Now approaching its fifth anniversary, Elusive in San Jose is a streetwear boutique that keeps things fresh and local. Picking up on the vibes from the Japantown neighborhood that surrounds it, Elusive has a laid-back yet modern aesthetic that helps it stand out from the crowd. 

Kiet Le founded the brand in 2007 while still a student in design, and has built the business into a respected streetwear institution. Le and the rest of the team at Elusive talk quite a lot about “The Constant Chase”—a sense of self-definition and self-discovery that they think fashion can both reflect and enable. That’s heady stuff, but the fashions on offer here are decidedly down to earth. You’ll find plenty of custom and exclusive gear (think snapbacks, tees, hoodies and jackets) as well as small gifts and accessories. You can browse the entire collection online, but regulars say that stopping by in person is always a good idea.