April 10, 2021March 15, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket

Simple on the surface, but highly functional and ready for spring elsewhere.

If you’re not familiar with the pleasingly rugged, classic outerwear, shirting and gear from Line of Trade at Bespoke Post, it’s high time indeed that you got very, very familiar. They consistently make, among other categories, some of the best jackets for men in any season, and that holds true with the Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket. As ever, Bespoke Post assuredly knows what it’s doing with this in-house brand, and the result is one of the best spring rain jackets you’re going to layer up with for the weeks ahead — in short, don’t delay! But let’s get into what makes it so special, shall we? Allow me to tell you why this is one heck of a must-buy rain jacket for men. First off, you can get this jacket as a standalone style favorite, or you can pick up the Bespoke Post Downpour Box, one of the latest and greatest monthly subscription boxes from the NYC-based retailer (one of my favorite online retailers, I should add). So it’s got both affordability and ease of access going for it, and that’s not to be overlooked these days. Naturally, the Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket also checks all the right boxes in terms of style and utility (more on both in a moment).

SHOP: The Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket

Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket reviews

Classic, crisp and functional — everything you could ask for in the best men’s spring rain jacket, right?

It’s got all the specs you could ever ask for in your new favorite rain jacket, including the fact that it’s lightweight and yet durable, so it’ll protect you from rain on the go without weighing you down. The Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket features a cotton shell with a DWR, or durable water repellent, coating for maximum water resistance. The fact that it’s built with three layers of fabric and a 5K waterproof rating is also critical. In short, it packs in a lot of functionality (including taped seams to keep water out) into a subtle and stylish package. The storm flap front closure also manages to keep water out, and the duckbill hood is a very nice touch in the midst of the worst spring rains possible. When you want a jacket for a downright steal ($45 via the Bespoke Post Downpour Box or just $100 on its own), it’s very clear that you want the Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket.

April 9, 2021April 2, 2021 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Sustainable Sweatpants, The Best Spring Chukka Boots & A New Spring Jacket

It’s certainly no secret that we’ve all been living a lot more in sweatpants and comfortable athleisure-focused gear across this past, what, year? That’s not likely to change right away this weekend, which is why I’ve got a pick I think you’ll certainly enjoy heading into two casual, laidback days coming up (and beyond that). I recently had the chance to catch up with PAPER PROJECT, an innovative line of essentials made with incredibly cool Japanese paper yarn. PAPER PROJECT just launched its All Day Clean Sweats Collection, a set of the best sweatpants for men (and sweatshirts, and sweatshorts) that’s going to upgrade your laidback, casual style quite quickly. The key with the All Day Clean Sweats Collection is the fact that the brand uses Bac-Pur antimicrobial finish technology to deliver odor-fighting protection, plus the sort of cool, neutral style you’ve come to expect from your sweatpants. If you ask me, they’re some of the best men’s sweatpants on the market (and they also offer basics like socks, plus women’s options, too!). I’d snag a pair heading into the weekend, but that’s not my only pick for you today.

No sir, we’ve got plenty to discuss elsewhere, including an excellent new collaboration between New Balance and famed indie record store Amoeba — I covered the New Balance x Amoeba Music x Shop Nice Kicks partnership, and you’d do well to give it a read (and to add a pair or two to your shopping cart, of course). I also covered some of the best new spring shorts for GearMoose (those would be the Relwen Hemp Supply Shorts from Huckberry), and you can read that feature here.

I’m also working on a feature on the best beers for spring for GearMoose, and that’s a passion that’s near and dear to my heart (if you subscribe to my music-menswear-craft beer newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief, you assuredly know this!) So, that’s all going to keep me busy (within reason!), this weekend. How about you? To follow along with my explorations throughout Brooklyn — which will likely include a stop by the upstate New York-inspired bar The Adirondack — you should follow me on Instagram. Alright — let’s get into the rest of the Friday Read, shall we? More shopping and reading picks await.

How’s this for the right way to start Friday, ehh? Step into the confines of a spring weekend with one of my top style picks of the moment, a pair of classic chukka boots to wear when you’re ready to step out of the All Day Clean Sweats, ehh? Of course, the brand on display here is FRYE, makers of some of the best chukka boots for men. ‘Tis the season to look great and choose the proper footwear, no doubt about it.

