August 31, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Labor Day

Perhaps the best representation of the kind of gear you should have on-hand for the weekend. French Terry Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Brass bottle opener by Owen & Fred. Two-Hearted Ale by Bell’s Brewing.

Well folks, it’s almost upon us. The de facto end of summer — Labor Day. That means fall style is well on its way (including an updated 2015 Fall Style Wish List), which is quite exciting as far as the potential it brings for layering and new outfit combinations. However, that also means there’s one last chance to bust out some casual, long weekend summer style. Whether you’re hitting the beach, the pool or a backyard barbeque, you can’t go wrong with trying to look your best — ya dig? Take a look at the below suggestion and feel free to share what you’ll be wearing when the time comes!

The Shirt: Pistol Lake Short-sleeve Henley — $35

The perfect shirt for a laidback weekend. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

So this henley keeps popping up on this blog time and again, but for extremely good reason (see a rundown of other great henleys here). It’s the ultimate masculine style piece for warmer weather, what with its athletic cut, unfinished sleeves (giving it a vintage look) and a worn-in vibe that perfectly complements a casual weekend fit for a barbeque or some time at the beach. If the occasion does call for something dressier, you could throw on a crisp polo instead. Any of the brand’s neutral colors would work well for this henley, but the Relic White or Quartermaster options are particularly versatile.

The Shorts (or Swim Trunks): Pistol Lake French Terry Sweatshorts — $55 OR H&M Solid-color Swim Shorts, $12.99

On the left: A sporty pair of sweatshorts that allow for flexibility and casual style. On the right: Cheap swim trunks that can easily be replaced.

Why the two different options listed? Well, let’s say you don’t happen to be at the water but still want to look good — not too dressed up or dressed down. A French Terry sweatshort (as seen on GearHungry) allows you the flexibility to move around and play some backyard football, say, yet it’s an upgrade over baggy cargo shorts or athletic shrots. Some lightweight shorts in a neutral color (like any of the options seen here) could stand in as well. The swim trunks, on the other hand, are the type of thing that could be a quick pick-up if you need a replacement pair of trunks — or just a pair in general. And at that price, they can very easily be replaced when swimming season rolls around again (for those of us in colder climes).

The Shoes: Sperry Authentic Original Fleck Canvas 3-Eye Boat Shoe — $90

A sneaker-boat shoe hybrid from a brand that does boat shoes the best.

Unlike the swim trunks listed above, $90 is actually quite a bit of an investment to make for a canvas boat shoe at this point in the summer. But if you don’t mind hanging on to them until spring rolls around again, then these could be a good pick-up from a well-known brand. Boat shoes haven’t gotten a ton of airplay on this blog, but the style would blend in better with swim trunks than a pair of classic sneakers — although if you go the sportier route and opt for something like sweatshorts, crisp white sneakers certainly wouldn’t be amiss. And with either option, you could opt to go barefoot or grab some Richer Poorer no-show socks that do a nice job staying put.

The Watch: Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch — $83

The Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray watch.

This watch, like some of the other items here, has indeed been featured on this blog quite a bit (read the original review here). But, there might not be a better (or quicker-shipping via Amazon) rubber strap watch out there. It again meshes with the sporty-casual vibes of this outfit and looks particularly rugged when paired with swim trunks (James Bond wears a rubber strap watch in Casino Royale, as you might recall). Other tough-casual options are out there as well — the Timex Cordura Ripstop watch (a new release this summer), which adds a bit of sheen with a blue dial. Subbing in a NATO watch strap with some pattern also could work if you already have a preferred casual watch.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Factory Navigator Sunglasses — $14.50

A retro frame shape and color make these one heck of a pair of shades for the price.

Under $15? For a J. Crew (well, close enough) pair of sunglasses? That’s a downright steal, and plays into the notion of grabbing something on the cheap for the weekend. That way, you won’t feel bad should they break or get stepped on. This pair in particular combines a retro-looking square lens shape with an equally retro gold frame for some pretty neat style. If buying goods made to last is more your thing, the Concorde Flash Lens series from Randolph Engineering hits the mark for a pair that’s made in America and exceptionally solid. If you want even more retro flair however, J. Crew Factory also offers a pair of Clubmaster-inspired frames for a low price.

