The List: Shop My Favorite Menswear Picks for August Right Now

An all-season shirt that’s particularly well-suited to close out summer.

If you check out the digital pages of this site on the regular, you’re well-acquainted with The List, my ongoing rundown of the best new men’s style essentials, often with a seasonal tilt. But some pieces, like the Proof Strong Shirt —  deserve to be worn in multiple seasons, the dead of summer included. We’re right on the verge of August, and summer is absolutely going strong, so the below crucial menswear picks offer up versatility, rugged functionality and a bit more summer adventure for the taking. Shop on.

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Proof Strong Shirt — $128

The classic chambray shirt you can wear from now until the end of the year.

Now, we’ve talked in the past on the blog about the Proof Strong Shirt, one of the best chambray shirts out there — easily. It’s an all-season classic, especially as we move through August into (gasp) fall.

Beckett Simonon Yates Oxford Brogues — $199

Sleek, stylish and custom-made — Beckett Simonon gets it right.

Looking for the best pair of dress shoes to wear to that last summer wedding? You’ve found them courtesy of Beckett Simonon. Wearable with everything from a khaki cotton suit to chambray trousers and a navy blazer (or dark denim and a white Oxford at the office).

SYMBOL Audio Dovetail Record Crate — $225

A handsome way to store your favorite records.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’re aware that I’m a huge fan of live music — and that I’ve got a slowly growing record collection. Although I’ve got the Tanner Goods Record Rack myself, I’d recommend you pick up this surprisingly stylish record crate for your collection.

Lum-Tec M82 Automatic Watch — $1,095

A beastly watch to wear as you close out summer. Perfectly rugged.

From stylish dress shoes to an investment-level watch? Yes, absolutely — Lum-Tec makes some of the best men’s watches on the market, and this timepiece is built to last all through August and well into fall.

Gramicci Shell Packable Shorts — $78

The durable, packable shorts for the end of summer.

Speaking of durable outdoor gear and the best men’s watches, allow me to introduce you to some of the best men’s shorts on the market, a field-ready pair you should have no problem wearing to a brewery or out on a day hike.

SeaVees Mariner Oxford — $117.98

Extremely dependable SeaVees sneakers, as one would expect.

If you check out the blog regularly (which you should!), then you know about the SeaVees Mariner Boots — but what about the classic men’s sneakers from the same brand that share the same heritage? That’s the SeaVees Mariner Oxford for you.

Wellen Printed Short-Sleeve Shirt — $68

A printed shirt that’s surprisingly subtle? Sign me up.

Wondering what sort of shirt you can wear with your classic men’s sneakers? Answer: This stylish printed shirt from Wellen, an easygoing end-of-summer staple.

Native North Japanese Tencel Pants — $130.98

The durable, mobile pants you won’t want to change out of.

Summer is all about staying breezy and cool, even as we move through August — these slim summer pants are the right way to go about it.

Peak Design Travel Backpack — $220 

The best everyday backpack to bring with you … everywhere?

There are your normal, everyday backpacks, and then there’s the Peak Design Travel Backpack, very likely one of the best backpacks you’re apt to find on this site (and elsewhere). Carry it on your next summer adventure, and then on into the next season.

Upstate Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set — Starting at $258

The best linen sheets you can buy? You decide.

If you just can’t escape the summer heat or if you sleep hot, then there’s no time like the present to get some of the best new linen sheets from Upstate. Stylish, well-made and guaranteed to help you sleep cooler.

BioLite Fire Pit + Solar Cover Bundle — $219.98

Two handy pieces of gear to pack up on your next camping trip.

Let’s step away again from the menswear space and check out the best outdoor gear you need for that summer or early fall camping getaway — BioLite delivers two camping essentials in affordably priced package.

Quoddy Tender Boat Shoes — $269

The leather boat shoes you didn’t know you needed.

Thought the time had passed to shop around for stylish boat shoes? Think again. There’s still ample opportunity to wear these surprisingly rugged boat shoes from Quoddy.

Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley — $38

A rugged short-sleeve henley to wear anytime, anywhere.

A classic short-sleeve henley is the go-to essential you can wear underneath anything (try a denim jacket or a cotton blazer), and it also works darn fine all on its own. As always, Flint and Tinder nails it.

