by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: The Aether Apparel ‘Aether Insider’ Program

Sometimes, the menswear and gear world can feel a little too exclusive, can it not? There are aspirational brands aplenty out there (hello, Rolex!) and yet, few brands that lift the curtain up and let you truly become a part of their world. When you see an opportunity, as we do in today’s featured post, it’s worth pivoting to score that deal on the best new gear, yes?

The elusive pursuit of inclusion in the style world makes it all the easier to appreciate companies that both prioritize making the best gear for men, while at the same time welcoming you with open arms into their retail stores, their experiences and yes, the gear itself that you so badly need for your next adventure far afield.

While companies like Huckberry certainly come to mind (among others we love in this neck of the woods), it’s worth diving just a bit deeper, especially when it comes to Aether Apparel and the Aether Insider Program.

Shop seasonal favorites now at Aether Apparel

You very well might recognize the road-ready, adventure-inspired California company for its commitment to gear that looks as great on a motorcycle as it does on the trail or scaling a mountain peak (or some combination of all of the above). Aether Apparel prizes the right blend of utility and durable, rugged performance, particularly if your passion is motorcycle riding or hiking, or any version of urban exploration.

And that versatility and distinct attention to detail is what might make it so well worth your while to join the Aether Insider Program, which gives you (first and foremost) 20 percent of all Aether Apparel gear year-round. This is one heck of a deal, if I do say so myself, including free two-day shipping on orders and a yearly gift, plus special access to sales and exclusives.

To sweeten the pot within the Aether Insider Program, there’s also the chance to get early access to new releases (those Aether Apparel moto boots are pretty sharp, are they not?), plus the chance to get early access to ticked Aether Apparel events and trips.

But let’s go back to one benefit right off the bat as far as the Aether Insider Program is concerned: 20 percent off investment-level Aether gear, from moto jackets to handsome overshirts, reliable leather moto boots and hard-working canvas pants and chinos fit for every single season.

Learn more now at Aether Apparel

Now, I can’t guarantee where precisely your Aether Apparel gear will go this season (or in the years to come), but I can guarantee you that signing up for the Aether Insider Program could spur you on to new heights and plentiful adventures while rocking some of the best gear for men. It’ll run you $120 per year, but that seems but a small price to pay for the chance to score savings on adventure-ready menswear and much more — the world is your oyster with the Aether Insider Program, or so it would seem.

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: This Rugged Triple Aught Design Denim Shirt is Your New Outdoor Go-To

Best denim shirts for men.

Whenever the promise of a summer adventure beckons, it pays off to be prepared in advance, to know exactly the course you’re going to plot and the best men’s gear you’re going to wear to get the job done. Be it opening up your cabin for summer season, wrangling more firewood or loading up the cooler with more ice (and then cracking open a cold one), it seems nothing should be left to chance, at least as far as the essentials are concerned.

And that’s where one of the best denim shirts enters your wardrobe and your summer duffle bag, just like the one shown above and below.

So while a breezy pair of swim trunks and a linen shirt have you all set most days of the week, one of the best denim shirts can sub in when the seasonal conditions are a bit more demanding — a denim shirt like the impossibly rugged and well-designed Triple Aught Design Blueprint Denim Shirt.

Shop the best new gear for the season at Triple Aught Design

The company, which takes a hefty dose of design inspiration from the California desert and the breezy conditions of the California coast, overbuilds gear in the best way possible, with a focus on tactical pursuits and adventures far afield, and one of the best denim shirts for men speaks to that pursuit quite handsomely.

For days on the open road and summer nights where it’s just a bit too chilly for something as lightweight as a T-shirt, I’d say the Triple Aught Design Blueprint Denim Shirt certainly speaks to me (and perhaps to your wardrobe) as a dependable overshirt.

The brand reinforced the elbows on this handsome denim shirt, then added in details like a double-button throat latch for added coverage, while the Triple Aught Design Blueprint Denim Shirt is fashioned from mid-weight 100% cotton denim and sewn in California. Every last detail has been expertly considered, down to its metal buttons for added durability.