Of course, if the situation does call for an overall dressier look, throwing on some slim chinos should dress up that henley (or polo) nicely. And if you are hitting the road, make sure you prepped to do so in style with these great men’s travel essentials. Above all though — enjoy this last hurrah (or perhaps the first of many fall …. hurrahs?) and do so in style!

What are your thoughts on the above outfit suggestion? What pieces would you change or swap out?

August 29, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Slub Nep Jersey Polo

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.

Sticking with a polo right through the end of summer.

Hopefully, there’s not too much off about this week’s Style Pick — a polo? Right at the end of “summer” for a lot of us? Yes, of course. Here’s why — there’s still plenty of time to wear that polo on its own, then layered up under some more unique combinations, like henleys or casual sweaters, in the weeks thereafter. Of course, you’ll then have a newer polo in your rotation come spring as well (if that’s even an issue). And the more casual the fabric and texture, the more the polo might wear like a T-shirt, anyways. That’s what the Slub Nep Jersey Polo from Grayers accomplishes. It combines a textured nep yarn and a just-right three-button collar for a polo that could even work under a blazer (provided you’re equipped with some collar stays). Grayers has got a lot going for it in terms of styles that walk the line between continental and preppy, so it only makes sense that a polo from the brand would blur those lines, too.

One of three color options for this style of soft-knit polo.

And in a slightly heightened shade of blue when compared to a deeper navy, it can be styled in the exact same ways as the classic color while bringing a bit of pop. After all, a navy polo is a style stalwart that can be dressed up or down — check out my Effortless Gent series for more suggestions. If you’re on the hunt for a slightly different color, a Light Blue Denim option is available on the Grayers website, as is a Charcoal polo that could pull double-duty with earthy olive chinos well into fall. Prices are up there when you stack it up next to something like an H&M polo, but you get a reliably classic option that should offer a modern fit and well-made fabric. Even if summer’s almost over, that’s still a pretty good buy.

Do you own any Grayers product? How would you style this polo into the fall for maximum versatility?

August 28, 2015August 27, 2015 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Rock or Bust World Tour, Vintage Shopping & Cheap Watches

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

It’s been quite the wild week around these parts. Last night, I had the great fortune to attend a Fall 2015 collections preview courtesy of Wolverine at the brand’s excellent Wolverine Company Store on NYC’s quaint Elizabeth Street, put on in conjunction with women’s style blogger Rachel-Marie Iwanyszyn of Jag Lever. It was a great collection, full of refined takes on rugged style staples and an excellent evening catching up with some blogger friends and industry colleagues while enjoying complimentary whiskey and some tasty appetizers, too (check out more at my Twitter here). It proved a bit more tiring than usual to make it to that event, as the night before (Wednesday on the calendar), I fulfilled a dream about seven years in the making — seeing AC/DC live (again). It surprises most folks to know they’re one of my favorite bands — but they really are something else (I swear you can hear me yelling in this video of the standout title track “Rock or Bust” as they opened the show). They put on an electrifying show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., and thankfully, my ride home was taken care of via party bus. So that made for a whirlwind end to the week! And now, the weekend’s here. Get a start on some much-needed relaxation by catching up on all the hits from the week — including a dose of rock n’roll.

The style crew at Dappered rounds up 10 watches worth your time (pun intended), and they all clock in at under $100 — a downright steal. I’m a big personal fan of the Invicta Automatic Diver (also known as the 8926 model) and featured here.
While we’re talking rock n’roll, Rolling Stone delivered a glowing review of the show that preceded the standout concert I saw in New Jersey — the opening of the North American leg of the Rock or Bust World Tour last weekend in Massachusetts.
Getting back to the style front, Esquire sent famed fashion director Nick Sullivan into the heartland of America with a simple mission — come back with two outfits for under $200, shopping at only vintage or thrift stores and the like.
Long Read of the Week: Sticking with more content from Esquire, writer Tom Chiarella spent four days traversing the streets of Chicago wearing four distinctly different uniforms and chronicled the reactions of people he encountered. Pretty fascinating read as it relates to the idea of, quite literally, adhering to a personal uniform.

