by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Sebago Portland Boat Shoes – An Essential Summer Footwear Selection

Don’t accept anything less than the best as you step out stylishly this summer, particularly as you build an #OOTD from the ground up. That’s quite the gauntlet to throw down, but you can trust the good folks at Huckberry to deliver the proper assortment of the best summer shoes for men, with a healthy focus on utter classics for the season at hand.

Again, that’s high praise and quite the gauntlet to throw down, but quality and craft certainly shine through as you consider adding some of the best boat shoes for men to your casual style rotation.

Shop men’s footwear and more at Huckberry

And we’re not talking just any old boat shoes: We’re talking about what Huckberry calls “the gold standard” of the trusted, functional and historically preppy heritage footwear style.

Yes indeed, we’re carefully considering the Sebago Portland Boat Shoes, which reign supreme among the best boat shoes for men. Again, accept nothing less than the best, and the Sebago Portland Boat Shoes live up to Huckberry’s lofty billing quite well, and quite fashionably, at that.

The Portland silhouette is a staple in the Sebago footwear rotation, and it gets a big-time lift via the use of richly crafted, distinctive “Martellato” hammered leather (Huckberry notes that this leather “provides a high-texture, resilient finish that stands up to heavy wear.” Remember, we’re talking the best of the best.

The useful, utilitarian nature of the boat shoe is also done to great effect by Sebago, with non-marking siped rubber outsoles delivering traction on the actual deck of the boat (or just the deck of a boardwalk beach bar). Rawhide laces offer rich contrast and distinction, whether you wear the Sebago Portland Boat Shoes with stretch chino shorts and a knit polo or with olive linen trousers and a pocket tee for breezy high-low contrast.

You’ll also find hand-sewn stitching and a handsome sense of contrast moc-toe detailing throughout, and Huckberry notes that these stylish boat shoes for men are enhanced in durable fashion by corrosion-resistant brass eyelets — the details, as ever, certainly make the difference as you sort out the rest of your summer footwear rotation.

Shop the best summer footwear ASAP at Huckberry

And let’s go back to that pleasingly rugged leather in your new favorite boat shoes. Huckberry notes “this isn’t just a stylistic choice—the pebbled full-grain hide is built to better mask scuffs and handle the heavy spray of a life lived on the coast.” If that sounds too good to be true, rest assured Huckberry and Sebago are two brands you can trust.

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: Best Made Co. Has Perfected The Classic T-shirt for Summer

Best Made Co. menswear review.

There are plenty of times in this menswear world where it’s best to not leave anything to chance. Even the most simple or subtle style essentials can stand out in pleasant fashion when done the right way — the adage might be something along the lines of, well a T-shirt is never just a T-shirt.

At least, that holds true when you consider the newly resurgent Best Made Co., late-aughts purveyors of rugged and refined Americana gear (and some seriously cool axes!).

As you might recall; from past Best Made Co. reviews, the company went through an acquisition and a sale and some turbulent times, but its founder (Peter Buchanan Smith) bought the brand back and has since gotten back to basics in the best way possible.

Learn more and shop new gear at Best Made Co.

That means you’re getting gear that’s focused on stellar fabrication and construction, a sturdy commitment to stylish and well-made chore coats and blazers, and a steadfast attention to detail — better made and indeed, best made, and that includes seemingly simple yet essential menswear like the Best Made Co. Standard Pocket T-Shirt. Put it this way: If you’re going to buy just one T-shirt, make it this sone.

6 oz. Peruvian cotton sets this tee apart from the pack, as the company sagely notes. “This Best Made stalwart, originally released in September 2012, returns exactly as you remember it.” In my experience wearing this T-shirt across my recent freelance writing travels, this tee features garment-dyed softness, dependable yet supple structure and a fit that’s at once tailored and classic (an XL wears nicely on my frame, for the record).

When it comes to the Best Made Co. Standard Pocket T-Shirt, you’re investing in something that’s more than a T-shirt, with a price that reflects that – but there’s assuredly a difference in every stitch and a difference you can feel as you toss on this tee for your next summer weekend adventure. Trust in Best Made Co. and trust in the Best Made Co. Standard Pocket T-Shirt, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt is a Vibrant Summer Style Move

Every so often, especially in the breezy and colorful days of summer, a guy’s wardrobe can use a bit of a shake-up: More color, more pattern, more vibrancy and a change of pace from the norm. So while the Oxford shirt is a time-honored staple and certainly suitable for the office and a more formal happy hour or date night, there are ways to change up your rotation in summer-friendly fashion, all the while feeling physically cooler and looking, well, just as cool in general.

The Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, at least in my experience, is a near-perfect version of the best Oxford shirt for men, with a tailored fit, a flattering collar, a length that makes it perfect to be worn tucked in or untucked, and unmatched versatility to go along with it all.

Learn more now at Taylor Stitch

Now, take that tried-and-true, best-selling silhouette — the brand was founded to make the perfect dress shirt for men, after all — and retool for summer in terms of length, the short-sleeve shake-up and a series of pattern options that are a breezy blast. A perfect wardrobe addition right now? Very possibly yes, my friends.

The Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt is just about everything you might be looking for in a casual summer shirt that’s primed for beach days, boardwalk strolls, lakeside hangs and cold beer all around. The range of stylish pattern options is just plain fun, particularly the Magnolia print shown above.

Your new favorite short-sleeve shirt is billed by the San Francisco style icon as “a warm-weather take on our signature Jack, finished with a custom print developed by artist David Flynn,” and that’s a conversation piece in and of itself (you know, as you supervise grilling or grab another cold one from the cooler).

Made from a blend of linen and cotton, this shirt should be primed to deliver lightweight comfort and dashing style points all the same. Taylor Stitch kept its signature tailored fit and perfectly untucked length intact, while the buttondown collar remains another winning point for the brand.

In fact, the company probably said it best when they noted that the is “a natural choice for days that call for something with a bit more character.” If that sounds like a slight shake-up your style rotation could use, you’re certainly in luck when you try the Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt on for size.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Mott and Bow Just Debuted a New Style of Men’s Straight-Leg Jeans

Mott and Bow men's jeans review.

Some fashion trends come and go (most of ’em, in fact) but the ones that remain show staying power for a reason, be it their timeless nature, their versatiliy, their adaptability or a combination of all of the above.

In the world of the best men’s blue jeans, skinny denim was once all the rage for men, but one style that’s shown that staying power all crave is the trusted straight-leg jean, as apt a move with sturdy leather boots as with classic white sneakers.

And when a brand known for making some of the best jeans for men decides to release its own, entirely new take on the best straight leg jeans, it’s certainly worth noting — and perhaps adding to your cart, as we tend to say.

Find out more and shop now at Mott and Bow

And so it goes with the Mott and Bow Straight Ridge Jeans, a fresh spin on the classic blue jean as only the New York-based affordable denim masters can dream up.

If you’ve read past Mott and Bow reviews on here, you’ll know that the company prides itself on high-quality stretch denim in classic washes, with plenty of stretch factor. Color options run the gamut from faded light grey to inky black and the pleasantly faded, pre-washed nature of the Mott and Bow Straight Ridge Jeans.

If you’re a men’s denim fan who simply can’t stop wearing jeans even as the mercury climbs, then you’re in luck, as the sturdy yet supple Ridge Jeans feature a medium-weight 12.3oz. denim fabrication, plus a stretch factor of 21 percent (other pairs of Mott and Bow jeans feature a stretch factor somewhere around 32 percent, for instance).

Best straight leg jeans for men.

Don’t let the amount of stretch factor fool you: The denim brand wisely notes that “The Ridge has a more structured, authentic denim feel that holds its shape throughout the day,” and that sounds like wearability and authenticity I can get behind, especially when wearing these stylish jeans (in either their Light/Medium Blue or Dark Blue colorways) with a Mott and Bow pocket tee or a prized chambray shirt.

Searching for jeans with a more relaxed fit yet a polished, crisp look suitable for the heat — you’ve found ’em right here with the Mott and Bow Straight Ridge Jeans, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Score Savings On Your New Favorite Polo for Summer from Billy Reid

Best polo shirts for men.

When the thermostat keeps climbing and your social calendar shows no signs of letting up either, you need every tool in your menswear toolbox at your disposal. And with more formality than a T-shirt and more comfort than a traditional crisply designed dress shirt, one of the best polos for men is a wise choice for situations that run the gamut of summertime fun in the: BBQs, rounds of golf, backyard poolside lounging and even a casual day at the office.