STANCE No-Show Socks — Starting at $10

Well-designed no-show socks for summer’s final month.

Affordably priced, high-quality no-show socks can be somewhat tough to find — but that’s not the case anymore with STANCE. They offer a range of options and colors, plus no-slip functionality and sleek design.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

That’ll do it for today’s edition of The List, packed with all the best men’s style gear you can shake a stick at. Which of the above picks tops your own personal list? I think it’s hard to top durable sneakers like the SeaVees Mariner Oxford, and it’s also hard to pass up an investment-level watch from the likes of Lum-Tec. That’s my take, at least.  Happy shopping!

 

 

#OOTD: Wear This Gear to Your Next Summer Bonfire

I’ve talked on the blog before about how to dress for a summer bonfire — and namely, how summer bonfires remind me of the lovely, warm nights back in my home state of Michigan. I don’t often get to go to many bonfires now that I live in NYC, but if I did … this is the gear I would wear, starting with a stylish lightweight jacket for taking on summer breezes. Heck, these are the summer style essentials I’d recommend you wear as well, including a stylish short-sleeve shirt and more gear picks that toe the line between casual & rugged, just as ready for a day on the boardwalk as a beach bonfire later. Dressing for a bonfire, although seemingly casual, doesn’t mean you throw on athletic logo shorts & a baggy T-shirt and call it a day — at least, not to me. No sir, grab some classic SeaVees sneakers, throw on a vintage-inspired cap, load up a craft beer growler, and take in a lovely evening around the fire. If you’re surrounded by a multitude of family and friends? All the better. We’re running out of chances to enjoy summer, so it’s best you do it in style. And y’know what’s even better? This is the type of #OOTD you can wear all day long, and into the night. Sounds great to me. Enjoy!

The right mix of casual and rugged for a summer evening bonfire.

  • The Lightweight Jacket: Relwen Covert CPO, $148.98 — This stylish lightweight jacket is a heck of a deal when on sale, and it’s the perfect summer jacket for a breezy night around the fire.
  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt, $98 — This is the first of two Taylor Stitch picks gracing this outfit — a stylish short-sleeve shirt is an easygoing summer style essential, especially for a day at the beach & a bonfire.
  • The Shorts: Taylor Stitch Trail Shorts, $88 — While you still can, wear stylish shorts, especially this utility-minded pair from Taylor Stitch. These are some of the best men’s shorts for the rest of summer.
  • The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneakers in Chambray, $88 — For just a shade under $90, get the classic sneakers that are simply perfect to wear to a bonfire — durable, comfortable & made with that iconic SeaVees quality.
  • The Watch: Komrade White Pointer Watch, $808.98 — For a day on the water or the trail, or an evening when you’re called into firewood duty, wear a durable dive watch — sure, Komrade makes an investment-level watch … but it’s worth it.
  • The Everyday Carry Essential: Filson Ranger Backpack, $225 — Whether you’ve packed up this rugged Filson backpack as part of a day hike or a beach trip, it’s the everyday carry essential to haul, well, everything you need (bug spray not included).
  • The Hat: Faherty Brand Sunset Patch Cord Hat, $38 — Throw on a classic ballcap from Faherty Brand to top off this outfit — it’s got just enough rugged style for an evening bonfire.
  • The Craft Beer Must-Have: OtterBox Elevation 64 Tumbler, $56 — If you show up to the bonfire with some delicious craft beer, that’s great. If it’s being transported in this OtterBox tumbler with enough to share? Even better.

If the above #OOTD is any indication, then the bar has been raised when it comes to dressing for a summer bonfire, starting with the perfect summer jacket to help you fight an unexpectedly chilly summer night. It’s the kind of piece that pairs ably with a stylish short-sleeve shirt from one of my favorite brands (that’s Taylor Stitch, folks), and the combo gets even better when teamed up with stylish utility shorts from the same brand. They’re functional enough for a day getting around town, and they’re laidback enough to enjoy some cold beers from an OtterBox tumbler, right? This outfit gets even more bonfire-ready when you look at what’s on your: perfectly casual, classic sneakers in a summer-friendly chambray fabric. Leave the heavy leather boots at home for this venture, folks. One thing you shouldn’t leave at home? A durable dive watch you can wear all day — even to snag some extra firewood. Top everything off, literally, with a classic ballcap from Faherty Brand, and be sure to haul along your gear with a rugged Filson backpack for whatever the day has in store. Do you think this #OOTD is missing anything? Be sure to hop over to Twitter to let me know. Thanks for reading!

