Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
A casual summer style essential made the right way.
This week’s Style Pick is coming at you courtesy of Pistol Lake – yes, that name keeps popping up here, particularly in regard to the brand’s henleys. It’s simply too hard to resist when a company features American-made, sportswear-inspired basics that hit that happy medium of rugged and classic, and do so at a pretty decent price. For the record, these are sweatshorts, to be sure, so they’re decidedly more dressed-down than other Style Picks — like these Billy Reid trousers. But when it’s exceptionally hot out, shorts are definitely what’s called for (check out more ways to beat the heat at the link). And in a range of versatile colors that would definitely pair well with a crisp Pistol Lake Henley, buying something from the brand for your bottom half is a wise move.
The sweatshorts will also soon be available in a brand-new Moss colorway.
And like joggers, sweatshorts are part of the ongoing #menswear trend of using laidback materials and styling to craft everyday items. In that sense, these might be too casual for some. But if you’re looking for a comfortable pair of shorts to throw on around the house, heading to the park or zipping down the street for a patio brunch or lunch, they’re definitely a solid bet – and they definitely do look better than baggy cargo shorts. They’re comfortable, featuring a thick old-school athletic waistband and garment-dyed French terry cotton. And yet, the cut on them is surprisingly like a pair of tailored shorts – these are not your baggy gym-class shorts of old. The best part just might be the fact that they feature a built-in, hidden cell phone pocket. If you’re feeling your way toward small style upgrades, a classed-up pair of comfortable shorts in a solid color is an excellent way to spend some of your summer fun money.
Thinking about trying a pair of sweatshorts out? What’s your take on the ‘athleisure’ trend as a whole?
The Style Guide 
[…] tees should be a nice complement to the selection of casual shorts you see above– my Pistol Lake sweatshorts, pictured at left, are proving to be a personal favorite, comfortable yet functional and relatively […]
[…] Page. For a particularly strenuous shore excursion in Santorini, I turned to my Pistol Lake sweatshorts and sweet Athletic Propulsion Labs running shoes — hiking the mountains of Greece […]
[…] beach (and then a ride back to an organic winery), I went with functional gear – namely, my Pistol Lake sweatshorts and Athletic Propulsion Labs sneakers, both of which worked perfectly for a rather strenuous bike […]
[…] less of a running shoe and more of a cool-casual sneaker option, while the sweatshorts (as seen here in a Style Pick of the Week entry) were comfortable and breathable. For those situations where I […]
[…] And what will you be wearing? For more on what gear to grab, head here. A nice Grayers polo or a great pair of sweatshorts wouldn’t go amiss, I’m sure. On a personal front, it’s set to be a busy weekend […]
[…] to get great quality for those upgrades while supporting up-and-coming brands (blog favorites like Pistol Lake and Apolis definitely fit this mold). Satchel & Page has certainly made a name for itself […]
[…] in this April post). I’m also bringing along a pair of Banana Republic khaki shorts and my Pistol Lake French Terry Sweatshorts, a seasonally-appropriate pickup from a brand that just happens to be based in L.A. They should […]
[…] A dark color and trim cut help these wear less like sweats and more like jeans. Yes, you got that right.As we talked about above, Christmas can go one of two ways — more casual, or dressier. In this case, if you’ve got the option to go more laidback yet want to avoid wearing pajama pants, we’re going out on a limb to recommend a pair of tailored sweatpants in a dark color. JackThreads continues to get a lot of things right with its new menswear line, and stylish essentials at low prices like these are why. Again, if sweatpants still feel too casual, a solid pair of dark denim never fails (I’d recommend Mott & Bow, who makes slim jeans like its Hester model with a comfy hint of stretch). If sweats are too hot, reach for their laidback but just as comfy alternative — the well-crafted sweatshort (like these from my friends at Pistol Lake). […]
[…] exploring – – I tackled that part of the trip with a pair of comfortable (but not sloppy) Pistol Lake sweatshorts and my reliable GREATS Brand Rosen Runners. Both picks proved more than adequate for lots of […]
[…] and the beach, I picked out a versatile short-sleeve JACHS NY chambray shirt, my ever-reliable Pistol Lake sweatshorts and some brand-new, comfortable sneakers from the surf experts at Reef. Later in the afternoon […]
[…] pick is a great option that can easily be worn on its own with slim stone chinos, dark denim or tailored sweatshorts. Of course, a heather pocket tee pairs perfectly with a rugged denim jacket, lest we […]
[…] NATO strap is practically begging to be worn alongside a slim pocket tee and a great pair of summer shorts — even if it looks a tad too dressy at first, a watch this well-designed can work with any […]
[…] you’re used to, and a little slimmer. They don’t necessarily cover casual picks like sweatshorts, but that should make ’em a little more versatile. And as to the slimmer fit — […]