Month / March 2020

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Try Out A New Way to Wear a Western Shirt for Spring

If you thought you had your spring style all figured out, well, think again. That’s not to say the menswear essentials you know and love for the season should be shelved in favor of today’s #OOTD — but consider this new guide to wearing a Western shirt as another addition to your arsenal of tricks (and great layers).Every guy needs to shake up his style now and then, even during a period of self-isolation, and this is but one way to do that. Simply put: Your new favorite spring shirt is coming at you courtesy of Taylor Stitch x Stetson, and features the rugged good looks and classic styling potential you need right now. Put simply, the below #OOTD is but another way to dress for both the work week (yes, even at home!) and the weekend — pieces like one of the best spring jackets for men help ensure that versatility, as do rugged leather chukka boots. This is a look that’s going to go over very well, whether grabbing to-go coffee or to-go cocktails these days. Consider this the perfect hybrid of both daily style and weekend-ready potential — the classic cool of a Western shirt is a unique change of pace from your favorite Oxford shirt (for example), but daily standbys like slim Mott and Bow chinos elevate things beyond the average. This is an ensemble you can throw on and then, well, forget about — but other people are going to notice, and in the right way. Casual, cool, rugged, versatile … can it get any better? Not quite. Check out the full look below, then let me know on Twitter where you plan to rock it.

Pairing up a rugged Western shirt with other menswear essentials.

There are quite a few ways to rock your new favorite spring shirt, and hopefully, this #OOTD has you thinking about how to take care of business. The key here has got to be the fact that this rugged Western shirt is just different enough from your standard fare, making it easy to wear at the office, on the weekend, at a spring music festival … and indeed, beyond that. When you pair up this Taylor Stitch shirt with the best men’s chinos and of course, one of the best spring jackets for men, you’re looking at the ultimate in go-anywhere versatility and style. To keep things moving forward in sharp style, throw on a pair of the most versatile men’s boots, then accent the entire look with the durable and affordable Timex Welton Watch — talk about a can’t-miss combo that’s both understated and extremely stylish at the same time. Topping things off (literally) with some Duke Cannon pomade keeps your hair sharp and in check, and you’re going to get around in functional, tough style with a rugged tote bag — again, go-anywhere versatility is critical. On the accessories front, this look wouldn’t be complete without some of the best socks for men — don’t overlook the little things, folks. Keep in mind that when your base is a tough spring jacket and a cool-as-can-be Western shirt, the world of possibilities is endless — well, nearly endless. To see what I’m wearing this spring, head to my Instagram.

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by Beau H.

The List: Prepare for Spring with All the Best New Menswear to Buy This Week

These rugged chukka boots are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to spring style picks today.

Are you fully into the spirit of spring yet? Not quite? Well, we’re going to get you there with today’s edition of The List, and that’s no April Fool’s. The best men’s gear for spring runs the gamut, all the way from tough leather chukka boots (like the pairs shown above) to some of the best men’s jeans for spring — and we’ve also got a new spring craft beer and some men’s grooming essentials for the taking, too. So, dive right in and let’s get into a new season — and your favorite new gear picks.

Rancourt & Co. Acadia Chukka Boots — $280

These could become your new favorite chukka boots.

Your search for spring-ready chukka boots just ended early, as we mentioned it would above. If you’ve slept on picking up some rugged leather chukka boots from Rancourt & Co. as of yet, you’ll want to get on these — they’re extremely wearable with everything from slim chinos to light wash jeans. On that note …

Mott and Bow Slim Benson Jeans — $118

Slim jeans in a perfect wash for spring? Sign me up!

Versatile, easy to wear with the rest of your spring style essentials, not to mention incredibly affordable given the quality … that’s what the Mott and Bow Slim Benson Jeans are offering up this season. Yes, you need a pair of the best men’s jeans for spring right now.

Bespoke Post Refresh Box — $45

All the grooming picks you need for a new season.

It’s almost too easy to find exactly what you need at Bespoke Post — especially when you consider the classic lineup of Bespoke Post Boxes, featuring affordable men’s gear like the best grooming essentials. Yes indeed, the Bespoke Post Refresh Box is a stone-cold classic, and it also includes a stylish dopp kit.

Western Rise StrongCore Merino Tee — $96

A fine T-shirt from a brand that knows how to make ’em the right way.

Now that the thermostat is starting to climb again, you need to break out some of the best men’s gear for spring — to be more specific, welcome the return of T-shirt weather with one of the best men’s tees. The Western Rise StrongCore Merino Tee is made with some of the best fabric on the planet.