See Now, Buy Now: The Wellen Easy Chinos are The Breezy Chinos to Wear Everywhere

Breezy chinos fit for a summer weekend.

When you think of men’s chinos, do you tend to picture the pair you wore “back in the day” — maybe with a few too many pleats and not enough serious style points? If that’s where your mind goes, you’re not alone. Luckily, the best men’s chinos are here: The Wellen Easy Chinos, quite possibly a gamechanging pair that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about, well, chinos. We’ve talked in the past about styles like the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos and the Relwen Flex Chinos, which definitely lean more classic, but the Wellen Easy Chinos take that same premise and turn it into something even more laidback, if that’s possible. Make no mistake though, just because the Wellen Easy Chinos look different than your typical pair (thank the stretch elastic waistband for that), they’re no less versatile and ready to add to your list of summer style essentials.

The Best Basics. Summer Ready.

SHOP: The Wellen Easy Chinos

Also available in Navy, these are some of the most versatile chinos you can buy.

And there are plenty more reasons why these Wellen chinos are some of the best men’s chinos, including the fact that they’re made with a summer-friendly blend of 68 percent organic cotton and 32 percent linen for both breathability and durability. That’s exactly what you want from a pair of chinos you can wear with a slub T-shirt and suede chukka boots as easily as you can pair it up with a hemp polo and a light wash denim jacket. Of course, versatility is the name of the game when it comes to color options, too — Navy and Olive ought to more than nicely do the trick as you consider purchasing the Wellen Easy Chinos. Side slit pockets drive home the classic chino silhouette, too. So, are the Wellen Easy Chinos … easygoing enough for you? If you pick up a pair, let me know on Twitter. Cheers!

 

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers

Timeless and ready to be broken in, those are the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard for you.

If you’re trying to hang onto the last handful of weeks of summer — not to rush things,  though — then the best men’s sneakers are exactly what the doctor ordered. To be more specific, those sneakers just happen to be the quick-selling SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers, a fine pair of classic kicks to add to your rotation. We’ve talked often on the blog about SeaVees sneakers, a reliably timeless brand that  delivers from spring through summer & beyond, and the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers are among a dozen or so fine options from the brand that’ll set apart many a summer ensemble. The Hermosa Plimsoll in particular stands out from a crowded sneaker market for the simple fact that it’s straightforward, subtly stylish, and worth wearing with just about anything. And perhaps the real kicker? You can pick up the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers for just $78 at Huckberry — how crucial is that for the rest of summer? VERY crucial — it means you can beat ’em up a bit without worry. Simply put, these are the sneakers to take you from late July into August, past Labor Day & even into early October (just pair them with indigo denim and a classic chambray shirt, for instance).

SHOP: The SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers

The timeless, simple summer sneakers you’ll want on your feet all the time.

The SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers are a play on a fitting moment in time given that the brand celebrates California cool — they pay homage to the first-ever skateboarding competition held back in August 1963. They’re suitably breezy in that regard, made with brushed linen for summer-friendly texture and breathability, whether you pair ’em up with slim chino shorts and a classic navy polo or a slub tee and slim light wash denim. The fact that they’re also lined in brushed chambray makes them nice and easy on your feet (A pro tip: Get a great foot powder, or else wear some stylish no-show socks). These are the definition of grab-and-go sneakers, and should be worn everywhere from a summer BBQ to a brewery tour to the boardwalk (and the beach! Just slip ’em off). For under $80, they’re a downright steal when it comes to classic men’s sneakers, and there’s no denying they’ll be a fine option to carry you through the end of summer — that’s a fact.

SHOP: The SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers

The Friday Read: Nothing New Sneakers, the Best New Headphones & Lems Mesa Shoes

Dependable outdoor shoes to wear the rest of the summer — and this coming weekend, if you can swing it.

