by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Wills and Huckberry Just Made the Perfect Short-Sleeve Shirt For Summer

Best short-sleeve shirts for summer.

Crowning the very best of the best when it comes to summer style essentials seems easy enough in theory — the basics, from T-shirts to the best stretch chino shorts and stylish loafers, are always there — but it’s the subtle details that elevate a selection from good to great, at least in the opinion of this Brooklyn style writer.

Luckily, my good friends at Huckberry have summer style picks aplenty to amp up your game, from the BBQ to the beach and back.

Shop the best seasonal menswear at Huckberry

So while you’ve got your tried-and-true cotton pique polo and your easygoing pocket tee, for instance, what about when you want something a touch more dashing — and yet just as breathable — without going overboard? A guy’s got preferences, and sometimes, the occasion just feels right to wear one of the best short-sleeve shirts for men.

In the case of today’s style entry, that’d be the newly minted Wills Short-Sleeve Isles Linen Shirt, blending breezy performance fabrication with the crisp look of a collared buttondown — and the lightweight build of a trusted short-sleeve shirt that can go just about anywhere.

At least in my experience, a lightweight linen shirt delivers the goods in terms of crisp polish and looks, with breathability front and center. Whether worn on its own or atop a tank top or a pocket tee — or else beneath a lightweight blazer in a style hack designed to keep you cool — there’s plenty to be done in terms of fashionable good looks as far as the Wills Short-Sleeve Isles Linen Shirt.

It comes in a wide range of fresh colors and striped pattern options, all the better to pair with tan stretch chinos, light grey linen drawstring trousers (based on the color selected, of course) or else trusted swim trunks as a refined beach layer designed to go from the sand to the beach bar without missing a beat.

And when it comes to this garment-washed linen shirt –practically a new style staple in your summer wardrobe — Huckberry perhaps said it best, noting that “we turn to linen when temperatures rise because it’s been the go-to fabric in hot climates—from Ancient Egypt to Austin, Texas—for centuries.”

And when the linen in question arrives in the form of a super-soft, reliable, versatile shirt like the Wills Short-Sleeve Isles Linen Shirt, I’d call that the style sweet spot, my friends. Shop accordingly and go forth with fashion and classic looks top of mind.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Grab, Go and Save with this Sleek Herschel Supply Co. Duffle This Summer

Summer style and summer travel are assuredly ramping up, are they not? Before you can properly get out there and make the most of the season — boating days on the lake, beach strolls, day hikes, brewery beers and more (so much more!), you’ve got to get your favorite gear there in one piece.

And while there are times where you’ll want to pack in a bit more refined manner — say, as you pack up your suit for a summer wedding — there are plentiful opportunities where grab-and-go style is the name of the game, especially if the great outdoors are calling. And if the gear you’re seeking out happens to be on sale, as this minimal duffle bag is via Herschel Supply, it’s time to chalk up another win, I’d say.

When you get the urge to hit the road and want a reliable bag to carry you from point A to point B, I’d wager you’re going to want something weather-ready, stylish and hard-working — something like the Herschel Supply Co. All Season Duffle. The company is perhaps best known for its abrasion-resistant nylon and canvas bags, with colorful straps and expert fabrication. The company’s diamond lash tab is also easy to spot, and yes, it indeed makes an appearance on this sleek performance duffle bag. Let’s carry on, shall we?

The All Season Duffle ramps things up in outdoor-friendly fashion, and it’s helpful that it should prove every bit as functional as other bags in your rotation (like Patagonia’s similarly designed offerings, for instance). 100 percent recycled polyester fabric gives this durable duffle bag its performance chops, and you’re going to need every bit of that performance as you get out of town and venture upstate or off-grid this summer.

Learn more and shop new gear now at Herschel Supply

This minimal duffle bag, which boasts a nicely sized 41 liters of carrying capacity, is packed with performance features aplenty, like daisy chain webbing across the exterior (all the better for attaching outdoor gear), plus an easy-to-clean and weather-resistant 100 percent polyester lining. The rugged appeal of the Herschel Supply Co. All Season Duffle is a major bonus — you needn’t worry about this performance men’s duffle bag getting too beat up.