And scoring that versatile style while keeping your cool and saving a few bucks in the process is certainly the name of the game today — with that, we introduce the Billy Reid Pensacola Polo, now an on-sale steal (hence the name of today’s post) from one of the country’s best menswear designers. How about it, folks?

Find out more now at Billy Reid

In the same way that the designer’s denim and flannel shirts are foundational pieces in the colder months, the handsome and effortlessly cool Billy Reid Pensacola Polo is a flagship style move for breezy weather, now available in a summer-friendly striped pattern.

That striped pattern should certainly pair up nicely with everything from dark tan chino shorts to olive linen trousers, and the fact that the Billy Reid Pensacola Polo is now marked down to under $100 should float your boat quite nicely, I’d wager.

It comes with all the hallmarks of quality and luxury you’d expect from a designer who makes the prized peacoat worn by James Bond, but if you scroll the pages of this site regularly, you’re well up to speed.

The Billy Reid Pensacola Polo boasts 100 percent organic cotton construction and a dressy three-button placket that frames the face quite nicely, while this shirt also features a standard fit that should prove comfortable and breezy no matter what.

This stylish men’s polo is also the perfect length to wear tucked in or untucked, whether opting for a crisp, rooftop happy hour-approved look or the laidback style needed for firing up the grill at a weekend BBQ. As with other fashionable favorites from Billy Reid, you’ve surely got options. And for now, given the fact that this polo is now marked down below $100 and comes in plentiful sizes, there’s perhaps never been a better time to upgrade your rotation of the best polos for men as the summer heat ramps up.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Breezy Flint and Tinder Drawstring Shorts Will Keep You Cool All Summer

Summertime style is often all about solutions, about solving a menswear problem of sorts, so to speak: Staying cool in the heat without sacrificing style points, putting your best foot forward in comfortable summer footwear, packing up the right gear to head to the beach or the lake. And one solution for casual, easygoing style that still looks polished and versatile?

Opting for a pair of the best linen shorts for men, a reliable solution in the heat when it might feel a bit too hot for traditional stretch cotton chino shorts (and yes, there are certainly days where it feels too hot even for that fairly lightweight fabric). So when in doubt, reach for a stylish set of shorts like the ones shown above, as the Flint and Tinder Drawstring Shorts meet the moment in matters of form and function — would you expect anything less from Huckberry?

Shop new shorts for summer at Huckberry

It’s both the blend of flexible fabric and a drawstring waist that help make the Flint and Tinder Drawstring Shorts so effortlessly comfortable, with a 7-inch inseam for an utterly classic fit. The Flint and Tinder Drawstring Shorts are also available in a wide array of colors and patterns, true to form for some leisurely yet stylish shorts that should quickly prove a summertime staple.

In fact, these stylish shorts for men feature just a hint of stretch (try 1 percent elastane in the fabric on for size). And there’s plenty to love beyond just their breezy, lightweight design — color options like Navy Seersucker or Olive Striped Linen get the job done reliably in terms of adding either classic color or eye-catching pattern to your wardrobe.

And about those wardrobe options: With the Flint and Tinder Drawstring Shorts, you’ve certainly got the potential to dress ’em up slightly (with a stretch cotton polo shirt and textured leather loafers) or dress ’em down (with a pocket tee and white canvas sneakers, for instance).

Take careful note of the details when it comes to your new favorite summer shorts, as Huckberry says “every pair is garment-dyed to ensure a soft, broken-in feel from the first wear and a rich, lived-in color that only looks better with age.” With breezy construction, a luxurious handfeel and versatile color options aplenty, these stylish men’s shorts from Huckberry set the tone for laidback seasonal style.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Step Into Breezy Comfort with The Proof 72-Hour Merino Chinos from Huckberry

In the high heat of summer, essential style solutions close at hand are of the essence — like the chance to stay cool in the heat while looking sharp, all without overthinking it. It’s a tricky endeavor to get just right, especially when you need to be ready for a day at the office and date night afterwards, or else, when a long travel day calls for seamless style on the go.

Add in the demands of a day on the links or a cocktail-centric rooftop event, and you’re going to need some of the most versatile pants for men. Of course, that’s where I trust Huckberry and the recently revamped Proof lineup of menswear.

