San Francisco

Typically, streetwear is either over-available -- with thousands rocking the same screen-printed American Apparel blank -- or impossible to get your hands on because some 14-year-old Singaporean bought the whole batch of three. Find the balance between exclusivity and accessibility at Free Gold Watch's fresh new gear speakeasy.

SF-based Free Gold Watch made it's bones with bold, hand-printed tees and a name that promises a Christmas bonus that never came. The space behind FGW's unmarked door doubles as their design studio/factory -- so you're going straight to the source, like a drunk pounding on the distillery's door, or a drunk pounding on Mel Gibson's door. Inside, you'll find the Tiger, Marilyn Stripes and Lyric Lines designs FGW's already known for; but the shop also carries tons of one-off Tees and ultra-limited-run experimental gear, e.g. "Rocky Balboa" hoodies lined in red satin, lumber-jack-flannel, and Pillsbury doughboy-printed fleece -- a super-rare item whose toasty comfort's well worth repeated belly assaults from finger-wielding strangers.

You can also order up a custom hoodie, made with your choice of 3 materials and any stock image -- creating a singular piece for wearing, or for selling to that far-away 14-year-old, who'll appreciate it even more than a pack of contraband Bubblicious.