Allow me to provide you with another spring shopping picks, this time as promised in the headline. I’m giving you a quick deep dive into one of the best jackets for men of the moment, a style that’s a worth complement to your FRYE chukka boots. Of course, that would be the Alex Mill Work Jacket in Natural Indigo, a visually striking piece that’s made to be worn on the daily, with anything you feel like. How’s that for expert spring style, yes? Yes, indeed.
Alright, so there’s two shopping picks to get your weekend started nicely. How about a bit o’ reading to while away the day? Coming right up. I had the pleasure to dive into a very apt new spring beer, the Alvarado Street Brewing Wind Jammer IPA, over at GearMoose. Based on what I’ve heard about this beer, I’d be inclined to pick some up myself if given the chance. I’ll drink to fresh beer for a new season, and I think you should do the same.

That’ll wrap up today’s Friday Read. Are you feeling a little more ready for the weekend now? Be it the chance to pick up your new favorite sweatpants or the chance to sip on the Alvarado Street Brewing Wind Jammer IPA, I’d say you’re in fine shape heading into the weekend. But I’ve got one more read for you today, and that comes courtesy of this very blog. Go on and do yourself a favor by buying one of the most rugged spring jackets, courtesy of Filson. To be more specific :I covered the Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket just last week, and it’s quite the addition to your spring outerwear rotation, to say the least. Read all about it here and let me know what you think. In the meantime, have a great weekend, stay safe out there and let’s make it count!

April 8, 2021March 10, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Classic Leather Chukka Boots from Veldskoen Are a Spring Must-Have

Some of the coolest chukka boots for men you can step into right now.

You don’t need me to tell you that having the best shoes for spring on your feet is a necessity, right? Long gone are the days of lacing up your winter snow boots or clunky work boots — opt for some of the best chukka boots instead, as you welcome the slow-but-sure return of sunshine, breezy days, outdoor patio beers and more. Are we on the same page today? Good, great, grand. And in today’s Thursday Buy, do I have just the pick for you: The Veldskoen Chukka Boots are well-made, affordably priced, expertly crafted and ideal for spring days and nights. Just as you need a pair of casual retro sneakers for spring and summer days aplenty, the right pair of classic leather chukka boots for men can indeed go a very long way.

Think of the Veldskoen Chukka Boots as an alternative boot option to Clarks, a nice change of pace if you want something new (yet made with heritage quality in mind). And if you’re not familiar with South Africa’s Veldskoen, now is the perfect time to get acquainted. Veldskoen makes its boots using old-school methods and ethical materials, to go along with sustainable sourcing and a close means of production with workers who are paid a fair wage. They’re hand-cut and handsewn, and the end result (especially when it comes to the understated, practical and stylish Veldskoen Chukka Boots) is nothing less than your new favorite pair of spring boots.

SHOP: The Veldskoen Chukka Boots

Durable, classic, cool and sustainable — that’s Veldskoen for you.

You could make the case that every guy needs a pair of the best leather chukka boots, especially a pair that’s more comfortable to wear than your standard leather lace-up boots and somewhat dressier than your go-to canvas sneakers. The Veldskoen Chukka Boots toe that line quite nicely, literally, and the fact that they’re durable and won’t give out on you after a few wears is a major bonus (to say the least!).

The recyclable rubber compound sole gives you both cushioning and all-day comfort, and the memory foam insole is designed to mold to your foot over time (my own pair is certainly doing this after wearing ’em this season). They’re timeless and understated, ready to be worn with your favorite pair of tan chinos and a rugged henley — you can find both at the Shop By The Style Guide — or else with easygoing light wash jeans and a classic pocket T-shirt. With Veldskoen Chukka Boots, the styling potential is endless, and the timeless looks are nearly guaranteed. Happy spring, my friends.

SHOP: The Veldskoen Chukka Boots

April 7, 2021April 1, 2022 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The American Trench Coat is one of the Best Spring Rain Jackets

The Best Trench Coats for Wet Weather

As I’ve said before, it seems as though the search for seasonal essentials, like one of the best spring rain jackets, never quite ends, does it? After all, you might have a spring rain jacket you know and love, but is it quite as good as the ever-stylish, ever-functional American Trench Coat? My thinking is, it could be close, but it’s not anything like the American Trench Coat, an aptly named piece that helped launch this Pennsylvania-based brand back in the late 2000s. I’ve been a fan of American Trench’s stylish socks for years (dating back to 2015, in fact!), and this durable, stylish trench coat is one piece that’s also won the brand its fair share of admirers.

