The Friday Read: New Clarks Wallabee Boots, VANS Slip-Ons & the Best Beer for Summer

The perfect suit to wear to a summer wedding? It might be!

Summer weekends can fill up in a hurry, can’t they? Why, this weekend, I’ve got a ticket to see iconic NYC rockers The Strokes play at perhaps my favorite music festival, the city’s own Governors Ball! In fact, it’ll be my second time seeing them in about a week — wild! (You know that if you follow me on Instagram, of course). And on top of that, I’m hosting college friends for a quick weekend trip — I sense some craft beer and lots of stories about Michigan State and The State News in the near future for yours truly. What’s on your summer weekend to-do list? If it happens to be a summer shindig, and you’re perhaps wondering what to wear to a summer wedding, well, the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit as pictured above is a great place to start. Or, you can always shop my picks for the best men’s gear for summer if you’ve got something more casual in mind (I.E. A summer music festival or a summer happy hour). Aside from that, if you’re simply savoring a relaxing summer weekend at home, well … enjoy it! Maybe turn on The Strokes and crack open a cold one. In the meantime, check out my favorite style reads of the week. Cheers!

OK, got all that in mind as you head to the beach, the pool or the park this weekend? If you still want one last thing to read before you clock out this week, you best check out my #OOTD on how to wear a denim shirt for summer — and a summer weekend in particular. That’s all from me today, folks!

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See Now, Buy Now: Mott & Bow Is Now Making Your Perfect Summer T-Shirt

The perfect pocket tee to wear all summer.

The makers of some of your favorite denim — that’d be NYC-based Mott & Bow, for those keeping score at home — are now making one of the best men’s T-shirts for spring and summer, and although that might seem counterintuitive at first, it’s 100 percent true. That’s because the Mott & Bow Carlton Heavyweight Pocket Tee isn’t just any flimsy old tee — it’s a substantial, subtly stylish T-shirt that you can wear with darn near anything for the start of summer and well beyond. Available for just $35 via Mott & Bow’s Web site, it’s one of the top T-shirts I’ve worn and tested, and that’s saying something (seriously, you should see my T-shirt drawer at home). What sets apart the Mott & Bow Carlton Heavyweight Pocket Tee from the pack? That’s easy, my friend.

SHOP: The Mott & Bow Carlton Heavyweight Pocket Tee 

For starters, this classic pocket tee feels weighty (as the name would imply) without being stifling — that’s key for wearing it on its own or layering under your favorite chambray shirt this summer (as I’ve done this season so far). It also has a very solid fit indeed — not too tight, not too baggy. It also comes in multiple colors, including crisp White (try it with dark indigo denim and brown suede chukka boots) or classic Heather Grey, my favorite take. The Mott & Bow Carlton Heavyweight Pocket Tee also has a perfect length, a seriously underrated quality in T-shirts; that means it hits right at your belt line (French tuck, anyone?) without fitting too baggy.

The 100 percent Peruvian cotton is also soft and comfortable, but again … not stifling! This could just be the perfect summer T-shirt, and it’s all thanks to the fit and fabric. Again, it works nicely on its own (especially when worn with slim Mott & Bow denim), and it pairs up even better with slim tan chinos, white sneakers and a classic denim trucker jacket. If you felt so inclined, you could even wear this stylish pocket tee with a cotton blazer to the office (try mixing it up with some light wash Mott & Bow denim, too). Really, with a tee this stylish, it’s up to you.

SHOP: The Mott & Bow Carlton Heavyweight Pocket Tee 

 

 

#OOTD: All the Best Gear to Wear to a Music Festival This Summer

You’ve snapped up your one, or two, or three-day music festival tickets, you’ve got your plane booked — or plans in place to hop on a train or take a drive — and your favorite time of the summer (or at least, my favorite time!) is quickly approaching. Now, what are you going to wear to that music festival? Allow me. If you follow me on Instagram, perhaps you’re aware that I’m a HUGE fan of music festivals and live music in general — and the more you see out there, the more you realize that some folks … really don’t know how to dress for a music festival. Sad, but true.

