Sailor Jerry Store

As both a designer and an interior architect, I am blown away at this store.
First of all, it’s like walking into a concept that is clear. The chandeliers have a beautiful nautical theme which is echoed throughout the products and the idea of the classic sailor tattoo. The idea that this was the chosen way to showcase the goods is genius. I could think of so many cliché things I’ve seen done in stores over the years trying to create an atmosphere, but this just feels natural.
As for the clothing, Sailor Jerry is the store that gets it right. Clothing are classic, flattering cuts, and the patterns are simplistic, like the original sailor Jerry tattoos themselves. Nothing here is over done, and all of these items are as at home in the vintage world as the modern world.
The quality of the clothing is unsurpassed, as well. The cut and sew items are not just cookie cutter items made for mass appeal, these are made with a lot of thought and whimsy. As a sailor Jerry shopper for 10 years, I still have early items that I purchased which look as fresh and fun today as they did they day I bought them. (Case in point: lovely tiger pencil skirt from 2003)
Visit this store, and please buy one of everything! Most of everything they make is a limited edition. Just the printed tags sewn in, and the detailed hang tags make this store stand out. Every inch of this store is pulled together like a dinner party your grandmother would have had in 1959.
Even if tattoos aren’t your thing, if you can appreciate unique clothing with retro and modern twists, check this place out.
AND YES — They have amazing sales. :)

i love SJ and Philly. no tax on clothing and lots of discounted SJ merch. :D

Not only does the Sailor Jerry store look like an interdimensional pirate captain’s den of the future, they have sales good enough to lure me back for regular check-​ins.
Pin-​up style reigns for the girls here — look for sheath dresses embroidered with swooping swallows or pierced hearts, along with retro-​sexy high-​waisted shorts and skirts. The clothing is well-​made and fairly priced for its uniqueness — you know you are not going to be matching the other H&M drones when you buy a piece here.
Though I find the prices fair ($ 88 for a well-​made dress is not too much), the sales are positively thrilling. A well-​marked sale rack has a bunch of hoodies, tees, shorts and jackets, but there are other discounts throughout the inventory, so I’d peruse everything. Just picked up a cute navy dress with an allover star pattern that doesn’t scream «I LOVE TATTOOS» but still has that retro edge for just $ 26. The friendly fellow working the floor was extra-​pleasant and took time to chat, even though I have nary a tattoo and I’ll never master the liquid-​eyeliner look.

I pop in here alot as its v.v. close to work, plus its my best friends fav place to shop. I know I can get her a nice bday or xmess present, and I have on many occasions! I have even picked up a top and a dress (worn to a wedding, of all things) for myself over the years!
The clerks have always been nice and say hi, and are willing to help with any questions, or sizes.
This is a great spot for any rock-​a-​billy or tattoo fan!

This store is fun for me to pop into and browse around. I’m not really into 100% of the clothing here but I like the tees. The ones with sailboats on them are my favorite.
I think this is a cool shop because the is always rock music playing and the employees are really laid back and mellow. On occasion I have stuck up conversation with them and they just seem so nice and chilled out. Which for me is refreshing because a lot of stored I go to are just pushy and trying to sell everything to me.
Also the sailor Jerry store has a music section in the back. I didn’t realize this at first but there is a selection of vinyl, cd, and DVD. All pretty cool stuff. I think no matter who you are it’s worth popping in and chcking this little store out.
I’ve never once had sailor Jerry rum.

I have browsed Sailor Jerry rather often, admiring their merchandise and layout (or rather their concept as a whole), but never followed through with a purchase. The reasons for this abstention come down to (1) price and (2) a general avoidance of anything bearing logos or text in my wardrobe.
A recent sale removed the first obstruction. So, among the rack of $ 10 shirts, I searched for something bearing a design that would not offend my sartorial ethos. The Sailor Jerry designs veer away from cleverness, irony, cluttered, gaudy excessive ugliness (e.g. Ed Hardy). I managed to discover two shirts that displayed a certain angry bitterness which fit comfortably within my personal brand. Even better, their size small was fitted without being too tight.
Throughout this shopping expedition, service was impeccably friendly and helpful. I very much look forward to returning.