That’s all for this corner of the Internet; here’s more on the style front elsewhere though.

Heritage bagmaker Satchel & Page recently added to its lineup of stellar high-quality leather goods with a run of belts funded through Kickstarter — I covered the campaign here for VOUCH Mag.
Get caught up on what you might be missing from elsewhere in the world of #menswear with returning guest author Mark Lai’s post on the men’s dress footwear scene in Malaysia.

August 26, 2015August 26, 2015 by Beau H.

Guest Post: #Menswear at Malaysia’s P. Lal

Editor’s note: The world of style is remarkably vast, to put it mildly. It seems no matter where you go, great brands and great finds abound. Returning guest author Mark Lai spent some time globetrotting this summer [much like your humble author] and delivered this dispatch from Malaysia — yes, Malaysia — where shoe fiends who delve deep into the menswear world will feel right at home. Follow him on Instagram to keep up with his style adventures.

A brief peek at what was to come at P. Lal in Kuala Lumpur.

As far as quality shoe brands are concerned, Singapore is largely a barren wasteland. While establishments like Ed Et Al, Carmina and Septíème Largeur have opened in recent years, the majority of Singapore’s shoe landscape is still dominated by the likes of Hush Puppies and Ecco. There remains a dearth of choice for quality shoes at specific price ranges -for instance, Ed Et Al is the most budget-friendly option, with prices for their (excellent) ready-to-wear pieces starting around $350. [Editor’s note: Check out other budget-friendly dress shoe options here].

P. Lal in most of its shoe-envy glory.

Fortunately, there remains a veritable perk of residing in Singapore: Kuala Lumpur, home to P.Lal, is a mere 5 hours’ drive away. For those unfamiliar with it, P.Lal is a family-owned shoe store located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in the Petaling Jaya district, and has been in operation since 1929. The brands stocked, with their respective pricing points indicated in the brackets, include a range (detailed below) from entry-level to drool-worthy, with a focus on European heritage shoemakers.

A good look at the anatomy of a Goodyear-welted shoe by Loake.

Loake (Entry-level)
- P. Lal claims to have the largest collection of Loake shoes in the world. Although I’m in no position to verify that, it may well be true since they stock most of the models from all of Loake’s ranges – Loake 1880s, Loake Shoemakers, Loake Evolution, design Loake and L1. (Editor’s note: You might recognize these guys Stateside, as they’re sold via East Dane).
Barker (Entry-level to mid-range)
- I confess that I didn’t have a good look at the models from Barker while I was there, largely because I was in the market for a pair of Loakes, and because I saw a few cemented (referring to the method of attaching the soles of the shoes to their uppers) and corrected grain models, which I wasn’t quite fond of.
Cheaney (Mid-range)
- In addition to their main collection of Cheaney’s, it’s also worth noting that P.Lal has factory seconds of Cheaney’s shoes, albeit in limited sizes and models. At prices similar to or lower than Loake 1880s, these seconds are an incredible deal, provided you can find one in your size.
Crockett & Jones (Mid-range) [Editor’s note: Another brand with a recognizable name — they supply boots to none other than James Bond].
- It’s quite a pity that Crockett & Jones stopped supplying to P.Lal some years ago, ostensibly due to their overly-low prices that Crockett & Jones weren’t agreeable with. A few sizes remain.

Gaziano & Girling (High-end)
- At prices starting from about $730 or so, shoes from Gaziano & Girling remain firmly in my personal “see but don’t touch” category for the time being. Fine, I might have touched them ever so briefly, but that limited touching was rudely interrupted by the drool leaking uncontrollably out of my mouth, induced by the elegance of those beautiful lasts, channeled soles and fiddleback waists.

More Loake shoes on display at this veritable shoe lover’s dream.