The key in dressing for a music festival involves nailing that tricky balance between form and function. Luckily, several of your favorite men’s style essentials for daily wear can work at a music festival, too. From a rugged denim shirt to a stylish rain jacket and some Todd Snyder x Champion shorts, the below pieces are certainly more stylish than what other festivalgoers are likely wearing — and these are the sorts of pieces that can help you explore a new festival city in the meantime, too. We’ve got comfortable sneakers in the mix, plus a casual Timex watch and of course, the sunscreen you need for the day. It all comes together in an unexpected, highly functional-yet-fashionable package that can carry you through from the afternoon side stage set to a headlining show by The Strokes. Who’s ready for a beer and some live music, ehh? Let me know what festivals you’re attending this summer — and what you’re packing — on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Mixing a rugged henley and a classic denim shirt with the laidback comfort a festival demands.

  • The Henley: Outerknown Sojourn Henley, $58 — Every guy needs a classic short-sleeve henley. This is a major upgrade from the sea of neon tank-tops and sports jerseys that seem to be dominating festivals these days, right?
  • The Shirt: Billy Reid Denim Shirt, $195 — This rugged denim shirt from Billy Reid is crucial for polished festival style. Easy to layer on a breezy day & perfect to wear unbuttoned atop your henley if it gets too hot. Heck, I wore this very shirt to Austin City Limits and loved it!
  • The Jacket: Topo Designs Wind Jacket, $149 — Now, you might not need this stylish rain jacket from Topo Designs, but if the weather takes a turn? You’ll be glad you brought it.
  • The Shorts: Todd Snyder x Champion Warm-Up Shorts, $88 — This next move is really up to you — if it’s too breezy for these stylish Todd Snyder x Champion shorts, go with slim dark denim. If the temperature’s just right? These retro-inspired shorts provide all-day comfort and leisurely style — yet, they’re not baggy basketball shorts.
  • The Sneakers: Tread By Everlane Trainers, $98 — Timeless, minimal and sustainably crafted, these new Everlane sneakers are a super-comfortable pair to keep you on your feet all day. If rain happens to be in the forecast, pack some rugged Blundstone boots instead.
  • The Watch: Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch, $115 — Leave the expensive dive watch at home — this classic Timex watch is durable and festival-ready, understated yet subtly stylish.
  • The Sunglasses: Ombraz Armless Sunglasses, $140 — For festival conditions that can go from cloudy to sunny quicker than you can say “indie rock,” reach for these durable sunglasses from Huckberry.
  • The Grooming Essential: Salt & Stone Sunscreen Lotion, $18 — Repeat after me: I will wear this Salt & Stone sunscreen to my next festival. (Trust me: Getting sunburned on day one is no fun! It’s a summer grooming must-have).

So, that’s all the gear to wear to a music festival. What’s your take? To me, classic picks like a short-sleeve henley and a rugged denim shirt from Billy Reid are sizable upgrades over what most of the festival population might be wearing (cargo shorts and sports jersey on teens seem to come to mind! And yet, we’re not overdoing it — casual-but-cool pieces like the aforementioned Todd Snyder x Champion shorts help keep you comfortable yet put-together. The same can be said for those Everlane sneakers, geared to provide all-day performance on your feet (again, if it gets rainy or muddy, swap in a pair of Blundstone boots and be sure to grab a critical stylish rain jacket from Topo Designs.

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Unfortunately, I can’t help you save when it comes to the price of craft beer and bites at these music festivals, but hopefully, affordable accessories like the Timex Archive Watch and your durable Ombraz Sunglasses help take away the sting a little bit. Throw some Salt & Stone sunscreen in your favorite weekender bag, then get ready to hit the road this season. The only challenge now is planning your festival schedule. Good luck out there!

 

The List: Here’s Everything You Need to Buy for the Perfect Summer, from Craft Beer to Menswear

Highly stylish and yet made to go anywhere — pretty similar to the rest of my favorite summer gear.