The modular design of this do-it-all duffle bag even features modular snaps and a variety of straps for easy pairing with roller bags, while the base is water-resistant and a storage sleeve plus an exterior zipper pocket further bolster its valuable storage space. As with other Herschel Supply reviews, it seems like the brand has considered every detail for outdoor exploration — the savings, style and performance appeal of the Herschel Supply Co. All Season Duffle are now yours for the taking this season, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Shinola Lake Superior Monster Automatic Watch Is Ready for Anything This Summer

Shinola men's watch review.

So, the stage is set. That lakeside cabin or beach retreat is booked, the packing process is underway, you’re dreaming of filling up your YETI cooler with ice-cold beer and perhaps, you’re contemplating the watch (or watches!) you’re going to bring with you as part of your everyday carry essentials on a summer getaway.

One of the very best watches for men should be able to go anywhere you go, into the water and back on land — and back on the road — without missing a beat. And because a stylish watch for men is quite the investment, you should be shopping with confidence (and hopefully, giving yourself a bit of time to consider the timepiece in question). That’s where the handsome Shinola dive watch at the top of the page joins your packing list.

Shop Shinola men’s watches ASAP

My past Shinola reviews have assuredly sung the praises of the brand, from its Mid-Century Shinola Runwell to hard-wearing, bold dive watches like the Shinola West Wind — this timepiece shown here is no slouch, either.

But if versatility, rugged construction and style points aplenty are what you seek, then you could do worse than the Shinola Lake Superior Monster Automatic Watch, a land-and-sea timepiece fashioned with great care from the modern icons at the Detroit lifestyle company. Yes indeed, if any company could craft a durable watch fit for the Great Lakes, it’d be Shinola.

And while we don’t talk about watches on this blog as frequently as, say, the best Oxford shirt or classic blue jeans, it’s a valuable piece to have in your arsenal, packed with both functionality and fashion.

At first glance, the black case and bezel, plus three-link stainless steel bracelet, might call to mind a certain famous, somewhat similar dive watch (ahem, the Rolex Submariner), but Shinola switches things up when it comes to the Shinola Lake Superior Monster Automatic Watch, shifting the date window and delivering this rugged dive watch in a 43mm build.

Fashioned from durable 316L stainless steel, this watch is also rated down to 1,000 feet — whether extreme diving or a quick dip in the ocean is your pursuit of choice, this watch can handle it. And the good news, you needn’t change it when it comes time to dress for dinner — it’s refined and yet highly functional, like, well, the Rolex Submaner.

Add the Shinola Lake Superior Monster to your collection now

The 26-jewel, 38-hour power reserve of the quite reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement powers this watch, and marks a step up from Shinola’s earlier days of using quartz movements (let the debate among horological enthusiasts rage on as to which movement is really worth the price).

Its indices are given a green-glow treatment, Shinola notes of this hard-working, easily wearable watch. Whether paired with a polo and chino shorts or with a chambray shirt and linen trousers “the star quality of this timepiece is its performance,” and that’s a sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse as you prep for your next standout summer getaway.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Upgrade Your Everyday Carry With These Iconic American Optical Sunglasses

Perhaps already this summer, you’ve got your sights set on everyday carry upgrades aplenty. The opportunity has never been more perfect to step out with a fresh look and fresh accessories, after all, from a durable pair of new swim trunks to expertly crafted leather flip-flops — that also includes, naturally, a favorite new pair of sunglasses. Toss in the fact that you can find ’em within the Huckberry Sale section, and we’re cooking with gas (or possibly charcoal for your summer grilling lineup … I digress!).

Shop the best discounted gear right now at Huckberry

And when those sunglasses carry on a historic legacy dating back to JFK — yes, JFK himself — you’d do well to consider scoring pair at a discount via your favorite retailer. That leads us nicely down the beach or the road towards the American Optical Saratoga Sunglasses, an utterly classic pair of frames with some serious style pedigree.