I found shopping at P.Lal to be a blissfully serene experience. Unlike most other shops, I was able to walk around the shop at my complete leisure, without the pressure of having a sticky sales associate pushing products onto me. (When engaged however, the sales associates were extremely attentive and knowledgeable, giving me advice on the lasts which would fit my wide-ish feet.) That lack of pressure resulted in me spending two-and-a-half hours asking a ton of questions, trying on multiple sizes in various models, walking around the shop in the shoes I was trying and gazing lovingly at the display shoes as if they were museum exhibits. Left in my trail were two exhausted sales associates, a companion who had mentally checked out long ago and many shoe boxes.

In addition to the wide array of shoes and the wonderful shopping experience, the favorably low value of the Malaysian Ringgit compared to U.S. dollars and P.Lal’s lowest fixed prices guarantee provide two more compelling reasons to drop in for a visit if you’re ever in town.

Lastly, note that orders can be placed via email at plal@plal.com or via telephone (pull out that long-distance calling card) at this number: +60 3 7955 5454 or +60 10 540 5454

August 24, 2015 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Kent & Bond Grooming

Your chance to win a well-made grooming product from an upstart brand. Photo courtesy of Kent & Bond.

Editor’s note: Read on (or at least skim?) to the bottom of this article for a special reader giveaway opportunity!

It seems lots of companies in every facet of the menswear landscape are now paying more attention to how they make their wares — that goes for the consumers buying them, too. Whether it’s Everlane’s model of radical transparency or brands like Noble Denim supporting American-made manufacturing, the trend (if you want to call it that), is everywhere. It hasn’t been all that loud on the men’s grooming front though — particularly when you combine the qualities that seem to separate most grooming brands: domestic manufacturing and organic ingredients. Kent & Bond is changing that, though.

I had the chance to write about the brand for VOUCH Mag and I also got the opportunity to check out its signature Body Brick soap across these past few weeks. Launched last year and the proud owner of a new E-commerce website, its product is made in the U.S.A using Certified Organic ingredients. Those touches give the product a premium feel for a low price — $14 for a fairly substantial mini-brick of soap, among other nicely priced wares (read on for more on those).

Kent & Bond’s Charcoal Pine Body Brick, complete with the brand’s mission.

I was admittedly skeptical at first about the product — it’s just a bar of soap, right? Is there a catch? Honestly — no, no catch at all. I sampled the Charcoal Pine Body Brick (as charcoal-based products seem to be everywhere in the men’s grooming world these days), and I haven’t been disappointed. The bar combines a pleasant smell with a crisp, clean feeling — and that’s also reflected in some of the other Body Brick samples I was sent (the brand stocks five Body Brick scents in total). The bars are also rich in vitamins, aged for three months and produced in small batches — tough to find that in your average body wash. It’s also worth nothing that the brand produces responsibly made body gels, too.

The full run of the brand’s popular Body Brick soaps. Photo courtesy of Kent & Bond.

One would imagine that its deodorants and products like the Body Salve are equally well-made — don’t forget about its Horween leather dopp kit, either. The lineup also brings an edge of masculinity — something that could draw in guys skeptical about testing out new grooming products (*raises hand*). If you find yourself on the fence about buying a product though — don’t be! And luckily, that’s what we’re taking care of for you here today. I’m partnering with the brand to give away 1 Body Brick sample of your choice to five lucky winners. Rest assured — even a sample size is quite large. Simply do the following:

Head on over to my Instagram account, [make sure you’re following myself and Kent & Bond, of course!].
Then, ‘Like’ either Sunday or Monday’s special K&B-themed IG post and comment as to what product or scent you’d like the best! You’ll be able to tell which is which based on the post, trust me.

The winners will be chosen randomly and notified late Tuesday via Instagram. Stay tuned for more! And head over to the brand’s Facebook or Twitter accounts for more from their world.

August 22, 2015August 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Gustin Classic Boot

The latest release from Gustin — a shockingly affordable and stunning boot made right in America.