From the stylish shorts on your legs (the ones above are from Finisterre) to the printed short-sleeve shirt you’re wearing to your next summer happy hour, we’re all about the finer things of the summer season in today’s new edition of The List. The best things in life, no matter the time of year, are made with care and attention to detail, and are often wearable in multiple situations and seasons. Such is the case with today’s picks (especially the *ahem* Taylor Stitch Moto Boots you’ll read about shortly). These are gear picks that celebrate adventure, durability & quality. Enjoy!

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Finisterre Bamber Shorts — $78

A classic pair of outdoor shorts that perform just as nicely in town.

As seen at the very top of the page, these could be your new favorite shorts. The hidden secret is that some of the best men’s shorts for summer are often as functional as they are stylish. The Finisterre Bamber Shorts in particular are durable yet tailored, great for a weekend camping trip or a round of tasty pale ales.
Bespoke Post Brew Box — $45 (When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

Everything you need to brew your own beer at home.

We told you we’d have craft beer essentials aplenty in today’s post, right? The Bespoke Post Brew Box is truly perfect if ever you’ve wondered how to make your own homebrew — pick up the Pale Ale Brew Kit to really drive home those summer vibes.
Faherty Brand Rev Print Coast Shirt — $148

A classic, bright summer shirt for all your laidback pursuits.

What goes better with your favorite craft beer than a stylish short-sleeve printed shirt from a favorite brand like Faherty Brand? Well, the answer is … not much.
Hawkins New York Linen Quilt — $395

The last quilt you’ll ever buy.

OK, bear with me here. If ever you’ve dashed out the door trying to pack for a, festival, a camping trip or a getaway and realized you don’t have an all-purpose blanket, well, the Hawkins New York Linen Quilt is here to save the day. Durable as heck, this is the last quilt you’ll ever need to buy — guaranteed.

Taylor Stitch Moto Boots in Espresso Grizzly — $348

Durability and style are the name of the game with these Taylor Stitch boots.

We’ve talked in the past on the blog about how Taylor Stitch makes a stylish pair of Chelsea boots, but not about the new Taylor Stitch Moto Boots. Well, they’re here, they’re ridiculously well-made, and they’re your new favorite boots, hands down.
Jack Henry Face Toner — $24

A light, refreshing way to nourish your skin.

It’s the seemingly little things that make a grooming upgrade that much more possible — take the alcohol-free Jack Henry Face Toner. Made to refresh and cleanse your face, this is the perfect alternative to a heavy lotion on hot summer days.
Yuketen Canoe Moc — $300

Unbelievably comfortable and finely crafted moccasins to wear all summer.

Is $300 quite the hefty price tag? It sure is. But the Yuketen Canoe Moc just so happens to be the best pair of summer slip-ons out there, made with all the quality and craftsmanship you expect. Wear them with slim light wash denim and a slub polo for a casual weekend.
Wrangler Titanium Field Watch — $69

A highly dependable, affordable wristwatch.

For just a touch under $70, you’re getting a ridiculously dependable and durable field watch from a brand that makes some of the toughest jeans in the business — it’s a perfectly rugged complement to brown leather boots and a light wash denim shirt this summer.
Relwen Linen Trap Blazer — $328

The lightweight blazer that’s really two jackets in one.

If you’re looking for the perfect summer blazer, one you can wear over a merino T-shirt on a  travel day and then to a humid wedding, the Relwen Linen Trap Blazer is it. Imbued with plenty of character and style, it’s one of the best men’s blazers I’ve seen in some time.
Tread by Everlane Trainers — $98

The only pair of sustainably made sneakers you should be wearing this summer.

Get the sustainable sneakers of the future now from Everlane, and be prepared to be shocked at how comfortable they are (Extremely!) and how eco-conscious they are (94.2 percent-free of virgin plastic). Assuredly, your new favorite summer sneakers.
Relwen Lightweight Flex Chinos — $198

These are an excellent pair of durable, lightweight chinos to wear all summer.