Buck Mason Denim Two-Pocket Field Shirt — $145

Your new favorite spring layer? Yes, yes indeed.

Let’s carry on with more of the best layers for spring, shall we? Buck Mason makes some of the toughest, most durable menswear around, and the Denim Two-Pocket Field Shirt blends the wearability of your favorite denim jacket with a cool-as-can-be shirt jacket design. Wear it atop the Western Rise StrongCore Merino Tee for laidback weekend style.

Centric Instruments Lightwell Pilot Chronograph — $330

Meet your new favorite daily watch.

Regardless of season, every guy needs a rugged everyday watch — especially one that can be worn with, say, the Denim Two-Pocket Field Shirt shown above. Centric Instruments blends affordability and dependability with this handsome pilot chronograph.

by Humankind Mouth Wash — $10

Sustainable mouthwash that’s also easy to use.

In addition to the the best grooming essentials I called out earlier, let’s also consider your dental hygiene — by Humankind’s mouth wash is natural and high-quality, and comes complete with a reusable container for extra sustainability. Plus, $1 of your container purchase helps to remove ocean plastic waste.

Barbour Long-Sleeve Indigo Buttondown — $119

A durable, cool buttondown from a legendary brand.

You surely know Barbour thanks to the brand’s incredible commitment to making the best men’s outerwear — but what about some of the best men’s shirting? This classic plaid buttondown is a fine spring wardrobe move at the office or on the weekend.

Taylor Stitch The Hyde Shirt in White Royal Oxford — $98

A crisp, classic white dress shirt for your spring style needs.

So, we just talked about one of the best casual shirts for men — but what about the tailored white dress shirt every guy (arguably) needs in his wardrobe? For spring weddies, dinner parties & the office, get the Taylor Stitch Hyde Shirt, one of the best white dress shirts for men.

Grayers Paragon Quilted Featherweight Jacket — $165

A tough-yet-lightweight quilted jacket to get the job done this year.

As we move into April, you’re going to need to ramp up your outerwear game accordingly — this lightweight quilted jacket from Grayers is one of the best men’s jackets for spring, complete with classic versatility and good looks.

Olivina Men Cleansing Charcoal Shampoo — $14

The right shampoo to freshen your ‘do this spring.

Charcoal (in this case, charcoal powder) continues to be one of the most effective ingredients when it comes to men’s grooming essentials, and it’s fitting that the Olivina Men Cleansing Charcoal Shampoo makes great use of it.

Relwen Stretch Windpants — $188

Durable, rugged sweatpants to wear all spring.

This assuredly isn’t the first time we’ve talked about Relwen on the blog, and it won’t be the last. For comfortable spring weekend style, you need some of the best men’s sweatpants — as in, the Relwen Stretch Windpants.

Baboon 40-Liter Go Bag — $149

This sleek daily bag will go anywhere you need it to go this spring.

When duty calls, when you’ve got to hit the road on a spring adventure, the right everyday travel bag is a must — the Baboon 40-Liter Go Bag features tons of versatility and dependable functionality.

5.11Tactical Defender-Flex Range Pants — $69.99

Durable canvas pants you can wear on the road or at the office.

For spring, you can never have enough rugged pants for everyday wear — especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or appreciate a great spring adventure. With a mobile fit and hard-wearing fabric, the 5.11 Tactical Defender-Flex Range Pants get the job done.

Sufferfest Head Start Stout — Price Varies

A flavorful stout that also happens to be low in calories.

It wouldn’t be a list of the best men’s gear without taking a look at some tasty craft beer, would it? The Sufferfest Head Start Stout is the rare stout that helps you cut calories without cutting flavor (Sufferfest brews its beer with athletes in mind, after all).

Olivers Apparel Passage Pants — $148

Versatile pants fit for travel and the office in equal measure.

Alright, last but not least … let’s close things out the right way by talking about some of the best men’s pants, period. Olivers Apparel makes gear for the active guy on the go, and that includes these slim five-pocket pants. Whether you wear ’em for travel or a day at the office, the Olivers Apparel Passage Pants (made with CORDURA fabric and 4-way stretch) won’t let you down.

So, my friends — that’s going to do it for today’s edition of The List. Do you have a favorite gear pick? Perhaps it’s the versatile Olivers Apparel Passage Pant or a lightweight quilted jacket from Grayers? Maybe you want to lace uyp with Rancourt & Co. chukka boots or step out with some slim Mott and Bow denim? Whatever your preference might be, be sure to join me on Twitter to talk all things #menswear. Until next time, thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Laight Slim Wash Light Jeans

Utterly classic slim jeans that are a winner any day of the week this spring.