These days, this USA-made menswear brand has a slightly larger product assortment and is sold by more retailers (like UNCRATE), but the message and mission remains the same: Carefully crafted goods made in family factories throughout the U.S. Of course, the American Trench Coat is still one of the best men’s jackets for spring, period, that you’re apt to wear this season. In fact, it’s American Trench Coat 3.0, the third iteration of this must-have spring rain jacket. First things first: You should know that American Trench gear doesn’t go on sale very often, but trust me: Stylish rain jackets like this one are worth investing in(it’ll run you $849 at American Trench). So, back to the business of the American Trench Coat, ehh?

SHOP: The American Trench Coat

The brand’s signature lining sets this coat apart, among other touches.

The thing is, before investing in one of the best men’s trench coats, it pays off to know what exactly you’re getting. And this stylish men’s spring jacket all starts with the right fabric, naturally. In this case, that means we’re talking about a ventile cloth shell finished off with a DWR coating for crucial, weather-ready performance. The American Trench Coat is also lined in cotton glen plaid check fabric for a touch of tailored style and some added warmth against a chilly spring day. The coat is cut trim but should work to layer up with your favorite blazer and a classic Oxford shirt underneath, according to the brand.

Oh, and perhaps the most important part: This stylish trench coat is made in northern New Jersey by a luxury outerwear company, the right way. Last but not least: It also features a detachable hood, and you can pair it up with a quilted warm liner (sold separately) to finish things off in a way that’s as functional and cozy as can be. So, if you’ve taken stock of your spring outerwear rotation and decided an upgrade was in order, then the American Trench Coat is the right way to go.

SHOP: The American Trench Coat

April 6, 2021March 31, 2021 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Layer a T-Shirt This Spring

We talked in our last #OOTD about how to wear a sweater for spring, and it’s high time we took that same approach again, is it not? Well, not the exact same approach, but with a similar focus on spring layering. That’s why we’re here with a new #OOTD, and it’s all about how to layer a T-shirt for spring, because it’s not all fun and games out there. Spring weather can be breezy and blustery and downright unpredictable, which is why pieces like a spring overshirt or the best spring trucker jacket are going to be so valuable. It’s much the same with finding the best T-shirt for spring, one that’s well-made and durable enough to stand up on its own while also looking great when layered up accordingly. Of course, you’ll find all the supporting gear you need and more, from your new favorite spring jacket to the best affordable watch for men to the best men’s jeans for versatility and classic looks all the way.

After all, a guy has to make the right move when it comes to dressing for weather that can go any which way, and when the pursuits of spring are so varied as well (from weekend strolls to outdoor beers to days working from home), your gear has to pass muster, too. And with all that being said, here’s the #OOTD to help you get the job done, whatever that job might be this time out.

The coolest way to wear your T-shirt? You be the judge.

The T-Shirt: Grayers Acme High Twist Tee in Forged Iron, $45 — This ensemble has to start with the very best, and in this case, that means one of best T-shirts for men and in a nice color, too.
The Lightweight Jacket: Billy Reid Flight Jacket, $350 — When wearing your new favorite T-shirt, it’s best to keep spring weather in mind, like we mentioned earlier. That means one of the coolest men’s jackets for the season is also crucial. You’re investing in the best here.
The Spring Denim: Filson Rail-Splitter Jeans in Medium Indigo, $165 — Now, we’ve talked about the best men’s jeans for spring in the past on the blog, so it’s high time you kept getting great wear out of ’em.
The Spring Boots: R.M.Williams Gardener Chelsea Boots, $470 via UNCRATE — Head to the well-stocked digital shelves of UNCRATE to get a perfectly rugged pair of the best Chelsea boots for transitional spring weather.
The Socks: Flint and Tinder Surplus Collection Socks, $18 — A pair of rugged Chlesa boots calls for an accompanying pair of the best socks for men, and it’s helpful that the new Flint and Tinder collection has the pair you need.
The Watch: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT, $1,795 — Bear with me here on the price of this rugged stainless steel dive watch, because it’s going to deliver every bit of the functionality you need this season, plus some added style points.
The Everyday Carry: Billykirk No. 480 Small-Batch Carryall, $675 — No matter where your spring season takes you, especially if it’s a busy day of spring weekend errands, you need a stylish way to carry all of your gear. Luckily, Billykirk’s small-batch carryall is exactly what the doctor ordered.
The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon Standard Issue Face Lotion, $10 — Leave it to the good folks at Duke Cannon to get your spring grooming refresh squared way with one of the best face moisturizers for men.