With parts and components shipped from around the globe, these handsome and remarkably versatile men’s sunglasses are still assembled in the U.S. of A, no easy feat when it comes to crafting the best sunglasses for men. The fact that the Saratoga carries on the legacy of the same pair of frames worn by JFK is impressive in its own right, as the all-American brand noted that “reviving the Saratoga from the original AO archival designs required great care and careful updates for modern ergonomics and fit.”

American Optical sunglasses review.

That means the brand used durable polarized AOLite nylon lenses for sun protection and performance, while the 54mm eye width is nicely sized without overdoing it — an oversized pair of 1970s frames, these are not.

The American Optical Saratoga Sunglasses use an eye-catching turtle acetate frame structure rounded out in durable fashion with stainless steel hinges, while the lenses themselves are designed to resist smudges (a crucial detail as you wear these frames from the boardwalk to the beach bar and back!).

Shop American Optical now at Huckberry

And with their archive-inspired good looks and classic, historic design, you just might find that these frames (marked down to $234 from their original price of $275) are some of the sharpest, most high-quality frames on the market — as easily wearable with a breezy cotton-linen suit as with a knit polo and chinos or a laidback short-sleeve henley and lounge shorts.

The possibilities are nearly endless in terms of style points as you upgrade your everyday carry with a newly built and revamped version of a true style classic, one that’s certainly stood the test of time. I’d say that sounds like something worth adding to your style rotation at a discount, ehh, my friends? Save now on the American Optical Saratoga Sunglasses, then wear ’em to the beach, back and everywhere in between.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts – A New Summer Must-Have

Best chino shorts for men.

If you, like me, tend to have trouble putting down your favorite pairs of blue jeans even in the heat (most of the time, at least), then you’ll perhaps realize the value of being able to step into a reliable pair of shorts without missing a beat. A reliable pair of shorts made by the very same brand that makes your favorite pair of blue jeans, that is — that’s the idea behind Mott and Bow’s latest release, a pair of highly wearable stretch chino shorts here to deliver breathable comfort and crisp, polished looks.

Learn more now at Mott and Bow

It’s a major bonus to be able to treat one of your favorite brands as a one-stop shop from season to season, be it searching for jeans in the spring or shorts in the summer.

In my experience, shopping with confidence is a major bonus, from stylish good looks to ultra-premium fabric.

Luckily, the Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts check those boxes handily in much the same manner as the NYC brand’s best-in-class stretch jeans for men.

As the brand wisely says, “stretch, comfort and versatility” are yours for the taking when picking up a pair of these shorts, which blend 98 percent cotton and 2 percent spandex for a soft, supple feel and ease of movement.

With these fresh chino shorts (available in a wide range of earthy, neutral colors), “a slightly washed-down, naturally lived-in aesthetic” is also up for grabs — the kind that pairs perfectly with a garment-dyed polo shirt, a pocket tee or a retro-tinged camp collar buttondown.

Mott and Bow’s trademark high-quality fit is also top of mind as you add your new favorite pair of shorts to your rotation: You can find the Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts in waist sizes running from 30-40″, with nine color options serving up style options for every fashionable preference.

An 8-inch inseam should also hit the sweet spot, neither overly long nor too short for the taller fellas among us, and well-suited for those who prefer a slightly more traditional inseam length.

These stylish men’s shorts also boast back button flap pockets for easy everyday carry storage — perhaps that means holding onto a spare bottle opener at a BBQ or keeping your keys close by while you hit the links (Mott and Bow also makes performance-minded Tech Shorts for occasions just like that, my friends).

Whether you score a pair in crisp Navy, easily wearable Ecru or utterly classic Khaki, the Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts won’t let you down as far as easygoing comfort and versatile, casual style is concerned.

All that’s left to do once you’re wearing these shorts is slide into your favorite pair of sandals and fire up the grill.

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: J. Press Is Making Some of the Most Classic Menswear on the Market, These Chinos Included

J. Press men's pants review.

When you really get down to brass tacks, there are actually some brands featured in our Friday Find series that don’t necessarily need that much of an introduction at all.

