Al’s Attire

By Tim Marsolais

Al’s Attire, on the corner of Vallejo Street and Grant Avenue in North Beach, feels like a working space. The light-filled room is sometimes quiet and other times, bustling with activity—but, the mannequins, work tables, tools, shelves of cloth swatches, and racks of thread are definitely not props. There are a few racks of shirts, accessories, and shelves with hats for immediate sale, but the core business of Al’s Attire is custom, hand-made garments, accessories, and shoes.

The team at Al’s Attire constructs clothing in the style of Couture designers. Jackets, dresses, suits, shoes, and other garments are carefully planned, measured, and then hand-assembled. Each piece has the luxurious feel of custom-made, hand-crafted work of artisans. It’s part of the what makes Al’s Attire a destination for both current and former North Beach residents.

Al Ribaya began as a shoe maker, and opened his first store,“Taming of the Shoe,” in the Mission district of San Francisco. The name was a witty nod to the Shakespearean play, but he was serious about custom, hand-stitched shoes, and exacting shoe repair. The name would also foreshadow Al’s involvement in the costume and footwear of local San Francisco theater. He created designs for Beach Blanket Babylon, Golden Gate Theater, ACT, and a long list of productions. Al opened two more shoe stores (a second location in the Haight-Ashbury, and a third location in North Beach) before consolidating all of the locations as “Al’s Attire” in its present spot.

True to his beginnings as a neighborhood shop, Al’s Attire can perform your garment alterations, tailoring, and shoe refurbishing. Overnight turn-around isn’t an option, but you can be assured that the work will be done properly and of the highest quality. Al and his team can also craft uniform elements that will make your business shine. Past projects include the pin-striped vests of the bartenders at Park Tavern, and an assortment of custom Chef attire—including the beautiful, leather Chef’s aprons on display in the store.

Today, the store is open 7 days a week. If you are strolling through the neighborhood and would like to browse the merchandise, late mornings are the best time for a visit. When you are ready to add a custom item to your wardrobe, reach out with an email handmade@alsattire.com before you visit the store and schedule an appointment. Bring your imagination and ideas, because you will get personalized attention and the opportunity to dream your next custom garment, accessory, or footwear into existence.