 2 weeks, the buttons have fallen off. Sad that the quality of this «high end» store is less than the shirts I have purchased from other «fast fashion» retailers.
Nice stuff, but not the quality of product I was paying for.

I caution potential customers to avoid this establishment.
Sean provides what appears to be high end merchandise at high end merchandise prices. Unfortunately, the actual quality of the clothing is at least in some cases low. They do not stand behind their products and are unwilling to support their customers.
My husband bought me two shirts from Sean for my birthday this past June. Each shirt was $ 130, and I thought they were quite attractive. I wore each one once out for dinner. I didn’t have occasion to wear them again for a few months — they were expensive shirts, and I did not want to use them for everyday wear. When I next took one out of the closet, I was incredibly shocked to notice streaks on the underarms, and on one shirt, the nipple as well. The dye had run.
I do not sweat excessively, my deodorant is Gillette, a popular national brand, which I use sparingly, and I am not in the practice of applying it to my nipples. Finally, for $ 130 a pop, I would expect these shirts to hold up for more than just one wearing.
While in the store with cash in hand, the customer service was excellent — enthusiastic and warm. Returning to the store with defective merchandise, the attitude was quite different. The salesman was unsupportive, apathetic and almost immediately rude — sentiments mirrored by the owner. Ultimately, their self-​serving rationalization was that the running dye of my shirts was strictly my fault for wearing them with deodorant. How uncouth of me.
If you are in the market for shoddy merchandise and poor customer service at a high price point, Sean might well be the establishment for you. However, if your goal is to patronize a responsible establishment that stands behind their products, and if you want to purchase reliable, quality merchandise, then Sean should be avoided.
Ultimately, while I’m angry and outraged… I’m mostly just very disappointed and nervous about the idea of buying anything from a boutique business in the future. I really don’t want to get screwed again. Thanks for that holiday gift, Sean.

My husband bought a linen suit for our wedding. He is a tall slim guy and can never find clothes that are cut for him. They are generally too roomy. He looked georgeous!
The staff was very helpful and friendly, and they tailored the suit in a timely manner. The suit was good quality for a reasonable price and was a modern style we couldn’t find anywhere else!
They also have a great selection of shirts and casual clothing. Sadly, the shirts have all shrunk. For the price this was disappointing.

Great quality, service, men’s shirts… even scarfs!
I wholly concur with the blog post titled «sean: stylish european value for the tall thin men in your life.» Hear, hear.

Really friendly and helpful staff. I really like the clothing quality and look. Certainly the best stuff in my closet now (that’s not saying much… but it is a huge step up for me).
If you need some dressier stuff, you should certainly check this place out.

They have some really beautiful stuff here. However, we bought a truly beautiful set of cuff links here that was made of the watch works of a Seiko watch for $ 160. The price seemed OK at the time since it has real jewels in it, as the shop keeper told us. But later, oh big surprise, I stumble over the EXACT same cufflinks on
for $ 54.99. So he probably tripled the price! I would have been fine with a markup to $ 90 or maybe $ 100. But $ 160! How should I ever again buy anything in this store or recommend buying here to anyone?
Here are my cufflinks on etsy:
If you go to Sean you probably will see other similar models. Or maybe they by now restocked with more of the same «unique» cufflinks as we boguht here.

Purchased a pair of pants and three shirts at full price last Spring. While I like the styles and believe the prices are fair for the quality you get I should warn you about two things:
1) a SHORT 10-​day return policy… which I unfortunately missed.
2) Possible design flaws — examine items carefully before you leave the store… see below:
One white 100% cotton dress shirt had snaps to hold the collars down (instead of collar stays). I thought this was cool until the first cleaning — laundered, no starch — but it left two obvious circles where the snaps were that would not go away. It looks odd enough that I no longer wear the shirt — because friends kept asking me what «those raised circles are all about.» (I think this is a design flaw.)
The other shirt «challenge» was a long sleeve linen with a nice pattern. I didn’t quite fit into the Large, so the attendant suggested I purchase the XL. A month later, I wore the shirt for the first time and realized that the arms are insanely long, making the shirt bunch up around my wrists like a pirate. (FYI the other two XL shirts I purchased that day fit me perfectly.)
Realize that I am a very standard size — an off the rack 42 jacket and standard 16×34 shirt. These sleeves on this linen shirt are about 37−38″. Because I like the shirt so much, and could not return it, I created a makeshift French cuff, doubling it back… and now it fits fine, although its a bit awkward.
No doubt, I will continue to shop at Sean. But I will be much, much more careful of what I’m trying on to make sure that it fits before I leave the store… cause it usually takes me about 30 days to return something, which Sean will not allow.