The folks over at San Franciso-based Gustin have been on something of a tear in recent months — the brand released its first pocket T-shirt earlier this spring, and if it wasn’t enough to deliver well-crafted basics on top of excellent everyday wear, the brand then put out some stunning sneakers this summer. Those releases were the cherry on top of its already standout line of durable and well-crafted denim and complementary pieces like chore coats. And each item funded quickly as per the brand’s crowdsourced production model. Consider Gustin one step further into completely dominating your wardrobe now, thanks to the release this week of a lineup of made-in-America boots that look positively outstanding. If the speed at which they’re funding is astonishing, the price point is nothing short of jaw-dropping, too — just $199. That’s a good chunk less compared to similar-looking boots from Wolverine or Red Wing, for starters, yet they’re made by the very same craftsmen.

The Inferno Tan shade brings heavy vintage vibes, an eyecatching color and a heck of a price point.

Gustin’s boots are available in three different looks, ranging from the chocolate brown shade seen at the top to a bright shade of tan and a grey-and-gold tinged Natural color. The specs of the boots are equally impressive, particularly for a pair that retails at what’s normally a final sale price for other brands. Built to last with Chromexcel leather from the world-renowned Horween Leather Company, they feature a tough Goodyear welt. The brand even used a custom last to create a pleasing, slim-yet-rugged profile that should pair well with its dark denim — and particularly rough-and-tumble fabrics like herringbone and tweed come fall. The waxed brown laces and brown metal eyelets on the CXL Brown Classic Boot are the kind of details that make these both a boot that can take a beating and a boot that’ll look all kinds of right when worn with dressier cold-weather essentials — is it fall already?

Will you be funding Gustin’s latest release? How would you style the boots seen here?

August 21, 2015 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Cuffed Pants, Trend Evolution and James Bond’s Cookbook

We’ve rolled right through another week here at The Style Guide HQ (AKA a rather small Brookyn apartment), and it’s crazy to think that there’s not that much real “summer” left. It’s been a great one though, especially with travels to Greece and Italy. And I’m just as excited about the fall — this here site will have a Fall Wish List in the next few weeks, new product reviews and brand profiles, and a few travel features in the works (a trip to Los Angeles among them!). But there’s still plenty of time to soak up some rays (got your sunglasses on-point?) and hit the beach, pool or just your local watering hole — which I’ll certainly be doing this weekend. Before you dive in though, a heads-up — I’ll be running a special Instagram giveaway on Monday and Tuesday of next week featuring the chance to win some grooming gear from the organic gurus at Kent & Bond. Details will be outlined in a Monday post, but make sure you’re following me on Instagram (please?) and check back Monday for more details!

Gear Patrol quite literally shows you, in GIFs plus text, some sharp ways to cuff or roll pants — try it out with some dark denim in particular.
In the way of trends, Esquire spotlights exactly how a trend starts, focusing specifically on the pocket square and its rise to prominence (and purported downfall?) in the #menswear world.
Fast Company gives you the scoop on what exactly James Bond ate in the iconic Ian Fleming novels — new book “Dying to Eat” chronicles recipes and photos in a fascinating and in-depth manner.
Long Read of the Week: If you haven’t been following this series, it’s high time to catch up — Narratively chronicled the end of a 5,000-mile cross country bike ride undertaken by a daring team of friends.

Can’t get enough of The Style Guide?

Plan out your next purchase after you catch up on this week’s product review of the Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Slim Chino.
Or, swing on back through one of the very first posts on The Style Guide covering a classic — the blue Oxford cloth buttondown.

August 19, 2015August 19, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Slim Chino

Pairing the Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Slim Chino with transitional travel gear. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Vintage wool baseball cap by Goorin Brothers. Chukka boots by Timberland.

Pairing the Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Slim Chino with transitional travel gear in Italy. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Vintage wool baseball cap by Goorin Brothers. Chukka boots by Timberland. Glasses by Warby Parker

There’s really no underestimating the power of a great basic in a guy’s wardrobe, whether it’s a pair of dark denim or a crisp Oxford cloth buttondown or a sturdy pair of boots. The khaki chino occupies that same space – it’s the ideal balance between dressy and casual, especially in the manner that current brands have been making them. That typically means a slimmer fit and the lack of pleats that characterized a lot of khakis in days past.