Part tailored jacket, part sweater, all versatility.

So, that’s going to wrap up this very carefully composed, highly stylish and spring-ready #OOTD. Whos’ felling more ready for the season, ehh? I know I am, and it starts with the little details, like a stylish way to carry all of your gear, and it rolls right through to the big-ticket items, like the centerpiece of this ensemble, the best T-shirt for spring. It’s the sort of T-shirt you can wear with just about anything, including al on its own but this look gets a major leg up thanks to the exceptionally cool Billy Reid Flight Jacket shown above. That’s only the tip of the iceberg, as it were, because a pair of the best men’s jeans are putting in in plenty of work when it comes to rugged, dependable spring style. The same can certainly be said for that pair of the best Chelsea boots for maximum spring style and performance, no matter the weather or where your travels take you. Accessorize with a pair of the best socks for men, then top it all off with a rugged stainless steel dive watch to stay on time in style. It gets even better when you consider the utility and style of Billykirk’s small-batch carryall, and the entire thing is capped off quite nicely with a crucial moisturizer from Duke Cannon. The next time you need to look great for casual spring style, start with the best T-shirt for spring and build your outfit from there. It won’t let you down. Happy shopping, folks!

April 5, 2021March 29, 2021 by Beau H.

The List: Here’s All the Best New Gear for Spring to Buy at Huckberry This Week

Stock up on the season’s best new menswear and gear from Huckberry ASAP.

When it starts to really feel like spring, where do you go to stock up on new seasonal menswear favorites? I’ve got your answer today, folks. If you’ve not yet acquainted yourself with the best new gear at Huckberry right now (or in general), trust me when I say today’s guide is one heck of a way to start. The San Francisco-based retailer is a longtime favorite of mine (and it’s a shame they had to close down their NYC store!), but it’s a good thing the brand’s digital shelves are still well-stocked. I also wrote last month — twice! — about my favorite gear to buy at Huckberry, and a new week brings that to the forefront once again. So, get that credit card at the ready, start scrolling and shopping, and step into spring in style.

Flint and Tinder Surplus Collection Tee — $38

Three new, military-inspired T-shirts from the in-house brand at Huckberry, all yours for the taking.

It wouldn’t be a roundup of Huckberry’s best gear without a new collection from Flint and Tinder, right? The Flint and Tinder Surplus Collection draws on military inspiration to craft durable, rugged basics like this stylish spring T-shirt. Get one in all three colors.

Relwen Windbreak Blazer — $348

A new favorite casual blazer and travel jacket for spring. Sign me up, folks.

Is this just a casual men’s blazer? Is it a travel jacket and a wind jacket in equal measure? To all of the above: Yes, yes and yes (it won’t be the only time we mention Relwen today, either!).

Wellen Soft Jersey Buttondown — $88

The perfect spring buttondown shirt? You be the judge of that.

For all those times this spring when you need to put on a buttondown shirt but don’t quite feel like going with a dress shirt, get this soft, casual buttondown shirt for expert Zoom call style.

Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts — $58

Just one of the many colors available in these essential spring shorts.

It’s never too early to pick up your favorite pair of shorts for spring and summer, and the fan favorite Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts are always a wise decision. Style them accordingly, because both 7-inch and 9-inch inseams are available.

SeaVees 08/63 Hermosa Plimsoll Standard — $78

You can’t go wrong with a low-profile pair of classic men’s sneakers for spring.

Looking for a pair of the best affordable men’s sneakers? Say, a pair of classic men’s sneakers for under $100? This pair is the way to go — wear ’em all season long.

Roark Station Canvas Jacket — $80

A cool, tough and durable spring jacket.

If it’s a rugged men’s jacket for spring that you seek, you’d be hard-pressed to find one more functional or stylish than this fast-selling organic cotton canvas jacket.

Marathon MSAR Watch — $850

A new go-to everyday watch for durable and dependable style.