With double and triple-needle stitching throughout, Triple Aught Design says this denim shirt is as “rugged as the generations of men who inspired it.” If you ask me, that’s precisely what your adventure wardrobe needs this season.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Buck Mason Breeze Shirt is A Smooth and Stylish Summer Fashion Move

There are certain style trends that hold as reliable and true as the rising and setting sun, like the idea that a breezy linen shirt can serve you plenty well in the warmer months. Think of the easygoing shirt your father or grandfather wore on summer Sundays around the grill, and channel that vibe with a selection from a modern-meets-classic brand like Buck Mason.

Add in a dash of classic pattern and Mid-Century style inspiration, and you’ve captured the perfect summer shirt for men, or at least, one that’s perfectly well-suited for more laidback style situations.

Find out more and shop now at Buck Mason

The Buck Mason Trail Plaid Breeze Cotton Linen Shirt fits the spirit of the season in expert fashion, with those Mid-Century style notes and an easygoing sense of personality front and center. And since there are times when you simply need to toss on a high-quality buttondown shirt and get on the move (to the brewery, to an outdoor concert, to a backyard BBQ), there are shirts that check off plenty of boxes — including the Buck Mason Trail Plaid Breeze Cotton Linen Shirt.

Whether paired with the brand’s expertly crafted corduroy shorts, stretch chino shorts or leisurely yet luxe linen trousers, this shirt (in both of its earthy, plaid patterned options) is a surefire, versatile winner — that’s something every guy needs to have on hand, yes? In fact, the use of an 86 percent cotton-14 percent linen fabric blend gives this shirt both structure and comfortable softness, particularly when styled with summer-friendly light wash jeans.

Dual chest pockets deliver the sort of utility that can serve you well at the drafting table or behind the grill, while the blend of cotton and linen fabric suits the breezy summer season quite well, at least in my experience.

And it’s those chest pockets that also provide a more shirt jacket-type feel — the sort of shirt jacket that functions well around the bonfire on cool summer nights, rather than brisk fall and winter days. When in doubt, opting for a dependable, throwback-inspired shirt like the Buck Mason Trail Plaid Breeze Cotton Linen Shirt could assuredly upgrade your next #OOTD — that’s a fact in my book, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The RAEN Optics Wiley Sunglasses Are as Versatile a Pair of Frames As Any In Your Rotation

Best men's sunglasses

Perhaps you, like me, have been thinking quite a bit about how to best optimize your daily summer gear essentials, be it the canvas sneakers you wear in casual style situations, the durable field watch you reach for or the perfectly breezy linen shorts you find yourself stepping out in when you’re off the clock. It doesn’t get much more optimized than putting your ear to the ground, or rather, keeping a keen eye on the horizon, as far the best men’s sunglasses are concerned, either.

And if you haven’t yet found your perfect pair for summer, Huckberry and RAEN Optics can certainly help — that’s what brings us here today after all, folks.

A longtime retailer of the best gear for men, and of RAEN men’s sunglasses in general, Huckberry tends to stock selections that deliver the right mix of performance and style — both tricky boxes to check at times, especially as far as stylish sunglasses are concerned.

And yet, the RAEN Optics Wiley Sunglasses fit the bill quite nicely in both of those key areas, with a classic-meets-modern style that almost calls to mind a more bold version of the Wayfarer.

Shop men’s sunglasses and more at Huckberry

The RAEN Optics Wiley Sunglasses lean into functionality as much as they do breezy good looks that’ll play well with your favorite camp collar shirt and laidback linen shorts.

Huckberry even calls these ” a performance-driven frame built for the modern adventurer,” with polarized lenses and three different eye-catching (pun intended) frame and color combinations. The frames themselves are made from performance acetate, with Colorboost lenses offering contrast and polarized protection.

RAEN Optics sunglasses review.

Features like Strata Grip nose pads make these an able choice for everything from boating to fly fishing to day hike and of course, casual beers in the hours afterwards. Helpfully, the bridge on the RAEN Optics Wiley Sunglasses was engineered for an ergonomic fit, and the company even throws in a lifetime warranty when you pick up a pair of these premium-yet-accessible frames (they’ll set you back $220, a far cry from designer polarized shades.