And if you’ve paid any attention to the rise in American-made goods these past few years in the #menswear world, you might’ve heard the name Taylor Stitch. The brand takes a two-pronged approach to distributing its clothing, using a mixture of customer-funded campaigns (similar to Gustin’s approach) and stocking year-round essentials one can pick up at any time. Its Standard Issue Slim Chino (newly restocked in sizes 28 to 36!) is one of those essentials, and for great reason.

Another way to style these chinos, also from my travels to Italy and Greece. Corona not included. White sneakers by GREATS Brand.

Although the pant comes in Olive and Navy as well, the Khaki Slim Chino is as close to a perfect pair of pants as you can get. For those times when dark denim might not work, this pair acts as an ideal dressier stand-in – especially with a classic, unconstructed navy blazer as seen here. The great folks at the brand worked with me on a review of the chinos for GearHungry earlier this spring, and I’ve had the chance to test them out all through the summer – including on a lengthy trip to Greece.

While one could argue that a khaki chino is only part of a rotation of pants – and thus you could afford to skimp a little – this pair from Taylor Stitch makes the exact opposite case. That is, it’s so versatile and you should (presumably) get so much wear out of it that it absolutely pays to divvy up a little cash up front.

Namely, the fabric on these chinos is something else. It’s a soft, custom cotton blend chino that’s brushed for softness – something you can tell right out of the box. There’s no absurd stiffness to these, making them easy to wear right away. While some definitely prefer a heavier chino fabric (and some brands, like Gustin, make a living doing that), having a pair that feels broken-in is a big benefit.

But, that broken-in feel doesn’t mean you’re getting a pair of sunfaded chinos that have also proven popular across the past few seasons. In fact, the color on these is even throughout – and has remained that way despite washing throughout the summer. And if anything, the fabric has gotten softer over time – making them even easier to wear. Note that the fabric certainly isn’t your average, flimsy-feeling pair from a cheaper retailer –- but it’s also not a true lightweight chino a la Bonobos.

Regardless, the versatility and durability is a huge selling point and makes it easier to wear them more frequently. Thankfully, these don’t need to be treated like raw denim, unwashed for months at a time.

Yet another situation in which these chinos do well — business casual. Blazer by J. Crew. Heather Herringbone Shirt by Combat Gent. Pindot tie by Express. Loafers by G.H. Bass Horween leather watch strap by Form-Function-Form and Ameritus Sport watch by Timex. Belt by Target Merona.

And that’s lent itself to some nice outfit combinations across the summer. I’ve paired them with everything from a heathered burgundy pocket tee and navy sneakers (a favorite combo) to a blazer and chukka boots. Throwing them together with a slim chambray shirt and brown leather loafers has also worked well for dressier situations.

The fit on these is also to be commended. If you’re unsure of trying out the brand, it’s worth nothing that these fit remarkably similar to any other mainstream (and arguably lower-quality) pair from one of an industry big shot. (looking at you J. Crew). So the fit is trim to be sure, but offers more give through the thigh than one might expect. It’s perhaps closest to a Levi’s 513, but the brand also offers a Democratic fit that’s slightly looser but still tailored.

Crucially, the waist band fits comfortably on a size 34×32 – it doesn’t bunch when worn with a belt, something that can occasionally be a problem. Watch out if you happen to be more vertically challenged though – the chinos arrive out of the box with a 36-inch inseam, meaning that I’ve chosen to cuff and roll them (as you can see in these photos). You could also take them to a tailor to have them hemmed if you know a particularly good one.

A closer look at the vintage map detailing and sturdy hardware that help set these chinos apart.

As to be expected with a pair of American-made chinos, the detailing is superb. Sturdy bar tack stitches hold the pockets in place on the interior of the chinos, while the front copper button is reinforced, too. Those who appreciate good design should also enjoy the vintage San Francisco maps printed on the interior of the pockets, and the tag noting it’s American-made is always nice to see.

With a pair of pants like these, it’s not a stretch to say you could put together five different outfits, each with a completely different vibe (that might sound familiar to those of you who read my Effortless Gent series!). From rugged long-sleeve henleys and cardigans in the winter to white sneakers and a simple T-shirt in the summer, this really is a four-season pair of pants (the fabric certainly lends itself to that). So the next time you look to buy a pair of chinos, look West – and get out that credit card.
Do you own a pair of Taylor Stitch chinos? Or will you soon? How would you style these?

