Theory

I have always been a huge theory fan, but when this week I attempted to exchange a $ 300 theory sweater I had received as a Christmas gift, with tag still on but no receipt, they refused to exchange it. I explained that I lived in a different city and had no other store to go to, but they were unwilling. I hate losing something I love, but they’ve lost me as a customer.

I own Theory clothing so was eager to check out the flag ship store. However, while browsing the clothing, I noticed that the only sizes on the rack were size 0. When I pointed this out to the sales lady, she told me «we only have size 0 on the floor, other sizes are in the back». What are they trying to convey with this? That women with normal sizes are not the desired clientele? I found this offensive and will shop for Theory clothing elsewhere.

Love Theory clothes. Unfortunately customer service at this location is terrible. I walked in on a Thursday afternoon around 2pm and there were no other customers in the store. Two sales associates stood at the register chatting away and briefly looked up to acknowledge me as I walked in. No one asked if I needed help or told me about the sale. I wandered around for at least 10 minutes all the while listening to the SAs chatter away at the register on the first floor. Finally as I was leaving and walked by the now three SAs chatting away at the register, I was asked if I found everything ok. Really??? You wait until a customer is LEAVING the store to ask if they found everything ok? I hope store managers read these reviews.

I love the brand Theory, on the other hand I hate slow service with meaningless chatter and bad manners.
As I walk into this store, one of the sales associates greet me (yeah okay, that’s fine. I understand you’re on a commission.), I didn’t see anything I liked on the first level, so I went upstairs to the second floor — If I didn’t know any better, I could literally hear the sales associate’s heels pitter patter right behind me up the stairs and throughout the entire store! Not very professional.
I felt like I just «had» to buy something just so I’d get her get off my back. $ 380 for a skirt I actually liked, 100% silk unlike most of the polyester/​viscose pieces they had this season.
It’s quite sad that they don’t carry as much in the store as they do at Bloomingdales, seeing how big the store actually is.
Next time I’ll come here with a friend. (:

Love, love, love. I come here frequently when I need to add to my office wardrobe and it’s always served me well. I work in a relatively conservative field, so it’s hard to find places that can toe the line between being appropriate in a professional setting without being boring or dumpy. They’re versatile enough that I’m actually able to mix and match separates to make them work for a night out. To top it off I don’t have to shell out money for a tailor, since the fit is great and overall it’s much less than you’d be paying for something similar at Gucci or Armani. Not bad.
That being said, I hate the design of the actual store. I get that they’re going for a no-​frills sort of aesthetic but they could do with some remodeling.

I love Theory clothes but echo other reviewers who wish the company would stick with «Made in USA». There is a noticeable quality difference between the Theory clothes made in the USA, so so so much better quality and better fit than those made overseas.
At this store, the customer service is not what it used to be. Some of the guys are not very good at selling to women but once they decide that they are your salesperson, it seems impossible to switch to another sales rep. During a recent visit, I had a very poor experience with store-​based alterations that essentially ruined two pairs of pants. After my pants were altered, marked for alteration by Theory staff and sewn up by a Theory store alterations vendor, the pants no longer fit me! I was told that since I had it altered, it was a final sale. They wanted me «to be happy with the fit» but since there was no way to fix the problem they also refused to return the pants.
I have experienced better, but still love Theory clothes made in USA.

I walked in with my fashionable friend to check out the Theory store in San Francisco. The store’s layout is «like a military base» per said friend with the fluorescent lights, the concrete (minimalist) walls, and the weird floor in between the two main floor. Theory has always been a minimalist store so I am not too surprised at how spartan this store is.
The women’s are downstairs while the men’s are upstairs. To be honest, I like Theory’s clothing but I have always thought that the clothes were a bit overpriced when it’s full price. This store is no exception although they were doing a 30% off your purchase which softens the damage to your wallet a little bit. The department stores generally have better deals and the online outlet prices are better.
I do like Theory’s sizing though. Their size 0s and 2s generally fit me pretty well. I do have a few Theory items in my closet and they fit me well. I did spot a dress and a shirt that I really liked here. Almost everything here is work appropriate. There is little to no color besides white, black, navy, and grey in Theory clothing so don’t come here looking for pastels.

In my mind, Theory remains the reigning queen of the corporate office uniform separates. I have more of their pants, skirts, and suits than I can count (who knew there were so many shades of gray?). The wool blends feel like butter and with proper care, will last years. The beauty of shopping in the flagships versus department stores is the special collections. My only request is that they go back to making everything in the USA.

Great boutique of Theory clothing. Worked with Josh today and he was a doll and extraordinarily helpful. This is a fantastic example of great product knowledge and service.

Awesome location. Pretty decent women’s selection but very small men’s selection. Service is hit or miss… As sometimes the women are a bit rude (maybe thinking we don’t have the money to shop here… Judging the book by its cover I would say…). The men are usually very pleasant and helpful.

I have worn Theory for years and decided to go to the free standing store with some friends. The girls who work there were all very sweet and helpful. However, some guy named Mitch who works there was quite snobby and rude to my friend. Mitch you are a B*tch!