If you’ve been regularly checking your calendar, you’ll notice that we’re past St. Patrick’s Day and barreling toward spring properly now — that means, of course, that you need spring style essentials. And to be more specific: You need a pair of the best light wash jeans for spring, and that’s where Mott and Bow can assuredly help you out. If you read the  blog on the regular (as you should!), you’ll notice that the company frequently makes some of the best jeans on the market, period — that goes for the coolest black jeans you’ve ever seen, as well as classic, winter-ready denim. But again, let’s shift our attention toward the slim light wash jeans you need to be wearing right now. We talked last summer about these slim jeans for warm weather, and it’s the right time to revisit ’em. Warmer weather means lighter fabrics, lighter colors and generally more casual style, so welcome it wholeheartedly with the Mott and Bow Laight Jeans, I say. And when it comes to Mott and Bow denim, you should rest easy knowing you’re getting the most bang for your buck (these jeans retail for $118, after all). In this case, the Mott and Bow Laight Jeans are made with 98 percent cotton and 2 percent elastane for ever-critical comfort and stretch. The hits just keep coming, though.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Laight Jeans

Shop Western Rise Now

Tailored, not-too-tight jeans from Mott and Bow.

It can be tough to find slim light wash jeans that fit the bill (pun very much intended) in terms of how they drape and move. Once again, Mott and Bow comes to the rescue with some of the best men’s denim, all made to fit every body type (Slim, Straight and Skinny fits take care of that). I think you’re going to find that the Mott and Bow Laight Jeans aren’t too skinny, nor are they too baggy — they fit just right. What’s more, with Mott and Bow‘s design process, you’re getting the kind of expertly faded (stonewashed, to be exact) denim that feels great right out of the box. For the guy on the go (that’s you!) who wants to wear stylish light wash jeans with everything from a classic white tee and high-top sneakers to a navy cotton blazer and classic suede chukkas, that versatility in design (not to mention comfort and fit) is critical. And one last point: While the Mott and Bow Laight Jeans  are nicely made for the weekend — throw on your favorite hooded sweatshirt and get out the door — these are also jeans you can wear to the office, particularly with a grey slub polo and the aforementioned classic suede chukkas. The world of style possiblities is nearly endless when it comes to Mott and Bow jeans, so snag this pair and get started exploring.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Laight Jeans

Shop Western Rise Now

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Multi-Tool for Home, A New Spring Lager and Boots for A Good Cause

Wear this tough shirt jacket when working at home or working in the garage – easily.

Thank you, my friends, for joining me for another edition of The Friday Read during these oh-so-interesting and incredibly trying times. Whether you’re working from home and seeking a respite from the news or else seeking a respite from being on the front lines of this crisis, I sincerely appreciate you reading — and I hope these weekly missives (and other blog content!) can help provide some comfort and a sense of style on the daily. Speaking of style on the daily — maybe that Flint and Tinder Bedford Camp Shirt can come in handy as a rugged shirt jacket for home projects, yard work or else, as a change of pace on a casual day working in your home office? By now, perhaps you’ve settled into a daily routine as you juggle working from home — balancing your kids’ and your spouse’s different schedules, adjusting to new changes in the workspace digitally, and really … trying to keep everything moving forward.

That’s been the case for me in Brooklyn when it comes to both writing and my social media day job, although I’m continuing to support my favorite local businesses from afar as much as I can. Last week, I bought some delicious coffee-for-delivery from Ninth Street Espresso (they have a location within the excellent Threes Brewing in Gowanus). I also took the time to donate a small amount to Bushwick’s Elsewhere — part music venue, part gallery, part bar and cafe, it’s an eclectic and important space that’s put on some excellent concerts in my life and always seems to offer something intriguing and enjoyable. Tell me on Twitter — are you supporting your favorite local businesses during this trying time? How are you adapting your Work-From-Home style (and might I suggest this #OOTD)? Stay safe, stay stylish & check out my favorite things to read, drink and watch this weekend.

