If you ask us, the humble t-shirt is the staple of every wardrobe. If you’re interested in finding original t-shirts that reflect your individuality while supporting local designers at the same time, then we have a few suggestions for places to check out that offer shirts you won’t find anywhere else. So get out there and get yourself a t-shirt (or two) that enhances your unique style:

Park Life: A great store in the Inner Richmond, Park Life has an excellent selection of unique graphic t-shirts and doubles as an art gallery. They have something for almost everyone, including prints, books, jewelery and design-oriented items for the home.

Fabric8: In The Mission, this boutique offers an array of locally-designed tees and an off-beat gallery in the back (including a sculpture garden and goldfish in the bathtub).

Lower Haters: Next comes this Lower Haight collective, which promotes fashion, art and design by local artists, as well as music and apparel.

Upper Playground: A constantly rotating stock of tees featuring designs by local artists and a large selection of gear will keep you coming back.

True: Actually three separate stores (for men’s, women’s and shoes) on Haight Street, this place is well-stocked with hip-hop and street-wear inspired graphic tee options, including local designs in an array of styles.

Free Gold Watch: What’s not to like about a place that makes unique shirts that you can watch them print on site?  The store has an awesome display of totally one-of-a-kind tees with a playful 80′s vibe and a great sales rack.

Gama-Go: A great source for locally designed graphic tees, the company started in a garage in San Francisco and sells its whimsical merchandise, now including kitchen and home accessories, in stores throughout the country.

My Trick Pony: Head here for custom t-shirt orders, as well as the shirts and greeting cards this local shop sells on its web site and in the studio. If you need it, they’ll help you create a design, and there’s no minimum order. For faster service, we’d recommend making an appointment before you head in.

More San Francisco shopping…

Photo courtesy of Park Life