I stumbled upon this men’s store on Union Street by accident, and I’m glad I did. If you’re like me and prefer more fitted, European-​cut dress shirts, «Sean» has a great selection. The prices are reasonable, and once you become a customer, the staff is really great at e-​mailing you announcements for upcoming sales and such.
Speaking of the staff, Paolo (sp?) is extremely helpful and always willing to provide you with an honest opinion about how something looks. Careful, though… before you know it, Paolo will have talked you into purchasing 2 – 3 extra items that you never would have thought to purchase (but he does this in a very friendly way).
To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of their suit collection (thus the four stars’ rating), but the shirt selection rocks, and it’s only a matter of time before I purchase a pair of slacks or five, along with some of their cashmere/​silk sweaters.
Great store…

Small and well designed store. Very French boutique feeling about the place, yum.
The clothing is well made, and seems to be tailor fit for European (read: slim) builds. Minimalist, clean lines. Lovely muted color palatte.
If I was a guy, I would definitely shop here.

Very nice men’s clothing, all by French designer Emile Lafaurie. If Ted Baker is a more affordable Paul Smith, than Emile LaFaurie is an affordable Agnes B. I have to say, the items are extremely well-​priced for the quality.
Everything is sleek and simple, with lovely fabrics and basic colors. Shirts and sweaters are mostly under $ 150, and I love that suiting is sold in separates so that you can pick your jacket and pant size separately. What’s more, you can get a real sharp suit for less than $ 600. Also, they have very handsome italian-​made skinny ties.
The fit is tailored, but not as slim and cropped as what I usually wear (i.e. theory). I could definitely see myself rocking a few items here, especially a suit or one of their casual button-​ups. However, I think the clothing best suits stylish middle-​aged guys who want to have a classic, timeless look.

Good selection of men’s wear, esp shirts and jackets.
Owners were very attentive, and got my husband the jacket he wanted from their NY store free of shipping charge.
Will definitely go back.

I Touch.
Not iPod Touch.
I Touch.
I touch everything in this store. Because everything feels so damned lovely.
There is something so tactile about this store. every garment has a lovely, soft yet strong touchability. The subtle textures of the jackets and pants, the lovely softly structured shirts, the rich, bright yet understated palette; I love pretty much everything in here.
IQ was made to wear these clothes, and I was made to lust after them.
And to top it off, they’re dog friendly and some of the nicest people to do business with.
So if I should happen to run into you in this store, be forewarned.
I Touch.

What can I add to my other thoughts on Sean (
), perhaps not much.
Then again, here goes: Having first been introduced to Sean (and their one label Emile Lafaurie) in New York’s SoHo, I’ve remained a dedicated follower of his fashion sense.
When they opened an SF location in the Marina, I rejoiced, and so did my Father who would routinely purchase 5 – 10 dress shirts there on every visit.
Now, with this Hayes Valley location, I don’t have to travel nearly as far (hey, Union Street can be far for some!) to get my goods. Whether it’s a choice shirt or sweater, that perfect suit jacket, perhaps a set of cufflinks, or an understated tie that still says it all.
At either location in SF, ask for Don, he’s always been ready with a suggestion on what looks right and is a cool cat in general.

If you are looking for a present, you should look at their cuff links. The coolest cuff links. period. ever.
Heres their story: they grab vintage selected pieces of anything and everything cool and transform them into nice decorative mens jewelry. Stuff like old watch machinery and old olivetti typewriter keyes.
My girlfriend got me a set. I instantly got obsessed with these things.

My boyfriend was graduating from school and I wanted to get him some cool cuff links. I had gone to numerous shops and left each one feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. I was about to go home with my tail between my legs when I popped into Sean. The store had a small inventory of cuff links but all were unique and beautiful. My new problem was deciding which set to take home. So the sales associate asked me some questions to come to a conclusion:
Him: How long have you been together?
Me: A year.
Him: Does he treat you well?
Me: Yes.
Him: Does he make you happy?
Me: Yes.
Him: Is he a good lover?
Me: Yes.
Him: Get him the expensive ones.
Me: Sold.
Thanks Sean. Great clothes and accessories for men. But mostly I had fun shopping there.