  • First things first, let’s talk about some men’s style gear for a good cause. Namely, Austin-based HELM Boots is doing its part — you can get 20 percent off all  boots at HELM Boots through Sunday with the code “giveback”, and what’s more, 10 percent of all sales are going to charities supporting COVID-19 relief efforts (like Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry & AmeriCares). Again, 20 percent off through Sunday, and sales of these stylish boots are absolutely going to a great cause.
  • It certainly might seem counterintuitive to pick up everyday carry essentials right now (especially if the most activity you’ll be doing is yard work before retreating inside), but for all those projects around the house that just can’t wait, there’s the Deploy EDC Kit from my pals at Bespoke Post. With that utility in mind, I wrote about this EDC must-have over at GearMoose — click through for more.
  • As the headline promised, I told you I’d give you the scoop on one of the best new beers for spring. In this case, you should head over to GearMoose to read about the light, clean and refreshing New Belgium Purist Lager, made with organic ingredients and incredibly fresh water. I’m a big fan, and I think you will be, too (even if you’re just sipping on it on your back porch — socially distanced sipping, that is). Cheers!
  • Mark my words, I’m certainly not an expert … but there will come a time when you’ve got to dash out of the house this spring, and you’re going to want to look put-together in one of the best men’s jackets while doing it. All of this is to say, how about you head on over to The Manual and check out my guide to the best lightweight jackets for spring? Again, shopping can feel a little frivolous during times like these, but you’re supporting brands you love and prepping your wardrobe (and your future self!) for a bit of style when the time comes.

To be sure, these are odd times again — I’m sure buying a new Oxford shirt isn’t the first thing on your mind. But hey, for those of us fortunate enough to be working from home — and for those of us who have to hop on Zoom or Slack video conference calls — looking and feel a bit more put-together is a nice change of pace when you can’t get out of the house. Yet again, it’s with that approach in mind that I’m recommending you pick up one of the best Oxford shirts for men. Specifically, click that link to read all about a stellar Buck Mason Oxford shirt. OK, those are all of my reading (and watching, and imbibing) recommendations for this weekend. Want to get in touch on anything at all? Reach out on Twitter, and be sure to follow me on Instagram (I’m posting about what I’m reading, listening to and writing). Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to join me — stay safe, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Taylor Stitch Chukka Boots are Classic Boots for Spring

Stepping out in style this spring with rugged chukka boots from a classic brand.

If you’re anything like me, perhaps you’ve got quite the affinity for gear from San Francisco-based Taylor Stitch — from the brand’s rugged denim jackets to stellar shirting, these gear purveyors have been a longtime favorite of yours truly (going back to the early days of the blog, in fact!). And now, they’ve done it again with some of the best chukka boots for spring — heck, some of the best chukka boots on the market, period. As we work to transition our wardrobes slowly but surely toward warmer weather, classic leather chukka boots are as reliable a footwear option as it gets. Maybe you won’t need them right  now during these wild times of COVID-19 (yes, sorry, I went there!), but you will soon enough. Rest assured, you’ll hear plenty more about this style in the weeks and months to come, but for now, let’s talk about the Taylor Stitch Chukka Boots in Tumbled Sedona — again, folks, these are your new favorite chukka boots … easily. With a lighter weight than your tough snow boots, and a bit more polish than your favorite sneakers, there’s no question that these Taylor Stitch chukka boots (made from positively beautiful, supple 4oz. Sedona leather) check all the right boxes in matters of style and functionality.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Chukka Boots in Tumbled Sedona

The difference is in the details with these Taylor Stitch boots, per usual — and that’s a great thing indeed.

What’s more, some of the best men’s chukka boots will have serious staying power starting right now in early spring, then carrying over into summer & back to fall. Truly, you can rock these rugged chukka boots with the basics (I.E. A classic Taylor Stitch chambray shirt & slim chinos) and with more luxurious items (a breezy khaki cotton suit, for starters). And if you feel like keeping things casual & rocking these with a cotton pocket tee and faded blue denim? That’s a style move you should certainly make, no questions asked. The Vibram sole and Goodyear welt construction provide that crucial blend of durability and comfort — there might be a brief break-in period, based on my past experiences with Taylor Stitch boots, but once you’ve started wearing these classic chukka boots, you’ll find it tough to stop. And as with other Taylor Stitch menswear, you’ll assuredly find they get better the more you wear them. Don’t waste another second — shop these right now.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Chukka Boots in Tumbled Sedona

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How To Dress for a Breezy Spring Day Right Now