If I weren’t so darn selfless and awesome, this review would read as a love letter/​plea to Adam Wallacavage, the artist and craftsman behind the interior (which includes a jaw-​dropping octopus chandelier), begging him to reno my tiny, lackluster apartment. But I AM awesome, so I’ll elaborate on my Sailor Jerry shopping adventures.
First of all, I think it’s important to note that while SJ does tap into the tattoo culture and serve as an homage to famous inker extraordinaire Norman «Sailor Jerry» Collins, it does so in a way that is respectful and not cartoonish. By that I mean it is NOT Ed Hardy. Sometimes when I’m explaining it to out-​of-​towners I know that this is the image they have in their head and I just wanted to dispel your fears right now.
So while you won’t find your audition outfit for the next season of The Jersey Shore, you will find some amazing gifts for loved ones. I am partial to gifting presents of their spiced rum and glassware – shot and pint glasses with saucy pin-​ups! And the tees have yet to meet their match in softness. I’ve seen many a sexy sailor enthusiast wearing one and always think to myself how wonderful it would be to be their girlfriend… and steal that shirt. Sorry I’m just nautical by nature, not cause I hate cha!

I spent many months hating my iPhone. Hating the fact that I’d given into their marketing and joined the Apple toting masses. Today, however, everything changed. I decided I’d try using my phone intelligencia to locate some Unilocal advertised «sales and special offers.» It GPSed my location and told me Sailor Jerry was offering 50% off most merchandise.
So, I dragged my mom and brother, on Black Friday, to the store. What did we find? Tons of stuff…50% off as promised. I made away with a few gifts and now every time I look at my phone, I think about all the precious dollars it’s trying to save me. My phone cares and so does Sailor Jerry. Unlike most of the other Center City stores we checked out, Sailor Jerry understands the concept behind Black Friday. Most other stores were just trying to give me 10% off cashmere. Really? No thanks, I don’t care about cashmere when it’s only 10% off.

the store beautiful and inviting. it’s clean and bright. the lay out has a good flow to it bc it’s open but still directs you to interesting displays. everything about the store draws you in. the clothes are well constructed and fun. some is very youthful and trendy, but other peices are very classic… at least classic in a Sailor Jerry tattoo sort of way. prices are on the high side but sales and quality are good.

This is a fun place to browse around. Great T-​s, clothes & accessories all with the Sailor Jerry «tattoo» motif. Thanks to McThrill for the wikipedia history lesson.

I was wrong. This place is pretty damn cool. I want the pajamas now.

I always passed Sailor Jerry on my way back and forth during lunch but never checked the place out until my husband surprised me with a shirt the other day after work. Yay!
So the day after I decided to get him a surprise in return. The place was super clean and organized and the fashion was unbeatable for my style. Lots of black and blue tees, hoodies and more. I love Sailor Jerry’s designs… then again I have a thing for WWI and WWII vintage styles and pinup model photographs. Plus they go great with my daily wardrobe of cutoffs and slip on sneakers.
The clothing designs do his artwork justice in both color and style but I also found other designer’s work along the very back wall. I’m not 100% but I think they’re sporting some local artist’s gear because I swear I’ve seen some of the shirts before.
I only wish I had bigger feet because the Converse designs are awesome. But I’ve been cursed with having to wear small children’s shoes for the rest of my life. Damn you inferior genes.

Full disclosure — I used to work for the company that owns and operates Sailor Jerry, so I come to the table with a wider history than someone who might be a casual shopper. But regardless, I feel very strongly about the integrity of the brand and their commitment to staying true to the original legacy of Norman «Sailor Jerry» Collins, the original American tattoo master. The people who run the brand go out of their way to make sure everything they produce is authentic and not super lame — in other words, preserving the history of this artist comes first and foremost over making big bucks. And in this day and age, that means a lot. I also have many tattoos (currently I’m sporting 11) and I don’t look at the brand as another cheesy way to cash in on the tattoo community.
I agree with the other reviewers that the clothing is pretty pricey, but the quality is substantial, and the designs are lovely (especially the women’s dresses and blouses — they’re super feminine and girly in that sexy, pin-​up way. Sailor Jerry employs a tremendously talented designer). The store is well laid out and has a rad octopus chandelier by Philly artist Adam Wallacavage. The rum is also pretty darn tasty, too, and you can pick that up in liquor stores and some restaurants around town.
Maybe things have changed since I worked for Sailor Jerry, but I hope not. Now that the film is coming out («Hori Smoku,» directed by Philly’s own Erich Weiss — go see it!) I predict bigger and better things for the brand. So to all you crazy Sailor Jerry kids out there — keep the dream alive and don’t sell out to the man!