You see those rugged outdoor shoes at the top of the page? Well, they happen to be from Lems Shoes, and we’re going to be telling you more today about how these tough hiking shoes can unlock some excellent summer outdoor adventures. In the meantime, that’s what today’s Friday Read is all about — summer gear for summer adventures. I’m all about making the most of my time in Brooklyn, seeing as I’ve been fortunate enough to travel everywhere from London to Madrid in pursuit of great rock music, craft beer & coffee this year. Every time I get the chance to get away from NYC, I always appreciate it that much more when I come back. And that being said, it seems there are continual opportunities to explore and enjoy this amazing city around every corner, from delicious craft beer to stellar live music.

In fact, I took the chance on Thursday to see acclaimed indie folk guitarist Matthew Houck (AKA Phosphorescent!) play an intimate outdoor show at 99 Scott Avenue, a suitably fitting and fun space for a lovely Brooklyn evening. This is music that reminds me of years ago in college, and more specifically, about summers spent in my college town — to have that experience in Brooklyn now was pretty special, to say the least. So this weekend, I’ll be resting & relaxing, looking back on that show, working on this blog & likely enjoying a pint at the new Transmitter Brewing in Industry City. What about you? Let me know over on Twitter, and enjoy the best new menswear below in the meantime!

  • Keeping tabs on the pulse of the menswear world isn’t as easy as copping the latest sneaker drops — at least, that’s what I think. And if you agree with me, you’d do well to check out my latest for The Manual, covering the recent launch of sustainable and eco-friendly Nothing New sneakers — if it’s a summer-friendly pair you happen to be searching for, this is a brand that’s got ’em (on a related note, check out another recommendation of mine on the stylish sneakers to wear to the office).
  • Speaking of stylish sneakers, let’s head over to GearMoose — namely, I covered the rugged, travel-ready, go-anywhere Lems Mesa Shoes, an ultra-flexible pair of tough shoes to wear on summer hikes (with camp shorts and a rugged henley), or to your favorite brewery (with classic chore pants and a thermal shirt come fall).
  • Let’s keep things going over at GearMoose, shall we? Namely, we’ve got quite the look at the best new headphones to upgrade your listening experience. As a big music fan and something of an audiophile, you can’t go wrong when you amp up (literally) your listening experience with the V-Moda Crossfade Headphones — that’s a guarantee.

OK, that’s going to tie things up with a bow for today’s edition of The Friday Read. If you’d still like to keep on catching up with the best style essentials for summer, I’ll point you toward the best new men’s chinos to throw on for the weekend (or the work week). Aside from that, you’d also do well to check out my guide on how to wear an Oxford shirt for summer. OK, that’s all I’ve got — happy shopping!

See Now, Buy Now: The Armor-Lux Breton Tee is a New Summer Classic

An old-school classic updated for the modern man.

Think of the classic Breton stripe tee, and there’s a good chance something very similar to the Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee comes to mind. In fact, there’s a good chance you’ve got an image of the one and only  Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee emblazoned in your mind. Authentic Breton stripe tees, as it were, have been made in Quimper, France by the Armor-Lux brand for decades. Worn by everyone from Mick Jagger to Pablo Picasso, and quite famously at that, the Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee has the potential to become your new favorite summer T-shirt in the here and now. The history and heritage of the classic Breton stripe tee is long, varied & actually … pretty cool.  The original Breton shirt, pre-Armor-Lux times, served as the official uniform of the French Navy, yet another menswear essential to draw from military roots. And today’s Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee has all the goods to make it a shirt you’ll never want to take off (sans a trip to the pool, of course).

SHOP: The Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee

The Best Basics. Summer Ready.When it comes to the Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee, you’re getting everything you need in a summer T-shirt, from a breezy and lightweight linen blend to engaging stripes that should look right at home worn on their own or paired with a rugged denim jacket. The “mariner fit” on the Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee is also intriguing — it’s slightly boxier, making it visually interesting to wear on its own with slim lightweight chinos. And since the classic Breton stripe tee is as iconic as an Oxford shirt or a chambray shirt, it’s likely going to bring in some compliments — it’s cool-as-can-be, as ready to wear with a classic cotton blazer at a happy hour or beneath a zip hoodie at a beach bonfire. There’s really no wrong way to wear a Breton stripe tee, especially the Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee — are we clear on that? Very good. Enjoy summer, folks!