To me, it feels like we were just lacing up our rugged leather boots and gearing up for fall & winter, and yet, just as with the shifting tides of the ocean, the menswear world rolls on … and so here we are, talking new spring style essentials. The world is going pretty haywire right now, so all of these picks might not work right now as originally intended — but who said you don’t need great style at home? And who said you don’t need to gear up to get things done outside, too? More specifically, today’s look still provides a timely answer to that age-old question: “What do I wear this spring?” — and to be even more specific, what do I wear on a breezy spring day? The type of day that might unexpectedly bring rain & wind, yet you’ve still got to get out there? Today’s #OOTD steps right up and answers that question decisively, from the stylish rain jacket (via J. Crew) to the classic Blundstone boots that’ll help you navigate slick city streets and wet country roads in equal measure. The fact that the outfit ties in reliable standby pieces like a classic overshirt is a big positive, but rest assured, this is an outfit that’s still got some office-ready polish — that’s all owing to touches like versatile everyday pants from Western Rise, plus a classic everyday watch. We’re not abandoning layering in favor of full-on summer style just yet though, so a luxurious T-shirt is your critical base layer here (more on that in a moment). The key when it comes to dealing with spring weather? Being ready for anything, from unexpected rain to high winds to a late night FaceTime happy hour with friends, and so on. Today’s #OOTD will get you there, mark my words. If you like what you see, be sure to hit me up on Twitter to let me know. Thanks for reading!

Layers to help you fight spring rain, plus stylish accessories.

  • The Rain Jacket: J. Crew Brunswick Rain Jacket, $148 — J. Crew continues to expand its repetoire in new and pleasing ways, such as this ultra-stylish and functional rain jacket — quite possibly the perfect piece of spring outerwear.
  • The Rugged Overshirt: Flint and Tinder Chamois Overshirt, $138 — There’s a chance that breezy spring weather could get ever-so-slightly chillier than expected, and that’s where one of the best men’s overshirts from Flint and Tinder comes into play.
  • The Refined Tee: General Issue Short-Sleeve Tee, $85 — General Issue launched last year with a focus on making refined men’s basics, such as this expertly cut T-shirt — it’s ready to be layered with ease on a breezy spring day under your rugged overshirt, and it also looks great the rest of the time on its own.
  • The Pants: Western Rise Diversion Pants, $138 — For getting around in style this spring, reach for these new, versatile everyday pants from Western Rise — they’re abrasion-resistant and feature four-way stretch, so in short, they’re the perfect pants for your next spring adventure.
  • The Boots: Blundstone Original 550 Boots, $195 — Rain-ready, rugged and durable, the Blundstone Original 550 Boots are some of the best boots for spring (and well beyond) — regardless of how much it actually rains.
  • The Watch: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68, $1,395 — The demands of spring weather call for a tough everyday watch — and yes, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68, while quite pricey (to say the least) is one of the best new watches to buy right now.
  • The Everyday Carry: Billykirk x Flint and Tinder Standard Issue Tote, $165 — No matter where you’re heading this spring, a rugged tote bag is the perfect everyday carry addition — and it helps that this stylish tote is from Billykirk & Flint and Tinder.
  • The Grooming Essential: Doji Natural Deodrant Spray, $10 — Keep your grooming on-point this season with a handy natural deodorant spray that just so happens to be very affordably priced.

Dealing with spring rain and breezy weather comes down to more than just throwing on a rain jacket and calling it a day — in the case of this ensemble, layers are ever-more critical with each passing day (and each passing storm, for that matter). Kicking things off with the excellent, highly functional J. Crew Brunswick Jacket is assuredly a smart move, as is adding one of the best men’s overshirts from Flint and Tinder — and to top it off, a premium T-shirt from General Issue adds both visual interest and comfort on a chilly spring day. When spring weather starts up though, anything can happen, so you assuredly need some of the best boots for spring — Blundstone has you taken care of. Those boots, while a bit bulky, are still able to readily pair with your versatile everyday pants from Western Rise — that combination should offer ease of movement and plenty of style (heck, I’ve tried out the Western Rise Diversion Pants and am a big fan of them). Now, it wouldn’t be a complete outfit with a durable, classic watch like the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68, would it? You’re investing in that timepiece, to be sure, but you’ll have it for years and years to come. And no matter what you’ve got to haul around — be it gear for work or your favorite book — a rugged tote bag will keep your everyday carry in fine form. And last but not least, stay fresh with a natural deodorant spray that’s quite easy to use. Does that about cover everything when it comes to versatile spring style? Why yes, yes I think it does.

by Beau H.

The List: Buy This Gear to Upgrade Your Early Spring Style Right Now

Surf’s up … or at least, spring weather is in the air with Outerknown.

Can you feel it in the air? Sort of? Spring continues to roll through these parts, but it’s deceiving at times — as nice as it is to welcome the return of breezy days & start to break out your spring style essentials, you still need pieces that are as versatile as can be. That goes for adventuring out from home every so often just as much as it does for days spent staying inside during these wild times. As with the Outerknown High Tide Crew shown at the top of the page, you still might need layers that can take on breezy days, inclement weather and tough outdoor adventures (preferably solo, that is). In that regard, you’re in luck with today’s edition of The List. Feel free to let me know what you’re shopping over on Twitter.