Yes indeed, we’re going with more Relwen menswear — particularly these stylish slim chinos that are made to move with you and breath all day long. Ideal for a weekend brunch when paired up, say, the Relwen Linen Trap Blazer.
Saturdays NYC Graphic Tee — $48

The unique and bold tee to wear to your next summer BBQ.

If you’re in the market for a stylish graphic tee that won’t break the bank, perhaps one from a lauded brand like Saturdays NYC, then this is the best T-shirt to buy for summer. Wear it under a light wash denim jacket with tan chinos for go-anywhere weekend style.
DemerBox Bluetooth Boombox — $349

This is the toughest boombox on the market, hands down.

We’ve talked in the past about this indestructible Bluetooth boombox, but it so holds that you’re going to want to bring it on all your camping trips and beach expeditions, so it’s worth remembering this one.
Suit Swim Shorts — $50 

These swim shorts are tailored, stylish and ready for the beach.

For a mere $50, you’re getting a pair of the best men’s swim trunks, and they’re as tailored as the shorts you’ll be wearing when you’re not in the water. Come to think of it, the Suit Swim Shorts could do the job of both, if need be.

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How many essential summer gear picks do you see on the above list? Any new favorites? To me, it’s tough to pass up the Suit Swim Shorts for just $50 — although, the Yuketen Canoe Moc just so happens to be both premium AND easily wearable in a number of situations. Decisions, decisions. Once you’ve taken care of your own shopping, feel free to get in touch with me via The Style Guide Facebook page to chat all things menswear. Thanks for reading!

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Campflex Shoes

A blend of two classic styles results in one heck of a pair of casual shoes.

On the hunt for stylish summer shoes that straddle the line between office-ready, vacation-appropriate, and perfectly casual? Allow me to introduce the Astorflex Campflex, a pair of finely crafted classic moccasins with just enough personality to take over your entire summer wardrobe (fitting, seeing as it’s Memorial Day weekend and all). Perhaps you’ve already got the perfect summer shirt and a pair of streamlined light wash denim in mind for your next happy hour … but if you want some finely crafted kicks to top it all off, go with the Astorflex Campflex.

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As has often been said here on the blog, that’s just … the tip of the iceberg. Now, you assuredly know Astorflex (as sold by our pals at Huckberry) as a brand that does things the hard way, using sustainably treated, premium Italian materials and killer craftsmanship — all traits that set the Astorflex Campflex apart, mind you. You can find the difference all around you when it comes to the Astorflex Campflex, from the durable wedge sole to the fact that these shoes blend both a chukka and a heritage moccasin for that go-between style that should prove so crucial this summer.

SHOP: The Astorflex Campflex 

These effortlessly cool summer shoes are also available in Stone.

It’s that indelible combination of craftsmanship and utility that makes these shoes so essential — the low profile and refined leather means you can wear the Astorflex Campflex to the office (try them with light tan chinos, a navy blazer and a white Oxford). That low profile and easygoing look means you can also style the Astorflex Campflex with light wash denim, a slub tee and a rugged field watch as you dress for your next summer happy hour. It’s as simple as that.

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Helpfully, the Astorflex Campflex are made to move with you, not against you — these aren’t a clunky pair of leather boots that require a massive break-in time, that much is true. In fact, the brand says you can even wear them sans socks — just be sure to use something like Duke Cannon’s foot and boot powder to keep your shoes and feet fresh (seriously get on that). Simply put, the Astorflex Campflex are the answer to plenty of your summer style questions, from what to wear while traveling to what to slide into for a casual weekend at home. You need only try them to find out the difference for yourself, I’d say.

SHOP: The Astorflex Campflex 

 

The Friday Read: The Strokes, OluKai Sneakers & Memorial Day Weekend

The dependable sneakers to wear all summer long.