That certainly holds true on this fine Friday when it comes to the menswear masters at J. Press — and if you’re not quite acquainted with the century-plus-old company, that’s about to change.

You see, the good folks at J. Press pioneered iconic Ivy League style across the past century, dating back to the company’s 1902 founding at Yale (yes, Yale). Nowadays, the brand still sticks to its guns in terms of utterly iconic prep style, from the classic chino to the crisp Oxford shirt and the instantly recognizable gold-button navy blazer.

What else has J. Press been up to lately, besides consistently delivering some of the best Oxford shirts and reliable business casual, prep style staples? Let’s find out, shall we?

Learn more and shop menswear essentials at J. Press

You see, J. Press collaborations are equally impressive, including partnerships with everyone from Only NY and Oxford Pennant to Faribault Woolen Mills. But to dip your toes into the world of reliable everyday style, you might find yourself wanting to start things out simply and with versatile fashion top of mind — the J. Press Made In The USA Ivy Chinos (crafted from an easy-to-style Khaki Twill) just might be what the doctor ordered.

The chino pant is just about as classic as it gets, a step up in formality from dark blue jeans and a more sporty, leisurely yet still polished offering compared to suit trousers.

With heritage roots as a hard-wearing army pant, the twill chino has more than earned its stripes, and the domestically crafted nature of the J. Press Made In The USA Ivy Chinos is another winner in my book.

Made from unwashed cotton twill and featuring a trim fit and a crisply cut flat front, the J. Press Made In The USA Ivy Chinos arrive with unfinished bottoms, it’s worth noting — that way, a trusted tailor can hem them to your liking.

It’s but a small price to pay for some of the most classic men’s chinos on the market — the J. Press Made In The USA Ivy Chinos wear easily with knit polos, Oxford shirting and perhaps even a henley and a shawl cardigan in the colder months. With the handsome J. Press Made In The USA Ivy Chinos, you’re stepping into an utterly classic pair of pants this season, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The GREATS Royale 2.0 Are Some of the Best Leather Sneakers for Men to Buy Now – Bet On It

If you’ve been keeping up with the thoughtfully curated pages of this Brooklyn style blog, perhaps you’ve noticed that we’re all about lacing up some of the best sneakers for summer these days. They’re a crucial component of any guy’s footwear rotation, ready for looks that are both casual & laidback as well slightly more crisp and business casual — if you secure the right pair of the best sneakers for men, that is.

And given my time in Brooklyn across the past dozen or so years, it’s only fitting that it’s a New York City brand (Brooklyn’s own GREATS!) that should catch your eye for the first time — or as a repeat customer.

Find out more and shop sneakers now at GREATS

The men’s and women’s sneaker and shoe company is one of the more buzzed-about affordable men’s sneaker brands across the past decade-plus, and a brand that’s doing things better than ever with the evolution of the GREATS Royale 2.0.

Of course, if you’ve kept up with the blog, you know GREATS has a knack for expertly crafting styles both on-trend and more classic, like the court sneaker style cues of the original GREATS Royale. And yet, better fabrication and construction makes all the difference, to the tune of more than 300,000-plus pairs of the GREATS Royale sold (yes, it’s true!).

The company even goes so far as to call one of its flagship models “the epitome of effortless cool,” and that’s a hard seniment to argue with — these are fresh and minimal while also proving eye-catching and stylish in their way, especially in a sleek shade of all-white premium leather.

And with handmade craftsmanship hailing from Portugal, it’s certainly worth noting that the GREATS Royale 2.0 are as much of a steal as the original style. But wait, there’s more! In fact, some pairs of the GREATS Royale 2.0 are marked down by as much as 40 percent right now at the company, these fresh kicks could change the way you get dressed this summer.

You can find the GREATS Royale 2.0 in 14 classic and limited-edition color combinations (try the Burnished Cuoio shade or Navy for a look that’s both dressy and on-trend), and each pair is outfitted with the same signature GREATS outsole plus tack stitching for contrast and durability.

