Month / January 2020

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Kicking off 2020, A New Buck Mason Jacket & the Best Corduroy Pants

Nothing but the very best leather jacket to wear to start 2020.

Ahh, yes — another Friday, another new edition of The Friday Read, and crucially, another opportunity to keep 2020 rolling in style. First things first: We’ve talked previously about Buck Mason on the blog, and how this venerable brand produces some of the best men’s jackets and other must-haves, and that’s no different when it comes to the investment-worthy leather jacket you see at the top of the page. It’s one of the best leather jackets you can buy, and it’s an ideal way to kick off the first weekend of 2020. How was your (hopefully) shortened week? I spent mine with two days of work at my day job working on social media and influencer programming, and then, I closed out 2019 in the very best way possible — seeing legendary NYC rock band The Strokes play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn!

Talk about an action-packed, hit-filled night with nothing but all-time classics on loop. It was an incredible way to close out the year and the decade — I’m seriously looking forward to 2020, as I’ve got some big plans for the blog, including ongoing freelance writing pursuits and of course, my ever-growing Instagram (I kid, I kid!). Hopefully, you’ll find some of the best men’s style tips to jumpstart your 2020 — as always, the focus will be on affordability, quality construction, classic design, and yes, a bit of fun and maybe a splurge or two along the way (start with my series The List to kick things off with the best new men’s gear, will ya?). And for the rest of you: If you’ve resolved to kick off your new year in style — and really, who among us hasn’t? — then you’re going to like today’s take on The Friday Read. For now though, I’ve got some coffee to enjoy and some beer to imbibe later this weekend (chiefly, at at the new Brooklyn location of Hudson Valley-based Svendale Brewing). OK, that’s all from me for now. Let’s get to it!

  • Finding the right gear to amp up your style during winter can be a bit of a challenge — but if you start with the classics, like some of the best corduroy pants for men as covered by yours truly at The Manual — I think you’re going to like the end result.  You can also read more right here on the blog when it comes to the best men’s corduroy pants, too.
  • Starting off a new year is about more than just upgrading what you’re wearing — it’s also about amplifying your men’s grooming essentials, and as you’ve read on the blog, you know that Duke Cannon can help you do that. Specifically, I’m talking about the Duke Cannon Proper Cologne, one of the best men’s colognes you’re apt to find.
  • Let’s keep talking new men’s gear, shall we? With improving your everyday carry top of mind to start 2020 (both in matters of style and functionality), I wrote about a trio of EDC essentials to get you where you’re going without missing a beat — head to GearMoose to check out the full post.

Alright, that’s going to bring an end to the first edition of The Friday Read to start this year. Before you go, though  — I think you’d do well to check out my simple, easy, effective guide to wearing your new favorite winter sweater. Hint: It’s a classic cashmere sweater from Mott and Bow, and it’s teamed with sharp wingtip boots and plenty more men’s style essentials. I’ll leave you to it, then — happy shopping, and happy 2020!

by Beau H.

The List: Start the New Year in Style with the Best New Menswear to Buy Right Now

A rugged, dependable men’s shirt to kick off the new year — courtesy of Taylor Stitch, of course.

Folks, there’s no rest for the weary today as we kick 2020 off with a bang — yes, that’s right … 2020. It’s hard to believe it’s already a new year and *gulp* a new decade … but that doesn’t mean your commitment to men’s style essentials has to stop, or shift, or change. Let’s look at this new year as one of further grow in terms of classic and adventurous men’s style, and all the things that the best men’s style can bring to your life (from greater confidence to improved work performance — seriously!). The adage “Look good, feel good” has never held more weight than it does right now, and with that being said, I’m here to tell you all about the best new men’s gear … for a new year, and possibly … a new you. We’ll start with the incredible Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt in Rust Plaid, and go from there with 10 of the best new men’s gear picks. Cheers to a new year!

Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt in Rust Plaid — $125

A rugged men’s shirt you won’t want to stop wearing.