Looking to get acquainted with perhaps the perfect pair of summer sneakers? A pair that’s going to outfit you for anything and everything you need, from outdoor grilling to early morning training? It is Memorial Day weekend, after all. In that vein, turn toward the OluKia ‘Inana Sneakers (as seen above) this weekend — they’re some of the best new sneakers to throw on your feet. Now that you’ve got your stylish sneakers sorted out for the weekend, let’s turn toward the matter at hand — as we mentioned, it’s Memorial Day weekend! This long weekend marks the official (unofficial?) start of summer, plus a great opportunity to head to the beach or pool, open up your cabin for the season, and naturally … shop some of the best summer style essentials around. My travels won’t quite be taking me to a lake, though.

A legendary band returns to the U.K. for the first time in four years this weekend.

I’m actually heading across the pond yet again this year to take in the newly icnonic All Points East Festival, headlined by none other than world-famous rockers The Strokes! My last trip overseas took me to chilly Dublin, but I expect a warm London weekend brought in by an iconic rock band this time around. The Strokes were a seminal band for me during college and beyond, and it didn’t hurt that they defined the sound of the early-’00s NYC rock revival! It’s fitting that they’re joined at this festival by none other than post-punk rock champions Interpol (another favorite!) and … *cue the applause* Jack White’s The Raconteurs! It’s an action-packed lineup for one heck of a great price at All Points East, and the perfect chance for me to explore London (and particularly the cool Shoreditch neighborhood near the festival) for a few days. Care to follow along? Head to my Instagram or my Twitter to check out all the action. Maybe throw on some tunes by The Strokes as you do. Now, that’s all I’ve got today — I’ve got a flight to catch!

  • If ever you peruse the pages of this blog, or the pages of one of my other favorite sites (GearMoose!), you might know I love recommending a stylish polo for summer. In that same vein, I wrote about the Wellen Hemp Polo, a sustainable and well-made menswear essential that’s going to keep you cool, yet sharp, as the thermostat climbs.
  • Every week, we (and by we, I mean me) try to tell you about the men’s basics that aren’t so, well, basic. On that front, I can’t recommend the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee enough — I wrote about it recently here on the blog, and it’s surely worth your time if you want a dependable summer T-shirt that gets the job done.
  • Style and toughness is the name of the game when it comes to the best men’s dive watches — wouldn’t you agree? It’s with that approachable aim in mind that I wrote about my favorites for my friends at The Manual.  Taking on summer just got a whole lot more stylish.

So with that, it’s time to wrap up today’s edition of The Friday Read — before you head out for Memorial Day weekend, I’d advise you to check out my #OOTD (quickly!) on the best travel gear to wear for spring and summer. You won’t regret it. Until tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, cheers!

See Now, Buy Now: The VANS Classic Slip-ons Are the Must-Have Pair of Sneakers for Spring and Summer

There’s more than a good chance that you’ve seen at least one pair of some of the best sneakers for men — the VANS Classic Slip-ons — in the wild this season already. They’re an iconic, easy-to-wear sneaker that looks great on any guy. And if that’s caused you think about snapping up a pair, well, you’re in luck — I’m checking in from Brooklyn today to say that VANS continues to hit the jackpot with the Classic Slip-ons after all these years. That is to say, they’re simply some of the best and most affordable sneakers your money can buy.
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The VANS Classic Slip-ons are simply some of the best men’s sneakers on the market. They’re a footwear institution all their own, given that the VANS brand has been churning out iconic, slightly edgy, truly classic sneakers for decades. It’s that blend of easygoing appeal and go-anywhere style that’s made them a standout. To wit: You can wear the VANS Classic Slip-ons with darn near anything.

SHOP: The VANS Classic Slip-ons

Try them with light wash jeans and a crisp white tee for a super-casual stop at a patio bar. Pair them up with slim tan chinos, a grey Oxford shirt and a classic cotton blazer — boom, there’s your summer office style sorted. Want to mix things up? Wear these stylish canvas slip-ons for a day of travel with slim olive chinos, a white henley and a rugged denim trucker jacket (just don’t forget no-show socks). The great thing is, they look even better a little bit beat-up — and seeing as they’re only $50, you needn’t worry about spending an arm and a leg in case you want to pick up a fresh pair. Last but not least, you can be sure the VANS Classic Slip-ons are ultra-comfortable, all thanks to the signature waffle outsole. What could be better than picking up a historic pair of sneakers for spring and summer? A stylish pair of sneakers you can actually wear all the time.