SHOP: The Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Tee

#OOTD: A New Way to Wear A Stylish Short-Sleeve Shirt for Summer

Maybe you’ve got a very specific look in mind when it comes to a stylish short-sleeve shirt — and perhaps, it just so happens to be a look that’s not actually stylish (Think: Maybe the short-sleeve shirts your dad used to wear?). We’re stepping it up in a big way today for the rest of summer, introducing you to what could just be your favorite short-sleeve shirt — and it should come as no surprise that it comes from Taylor Stitch in a handsome indigo fabric. See, it’s already a major improvement from other short-sleeve shirts. The best short-sleeve shirts on the market actually offer more versatility than you think, giving you the option to wear them to a rooftop cocktail hour or even to the office on a casual Friday — that’s the case with the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt as seen below, at least. It’s the same fit you know and love, done in a way that just works for summer (namely, the lack of fabric on your arms). And when you pair it with slim chinos from Flint and Tinder, plus a sleek pair of refined leather slip-ons, you’re looking at a shirt that’s seriously sharp — not sloppy (a la Dwight Schrute). We’re even mixing in a stylish leather dress watch for good measure. The whole #OOTD below is visually interesting and versatile, fitting for a weekend patio dinner or weeknight rooftop drinks — or, again, a day at the office (the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt never fails). Rethink what you thought you knew about the short-sleeve shirt, then let’s get down to business.

The Best Basics. Summer Ready.

A switched-up way to wear your new short-sleeve shirt from Taylor Stitch — cheers!

  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt in Mini Indigo Waffle, $98 — Your favorite menswear brand is now making your favorite short-sleeve shirt in a handsome indigo fabric — a perfect way to switch things up.
  • The Classic Chinos: Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos, $98 — Ditch the heavy pleated chinos of days gone by and opt for sleek, slim chinos from Flint and Tinder — lightweight and breezy to keep you cool.
  • The Stylish Slip-Ons: Nisolo Alejandro Woven Slip-Ons, $178 — These refined leather slip-ons are the right way to switch up your summer footwear — wear them out to a lovely patio dinner.
  • The Watch: Lonegrade HDR140 Watch, $415 — While you could go with a casual NATO strap watch, this stylish leather dress watch from Lonegrade keeps things refined.
  • The Everyday Essentials: Bespoke Post Worn Box, $45 — For a stylish night on the town, reach for the Bespoke Post Worn Box, featuring a slim leather belt and a handy money clip — easy as that.
  • The Sunglasses: Garrett Leight Brooks 47 Sunglasses, $395 — Again, with refinement and versatility in mind, these stylish sunglasses are newly iconic, and perhaps some of the best men’s sunglasses around.
  • The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon Solid Cologne Kit, $75 — Step up yoiur scents with one of three options from Duke Cannon — their Solid Cologne is a personal favorite, and it’ll keep you smelling great even in the heat.
  • The Essential Basic: Flint and Tinder Heritage Boxer Briefs, $28 — Take care of all the details that matter with the lauded Flint and Tinder Heritage Boxer Briefs.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!So, do you think you’ve found your favorite short-sleeve shirt quite yet? Or a new way to wear it? Hopefully — and ideally, it’ll pair up nicely with slim chinos from Flint and Tinder for a nice mix of high-low style. When you use a slim short-sleeve shirt in rich indigo fabric as the base of your outfit, you’re setting the tone quite nicely — again, this isn’t a short-sleeve shirt of years past. You’re also making it clear that things are different when it comes to your refined leather slip-ons — dressier than white canvas sneakers, more laidback and summer-friendly than lace-up leather brogues. The rest of your accessories should also set the tone for a summer cocktail hour or a weekend dinner, from your stylish leather dress watch to a pair of the best men’s sunglasses — yes, that’s right. The best. The key with this entire ensemble comes in sticking to your guns: Keeping things summer-friendly and casual, yet cool. Duke Cannon’s Solid Cologne is an underrated grooming essential to take this look to the next level, and the Bespoke Post Worn Box, with a handsome money clip, keeps things nice and streamlined. How else to close out this #OOTD? Why, with a pair of the Flint and Tinder Heritage Boxer Briefs as an essential basic. Looking forward to the rest of summer? I know I am.

The List: Buy This Week’s 10 Best New Menswear and Gear Picks for Summer

Roll up those sleeves and get to work this season with Taylor Stitch.