Outerknown High Tide Crew — $98 

A breezy crewneck sweater that’s perfect for spring layering.

Spring has (sort of) sprung, and what better way to mark the return of pleasantly breezy days than with a classic crewneck sweatshirt made from soft French Terry — and one made sustainably by Outerknown, at that? Wear it with your favorite light wash jeans. Speaking of …

Mott and Bow Slim Laight Jeans — $118

Slim, classic denim in a pleasing light wash.

This won’t be the last time you hear about Mott and Bow denim on the blog this spring, especially considering how stylish light wash jeans are a perfect seasonal style essential. Be sure to pair them up with your classic crewneck sweatshirt on a vibrant spring day.

Patagonia Better Sweater Shelled Jacket — $179

A classic spring jacket you can wear just about anywhere.

It’s always worth considering adding a lightweight spring jacket to your seasonal outerwear rotation, and when that jacket comes from Patagonia, that’s all the better. This rugged spring jacket also features a DWR finish and 4-way stretch.

Common Projects B-Ball Low Sneakers — $482

Seriously sleek, sharp and premium white leather sneakers.

It’s not often that you find Common Projects sneakers recommended here on the blog, but as we head into a new season, you assuredly need some of the best white leather sneakers on the market, and again, Common Projects delivers.

Taylor Stitch Western Shirt in Natural Corded Denim — $125

This Western shirt is old-school yet classic at the same time.

Part of the remarkable Taylor Stitch x Stetson collab released earlier this year, this rugged Western shirt is a stone-cold classic that you can wear with stylish light wash jeans any day of the week (just add suede chukka boots). On that note …

Shoe The Bear Caleb Suede Chukka Boots — $180

Sharp, classic suede chukka boots you can wear all spring.

Here are those suede chukka boots I mentioned above — sleek, low-profile, versatile. They’re able to be worn on casual days with a crisp white tee and your stylish light wash jeans, and they can also work with slim natural chinos, a navy blazer and a blue Oxford shirt in casual style situations.

Western Rise Limitless Merino Shirt — $129

As versatile as it gets, especially for post-work happy hour.

You know Western Rise for the brand’s durable everyday pants, and you can add a stylish technical shirt to the mix now, as well. The Limitless Merino Shirt has plenty going for it: It’s moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, temperature-regulating & odor-resistant — in short, it’s your new favorite everyday shirt.

Levi’s Made and Crafted Type 2 Worn Denim Trucker Jacket — $248

This is the rugged trucker jacket you can wear all spring — starting today.

There’s no time like the present to pick up a classic trucker jacket for spring, particularly when that trucker jacket comes to you courtesy of Levi’s.

Rogue Ales Dead Guy Ale — Price Varies 

Made in the style of a German Maibock, Dead Guy Ale is as good as it gets.

West Coast legends Rogue Ales have a strong commitment to the brewery’s heritage — and to quality beer. When you want a brew that’s got some rich flavor in a year-round style, turn toward the Dead Guy Ale, a new personal favorite. It’s the right option when it’s just a bit too chilly to turn toward a light lager in the spring months.

Buck Mason Felted Chore Coat — $225

An essential spring layer from Buck Mason.

As we mentioned earlier you still very well might need rugged layers through spring, including this tough chore coat from Buck Mason. Rock it over a T-shirt or over a stylish Buck Mason shirt at the office.

SOLO New England Anorak — $180

An update on the anorak, made for coastal adventures and crosscountry travel.

Made to be worn both on and off the golf course, as well as on and off the road, this sleek anorak from SOLO New England blends both technical appeal and modern style — perfect for pairing with nearly any other selection in this gear roundup.
UNIMATIC U1-FN Watch — $725

An unstoppably rugged everyday watch to wear … well, all the time.

Inclement spring weather calls for a watch that can stand up to anything — and the UNIMATIC U1-FN Watch just so happens to be one of the toughest casual watches on the market.
Jaybird Earthproof Wireless Headphones — $180

Rugged wireless headphones that can take a serious beating this spring.

Alright, so I mentioned above that you’d need one of the toughest casual watches for your spring adventures — but what about your audio gear? When going off-the-grid or taking on a tough day hike, you need some of the strongest wireless headphones on the market — Jaybird’s Earthproof Wireless Headphones surely take the cake.
Faherty Brand Interloop Blazer — $198

A classic, lightweight spring blazer you should wear with aplomb.

