Shop Girl
True, Upper Haight
Sure, you can go here for the latest clothing from hip-hop brands like Enyce, Baby Phat and Triple 5 Soul. Or maybe you need a new Yak Pak or Clive bag. But, for me, this place is all about the t-shirts.
The middle of the store is dominated by two multi-tiered tables holding a plethora of t-shirts — all with some sort of graphic on them. A good portion of the designs are part of True’s own line. So while everyone else is wearing the same Juicy tees, you can stand out in a True original. They’re good-quality and priced at around $24 each. (I’m still wearing the same ones I bought as far back as 1997, so I’m definitely getting my money’s worth out of them.)
Michael Brown, son of former mayor Willie, set up shop about ten years ago. Since then, True has expanded to three stores on the stretch of Haight between Masonic and Ashbury: men’s, women’s and shoes. In addition to clothing and bags, the women’s store stocks baby outfits — so even the tiniest hip-hop fans can wear the right gear.
TIP: True holds amazing sales where goods are deeply discounted (at least 50% off). Get there early or be prepared to stand in line for a while (only a limited number of people are allowed inside the store at a time).
True (women’s)
1427 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 626-2331