August 17, 2015August 17, 2015 by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Goorin Brothers

More than 100 years and still going strong — excellent heritage hatmaker Goorin Brothers.

Editor’s note: For more brand profiles covering the world of men’s grooming, accessories and apparel, click here.

Like lots of things in the men’s style world, hats can actually be pretty divisive. I mean, it’s just a hat, right? Wrong. Ballcaps strike some as too casual or college-esque, while traditional hat styles – like bowlers or wide-brimmed fedoras – also draw ire. So some folks simply won’t get on board. It seems on the one hand though that throwing on a statement hat is something lots of menswear bloggers have turned to in the past few years as part of the burgeoning street style trend. That’s had a slow trickle-down effect into the rest of the population, to the benefit of heritage brands who’ve produced traditional styles for decades. Heck, just look at any postgame sports press conference and you’re likely to find a hat or two – whether well-done or not.

More than a century’s worth of experience in the biz — Alfred and Ted Goorin took over the business from father Cassel, hence the name you see today. Photo courtesy of Goorin Brothers.

For those looking to get into the hat game without too much pretention or fanfare, Goorin Brothers is an excellent option. They’ve harnessed their collective years of experience into producing of-the-moment hats that still nod to traditional styles and construction methods, much like their significantly younger and more casual contemporaries at Ebbets Field Flannels, among others. And they’ve done so in a way that’s rooted in quality and attention to detail. When you do one thing so well, that’s likely to draw attention – in a good way. The business has been passed down through the family for more than a century, something that it seems happens less and less these days (to put it mildly). The styles and shapes have expanded across the years, but that same attention to quality remains — with a modern update. The brand is bringing back the idea of the neighborhood hat shop, too — they’ve got 36 shops across the country and counting (including four in NYC alone).

An crisp-casual way to wear a vintage ball cap. Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Slim khaki chinos by Taylor Stitch. Chukka boots by Timberland. Glasses by Warby Parker. Classic Bristol leather watch by Daniel Wellington.

The brand’s expertise extends across nearly every style imaginable, from ball caps and flatcaps to those aforementioned bowlers and tophats. I had the chance to work with the brand to test-drive one of its vintage ballcaps — the No. 42 ball cap seen here — during a trip to Michigan in late July, followed by a jetsetting trek to Greece thereafter. If you’re going to give a ball cap another try, this is the sort of hat you should reach for. Unlike sports or performance logo-heavy ball caps, which look too sporty to wear with even crisp-casual apparel (like slim khaki shorts and a polo), a Goorin Brothers cap fits right in just fine. (Of course, if you’re an avid golfer or sports nut going to a game, might still be best to reach for one of those). But this vintage-style cap in particular is one you can test-drive with sporty-casual outfits or with a short-sleeve shirt and chinos.

The No. 42 ball cap from Goorin Brothers. –a standout hat style with vintage details makes for a crisp complement to all kinds of outfits.

The lack of notable branding or logo placement on Goorin’s hats in general is a huge plus – the brand’s ball caps in particular have an old-school appeal that’s difficult to find in your average sporting goods store. That makes them look cool and complementary, rather than detracting from a polished look (i.e. the blazer-T-shirt-chinos ensemble seen in these photos). For those seeking a more standout cap, Goorin’s other retro hats, inspired by old military-branded hats, offer an alternative. Those might look more fitting at a fun barbeque or tailgate this fall.

A crisp hat like the one seen here from the brand is easily wearable in sportier situations, too. Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Pocket tee by American Apparel. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page. Sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Partial photobomb by a fellow tourist in Greece.

And particularly when it gets chilly, an eyecatching hat in a cold-weather fabric certainly has its appeal, as does a warm-weather Panama hat. On that note, Dan from Articles of Style nails these sorts of looks. Now, a cold-weather hat does lack that crucial ear coverage in a snowstorm, to be sure. But, the combination of an old-school hat plus some tailored wear does look pretty darn sharp. Decades past certainly nailed that style, but it’s one that’s largely fallen out of favor or has been done mostly “wrong” in recent years (sorry, Johnny Depp). Now though, it’s poised to make a nice resurgence thanks to the lack of ostentation or “look-at-me” flair from Goorin Brothers – these are hats that are well-made and mesh with a variety of looks.