I own some Theory shirts, and outerwear that I’ve bought from various small boutiques, department and ecommerce, but this was my first time in an actual Theory store. I thought it would be a good idea to try on some bottoms on in person since I am never a good gauge of my fluctuating waist-​line.
The men’s shop is upstairs, and during this Friday afternoon I spent chasing down the perfect Spring/​Summer straight fit, above the knee length cotton/​linen blend Nealson shorts. Unfortunately they didn’t have the size I needed in the color that I was craving. The sales associate helped me try on the correct size in an alternative color, and I ended up just ordering from the website.
It was not completely a lost cause though, I was distracted by some mercerized Hydin Editor slim-​leg slacks with a fabulous fit, a Pima crew neck that was as soft as butter than I ended up buying while there.
Very friendly, and helpful service.
Everything was impeccably posh, and amply illuminated in this open loft-​like space. Very soothing, calm, and therapeutic shopping environment.
Delicious.

A fraction of the cost of an Armani, but far more modern looking and a better fit for the slim among us. The assistance I’ve had has always been great and my suits didn’t need any tailoring, awesome. I’ve been back a few times for shirts and sport coats. My go-​to for men’s formal wear.

If you’re a slim dude, and you aren’t familiar with Theory, then get your ass to this store or at least check out their website. Theory sells everything down to chest size 36, and size XS. You will need minimal to no alterations most likely.
I have some dress shirts, sweaters and trousers from Theory. The trousers I had hemmed slightly, but the rest were ready to go out of the box. The quality of the fabric and tailoring is quite good, comparable to Armani Collezioni but a fair amount cheaper. Not as a good as my Prada or Dolce and Gabbana stuff, but a fraction of the price.
The service has been hit or miss here. The employees are helpful, but a bit unfriendly sometimes. They’re not very aggressive though and it’s a low pressure environment.
The men’s selection is small, so if you make the trip down Maiden Lane, you should also drop by John Varvatos and the Paul Smith store as well to get all your men’s clothing shopping done.

Super classy clothing! Awesome customer service (I needed a size 6 blazer and they only had 4 and 8 … the only 6 left was in NY and they shipped it to me within 3 days) =)!!
Clothes are a bit on the pricey side but you’re paying for great quality. Fit is usually perfect.

I’m a huge Theory fan for the style & fit. I’m not loving the price but, it still doesn’t put me off with stocking my wardrobe with Theory!
Strangely enough, for the multiple times I’ve dropped into the Theory store, I’ve always walked out empty handed. I’m not sure WHY I have more luck buying Theory from Bloomingdales or various ecommerce sites online but I have yet to make a purchase from the store.
The sales people I’ve encountered are neither friendly or snooty. They fulfill their basic duties such as greeting me when I enter and telling me what is where, etc…
I find it odd they don’t carry things I saw on their web site given that it’s a good sized store. I came in earlier today wanting to try on a leather jacket I have been eyeing from their website but the sales gal informed me they only had one of their leather jackets in stock and it wasn’t the one I was looking for… what’s the point of having a physical location if you don’t carry the seasons entire collection?!

I love Theory. I’m a straight guy that hates shopping. But, I have a really hard time finding clothes that fit me. Theory has always fit me well although service has been inconsistent.
I bought two suits from them and my wife stops in quite often. I wonder if they have a frequent buyers card?

I love theory, however, I have to say I did not love the employees at this store. I came in today to this store for the first time and I asked where the men’s clothes were because I’ve only shopped the Theory selection at Bloomies or Saks and wanted to see what this store offered.
One of the two girls at the front intercepts my friend and I at the elevator holding a pair of pants as though she’s putting them back. We go upstairs together and while she’s there I ask her if she has anything with a shawl collar and she’s like, «Nope» in a very half assed wanting to get rid of us sort of way. She then watches us like a pair of shoplifters. When we’re getting ready to leave she enters the elevator with us again holding the same pair of pants. Obvious.
Here’s a sad revelation for the store. I had just gone to Saks 5^th’s men store and they had the same jacket that I really like and saw at Theory BUT for sale. So it’s pretty obvious where I’ll be purchasing my items. Thanks for the great service! I really enjoyed getting to know how an actual Theory store treats their customers.

I heart Theory! Modern and classic, tailored and chic. The style canvas is black/​navy/​dark brown with bursts of rich colors in every outfit. And the oxford shirts are THE most beautiful I’ve ever worn. I have a olive-​green topper circa 2003 that still gets big compliments. You get what you pay for… And when you compare their prices to Chanel across the street or Prada around the corner, you’re getting a steal!
The staff is really great (friendly, fun and helpful), particularly Mitch who recently helped me get a replacement belt for a dress I had. BTW, I love the outlet in Las Vegas, but it’s a long way to go to get my Theory fix. Looking forward to the fall collection…

Swanky panky! Wowzer, this place knows how to get it done!
All the clothing was of high quality, beautifully made and overall gorgeous. I eyed a little black dress but had to decline due to my bank account revolting. Was not impressed by their shoe selection at all. I don’t think I’ll shop here often, it’s just not my scene.
Oh and bonus when I was able to catch up with an old friend who happens to be working there!