SHOP: The VANS Classic Slip-ons

#OOTD: How to Wear a Denim Shirt Every Summer Weekend (Including This One)

Perhaps, there’s one question that pops up in the front of your mind consistently: What men’s style essentials am I going to wear this summer weekend? Seeing as the calendar is moving ever-closer toward Memorial Day this weekend — and then quickly beyond that — there are plenty of seasonal adventures to be had (here’s a specific idea for what to wear for Memorial Day, too). But again, how are you going to dress for the demands of a summer weekend? Be it a weekend trip away, a backyard BBQ,  casual pre-dinner cocktails with friends, or a day out in the country before driving back to the city … there are a lot of options as to how you can customize your summer. And folks, today’s #OOTD — featuring the best denim shirt on the market — is guaranteed to prove ever-ready for each opportunity. It’s blending the best of casual and crisp style (take the classic white tee shown below) with just enough functionality (a la the comfortable retro sneakers on display). We’re also accessorizing with classic menswear pieces that can work all season long, including a tough stainless steel dive watch and a handy craft beer growler. To me, these are the kind of essentials that exude “casual cool” — not too stuffy, not too sloppy … just right. Raise a glass, crack open a can of your favorite beverage … and then, let’s welcome summer.

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The perfect set of summer weekend essentials? Yes, very nearly.

  • The Denim Shirt: Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt, $128 — The denim shirt that’s going to elevate your casual look from good to great — this classic Western shirt has cool styling details and should layer up with ease.
  • The Classic White Tee: Mott & Bow Heavyweight Pocket Tee, $35 — A crisp, classic white pocket tee is a timeless men’s style staple — this Mott & Bow number has pleasant heft but soft fabric, and will add a bit of throwback appeal to this look.
  • The Shorts: Topo Designs Global Shorts, $59 — Since it’s a casual, early spring weekend, comfortable, DWR-treated nylon shorts should provide plenty of versatility. They’ll work for day hikes, backyard football or manning the grill … and you might even be able to get away with wearing them to a patio dinner.
  • The Sneakers: Atalasport Star Suede Sneakers, $182.75 — A modern take on a  throwback classic, these stylish summer sneakers are packed with visual interest and cool retro styling details — gotta love the ’70s tennis sneaker inspiration. The perfect sneakers to wear to visit a brewpub or a bottle shop.
  • The Watch: Zodiac Grandville Watch, $495 — Looking for a stylish casual watch that bridges the gap between adventure, functionality & casual style? I present the Zodiac Grandville watch, made for any summer weekend.
  • The Audio Essential: Cavalier Maverick Portable Speaker, $249.99 — Whether you’re hosting an evening party or visiting friends for the weekend, bring along this handsome, stylish Bluetooth portable speaker from Cavalier Audio — sure to be a hit.
  • The Weekend Essential: Bespoke Post Cheers Box, $45 — When you sign up for Bespoke Post, you can get the craft beer essentials you need for a summer weekend — including two upgraded beer glasses and a great-looking growler.
  • The Sunglasses: Garrett Leight Co. Brooks 47 Sunglasses, $340 — Channel classic, laidback cool no matter where the weekend takes you — these are some of the best men’s sunglasses I’ve seen this season.

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All things considered, do you feel ready for summer now? The versatility of a classic Western shirt is going to set you apart from the pack, whether strolling through the park, grabbing a cup of coffee or enjoying your favorite craft beer — it’s a seriously cool shirt, simple as that. And when layered up over a classic white pocket tee, you’re channeling a bit of retro style inspiration — as perfect as it gets for summer. The Topo Designs Global Shorts, while a bit more functional than classic men’s shorts, are still a reliable option thanks to the tailored cut and neutral color (and if you happen to head out on a quick hike or a long beach walk, no need to change shorts).