It’s not really quite spring if you don’t have an adventure-ready watch at the ready, is it? And this rugged stainless steel dive watch is just the ticket for all your seasonal pursuits.

Lems Shoes Boulder Boot Mid — $135

Rugged mid-cut chukka boots to pair with work pants or denim this spring.

For one heck of a standout price, you can get some of the most durable men’s boots for spring, and you can wear this pair on the trail or back in town with ease and style in mind.

Flint and Tinder Lightweight Stretch Chinos — $98

New chinos that can go the distance this spring, from Flint and Tinder.

Want a pair of chinos you can wear with everything from those LEMS Boulder Boots to canvas sneakers? Get these Flint and Tinder chinos, and reap the rewards.

YETI Trailhead Camp Chair — $300

A durable and modern camp chair to use all the time this season.

Spring brings with it a return to outdoor fun in a big way, and that’s where this functional outdoor camp chair comes into play. Bring it to the beach or off-road trips time and again.

Relwen Stripe Slot Polo — $98

A classically made polo to wear with just about anything this season.

See, I said we’d be mentioning Relwen menswear and gear again, didn’t I? And here we are, with what could be one of the best polos for men to wear all spring and summer.

Nomad Base Station Wireless Charging Pad — $125

A neat and refined way to charge your devices for the stylish man.

For an excellent price, get a stylish and functional way to charge all your devices — a very stylish way indeed. One of the perks of shopping at Huckberry? Something for everyone.

Dango Products D01 Dapper Wallet — $69

Rugged, durable and stylish all at once — the perfect wallet to amp up your EDC.

If it’s a stylish upgrade to your wallet that you need for a new season, you’d do very well to snag this durable-yet-sharp Dango Products wallet for spring.

Veja V-10 Sneakers — $140

An instantly cool way to shake up your sneaker game this season.

Let’s close things out on a high note with some of the coolest men’s sneakers for the season, shall we? The Veja V-10 Sneakers are an ideal way to shake up your rotation ASAP for spring and summer.

Alright, now — how’s that for a jam-packed guide to the best spring gear for men from Huckberry? As I said above, the lauded digital retailer absolutely does have something for everyone, be it some of the coolest men’s sneaker from Veja or a a stylish upgrade to your wallet, to name but two of my favorite picks. I’m also a fan, of course, of the Flint and Tinder chinos shown above, plus the fact that you can also get a rugged stainless steel dive watch while you’re at it. What’s your favorite from the below list, and what will you be buying this season? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter. Happy shopping!

April 4, 2021March 27, 2021 by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Get More Than 30 Percent Off the Best Spring Boots at FRYE

Some of the best Chelsea boots for men this spring, and for a great deal right now.

Folks, you need some new boots for spring. You also need a deal on some of the best men’s boots, the FRYE Bowery Light Chelsea Boots, right now via today’s Sunday Sale (they’re nearly 35 percent off, for the record). Of course, past iterations have talked about everything from a deal on the best men’s shirt for spring to the best men’s cashmere sweater, but let’s switch gears for a second and talk about the boots you need for spring, right now. They’re coming at you via lauded heritage bootmaker FRYE, and it helps that they’re also up for grabs via a terrific deal in the FRYE men’s sale section.

Of course, FRYE has been making some of the best boots for men, period, for years (and years, and years — over 100!), so when the time comes to get a discount on a pair, you’d do well to act as quickly as possible. The FRYE Bowery Light Chelsea Boots are everything you could want in a pair of lightweight spring Chelsea boots, featuring oiled suede that should wear extremely well with light wash denim for spring (or indigo denim, or olive chinos). The silhouette on these stylish men’s Chelsea boots is sleek and yet not overly slender, like some Chelsea boots, meaning they can be worn casually as well as with dressier slim navy chinos, for example.

SHOP: The FRYE Bowery Light Chelsea Boots

An outsole that blends comfort with traction and functionality? Sign me up.

The kicker here is that these boots pack in all of these features while retailing for under $200, a downright steal considering all the usage you’re going to get out of them. The FRYE Bowery Light Chelsea Boots also feature an unlined interior so your feet won’t overheat as the thermostat climbs, and the EVA sole provides comfort and lightweight traction, too. Plus, the leather storm welt offers another layer of durability in the build of these shoes. And again, did I mention they’re nearly 35 percent off?