The lack of ostentatious details makes it easy to pair a vintage ball cap with classic Aviator shades — like these ones from Randolph Engineering.

Goorin’s pricing meets the needs of those looking to dip their toes into the world of hats, as well. Ball caps come in at under $40, namely. The brand’s “dressier” or more traditional hats do range in from price from about $70 to $200 though — making this the sort of splurge purchase that you’d have to wear a lot to justify. However, I’ve found my ballcap to be comfortable, breathable and wearable in the heat from Michigan to NYC to Greece – and it should work just as well in the fall and winter months.

Ultimately, a hat of any sort is going to be the type of accessory that might break an outfit – but it can also make an outfit if worn in the right setting, at the right time and with the right accessories. Again, this is all subjective though – so if the hat fits (and you like it)… wear it!

Are you on-board the ballcap bandwagon? Do you own or have you considered any of the aforementioned hat styles?

August 15, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: RibbedTee V-neck Undershirt

The Retro Fit Tri-Blend Heather Grey V-neck — just one of several excellent undershirt options from RibbedTee.

While style’s certainly about what you wear in terms of outer layers, it can sometimes be just as much about what lies beneath. Some brands have made it their mission to upgrade the basics guys wear closest to their body – for the record, today we’re talking about undershirts. It’s not as noteworthy a Style Pick as a pair of tailored trousers or a great short-sleeve shirt perhaps, but the details are absolutely worth checking out, too. And making a splash in a rather niche area is certainly something that RibbedTee has done in the past few years. They’ve gained some attention through pieces on sites like Effortless Gent, and the brand is definitely continuing to grow. If you’ve been looking around for an undershirt brand to really get into (literally), look no further. Some absolutely prefer not to wear undershirts (especially in the heat), but as it gets a bit colder later this fall, wearing an extra layer could prove insulating and comfortable. And an undershirt from RibbedTee would be an excellent way to go regardless – these are designed to wear year-round, and the fabric, comfort and fit make it easy to see why.

Before and after -- the Retro Fit Tri-Blend Heather Grey V-neck pictured on its own, and then beneath a shirt. No bunching of fabric near the collar. Spring Plaid Shirt by Gustin.

Before and after — the Retro Fit Tri-Blend Heather Grey V-neck pictured on its own, and then beneath a shirt. No bunching of fabric near the collar, even with one button undone. Spring Plaid Shirt by Gustin. Looks like the beard could use a trim…

The thing about RibbedTee’s undershirts is that they don’t feel scratchy or starchy like other undershirts sometimes do. After checking out a set of three undershirts earlier this week — the Tri-Blend Heather Grey V-neck, the CoolWear Supima V-neck in White and an exceptionally soft MicroModal Black V-neck — I’m sold. In addition to the popular V-neck options that the brand was kind enough to send me, they also stock crewneck T-shirts, tank tops and a scoop neck pocket tee designed for everyday wear. I don’t normally wear undershirts all that often but when I do, I’ll be reaching for one of these. Although they come in multiple collar styles, the V-neck collar sits perfectly beneath a buttondown collar shirt sans tie (helping you avoid what I’ve coined the visible-undershirt-beneath-a-buttondown syndrome). Note however, that the deeper V-neck on some of their options means you likely shouldn’t wear the shirt on its own — just as it should be! On a positive note, the fabric is remarkably soft and breathable. And the lack of a tag on the back of the shirt prevents that dreaded collar itch. Plus, the longer shirttail is designed to stay tucked into pants even beneath other shirts. So while you might not find yourself reaching for an undershirt now, a pack from RibbedTee is worth pulling out your credit card for when the temperatures drop down – or even right now.

Are you an undershirt or no-undershirt kinda guy? Would you buy a set of shirts from RibbedTee?

The Style Guide

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Month / August 2015