Between their durable nature, the high-performance lens construction and the flattering good looks, these stylish men’s sunglasses should prove downright useful and even essential for all your summer pursuits — there’s still plenty of time to plot your next seasonal getaway, and RAEN Optics delivers, all thanks to Huckberry. Go forth with new frames in hand (and on your face), my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Essential Filson Shirt Upgrades Your Next Adventure Kit In Functional Fashion

Best T-shirts for men.

Is a T-shirt ever just a T-shirt? Sometimes, the answer is yes, and sometimes, it’s more than that. In the same way that there are tees you keep on hand to mow the lawn or work in the garage, there are stylish, durable and highly functional tees well-suited for adventures off-grid, park strolls, cabin weekend getaways or perhaps even just a casual day lounging by the pool or strolling the coast. And my good friends, Filson has just the right T-shirt for the task at hand — whatever it might prove to be.

Shop the best Filson gear right now

Can one T-shirt possibly do all of these things? And can it do so while remaining on sale and offering up a host of performance-friendly features? When it comes to the Filson 210g Merino Wool Crewneck T-shirt, the answer is a resounding yes, the sort that’ll have you looking to stock up on more than one on-sale tee from the rugged Pacific Northwest retailer.

In the same way that we’ve talked about the hard-working Filson Dry Wax Cruiser Jacket and the elusive Filson Summer 2026 Sale, there’s a case to be made for searching for the proper gear to lighten thngs up this season, especially as you cruise the lake or hike a trail, or simply toss another burger on the grill.

And yes, the right T-shirt can work wonders in all of those scenarios, especially as you consider the naturally anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, dependable design that comes from merino wool fabrication. All of those boxes are chcked at an on-sale price below $70 as you look to scoop up the hard-wearing Filson 210g Merino Wool Crewneck T-shirt in one of three earthy, versatile and classic colors as only Filson can dream up.

In fact, my personal favorite shade of the Filson 210g Merino Wool Crewneck T-shirt might be the aptly named Rugged Tan colorway, which also features what the legendary retailer calls “next-to-skin comfort,” not to mention the covetable build of “naturally quick-drying, moisture-wicking merino wool.”

Amp up your next adventure #OOTD with Filson

It’s simply the kind of wonder fabric that, as the adventure-minded outfitter says, “absorbs 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp or clammy and continues to insulate even when wet.” How’s that for performance you can trust, from the trail to the lake and back again? In my experience, Filson delivers the rugged quality you can count on without missing a beat, and if you can save a few bucks in the process, that’s all the better. Go forth with style and performance in mind, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: It’s Your Last Day To Shop The Filson Summer 2026 Sale

The chance to stock up on your favorite summer gear beckons, and it’s an especially strong siren song at this point in the season. With the first day of summer finally, now officially in the rearview mirror, it’s time to load up your truck and your camper, toss some gear in your sturdy duffel bag and hit the road — if you haven’t already, that is.

We’re all about preparation on this site, as in preparing for the elements at hand and the adventures on your docket with the best men’s gear — pack and plan ahead, and even taxing hikes off trail will prove as rewarding (or at least as functional) as evenings back around the bonfire. It’s heady stuff, right?

And I know just where you should be going to get the best gear for men to finish the job (or start the job, or take a load off after a hard day in the field). Naturally, the Pacific Northwest style purveyors at Filson can aid in this pursuit, and the Filson Summer Sale 2026 features nearly 200 items of gear worthy of your time and hard-earned cash, from waxed anorak jackets to durable adventure pants, useful Filson Alaskan Guide shirts and dependable trail and swim shorts.

What’s the catch? There’s no catch, at least in my book, but the sale ends later tonight, in fact — and if you know Filson, you know the venerable Pacific Northwest outfitter doesn’t put its wares on sale very often. And if I had to pick just one item from the well-stocked yet fast-moving Filson Summer Sale 2026, what would it be?

It’s tough to say, but the Filson lineup of Dry Wax Cruiser Jackets, in both field-ready and trucker-style fabrications, seems to be calling my name. For now, go forth, happy shopping and happy hunting — and we’ll see you out there on the trail.

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.