I had no idea this funky little jem of a place existed. Picked up a few goodies for the bf and myself. Even if you aren’t into the genre the space alone is worth popping into this store for.

Alot of people seem to be comparing the «new» Sailor Jerry’s to the «old» SJ’s that was in Old City. I sadly, have no opinion on that as when I finally arrived in Old City & planned to visit SJ’s, I walked up to its storefront only to see that it have moved. Ugh.
In any case the Sailor Jerry’s located on 13^th St is pretty darn funky. If you take the time to look, Philli has alot of funky boutiques (Very Bad Horse, Delicious, Joan Shepp, to name a few)…they may not be cheap, but they do definitely exist in this town that seems to not care a whit about fashion. Each of said boutiques has their own unique flavor, & Sailor Jerry’s is rockabilly-pinup-1950’s funk.
SJ’s mainly serves as an outlet to sell «Sailor Jerry» products (except the rum… that’ll be at the liquor store!) which range from shoes to dresses to shot glasses. Most (maybe all?) of the Sailor Jerry items are embellished with Norman «Sailor Jerry» Collin’s tattoo artistry. Pinup girls, swallows, anchors, ships… I think you get my drift. The clothes appear to be of a good quality & despite mainly being items with screen printed designs on them, are still unique.
Sailor Jerry also stocks some items by other designers, which while may not be in exactly the same style as Sailor Jerry products still holds their own as far as funky & quality design work goes.
Ladies, check out the Lucky Girl Handbags stuff in the case behind the register! I was checking out with some holiday gifts for friends, when I noticed & then succumbed to temptation for a handbag & matching wallet. These items are killer — handmade leather bags & wallets with leather hand painted appliqus that look very much like the Sailor Jerry tattoos! Too fun!
Even if the stuff in Sailor Jerry doesn’t sound like your style you should really take the time to stop in anyway. The store is unique & fun & I don’t see how anyone could not find it at least interesting to browse!

For guys, this place is mostly a high-​end tee shop as of this writing, featuring tees with various tattoo designs. I asked one of the gals working there (side note: the two who were working at the time were *swoon*) why they don’t have other stuff for guys because they have a variety of gear for ladies. I was told they were getting more shirts «like polos or button-​downs» soon. I picked up a tee (a $ 50 on sale for $ 30? Jeez…) and I’ll definitely be stopping by again to check it out. If they diversify the options for guys, this will be a great little shop.

First a cool history lesson (thank you Wikipedia) —
«Norman „Sailor Jerry“ Collins (born 1911, died 1973) is considered the foremost American tattoo artist of his time. He expanded the array of colors available by developing his own safe pigments. He created needle formations that embedded pigment with much less trauma to the skin, and he was one of the first to utilize single-​use needles and hospital-​quality sterilization. His attention to detail was so precise that the riggings in his nautical tattoos were perfectly accurate. He regarded tattoos as the ultimate rebellion against „the Squares“.»
And Now The Review —
This store was incredible when it was in Old City, and now that it’s moved it’s even bigger. Picture a cool fashion store where you can get clothing with designs that are based on one of the most legendary tattoo artists ever? it can be on the expensive side a lot of times, but think about how many clothing stores sell items that are cheap knock offs to tattoo art. This stuff is the real deal! they also sell cool buckles, glasses, zippos, and other merchandise. sometimes they have cool stuff in a sales rack.
They also make a pretty good rum in Sailor Jerry’s name.

The NEW Sailor Jerry Store is great. It just moved across from El Vez on 13^th Street. The new home gives them more space, and seemingly more foot traffic.
Like always, the clothing is gorgeous and expensive. It is all inspired by Sailor Jerry, who was a famous tattoo artist, since passed.

What the hell is a guy from Los Angeles doing reviewing this place?
I admit I’ve not been to the store, but this is the kind of thing that I love: hard-​drinking classic tattoo inspired merch with a tough-​guy style. By the way, this is the guy who taught Don Ed Hardy, not the other way around — don’t get confused.
You get a free cd with any order, and it’s a great mix of punk and rock. You kids from California can get a bottle of the rum at most Ralph’s grocery stores now — 92 Proof gold rum.
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