by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Fight Off the Winter Chill with the Best Men’s Long-Sleeves T-Shirts

Dealing with the doldrums of winter can be tough on many fronts — style included. It’s cold, it’s windy, it’s snowy … at least for those of us who live up North. What’s a guy to do? Well, layer up and keep on trucking. If you read The Style Guide regularly, you’re aware of our picks for the best men’s winter accessories — so, let’s add another dimension to that. Which is to say, let’s talk about rugged layering essentials, like today’s list of stylish long-sleeve shirts. Yes, it’s an overlooked category, seeing as a long-sleeve shirt is often just that — your base layer, fit for wearing under a flannel-lined trucker jacket or a durable winter coat. Yet, there are a few that stand head and shoulders above the rest, and those are the ones that we’re talking about today. If you have a favorite, I’d urge you to pick it up while it’s still around … and I’d urge you to let me know which one ya grabbed over on Twitter! For now, let’s get to work.

#1. Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Surplus Tee — $62

A classic thermal tee made with military style inspiration in mind.

What can’t Buck Mason do? This classic-leaning menswear brand focuses on, as you might have guessed, easygoing styles tinged with throwback Americana. Of course, this Thermal Surplus Tee sure fits the bill nicely, what with a tough waffle-knit exterior and a reversible jersey interior. It’s the kind of thermal tee you’re going to want to layer under your favorite denim shirt — perhaps with some slim black jeans and rugged winter boots — for a casual evening out and about.

#2. Grayers Todd Slub Henley — $65

A cotton henley with a tailored fit, plus a chambray placket for a bit of visual interest.

Yes indeed, the Grayers Todd Slub Henley is a bit of a departure from a classic thermal — a rugged henley can more easily be worn on its own than a thermal shirt, but the Todd Slub Henley gets the nod here regardless.  Grayers is a brand that delivers on multiple fronts, from soft shirting to well-fitting blazers and slim chinos, and you can’t go wrong with a cotton shirt that’s primed for all sorts of winter layering.
#3. Outerknown Callao Crew — $74.98

An easy-to-wear layering piece that’ll work quite well in winter.

If you normally associate Outerknown with breezy, summer-like weather and style — the brand was started in part by surfing legend Kelly Slater, after all — then think again. The brand’s Callao Crew is definitely a relaxed, easygoing layering piece, but that doesn’t mean you should discredit it when it comes time to throw on under, say, a classic crewneck sweatshirt. The striped design also makes for a bit of visual interest when worn under a rugged flannel shirt, for instance.
 #4. Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Long-Sleeve Tee — $44

Perhaps the ideal long-sleeve shirt — perfect for layering, comfy enough to wear on its own.

You didn’t think we’d get through an edition of our Online Shopping Picks without recommending some standout Flint and Tinder gear, did ya? Don’t let the 100 percent construction of the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee fool you — you’re still getting a rugged long-sleeve shirt that’s more than primed for seasonal layering (it’d work quite well under, say, the Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt, for starters). What’s better than a slim-fitting, neutral long-sleeve tee? Not much at all.
#5. Outerknown Odyssey Long-Sleeve Crew — $78.98 

A comfortable, slim-fitting crewneck tee that’s exactly what you want in a winter layer.

That’s right, my friends — Outerknown has nabbed another spot on this list of the best men’s long-sleeve T-shirts, this time owing in part to the quality fabric and standout layering potential of the Odyssey Long-Sleeve Crew. The quality starts with the use of soft cotton jersey, as nice a base layer as you’re going to find. This particular shirt also uses recycled fabric, all the better for the environment. The end result? A shirt that’s exceptionally excellent for casual weekend style.

#6. Life/After/Denim Thermal Henley in Pigskin — $68.00

A durable henley in a color that’s more than ready for winter — subtly stylish.

Life/After/Denim always comes through with stylish, laidback gear that’s got just enough rugged functionality for every season — that’s certainly the case with this Thermal Henley, done up in a winter-friendly Pigskin color. It’s been a quick seller via Bespoke Post, and with good reason: It’s nearly 50 percent off the purchase price. Yes indeed, this rugged thermal henley is going to look great under a shawl collar cardigan or worn casually around the house with some slim sweatpants — looking great, even when at home, pays off.

OK, Style Guide readers — what’ll it be from the above list? Perhaps the durable, well-crafted Life/After/Denim Thermal Henley? Or perhaps the soft, slim-fitting Outerknown Odyssey Crew? If it were me, I’d layer either under a rugged chambray shirt or a classic winter cardigan .  Lest we forget, the classically inspired Thermal Surplus Tee from Buck Mason is a winner, perhaps the best of the bunch. The Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee is another stellar layer, as is the Grayers Todd Slub Henley — I’d wear the Todd Slub Henley under a tan herringbone blazer for style that’s just a bit of a throwback.  And if you’re more inclined toward decidedly casual winter fashion, I’d go for the Callao Crew from our pals at Outerknown, ideal for throwing on under a grey crewneck sweatshirt. I sure hope that gives you a start as you shop around for a new long-sleeve shirt for rugged winter layering.  And if it doesn’t? Shoot me an E-mail via the Contact page above — I’m always down to talk shop!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

 

 

 

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