If you keep up with our ongoing series The List, covering the very best new menswear and gear on the market, you’ll probably recognize the brand at the top of the list — that’s right, it’s Taylor Stitch. We’re making the case today that a brand like Taylor Stitch can be worn all through the rest of summer, especially when accessorized appropriately. On that note, check out my full suite of picks below — thanks for reading, and enjoy summer!

Taylor Stitch Western Shirt — $125

A new take on the Western shirt from your favorite menswear brand.

As we said above, this stylish Western shirt will still work for summer. In fact, it’s hard to go wrong with nearly anything from Taylor Stitch, especially a rugged Western shirt that’s also surprisingly lightweight. Wear this with black jeans and your favorite leather boots to grab a cold one at a rock concert.

Roark Revival Porter Pants — $60

The breezy, cool pants to take you through summer.

See, we told you when it comes to accessorizing a stylish Western shirt, it’s all about finding seasonally ready components to match it up with — like these slim summer pants from Roark Revival, perfectly breezy and ready for travel or a summer happy hour.

Karl Strauss Boat Shoes Hazy IPA — Price Varies

A bright and sunny IPA with a friendly name and cool can design.

I have good news and I have bad news: The good news, first, is that this hazy IPA nails everything you’d want from the Hazy IPA “trend” (if you can call it that). It’s imminently crushable, with a summer-friendly name and a cool can design. However, it’s only available in California within the brewery’s distribution footprint. If you have a trip planned out there soon, look for it! Speaking of boat shoes …

Yuketen Ox Mocs — $300

The casual, dependable summer moccasins to wear any time happy hour rolls around.

OK, while these aren’t technically classic boat shoes, the Yuketen Ox Mocs are perfect for easygoing summer style, and quite possibly the perfect pair of summer footwear to slip into as you sip on the Boat Shoes IPA.

Luminox Xcor Aerospace Pilot Professional Watch — $1,520

An investment-level watch that’s both incredibly expensive and incredibly worth the coin.

OK, is this tough Luminox timepiece truly the definition of an investment-level watch? Yes. Absolutely — but will you ever need to buy another rugged field watch again? No, sir.

Armor-Lux Breton Long-Sleeve Tee — $70

The breezy, casual, cool shirt to wear on a chilly summer night.

We’ve talked in the past about Armor-Lux and the brand’s certified iconic shirts — like the Armor-Lux Breton Long-Sleeve Tee, in fact. Wear this with tan chinos to a breezy beach bonfire.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack (30 Liters) — $290

Make waves and carry all your gear at once with this outstanding backpack from Peak Design.

You need a dependable everyday backpack for summer adventures — specifically, you need the Peak Design Everyday Backpack, a highly rated and much-loved bag for your next getaway.

Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka — $230 

Dependable chukka boots to wear even when it’s hot out.

You’ve probably noticed the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka pop up before on previous editions of The List, but we’re including it this time around because it’s among the best chukka boots for summer — lightweight, rugged & wearable with chinos or jeans.

Lisboa Francisco Brushed Oxford — $118

A new summer shirt that’s destined to become a go-to.

There are going to be times where you want to switch things up from the rugged Western shirt we talked about earlier — and for all those times when you want to keep it casual with light wash denim and perhaps some of the best chukka boots for summer, you need to reach for the Lisboa Francisco Oxford.

Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Tee — $35

A dependable, rugged and classic men’s tee for summer.

There comes a time in every guy’s life when he just wants to wear a classic men’s T-shirt and maybe some slim chino shorts — for all those times, there’s the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Tee.

The Best Basics. Summer Ready.We’re ending on a high note today with a classic men’s T-shirt — it’s always tough to narrow down these lists. What’s your favorite selection? For me, I always love a stylish Western shirt from Taylor Stitch, of course. Let me know your favorite pick on Twitter — thanks for reading!

Style Pick of the Week: Undone Basecamp Standard Watch

A tough watch to wear whenever you need one to set the tone for your day.