Shop the GREATS Royale 2.0 and more now

The GREATS Royale 2.0 are also built with a leather-lined removable footbed designed to mold to your foot and offer support and cushioning over time — that’s critical no matter whether you wear your new favorite sneakers with stretch chino shorts and a pocket tee, or with a light blue chambray shirt and olive linen trousers for a high-low mash-up of business casual style.

The next time the occasion calls for you to lace up a pair of fresh kicks, you’ve got an ace up your sleeve with the GREATS Royale 2.0 — they’re back and better than ever.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Embrace Breezy Summer Style with This Luxe Criquet Shirts Buttondown

For as essential as it is to build a closet well-stocked with the best warm-weather style essentials — from polo shirts to pocket tees, chino shorts to linen trousers — there’s plenty to be said for going out on a limb stylistically every once in a while.

So, while your trusty polo shirt is a quintessential style move for everything from a BBQ to the office (when you select the right polo in the right fabric, that is), you’ve also got other options as far as the best short-sleeve shirts for men are concerned. Indeed, that’s where Criquet Shirts can help, my friends.

Learn more now at Criquet Shirts

My past Criquet Shirts reviews have talked about the brand’s old-school-style polos, like the kind that true gentlemen like Arnold Palmer used to wear. If you haven’t yet picked up a Criquet Shirts polo, it very well might be time — but let’s explore what else the brand has to offer, shall we?

An extended placket, a crisp collar, a flattering fit — yessir, Criquet Shirts certainly makes some of my favorite polos. But as far as switching things up from the ordinary is concerned, the classic camp collar shirt — in this instance, the Criquet Shirts Desi Shirt — is a reliable change of pace, at once retro and modern at the same time.

The camp collar shirt first shot to popularity as a more casual sporting (and yes, camping-friendly), with the lay-flat open collar also making it a prized workwear staple at times (or at least, a more casual shirt that your grandpa might have worn to work on his hot rod, ehh?). The Criquet Shirts Desi Shirt takes a more breezy, beach-friendly approach in terms of color and pattern, which is never a bad thing to have handy.

Guayabera shirts are the main source of design inspiration for the Criquet Shirts Desi Shirt, which blends both cotton and linen chambray in a super-lightweight, ultra-comfortable fabric. The slightly more relaxed fit breathes easily, while the straight hem and lay-flat Cuban collar are utterly classic touches.

Criquet Shirts went all the way as far as resort-friendly style is concerned, using coconut buttons to give a sense of true leisure and expertly easygoing style to the Criquet Shirts Desi Shirt.

Embroidered pattern options are yours for the taking with the Criquet Shirts Desi Shirt, which should wear more than handily with natural-hued linen trousers or light khaki stretch chinos — based on the color you select, of course.

Either way, as you wear the Criquet Shirts Desi Shirt, you’re gaining a sense of luxe, leisurely style every time you reach for the Criquet Shirts Desi Shirt, no matter the color or pattern you choose. When you want to switch things up from a polo without going overboard, a camp collar shirt is (at least in my experience) a surefire style home run — the Criquet Shirts Desi Shirt knocks it out of the park, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Step Up Your Everyday Carry with this Sturdy Mack Weldon Tote Bag This Summer — For a Discount

For as much thought as you put into your menswear wardrobe — how to dress for a beach day or a BBQ, how to hit the road in style — it’s often just as important to think about how you’re hauling your gear and your favorite men’s style essentials from point A to point B. That includes both the gear you pack up for long-haul trips as well as your ever-trusty everyday carry essentials.

Shop Billy Reid for Mens and Womens Clothing and Apparel


And as a guy frequently on the go, from coffee shop to brewery and back home, I tend to reach for sturdy, reliable daily carry picks I can trust. It’s a constant search, but when you find a winning selection — like the Mack Weldon Atlas Tote shown above — the search gets just a bit easier, my friends.

