Aether

Summary: Cool store, worth going into and poking around; don’t expect the clothing to hold up relative to the price.
The store is pretty cool from a design standpoint. The minimal industrial aesthetic fits the clothing style and design. Unfortunately the clothing doesn’t hold up under everyday use. I bought a lightweight hooded sweatshirt. It was perfect for SF. I was disappointed when after a year of regular wear the sleeve cuffs were stretched out and the fabric was sun bleached and my grey hoodie was no a strange distressed taupe/​grey. With no lifetime guarantee on their products, i’d say buy something from Arcteryx that will last your entire life and is guaranteed.

I had scoured almost every boutique around Union Square in search of a jacket that would fit me to the T but to no avail. I checked into the Eddie Bauer, IceBreaker, North Face, Adidas & Nike stores but nothing fit well. Even the mega Macy’s Men’s Store didn’t have what I was looking for. Per chance I saw some jackets displayed inside a container at Hayes Valley with an unfamiliar name (until now) and decided to check it out. Ten minutes later and a few hundred bucks poorer, I exit with my striking blue Glacier Shelter. Aether’s a winner in my eyes… more accurately, we both are!

I had a really amazing experience at this store.
The architecture and interior design of the place is definitely enough for a visit. However, the quality of their clothes as well as their impeccable customer service is really noteworthy. The products are not monetarily cheap and I definitely went over my imaginary budget. But, the quality and design really stood out and was worth the extra cash. I did some comparisons that night before at REI. When compared to brand names such as North Face, Patagonia etc the design at Aether were slim and felt right. The design and feel were not baggy as they would have been with the aforementioned companies. The finished product at Aether gives you something that can be used for both city and wilderness prowling life. I believe I dealt with Ben, the manager. He was very patient and kind. He went above and beyond what is typical in the retail world.
To top it off, I sampled some amazing single malt scotches before noon on a Friday. Now, that’s what I call winning.

I went in to browse without the intent to buy but I ended up walking out of the store with a great new jacket. The service level was outstanding — the guys working there were super professional, knew the products well, and made great recommendations all without hovering or being pushy. I love the quality of all the products I looked at. The only downside is the cost.

This place is super cool. A small clothing shop located in a storage container!
Their products are more geared towards outdoor biker travelers, but still offer a unique look. Keep in mind this is an upscale store. You go here because of the quality and style they offer.
Cool place for photos for any IGers out there.

I’ve been waiting a long time for a brand like Aether to emerge. It is clear that the materials, color palette, fit, construction, utility and presentation are all the result of carefully considered decisions.
I had a wonderful experience both in-​store and online with Aether. The gentleman who helped me (Ben) was incredibly knowledgeable about the products as well as their specific utility (and patiently and politely answered all my nuanced questions!). Congratulations to the entire team. I’m a lifelong customer and can’t wait for the next season!

I wear their T-​shirts every damn day. I’ve gotta have a good 20 of them. Some are ugly at this point. Some are still new lookin. But they hold up well. And for 40 bones. I damn well hope so. But I guess that’s becoming the norm. I’ve got a few of the sweat shirts/​hoodies and flippin love em! Now to get together a few hundred bucks to afford the jackets I want.
I also went to the L. A location. I had a blast. They carry some really nice pieces by other designers. Just a cool building to be in even. The folks were cool too.

Yada yada yada, the clothes are great. Super patient and knowledgable people who carefully and honestly tell you when you have too much trunk junk for certain items — and just the right amount for others. Five stars. FIVE STARS!!!

Classy doesn’t always have to come with a side of snooty! To prove my point, let’s transport you to Aether in SF.
For those of you who are not familiar with Aether; they make quality gear, primarily jackets. I decided to go into their Hayes Valley container store today to tease myself. I knew I had all the jackets I needed for the season, yet I found myself drawn in. Ben asked if I was looking for anything specific and I was pretty clear that I was just window shopping, but that didn’t keep him from providing personalized attention. Lydia too was personable and awesome! When I asked about t-​shirts, she pulled out their newest styles from an unopened box that had not even made to the display floor yet.
Despite the steady stream of traffic, they kept an eye on me, and even proactively suggested products based on my lifestyle. They were so fabulous that I was tempted to buy something though I didn’t really need anything. Like most people in SF, space is limited, and as a minimalist I try to get rid of an item before bringing one in. Net-​net, I didn’t buy anything but left feeling really good about my experience in there. Thanks Ben and Lydia you guys rock. Oh and Francesca who was the third associate seemed super nice too.
So go in check out their products, and if you receive anything short of great service, I’d be open to getting hate mail :)

This is a neat, nifty type of store. It is basically two shipping containers that are stacked on each other with a carousel rotate the inventory. I have never seen such an ingenious idea.
My significant other has seen a jacket on display as we were spending time in the Hayes. So in early July, I paid the store a visit and was trying to gift this jacket for her birthday. Unaware of the jacket’s style and the size I needed for her, Francesca provided assistance. She knew exactly of the jacket I was referring to, The Amelia, and informed me of the measurements. Unsure of the size I wanted, Francesca worked out a deal that I was pleased with and I bought that jacket. Well, the jacket was too fit around the bust due to the inner lining of the jacket. I called the store and asked for a bigger size. They were able to hold the item for me until my return to the City. I reside in the City on the weekends only.
During the time in between for the exchange, Francesca had e-​mail me to inform that she had discovered some staining on the jacket that I was on reserve. Moreover, she has taken forward-​progressing steps to order me a new jacket from the warehouse before my arrival for the exchange.
WOW, what a tentative and caring person. I would doubt anyone from any other company would do such a thing. That service alone is impeccable.

worst customer service. Ever.
The two employees never put their phones down…
The merchandise is good but their tude made it for an incredibly forgettable experience.
Never.Going.Back.

Not only is this a great space, but the ladies who work there couldn’t be any nicer! They are extremely friendly and chatty — I always feel welcome when I come to Aether. Love this store and its stellar customer service!

Shipping container shopping… how amazing is that??? Aether is a really neat shop that is built out of old shipping containers. The stairs up to the second level are steep, very ladder like, Upstairs there are a few more racks of jackets and shirts along with a great chair and some architecture books with a great view of the shops. The clothes are all very soft and there are some great warm jackets.

Shipping container retail has finally come ashore in San Francisco, thanks to sleek outerwear stockist Aether. Housed in Hayes Valley near Biergarten and Ritual, this is the L.A. brand’s first stand-​alone shop and it’s a stunner with a glass-​encased cantilevered lounge, reclaimed oak floors and a dry cleaner style conveyor belt to ferry clothing between the floors.
I stopped in on Sunday in search of a coat to withstand the cold that awaits me next month in Europe. Francesca helped me try on the artic trench in jet black and total eclipse (an inky dark blue). It’s a waterproof, snow ready jacket that’s actually flattering! Until Aether, I didn’t think such a thing actually existed. After a moment of deliberation, I purchased it in total eclipse, happy to finally say goodbye to the Helly Hansen puffer I bought in Bath, England in late 2001 (and have been wearing in cold temps since)!
I’m headed to Paris, Copenhagen and London next month and now I know the rain and snow will be no problem. And for once I won’t look like an oompa loompa in a puffer!
Whilst not cheap, I have a strong feeling that my artic trench will end up being a very good value in the long run. The fact that it has a lifetime guarantee doesn’t hurt either.