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In terms of versatility, you really can’t top a tough stainless steel dive watch, no matter where you go this summer. Throwback-inspired sneakers are a unique update on the footwear front, more classic than espadrilles or sandals — and it helps out that you’re topping this outfit off with some Steve McQueen-esque shades.  Before you run out the door to that rooftop party, grab two essentials sure to make you the life of the party: A craft beer growler, along with a stylish Bluetooth portable speaker from Cavalier Audio. Your outfit is unstoppable, your accessories are one-of-a-kind … and your summer weekend just got a whole lot better. Have any summer style must-haves? Let me know on Twitter!

The List: Shop These Picks for the Best Men’s Gear for Memorial Day Weekend

The ready-for-anything shorts that are going to upgrade your summer style instantly.

You might have noticed already, but summer is fully on its way, with Memorial Day weekend approaching — and quickly, at that. That’s why today’s new edition of The List is going to tackle all the best new men’s gear for situations both functional and fashion-forward, starting with Memorial Day weekend and rolling through the rest of summer. Our first highlighted pick? Some of the best men’s shorts for which you can shell out your hard-earned dough: The Free Fly Hybrid Shorts. Make no mistake, we’re just getting started. Have a great week, then power on through to Memorial Day weekend.

Free Fly Hybrid Shorts — $65 

Tough shorts made with functional fabric for Memorial Day weekend (and beyond).

If you want to pack light for Memorial Day weekend — or any other summer adventure for that matter — you’d do worse than to pack the durable, versatile Free Fly Hybrid Shorts. They’re made with remarkable four-way stretch fabric that resists odors and wicks away moisture. In short, they’re the type of stylish shorts you can wear all summer long.

Sabah Sabah Slip-ons — $195

Sleek, refined slip-ons to pack in your bag, then wear all trip.

While these leather slip-ons are a more unique summer footwear option than you might normally be used to wearing, they’ll pair just as easily with chino shorts and a white tee as they will with tan chinos and a printed short-sleeve shirt for a refined outdoor dinner.

UNTUCKit x Fair Harbor Recycled Swim Trunks — $68

The sustainable and stylish swim trunks to upgrade your next beach trip.

The perfect mix of sustainabilty and style can be found in these swim trunks, which turn 11 former plastic bottles into one sharp pair of easygoing printed swim trunks. For under $70, they’re a downright steal for the quality.
Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Reverse Jacquard — $98 

A close-up look at your new favorite shirt.

It’s tough to top a shirt as stylish and essential as the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, particularly when it’s done up in a handsome Reverse Jacquard weave. A perfect four-season shirt that wears particularly well this summer alongside tan chino shorts and vintage leather sneakers.
Tecovas Calfskin Card Case — $45

The handsome, rugged card case to carry with you on the daily.

Today’s focus on men’s style essentials really runs the gamut, right on down to the everyday wallet that’s going to serve you more than ably. In this case, Tecovas has taken the same craftsmanship that makes its cowboy boots so great, then translated it on down to a slim, refined-yet-tough daily companion.
Timex x Todd Snyder Blackjack Watch — $99 (When On Sale)

The sharp, dependable watch to wear all summer.

A watch from Mr. Todd Snyder will never steer you wrong — guaranteed.
O’Douds Matte Paste — $18 (Get $10 Off Your First Order HERE)

The grooming essential that’s going to sharpen up your ‘do this summer.

Made right here in Brooklyn — well, right here for ME at least — the O’Douds Matte Paste is the high-hold, no-fuss styling option to keep your hair sharp (not weighed down) during spring and summer. Plus, you can now get $10 off your first order when you click through that link. That’s a great deal on a great grooming essential.
Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford — $118

The easygoing Oxford shirt to wear to the office or out on the weekend.

The term “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” might well apply to this classic Oxford shirt from Flint and Tinder — it’s the brand’s iconic, American-made Oxford shirt done up in a washed and dyed fabric. Perfect for summer.
American Giant Travel Pants — $98

Dependable stretch twill travel pants for your next trip.