Find out more about Proof menswear now via HB

You might recall over the years that Proof at Huckberry blends performance fabrication with crisp and clean silhouettes, from polo shirts to the ever-useful Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee — add in the Proof 72-Hour Merino Chinos, and you just might be packing a lot lighter for your next summer getaway. Let’s take a look at what makes your new favorite men’s chinos so useful and stylish, shall we?

It starts, naturally, with the fact that the fabrication is moisture-wicking, anti-microbial and crafted to stretch naturally — all the while, these chinos are on sale at select times of the year via one of your favorite retailers. What’s not to love? With the cut of a sleek pair of men’s performance pants and the performance of more athleisure-minded pieces of gear, these stylish men’s chinos check off plenty of boxes, at least as far as I’m concerned.

Whether in a versatile Olive color, or else crisp and useful Navy or Black, the Proof 72-Hour Merino Chino use DWR protection to fight off water and wind, while a zip pocket on the right hip adds to the utility of this handsome pair of functional men’s performance pants.

Fashioned with the cut of a go-anywhere pair of dress pants, the Proof 72-Hour Merino Chino certainly punches above its weight class in matters of performance — from the links to the boardroom and back, as it were.

Shop the season’s best apparel now at Huckberry

When packing light is of the essence, and when good looks from the first tee to the 19th hole and beyond are concerned, I’d say these functional men’s chinos (now available on sale for under $100) can deliver precisely the blend of form and function you need. Tee one up with Huckberry this season, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Huckberry x Knob Creek Waxed Canvas Tote – Perhaps the Best Father’s Day Gift Out There

Huckberry x Knob Creek

It can assuredly be hard to buy one of the best Father’s Day gifts for the guy who seemingly has everything (and if that guy happens to be you, then you know this pursuit all too well). And yet, just in the nick of time — and just in time to amp up your everyday carry essentials for yourself while also finding the perfect gift for Dad — Huckberry bursts back onto the scene with one of the best tote bags for men, and not just any tote bag.

Of course, it’s but one entry in a slew of the best Father’s Day gifts from Huckberry, a lineup you’d do very well indeed to check out ASAP.

Shop for Father’s Day now at Huckberry

The good folks at the Americana retailer saw fit to team up with the legendary Knob Creek of James B. Beam Distilling Co. on a handsome, rugged tote that’s perfectly sized for everything from your laptop and a notebook to a bottle of some of the best American whiskey on the market (in fact, I wrote about Knob Creek over at Maxim.com to close out last year).

But back to the durable and hard-working, utterly stylish Huckberry x Knob Creek Waxed Canvas Tote, which could prove to be a life-saver as you shop for the coolest Father’s Day gifts. The Huckberry x Knob Creek Waxed Canvas Tote is one of the coolest pieces of everyday carry gear I’ve seen in some time in fact, with custom co-branding and plenty of points of distinction that elevate your everyday carry essentials.

The Huckberry x Knob Creek Waxed Canvas Tote arrives in a limited-edition and fittingly named Whiskey color, boasting water and wind-resistant waxed canvas construction that can stand up to sandy beach days, breezy bonfire nights and the odd summer rain shower, of course. This hard-working men’s tote bag is packed with useful pockets, including an interior laptop sleeve, a water bottle holder, and stash pocket for hauling your goods from point A to point B in dependable style.

Find out more about the best gear at Huckberry

The Huckberry x Knob Creek Waxed Canvas Tote also features a distinctive orange nylon interior and monochromatic handles, plus a leather bottom for a refined and yes, durable finishing touch.

The top even closes in magnetic fashion, all the better to keep your everyday carry gear and your whiskey protected from the elements on that camping trip or backyard bonfire. For the guy who has everything — but can seemingly always appreciate some of the best gear for men — this prized Huckberry find is assuredly a winning gift (and that goes for your own collection, too). As Huckberry always says: We’ll See You Out There.

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: Bather Is Making Some Of the Best Swim Trunks for Men This Summer

Oftentimes, the best preparation ahead of a beach getaway starts with the basics — you can worry about the ice-cold beach beer you’re loading your cooler up with later, but you’re going to need a pair of the best swim trunks for men well ahead of time, and you’re going to need to know where to go to get said pair.