In fact, I’d wager whatever you need to haul for daily jaunts across town, Mack Weldon’s latest tote (marked down well below $100 — from $128) is up to the challenge.

Find out more and shop new gear at Mack Weldon

That sense of trust and durability makes it all the easier and all the better to haul my laptop, my chargers, my favorite sunglasses (when not in use) and all the other pieces that make up the best everyday carry gear on the market (a stylish pen very much included).

And for as well-known as Mack Weldon tends to be for its ultra-comfortable men’s basics, don’t overlook selections like the Mack Weldon Atlas Tote, today’s discounted style selection with the chops to back it up.

Sleek style and minimal performance is the name of the game, and this functional tote delivers everything you require, and then some.

Fashioned from hard-wearing recycled polyester canvas, the Mack Weldon Atlas Tote should resist abrasions and rain handily, while two interior pockets offer valuable storage space for your laptop and electronics.

An exterior zipper pocket bolsters the carrying capacity of the Mack Weldon Atlas Tote, which features a reinforced bottom and sturdy webbed straps for seamless transport on the go.

Best tote bags for men.

It’s also hard not to appreciate the minimal nature of the Mack Weldon Atlas Tote — the Asphalt color in particular pairs up with just about any other colorways in your casual ensemble, a nice touch that makes for low-key, rather than overly loud, daily style for your everyday carry.

A shoulder strap (a removable one, at that!) delivers another carrying option from the office to the airport or the beach, and its  21” x 14” x 16” dimensions should prove handy and quite useful without proving too cumbersome.

If you put plenty of thought and value into your everyday carry and the essentials you trust, you’d do well to add the durable and nicely discounted Mack Weldon Atlas Tote to your daily gear haul this summer (and beyond!).

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These LUCA Canvas Sneakers from Huckberry are an Instant Summer Classic

Best canvas sneakers for men.

There’s certainly a wide world out there as you scour the market for the best men’s shoes and indeed, the best men’s sneakers to keep you light on your feet with style in mind this summer.

The more thought you put into your footwear rotation, from crisp leather loafers to light and breezy suede chukka boots and yes, the canvas sneakers shown above, the more you’ll be covered, literally, for just about any style scenario imaginable through the high heat of summer.

Of course, you can find just about anything you need at Huckberry as far as the best shoes for men are concerned, period, but let’s take a closer look at something easygoing, easy to wear and eternally stylish: Yes, the humble canvas sneaker puts in the hours, and this time, it’s got some new specs and a new design outlook via in-house footwear brand LUCA at Huckberry.

The brand looks to perfect smart casual footwear, blending gum rubber outsoles and sustainable suede and leather uppers with the likes of Chelsea boot, chukka boot and laidback sneaker construction, and the LUCA Canvas Sneakers are the latest entry to join your lineup of footwear so casually cool and stylish, you won’t even have to think twice about lacing ’em up.

Canvas sneakers boast more laidback style than ultra-crisp white leather sneakers, along with more durability — you can scuff ’em up just a touch without worry, and that goes for everything from boardwalk strolls to weekend coffee outings and dive bar beers once the blazing sun sets.

The LUCA Canvas Sneakers are crafted from organic cotton canvas, with a flexible yet sturdy rubber outsole and Strobel construction, encouraging what the brand calls “lighter and more flexible wear” — consider me impressed, and certainly looking to lace up a fresh pair of kicks from Huckberry and LUCA.

Better still is the fact that the design of the LUCA Canvas Sneakers is simple, clean and minimal. Pair up your new favorite canvas sneakers with everything from olive chino shorts and a grey polo to a camp-collar shirt and stretch chinos, or else go ultra-casual with a short-sleeve henley and classic light wash jeans.

As with other Huckberry summer style essentials, you needn’t overthink how to wear the LUCA Canvas Sneakers — they’re as essential and yet laidback as it gets, as ready for a summer BBQ as a coastal road trip. A pair of stylish men’s shoes like the LUCA Canvas Sneakers are to be treasured and yet worn often, through all of your favorite seasonal pursuits. Lace these up accordingly, my friends.