Because they are, and they’re as ready for a casual return to the office as they are for a day spent around town at your favorite coffee shop or outdoor brewery (or both!). And because they’ve got the guarantee of a lauded brand, the FRYE Bowery Light Chelsea Boots are going to stand up to season after season of wear, not just one season. If all of that sounds like it’s what you need in your new favorite pair of spring boots, might I suggest you snap ’em up today in the FRYE men’s sale section? Good luck out there, folks.

SHOP: The FRYE Bowery Light Chelsea Boots

April 3, 2021March 13, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Kitsap Work Shirt

The durable overshirt you need for plenty of spring layering.

If you’re in need of, let’s say, the perfect work shirt for spring, or quite literally one of the best men’s overshirts for spring and well beyond, then today is your lucky day. That’s because the Filson Kitsap Work Shirt checks all the proper boxes that you need, and then some. It’s exactly what you’d expect in a rugged workshirt from Filson, and that says a lot coming from a heritage outfitter with more than a century of making the best menswear on the market. Did I mention it’s also new for this season? Because it is, and it’s highly covetable. Mark my words, any time you get the chance to check out the best new men’s gear at Filson, you should assuredly take that chance, and quickly, at that. It’s not the first time you’ve seen it mentioned on the blog (check it out in a previous Friday Read), and it won’t be the last.

Consider it the answer to your search for a durable workshirt you can wear to take on any spring excursions or spring cleaning, and that’s an understatement. It all comes down to the tough-yet-lightweight fabric blend, for starters. The Filson Kitsap Work Shirt is made with a breathable pre-washed cotton that should function nicely as a top layer over a thermal shirt or your favorite Filson T-shirt, but you should also be able to throw it on as a standalone spring shirt, too.

SHOP: The Filson Kitsap Work Shirt

Your new go-to spring shirt, no questions asked.

It’s exactly the kind of versatility and quality that Filson has perfected over the years, with the toughness to stand up to early morning projects in the yard and the style to take on leisurely weekend afternoon strolls in equal measure. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the Filson Kitsap Work Shirt comes in two cool color options (my favorite is the Dark Charcoal Jasper), so you can pair it with, say, Filson indigo denim for all-day style. The two front flap pockets on this stylish overshirt provide critical room for your everyday carry essentials, which you can also stock up on at Filson (but I bet you knew that already!).

The fact that the Filson Kitsap Work Shirt is made with pre-washed fabric is also crucial. That should limit break-in time, and it’ll feel breezy and comfortable right out of the box. To me, this shirt screams expert casual style for spring and summer days aplenty, no matter how often you wear it for, y’know, actual work. I’ll be wearing best men’s overshirts for spring around the borough for seasonal beers and park strolls, and I hope you’ve got the same ideas in mind. Cheers to the season, folks!

SHOP: The Filson Kitsap Work Shirt

April 2, 2021March 25, 2021 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Hair Pomades, The Coolest Jackets for Spring & Duke Cannon Grooming

Five of the best men’s grooming essentials to start this weekend the right way.

Alright, folks. You’ve got a lot on your to-do list, as do I, so let’s make hay while the sun shines and get into today’s Friday Read with a recommended weekend kickstart from one of my favorite grooming brands. If you read the blog, you’re familiar with Minnesota-based Duke Cannon, which makes cool grooming goods at affordable prices and supports veterans in the process. If not, you should know that (for starters), Duke Cannon gift sets deliver everything you need when it comes to men’s grooming essentials from A-to-Z, and that’s very good news for you (and anyone you know who needs a grooming upgrade this season). Case in point: The Duke Cannon Starting Five Bundle (as seen above), an easy and effective introduction to the Minneapolis-based brand, featuring the brand’s famed hair wash, plus body wash, face wash and Duke Cannon Proper Cologne to really round things out. I’m not saying it could be the best decision you make all weekend, but it could be one of the better ones.

Along with testing out my fair share of grooming products from Duke Cannon, I’ve got plenty more on my spring to-do list this weekend. I’ve started covering all things menswear at Jacob Graye, so be sure to check out my byline there. Oh, and there’s also the business of my (free) music-menswear-craft beer newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief — give it a read! Once I knock out my to-do list, I’m hoping to swing by Gold Star Beer Counter for an outdoor spring brew — it’s a perennial Brooklyn favorite, and all the better to enjoy a beer there now that temperatures are warming up. To get your own weekend rolling the right way, give these essential Friday reads and shopping picks a look below. Cheers, my friends!