A true favorite of mine (as you might have seen on my Instagram), and soon to be one of yours as well, the Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt is one of the best men’s shirts on the planet, made from incredible fabric and featuring the ability to be layered over your favorite henley or worn on its own. It’s too good to be true … except it’s not. It’s the best shirt to buy to start 2020.

Duke Cannon Solid Cologne — $25

A handsome-smelling solid cologne from an excellent brand.

The new year is perhaps the best time to update your men’s grooming essentials — and what better place to start than Duke Cannon and the lauded, excellent-smelling Duke Cannon Solid Cologne? This is the right way to amp up your personal scent (for the better).

Faherty Brand Legend Sweater Shirt — $178

A new year, and a new sweater shirt for the taking. from Faherty Brand.

Speaking of dependable layers to start 2020, this rugged overshirt from Faherty Brand has all the makings of one of the best new winter shirts for cold weather. From the super-soft fabric to the layering-friendly cut, this is one of the best overshirts your author has seen in some time.

Flint and Tinder Golden Bear Suede Trucker Jacket — $998

One of the best trucker jackets — heck, the best leather jackets, period — you’re apt to find this year.

The quest to find the best leather jacket on the market (on the planet?) continues, but it would appear that the Flint and Tinder Golden Bear Suede Trucker is giving that title a run for its money. Wear this rugged trucker jacket (which actually comes off as quite refined thanks to the rich suede) with any of the menswear essentials on this list, the AT Slim Pants from Western Rise included.

Mott and Bow Classic Cashmere Crewneck — $149

A slim, subtly stylish sweater to wear all winter long.

Yes, that’s right — the makers of your favorite jeans are coming for more of your wardrobe with this classic cashmere sweater, a handsome compliment to slim Mott and Bow jeans if ever there was one. Another stylish sweater to improve your office style.

Western Rise AT Slim Pants — $128

Some of the best new men’s pants out there, guaranteed.

If you want a pair of the best new men’s pants, the sort of pair that can be worn to the office and on the weekends, on your commute or your Sunday coffee run … get the durable AT Slim Pants from Western Rise. There some of the most durable pants out there, with surprisingly sharp style built right in.

Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph — $128

A durable, affordable leather watch — no wrong way to go here.

The new year is also as great a time as any to upgrade your watch collection with one of the  most affordable leather watches your hard-earned cash can buy. The uniquely made Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph features an innovative strap design and of course, a tough Timex chronograph watch. Be sure to wear it with a classic cashmere sweater for easygoing office style.

Yuketen Maine Guide 6-Eye DB Boots — $616

Remarkable leather boots that pull no punches.

Yes, that’s right — we’re telling you all about the best leather boots to invest in to start the year. The incredible thing about these Yuketen boots is that you’ll have them long after 2020 — they’re some of the most well-made boots you can spend your hard-earned dough on.

Wellen Headlands Sweater — $138

A highly stylish men’s sweater made with sustainability in mind.

We’ve talked about Wellen previously as one of the best new brands to shop if you want sustainable style, and the Wellen Headlands Sweater exemplifies that dual-minded approach quite nicely. It’s the rugged winter sweater you’ll find yourself reaching for whenever the weather takes a turn.

Flint and Tinder Check Buttondown — $108

A classic shirt to wear any day of the week this winter.

We’ve focused on the right men’s style essentials to shop if you want to start making upgrades to your look, and there’s hardly a better place to start than with one of the best men’s shirts from Flint and Tinder.  The well-made Flint and Tinder Check Buttondown exemplifies classic style for the office and the weekend.

 

Although it’s tough to narrow down any list of the best new men’s gear to just 10, how do you think we did? Perhaps you’re now coveting a pair of the the best leather boots from Yuketen? Or maybe the Flint and Tinder Check Buttondown is now a must-buy? My favorite from this entire list, of course, might just be the rugged-yet-versatile Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt — if you want to weigh in with a take of your own, shoot me a note on Twitter. Cheers to 2020!