In search of the best blazer for spring and summer? Faherty Brand is here to save the day with this stylish lightweight blazer, a versatile number you (and should) rock over a classic T-shirt with stylish light wash jeans.
Todd Snyder Sherpa Overshirt — $123.98

This Todd Snyder shacket could become a spring go-to.

I mentioned earlier that we’re not quite out of the woods when it comes to the need for rugged layers just yet, and what better way to approach unexpectedly chilly spring days than with the Todd Snyder Sherpa Overshirt, ehh?
5.11 Tactical Mission Ready Chukka Boots — $149.99 

Lightweight, rugged, dependable — all at once.

If you know 5.11 Tactical, you know that the brand does a fine job at making seriously outdoor-ready gear, the type of pieces that work on tactical missions (hence the name), off-grid excursions and your daily commute. In that regard, the 5.11 Tactical Mission Ready Chukka Boots are some of the best chukka boots for this season.

Huckberry Pocket Tee — $34

A stylish pocket tee coming at ya courtesy of Huckberry.

Yes, my friends — Huckberry is now making your new favorite pocket tee. The brand’s line of Huckberry apparel and gear is every bit as stylish and well-made as you would expect, as is this classic cotton pocket T-shirt.

EverSmile WhitenFresh — $8.99

A necessary for any guy on the go.

Planning lots of spring travel? Or else, wanting to stay fresh on the go? Pick up this handy breath spray from EverSmile, one that also whitens your teeth as you go.
With spring in the air, what are you searching for most frequently right now? Are you on the hunt for basics, like a classic cotton pocket T-shirt? Or perhaps it’s the essential outer layers, like the Todd Snyder Sherpa Overshirt that are most critical for that early spring weather? Don’t sleep on the Taylor Stitch x Stetson collab as covered above, and don’t forget to consider the fact that you’ll need some of the best white leather sneakers — and sooner rather than later. If you’d like to stay in tune with what I’m wearing this spring, check out my Instagram. Thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

A new everyday Oxford shirt, no doubt about it.

Alright, folks: Welcome to another Style Pick of the Week. Let’s talk all about one of the best men’s Oxford shirts, shall we? It helps that the stylish Oxford shirt in question comes from the classic menswear purveyors at Buck Mason, a longtime favorite of the blog (seriously, check out this post on Buck Mason from 2015!). But to be sure, the brand gets several things right all the way across the board, from the perfect everyday watch to the rugged field jacket you need in your closet ASAP. But back to the reason we’re here: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt is every bit the shirt you would expect from this lauded brand, and it’s a perfect menswear essential to snag as we head (slowly but surely) from winter into spring. It all starts with the attention to detail and construction over at Buck Mason, this much I know to be true. The brand says the fit of this shirt is similar to its other collared shirts (I love the Denim Vintage One-Pocket Shirt in particular) and its classic T-shirts, so that’s great news right off the bat. Made with 100 percent cotton for a breezy feel and finish, this essential Oxford shirt is perfect to wear on its own at the office (preferably with slim tan chinos and classic suede chukka boots) or else open atop a crisp white tee with your favorite pair of jeans on the weekend.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

This sharp Buck Mason Oxford shirt also comes in classic white.

Really, the versatility of the Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt comes down to the fit — the fact that you can rock untucked on its own with classics like edgy black denim or office-ready olive chinos is a big bonus. And yet, it’ll look sharp and stellar beneath a navy or khaki cotton blazer as the weather starts to warm up. The baggy Oxford shirts of days gone by are simply a thing of the past. Heck, if you were feeling really ambitious (and seriously cool, for that matter), you could pair this classic blue Oxford with one of Buck Mason’s leather moto jackets — talk about a menswear match made in heaven, right? It’s fitting that the Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt is so versatile and so classically cool: It was made by a brand that believes in those things, after all. The next time you want an Oxford shirt that’s as comfortable as a broken-in tee and yet stylish enough to wear at the office, get this handsome number from Buck Mason.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Lightweight Shirts, A New Everyday Watch & The Ultimate “Bug-Out” Bag

Maybe you’re going to be working from home a lot more now? A stylish hoodie is certainly necessary, then.

We’re right at the start of another Friday Read and another spring weekend, and an unprecedented one, at that. These are trying times we live in, to be sure (you know what I mean). What’s a guy to do with myriad concerns swirling around, and without even a whisper of spring sports to watch in the meantime? And that’s the least of our worries, to be sure. In the midst of it all, know that I sincerely appreciate you reading this blog — it means an awful lot. Perhaps you’re working from home a ton right now — to be sure, that’s why you can view the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie at the top of the page. Along with suggesting you pick up one of the best men’s hoodies, well, might I suggest a few reads to take your mind off the rest of the news? That’s what I’m here for, at least. Perhaps consider reading up on this disaster gear kit as covered by Gear Patrol, too (seriously — those gear picks cover a variety of situations across the country and the globe).