If you follow the blog, you’re aware that American Giant takes great care to craft even the simplest of items — from T-shirts to its exceptional hoodies — with the utmost attention to detail. The same can be said for the durable stretch twill Travel Pants — they’ve served me very well getting around NYC and hopping crosscountry flights in equal measure.
Relwen Solid Pique Polo — $98

A unique take on the navy polo for all your summer style pursuits.

It shouldn’t surprise you that Relwen is making one of the best men’s polo shirts in the game — after all, they specialize in updating classic style staples for the modern man, and this timeless navy polo is no different.
Bluffworks Threshold T-Shirt — $45

The comfortable, performance-minded T-shirt to wear all weekend.

You likely know Bluffworks from the brand’s performance-minded, travel-friendly denim. Allow me to introduce you to the Threshold T-Shirt, a tee that combines all the moisture-wicking reliability of a performance tee, and yet does so in a simple, stylish package. Try out the Threshold Tee with a light wash denim jacket and slim tan chinos for a bit of go-anywhere style.
Sturdy Brothers Man Carry Briefcase — $195

This dependable bag is going to carry you through Memorial Day weekend and beyond.

Last but certainly not least, we’re closing out the week by taking a look at a tough everyday bag from Sturdy Brothers. Anything you need to carry or haul this weekend and beyond, the Sturdy Brothers Man Carry Briefcase gets the job done.
So, feeling ready for Memorial Day weekend and the rest of summer? What’s your favorite from the above picks? For me, it’s gotta be a classic Oxford shirt from Flint and Tinder, as ready for happy hour as it is for lounging around at home. Have a great weekend, folks.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts

A classic pair of shorts from one of your author’s favorite brands.

Ahh, yes — it’s the middle of a summer heat wave, and you should start dressing accordingly. On that note, well, what else is there to say about the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts other than the fact A) You need them ASAP and B) That they’re potentially the best men’s shorts for summer? Well, given that high praise to start this post… I actually have a lot more to say (and all good things, mind you). With Memorial Day bearing down on us and many summer adventures calling, you’re going to need a pair of shorts that work with every single off-duty look you can muster, the type of stylish shorts that you can wear to plenty of warm-weather happy hour outings, BBQs and beach trips.

In that regard, I’m quite pleased to report that the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts get the job done — and then some. Along with a pair of new sunglasses and perhaps a stylish tee or polo, the right pair of shorts are a make-or-break when it comes to building summer outfits. Cargo shorts are out of the question, as are overly baggy shorts (even if they don’t have an abundance of pockets). No sir, you want to be looking for a pair with a tailored fit and a length that hits above the knee — exactly like the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts. As sold by our friends at Huckberry, they’re also an excellent value for the quality; in fact, they’re not too different from a “shorts version” of the lauded Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, and that includes the fact that they’re sold in neutral colors like Earth and Moss (all the better to wear all the time).

SHOP: Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts

The Moss colorway is highly versatile and quite stylish, to boot.

Helpfully, the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts feature the sort of specs and wearability you expect from the F&T brand. That means they’re made from 97 percent cotton and 3 percent Lycra for stretch and all-day comfort, from the coffee shop to the park to the bar (preferably when worn with something like a classic henley and vintage-inspired sneakers). They’re also garment-dyed for extra comfort right out of the box, so they’ll feel like your favorite pair of shorts from the first wear.

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And although it’s a small attribute, the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts are preshrunk, so no need to worry about that happening when you wash ’em. We already covered off on the versatile color offerings, but to me, a pair of the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts  in the Earth (think khaki) shade is as good as it gets, imminently wearable with a navy polo and brown leather loafers or beat-up canvas sneakers and a short-sleeve henley. If you want shorts that are nearly as versatile as your favorite chinos, you should reach for the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts. They’re so good, you might be tempted to wear them to the office … but save ’em for the weekends instead.