Your hunt for the best field watch — yes, that’s right, the very best field watch — just ended. I’m bringing that news to you today with this latest Style Pick of the Week, because the watch in question is the Undone Basecamp Standard Watch, and it’s the timepiece you need for all your summer adventures (and then some). In fact, what with its rugged durability, tough functionality and stylish looks, it could just be one of the best men’s watches in general — try it for yourself and you just might agree. As I always say, any piece of gear sold by Huckberry has the right things going for it, baked in from the very start. In the case of the Undone Basecamp Standard Watch, that says quite a lot. From the substantial-but-not-overly-large 40mm diameter to the 316L stainless steel case, this rugged field watch delivers the goods, making it a prime watch to wear on your next day hike or a camping trip … or else, just to grab a six-pack of your new favorite beer to hang around the bonfire. It’s also exceedingly lightweight, the perfect watch to wear on your wrist when you want to keep it simple (think a slub T-shirt and your new favorite light wash jeans, for starters).

SHOP: The Undone Basecamp Standard Watch

One of many distinctive features that sets this watch apart.

But the Undone Basecamp Standard Watch is no ordinary watch, the kind you need to treat delicately — it’s got a strong Seiko automatic movement and again, that tough stainless steel case. It’s also domed with tough crystal that just so happens to be 3mm thick; this is a substantial, tough watch with distinctive time-telling hands and oversized numerals for ease of reading. Add in the fact that the dial features vintage-lumed numbers, and you’re looking at a rough-and-tumble watch you’ll want to wear all the time. The black-and-green combo is your author’s personal favorite, the type that’ll stand out especially nicely when worn with dark indigo denim, classic chukka boots and a classic men’s tee for easygoing, happy hour-ready style. It also retails for a shade under $300, seriously not a bad price if you want a dependable, do-it-all watch — you best not waste any time when it comes to picking up the Undone Basecamp Standard Watch (pun very much intended). Have any experience with this watch? Let me know on Twitter. Cheers!

SHOP: The Undone Basecamp Standard Watch

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Sunglasses, A Summer Windbreaker & The Best Polo Shirts

Let’s start things off simply today, shall we? As I look back on this past week, I’m both exhausted and also exceptionally grateful — Monday night, I returned from a relatively quick trip to Madrid over a long weekend to check out the Mad Cool Festival and see my favorite band & my heroes, The National. For this being a style blog, they sure do seem to come up quite often, right? But at any rate, I can’t say enough about Madrid (or about the powerful, propulsive, lifechanging music of The National!). Madrid is a city that I’d never dreamed of visiting until recently, but in my mind, following my passion for music is always one of the better reasons to get on a plane and explore (to say the least!). I won’t soon forget the sunlit, cobblestone streets of Madrid, plus prime craft beer spots like Fogg Bar, to go along with the rush of energy I felt arriving at Mad Cool Festival & enjoying a day of stellar live music from the likes of Sharon Van Etten and more. If you get the chance to go, it’s a must! Now, onto the rest of today’s Friday Read.


As it were, I’m excited to have some downtime in Brooklyn, which I’ll spend working on my Instagram (give me a follow!) and taking care of some writing for The Manual. I’ve also got my eye on writing up more content for this here blog, helped along my delicious coffee from Ditmas Park’s own Milk & Honey. With that being said, what are you up to this weekend? Let me know on Twitter, and let’s dig into the rest of the Friday Read. Cheers!

  • If you’re still searching for that perfect pair of summer sunglasses, allow me to direct you toward my own roundup over at The Manual (naturally!) of the best men’s sunglasses for summer. There’s something for everyone at every price point and style type, naturally. And you can also check out my post for this blog on the best sunglasses to buy now, if you happen to be in search of an additional option.
  • Let’s keep things rolling with the best gear for summer, shall we? In this case, I’m going to pass you off to GearMoose, where I wrote about the best polo shirts for men, with a focus on breezy fabric, easygoing style & plenty of functionality in the heat. These ones can’t be beat, in my mind.
  • On the style front, we’ve got even more great men’s gear headed your way — especially if you’re prepping to head out of town on a camping trip or gearing up for an evening bonfire. In that case, the Wellen Wind Shell (as covered in our Style Pick of the Week series) is absolutely the outer layer you need, designed to protect from the elements (be it a windy night or too many mosquitoes).

That’s going to do it for my menswear quick hits this week — if you’d like one last item to read as you close out your work week and head toward happy hour, be sure to check out my roundup of the best new men’s gear to buy for summer. That should sort things out nicely for the weekend. As always, thanks for reading!