Perhaps in recent weeks and months, you’ve heard plenty of buzz about Canadian swimwear maestros Bather, which have received praise from the likes of GQ for keeping things minimal yet stylish, with quality and performance top of mind. That means pieces like the Bather Classic Swim Trunks might appear straightforward on the surface, yet they pack a punch as far as utility and plentiful style options are concerned (just check out row after row of swim trunks and board shorts in every color of the rainbow on the brand’s well-appointed site).

Learn more now at Bather

The key with selections like the Bather Classic Swim Trunks is the use of materials like quick-drying polyester, plus a stretch mesh liner that boasts a difference you can feel, at least in my experience wearing the lauded Canadian swimwear brand (and yes, I did indeed try the Bather Classic Swim Trunks in a versatile Solid Navy.

Bather men's swim trunks review.

What more can a guy ask for out of summer swim trunks than a quick-drying pair in an easily wearable design (the Modern lineup features a 4.5-inch inseam, while the Bather Classic Swim Trunks feature a 5.5-inch inseam, for the record).

And while it might seem a bit counterintuitive for a swimwear company to hail from the Great White North, the company also doubles down by manufacturing locally, then testing its product across the globe while offering a limited run of artistic collaborations alongside its lineup of crisp, solid-colored trunks and breezy, beach-friendly patterns.

These swim trunks might seem like a bit of an investment compared to a pair you can score at a local beach boardwalk shop, but that’s the thing about preparation: It pays off when it comes to the best men’s swim trunks well ahead of time.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Filson Dry Wax Cruiser Jacket Updates a Classic for Warmer Weather

There’s a fine line to walk when it comes to keeping your favorite gear close at hand, battling the elements and properly meeting the moment — staying cool in the summer heat comes to mind, but how’s a guy to do that out in the field when summer rains and all manner of pitfalls await? Your favorite heritage-minded brands can offer up a few suggestions, specifically through old-school styles they’ve updated to wear in more than one season. And Filson comes to mind right away, I’d wager.

The brand’s trucker jackets and Cruiser Jackets are legendary for their extreme warmth and toughness, but what if I told you the outfitter lightened things up ever so slightly in terms of design, crafting the Filson Dry Wax Short Cruiser Jacket for warmer temperatures?

Shop the best outdoor gear now at Filson

Sounds too good to be true, does it not? And yet, that’s just what the famed Pacific Northwest company has done, and this handsome, rugged jacket is here just in time for coastal getaways, early morning forest hikes and lakeside bonfire lounging once the sun goes down.

Again, it might sound too good to be true, but you can be sure Filson has very nearly cracked the case as far as the best jackets for men are concerned.

Filson bills this hard-wearing piece as an update to its Cruiser lineup, specifically a “midweight jacket for mixed weather,” which sounds just about right if you’re in a place where temperatures can swing rapidly throughout the day.

The key with the craftsmanship behind the durable Filson Dry Wax Short Cruiser Jacket is the use of washable British Millerain waxed cotton, which already boasts exceptional wind and weather-ready capabilities and yet arrives this time in a multi-season 7oz. weight.

That weight is not unlike the flexible nature of another favorite trucker jacket of mine, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket, but that particular piece is made from Martexin sailcloth and lined in blanket flannel.

At least in my experience, that means the Filson Dry Wax Short Cruiser Jacket offers up some equally rugged yet helpful points of distinction, especially if you want to wear this jacket casually over a lightweight tee and light wash jeans across unexpectedly breezy summer days. Throw in a dependable Filson ballcap for men, and your next laidback but work-ready #OOTD is all set.

Upgrade your summer wardrobe with Filson gear

Complete with snap front buttons and snap closure pockets, this jacket is also unlined for ease of mobility, with a cut that hits above the hip and leans slightly more classic rather than tailored. Available in goes-with-anything colors like Bourbon and summer-friendly Quail Tan, you can be sure everything from the hardware to the fabrication is up to snuff, thanks to Filson.

As the iconic outfitter notes, “the Dry Wax Short Cruiser leverages our century of experience in manufacturing quality waxed-cotton jackets.” And on that note, I’d say it’s high time you added the Filson Dry Wax Short Cruiser Jacket to your lightweight outerwear rotation this season.