A new favorite pair of laidback spring pants for all your adventures (and at-home lounging) this season.

Let’s get into the spirit of spring the right way — by talking about some of the best men’s pants for spring. Those pants, in fact, are shown above, and they’re coming at you courtesy of Vuori Clothing, a brand I’ve had the pleasure of testing out these past few weeks. To get even more specific, I’ve been testing out the Vuori Sunday Performance Joggers, and they’re even more essential for the season — for days at home and running errands around Brooklyn — then I had previously thought. The technical knit, moisture-wicking fabric and handy details like a side zip pocket make them your new favorite pair of pants (and mine!) this season.

Another weekend shopping recommendation for you, this time from a brand making one of your favorite T-shirts.

I’ve been talking pretty consistently about Alex Mill shirts and more from the NYC-based brand here on the blog, and with good reason. Allow me to offer up another spring shopping pick when it comes to essential Alex Mill menswear, the kind that’s classic and modern all at once. Case in point: One of the best men’s T-shirts just so happens to be this Alex Mill Vintage Wash Pocket Tee, made to fit perfectly and feel incredibly comfortable right out of the box. Start shopping for it, folks.
As mentioned above, well, here we go: My guide to the best hair pomades for GearMoose, all the better to get your hair and your grooming routine in the best shape possible this season. After all, you’re going to have to do up your hair eventually, right? Yes sir, yes sir.
Elsewhere on the writing front, I had a heck of a lot of fun covering the coolest spring jackets from some of your favorite brands, the kind that you know and love — I won’t spoil the surprise, but there are seven great picks for the best men’s spring jackets at Maxim this week. Cheers to the season, folks.

Speaking of toasting to the season, let me recommend one more pick for you — not a spirits selection, per se, but the kind of hard-wearing and yet laidback shirt you should wear for your spring imbibing sessions. Of course, that would be the Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt, as I covered here on the blog last week. It’s going to set you up for success in style, no doubt. Again, cheers to the weekend and stay safe out there!

April 1, 2021March 9, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket is the Toughest Spring Jacket on the Market

An unstoppable spring workwear jacket, no matter where the season takes you.

What if I told you there was a simple way to ensure you always had one of the best men’s jackets for spring at your disposal? A way to keep that jacket close at hand in your rotation constantly? It all starts with buying one of the best men’s jackets for spring, and to do that, you need to heed my advice first: The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket is the answer to the above queries, and one of the toughest men’s jackets for spring, at that. You’ll find it in the Filson New Arrivals section, always a harbinger of quality seasonal gear offerings.

It was designed with the open road and with spring adventure in mind (it’s the best jacket to wear while riding a motorcycle, if that’s your thing), but it also functions handily day-to-day. That’s because it’s got all the same remarkable qualities in a Filson work jacket from the brand’s main line, with the added flair of the fact that it comes from the new Filson Alcan workwear line. Why fix what’s not broken? Well, think of it as Filson taking what was already next-level and making it even better. The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket will run you $450 at Filson, but as with any gear picks from the lauded Pacific Northwest heritage retailer, it’s worth the investment.

SHOP: The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket

A seemingly simple silhouette blended with tough materials and top-notch construction.

The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket, although subtly designed and not too flashy on the surface, makes up for that with tough-as-nails materials and design. It starts with a waxed cotton exterior build using waxed cotton from British Millerain, the sort of material found in jackets by the likes of Taylor Stitch and more. The reinforced exterior is further bolstered with a quilted design and Cordura ballistic nylon reinforcements at key stress points (in this case, the shoulders and arms). The rib knit collar and cuffs also provide some added protection from the elements in a classic bomber-style cut. And the drop-tail hem, with a longer back cut, is also ideal for the open road. How does that sound for your new favorite jacket for spring, ehh?

These design touches come together seamlessly to make one of the most rugged men’s jackets you’re apt to find these days, and the PrimaLoft insulation provides warmth on chilly, blustery spring hikes or early morning strolls alike. And if you just want a cool, rugged men’s jacket to wear as you grab an outdoor beer? The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket is your go-to menswear move, folks.