The ultimate “bug-out”‘ bag, as Gear Patrol says, can come in handy in plenty of different seasons, too. If you or a loved one is dealing with a health crisis at the moment, I’m wishing you all the best — and a speedy recovery. If your work is impacted by today’s current events, I’m also wishing you the best. If you could use even more menswear features to take your mind off things, head to, well, last week’s Friday Read (covered: The best shampoos, a durable new watch from Huckberry, and spring outerwear). At any rate, hopefully, the below menswear reads can help you take your mind (momentarily) off what’s going on out there. If you want to talk all things #menswear for a change, head to Twitter or my Instagram. OK, let’s get this weekend rolling.

  • With all this talk about disaster gear, let’s stick to the everyday for a minute, shall we? Namely, your timepiece collection needs an upgrade, to say the least. I wrote about an iconic new everyday watch at GearMoose — the Szanto x Roland Sands Icon Signature Watch is durable enough for the field, smart enough for the office, and ready for a bit of everything in between.
  • There’s plenty going on out there, but I’d bet you haven’t completely given up getting dressed in style … have you? There’s little that a stylish spring shirt can’t help you fix when it comes to your daily ensemble, so read up on my guide to lightweight spring shirts at The Manual, featuring brands you know and love (like Billy Reid and more). Let’s get to it.
  • Yet again, I’m here to tell you that spring style shouldn’t fall by the wayside — composure is key, after all. That’s where my guide on how to wear the best men’s chinos comes in handy. Simply click over to that post and check out the right way to wear (among other style picks) the Flint and Tinder Selvage Chinos. There’s really no wrong way to style ’em.
  • Last but certainly not least, because you could probably use a little something else to read, let’s stop back by The Manual to check out a neat music — the 7 most influential record labels of all-time. How cool is that? I’m going to be spinning some vinyl this weekend, that  much I know.

Before we take off for the weekend — or more likely, kick back and relax — how about reading all about the must-have shirt jacket you need for spring? It comes from my friends at Billy Reid, who know a thing or two about getting you ready for the season in style. Alright, my friends — that’s all for today’s Friday Read, but we’ve got another Style Pick of the Week incoming tomorrow. Be sure to stop by — oh, and take care out there (and wash your hands!).

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Are the Classic Chukka Boots You Need On Your Feet Now

You need a pair of suede chukka boots on your feet this early spring — no questions asked.

If you read the site on the regular, perhaps you’re well-acquainted with the fact that I’m an advocate for classic early spring style essentials that you can wear well beyond just one season — like classic chukka boots, for instance. And of course, you’re perhaps well-aware that I love one brand of chukka boots in particular, from the good folks at Huckberry (naturally). Those timeless boots in question would  be the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots, a truly critical pair to get in your wardrobe and on your feet as we move through early spring. We’ve covered them in the past here on the blog, but it’s always helpful to get a reminder about a great pair of footwear, is it not? Now that we’re nearing April, ideally, you’ve been able to put away your heftier, rugged leather boots in favor of lightweight footwear (and lightweight chinos, and Oxford shirts, and … you  get the point). That’s where the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots, a longtime favorite of the blog, are going to serve you so well. The crepe rubber sole is a nice pairing indeed with the sustainably treated suede leather, offering comfort and a smooth ride — these are the type of chukka boots you can wear with either no-show socks or merino socks with ease (preferably beneath slim tan chinos, rolled up ever so slightly).

SHOP: The Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots

Just one of the colorways in which you can snag these essential chukka boots.

As per tradition, it seems Huckberry  does an ace job at finding gear that’s uniquely sourced, uniquely made and uniquely wearable — these stylish suede chukka boots just so happen to be made in Italy from European-sourced leather that goes through an all-natural aging process. The result? Expertly finished suede chukka boots that are perfect for plenty of spring style scenarios. Seriously, you can wear Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots with olive chinos and a light blue chambray shirt for easygoing spring style, or else you can take these classic chukka boots and pair them with dark denim, a blue Oxford shirt and a navy cotton blazer — talk about business-casual style dialed down to a “T,” yes? Yes indeed. Wear them for travel, wear ’em to an outdoor concert, wear them on the weekend … just be sure you’re wearing your new favorite chukka boots as often as you can this season.

SHOP: The Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots