The Friday Read: The Howler Brothers Spring 2022 Collection, Rugged Tecovas Gear & the Best Men’s Grooming Tips

The best new spring menswear.

It might feel odd on this, a fine winter Friday, to already be talking about the best new spring menswear, but why not start dreaming of adding a few items to your menswear wish list, right? It’s easy with the Howler Brothers Spring 2022 Collection, a just-launched offering of breezy men’s style picks that blends the brand’s Austin sensibilities with a love of the outdoors, live music, adventure travel and of course, cold beer. You’ll find hybrid flannel shirts, durable stretch shorts, eye-catching graphic tees and some neat headwear to top it all off. I’ll have plenty more to write about the brand in the coming weeks, but for now, look over the bright, sunny and again, breezy menswear picks up for grabs at Howler Brothers to start your spring shopping.

The new collection is of course just one option you’ve got for shopping the best new menswear and gear, to say the least. It’s a holiday weekend, after all, which is ideal for quiet reflection and naturally, looking into the best President’s Day sales and deals on menswear (which I covered via Maxim at that link there). As for me, I’m wrapping up a busy week of NYFW events — I’ll be bundled up in Brooklyn this weekend in search of a cold beer and a Prospect Park stroll (not in that order, though). Be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up with style and beer tips — and head to my Web site to read about what else I’m up to on the writing front. Cheers and thanks for reading!

The best men's barn coat.
  • Looking for more perfectly rugged menswear to get your weekend going as you tackle your to-do list? Look no further than a full lineup of the best men’s jackets from Tecovas — just like Howler Brothers, they’re based in Austin and seamlessly blend the classics with just a bit of edge (check out the brand’s Western boots to see what they’re all about). Talk about the perfect jacket to wear from winter into early spring.
  • It’s always helpful to head into a weekend armed with a few tips and tricks, especially when it comes to shopping, right? Well, here’s a grooming tip for you — head over to AskMen to read all about my guide to the best men’s moisturizers for tackling dry winter skin. Your face will surely thank you.
  • And here’s one more tip to get your weekend started off on the right foot: If recent winter storms are any indication, you still need a go-to pair of rugged, hard-working boots. Enter my recent blog post (just yesterday!) on the best men’s boots from Huckberry — by GoRuck, to be exact. Catch the full deep dive right here.

That’ll bring your weekend guide to a close right now, but remember: Take advantage of the best President’s Day sales while you still can. Oh, and more thing: If you’re traveling, I think my recent guide for The Manual on the best TSA-approved grooming products takes care of everything you need. Happy shopping, safe travels — wherever you’re headed — and thanks, as always, for reading!

The Thursday Buy: These GORUCK Boots from Huckberry are the Rugged Winter Boots to Buy Now

Best rugged winter boots for men.

Getting dressed for nasty winter weather, or really, any excursion off-grid, just got easier — that is, if you shop the impossibly rugged GORUCK MACV-1 Boots at Huckberry. They’re some of the best winter boots you can buy right now, and if you feel like your footwear rotation could use a refresh these days as we slog through foul weather, there’s no better pair to buy. At least, that’s in my opinion – the striking, hard-wearing GORUCK MACV-1 Boots caught my eye immediately, and perhaps you feel the same way. But what about the brand GORUCK — what do they do, and is GORUCK any good? Allow me to answer those questions right off the bat by saying that yes, GORUCK gear certainly stands up to Huckberry’s rigorous testing system. Naturally, you already know Huckberry for stocking and selling picks like the best outdoor watch and the best, most stylish gloves for winter, but consider these boots another worthy addition to your gear rotation. Back to GORUCK briefly, though.

The brand was founded on building military-gear everyday carry gear that’s tough as heck and wear-tested through all sorts of conditions (founder Jason McCarthy is an ex-Special Forces Green Beret). The brand’s specialty is durable backpacks, hence the name GORUCK (“to ruck” is to get your gear from point A to point B in a backpack). Helpfully for you and me both, the GORUCK MACV-1 Boots are built to those same exacting standards, all for an agreeable price ($160 at Huckberry). The best men’s winter boots are worth even more than that, though.

Huckberry boots review.

They’re billed as all-terrain boots, with a 6-inch height that should be more than agreeable to wear with everything from your favorite pair of blue jeans to some durable flannel-lined work pants. The tough, gets-better-with-age Challenge Leather™ upper is built out with CORDURA (the same material found in bulletproof vests) and nylon webbing for added durability. Yes indeed, the GORUCK MACV-1 Boots are about as well-designed as it gets, right down to the foam insert, the wide toe box for breathability, and shielding drain holes to keep sand and debris out. If you’ve been searching for a pair of the best casual men’s boots for rugged adventures, brewery visits and more, you’ve found them in the GORUCK MACV-1 Boots.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the leather on these boots is quite eye-catching and stylish, not unlike a pair of boots you’d wear in less adventurous situations or better weather. The GORUCK MACV-1 Boots are truly a go-anywhere pair of casual boots this season, especially if your plans take you out of the city. Best of all, the GORUCK MACV-1 Boots are overbuilt in a great way, made to break in over time and yet won’t wear out quickly on you. Throw in the fact that you can style ’em casually with, again, your favorite pair of blue jeans, a trusty henley and a classic shawl cardigan, and you’ve got a winning pair of the best men’s boots. Happy rucking, folks.

See Now, Buy Now: This American Giant Midweight Crew is the Perfect Casual Winter Layer

Best crewneck sweatshirt for men.

I’m of the opinion that a guy can never have too many of a good thing, especially when it comes to American-made menswear essentials like the sort you tend to get from American Giant. That’s especially true when you dive into the American Giant Carolina Midweight Crew, one of the very best men’s sweatshirts and the sort of durable, comfortable and warm style pick you need in spades right now. Hopefully, you’ve checked out an American Giant review or two here on the blog, from the brand’s stylish, cozy waffle crew shirt to other must-buy picks, like the office-ready, USA-made Oxford shirt the company also crafts with great care. As luck would have it, the American Giant Carolina Midweight Crew steps things up to the next level beyond what you might expect from a casual crewneck sweatshirt, and it does so in a way that only the brand can do. That’s good news for your winter style ensembles, in short.

Crucially, the American Giant Carolina Midweight Crew really is true to form in terms of its name and construction. It all starts out with 100 percent cotton in a mid-weight knit, the kind you can layer up atop your favorite long-sleeve shirt or again, atop the brand’s Oxford shirt for a nice blend of hybrid style. Then, layer the American Giant Carolina Midweight Crew underneath one of the best men’s parkas or a waxed trucker jacket to get the most out of your utilitarian-yet-stylish seasonal look. It’s what you’d expect from one of the best sweatshirts for men, after all.

The brand itself says the American Giant Carolina Midweight Crew has the “familiarity of your favorite everyday hoodie right out the box,” which is good news if you want a grab-and-go layer you can team with everything from flannel-lined work pants to the best men’s jeans and more. It’s available in two neutral colors, Black and a rich Varsity Blue, both of which have proven hot sellers right now. But the good news is, of course, that the American Giant Carolina Midweight Crew is but one piece in the brand’s rotation of well-made, hard-wearing, USA-designed and crafted style picks.

Of course, it nearly goes without saying that the American Giant Carolina Midweight Crew is actually made in North Carolina, and it’d be the perfect sweatshirt to wear on its own through a more temperate Carolina winter, or else layered up with ease alongside other winter style essentials. Thankfully, American Giant gives you plenty of options, so the American Giant Carolina Midweight Crew is but the latest standout pick to add to your wardrobe. Happy layering and happy winter shopping, my friends.

The Tuesday Steal: Shop the Myles Apparel Surplus Sale to Get More Than 50 Percent Off Performance Menswear

Best performance menswear

Whether you want one of the most comfortable, best hoodies or any other essential item to add to your rotation of the best performance menswear, do I have a deal for you in today’s Tuesday Steal. It might sound too good to be true, but it really is just as simple as heading to Myles Apparel to stock up on the best, most stylish performance menswear for more than 50 percent off. How exactly is that possible? Well, allow me: It’s possible via the Myles Apparel Surplus Sale, a shockingly well-stocked, stylish and seriously cool array of gear that’s been marked down to, well, shockingly low prices. When you throw in the fact that you’re getting free shipping in the U.S. on orders of more than $100, things get even better. Still with me on this? Great, let’s keep it rolling.

Shop surplus performance gear at Myles Apparel

These deals aren’t to be missed

Crucially, the Myles Apparel Surplus Sale has a little something for every style and taste, whether you seek the rugged, travel-ready and yet polished Myles Apparel Tour Jacket, the seriously comfortable Myles Apparel Storm Cotton Sweat Shorts or the always versatile, adaptable Myles Apparel Tour Pants. All of these picks are 50 percent off or right in the ballpark, if not even more on sale than that, if you can believe it. It’s almost too good to be true, but luckily, the Myles Apparel Surplus Sale is yours for the taking right now. From durable stretch, moisture-wicking fabrics to clean silhouettes and versatile designs you can wear on the road, to the office or on days working from home, yes indeed, the Myles Apparel Surplus Sale has it all right now. Shop for yourself and discover your new favorite gear. I’ll keep it short and sweet today, and I’ll wrap it up by saying, well, start shopping the Myles Apparel Surplus Sale ASAP.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason Thermal Henley is a Classic Winter Menswear Move

Best winter henley for men.

There are just some days — OK, plenty of winter days — when you need a base layer that’s warm as heck and made to last, like one of the best men’s henleys. And there are a rare few brands that can actually make one of the best henleys for men at both an agreeable price and with quality design top of mind: Enter the Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Henley, an unstoppably cool and rugged henley for men with all the proper design and standout style you need. It’s part of the incredibly well-stocked Buck Mason New Arrivals section, which is certainly worth your time and hard-earned cash. Perhaps you’ve already read your fair share of my Buck Mason reviews, featuring picks like one of the best winter sweaters for men or a classic shawl cardigan, and this vintage-style henley is but the latest and greatest in that lineage.

The great thing about the Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Henley is the care with which the brand has designed it, with a nod to old-school athletic henleys and thickly knit henley undershirts of days gone by. This is a rough-and-tumble menswear essential made modern, and your wardrobe is better for having the Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Henley in it these days.

Best men's henley.

There’s lots to love about the rugged, throwback-inspired Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Henley, including the seamless blend of style and warmth (note versatile color options like the Natural Venice Wash or the olive-hued Turf Venice Wash). It’s built from a mid-weight cotton waffle knit for maximum insulation, and ribbed cuffs ensure a secure, solid fit. The Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Henley is made to be layered beneath one of the brand’s famed men’s cardigans or a rugged denim shirt, especially for cozy winter weekends at home. It’ll look particularly great with a pair of the best men’s classic jeans and durable leather boots come slightly warmer spring temperatures, too.

Any way you choose to wear the Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Henley (including casually with tapered joggers for a winter getaway weekend), it’s going to look great and hold up over time. It’s also priced reasonably given the versatility and styling potential you’re getting — at $70, the Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Henley is a downright steal. You could pick one up in multiple colors for maximum winter warmth and comfort each and every day of the week. While winter continues to stick around, make sure your layers are on point for the right price with Buck Mason — the brand won’t let you down.

The Sunday Sale: Head to GREATS To Save 30 Percent on the Best Hiking Boots for Men

Image Slide 3

It’s rare at this point in the season to be able to find a deal on some of the best hiking boots for men, let alone the best winter boots, right? And yet, that’s what you’re getting in today’s Sunday Sale via the exceptional GREATS Wooster Hikers, a pair of durable and tough-as-can be hybrid boots for men that just so happen to be on sale right now for 30 percent off at GREATS. Why turn to a brand like Brooklyn-based GREATS for some of the best boots for men, when in fact the brand is more commonly known for making stylish high-top sneakers and some of the best shoes for spring and summer? Well, that’s a perfectly good reason in fact, which is what makes the GREATS Wooster Hikers some of the most efficient, affordable boots to buy right now in the throes of winter.

Image Slide 1

Yes indeed, the technology put into the GREATS Wooster Hikers is every bit as exceptional as the way the brand builds its more traditional sneakers, which makes them more than worthy of your hard-earned cash. This is a deal that won’t be around for very long, so I’m keeping it brief today, but know that the GREATS Wooster Hikers feature both a premium footbed and a springy, comfortable vulcanized outsole with a GREATS tread pattern, plus classic speed-lacing design and durable construction. Now, note that the GREATS Wooster Hikers aren’t quite as overbuilt as your favorite pair of snow boots, so save them for more casual, crisp winter days than major blizzards. That being said, they’re a perfect pair of sneaker boots to wear with slim jeans, a thermal henley and a bomber jacket on casual days aplenty. And yes, last but not least, the GREATS Wooster Hikers are a great value at just $119 (compared to $169). That’s 30 percent off your new favorite hiking boots. Shop ’em while they’re still around.

Shop the GREATS Wooster Hikers now

Winter style just got even easier

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater – The Best Men’s Winter Cardigan to Buy Now

The most demanding winter weather calls for the most rugged winter menswear possible, does it not? Enter the latest and greatest from Taylor Stitch, the instantly iconic, highly durable and highly stylish Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater. It’s one of the best men’s sweaters you can score right now, and you should act quickly if you hope to make it yours. Plenty of Taylor Stitch reviews will tell you all about how the brand excels at making gear across every season, be it one of the best winter sportcoats or an everyday flannel shirt you can wear to the office, to brunch or to the bar practically any time of year. But back to the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater, just one of the many excellent Taylor Stitch sweaters you can get your hands on right now. Why this sweater? As usual, I’m glad you asked.

The eternally cool Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater channels the kind of throwback looks that made shawl cardigans such a hit back in the days of Steve McQueen, with a beefed-up collar for warmth and protection from cold breezes. This sweater is as functional as it is stylish, which is saying a heck of a lot considering the Natural Marled color (it also comes in equally rich, seriously cool Marled Navy). Yes indeed, the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is a keeper, to say the least.

In fact, to this menswear writer, you could hardly pick a better piece of knitwear with which to build a winter ensemble than the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater. The textured seed-stitch cotton knit gives it weight and heft without going overboard, meaning you could wear the handsome, rugged Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater atop everything from a Taylor Stitch henley to a classic Taylor Stitch shirt (the brand was founded with a focus on shirting, after all). No matter how you choose to wear the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater — perhaps casually on the weekends with the Taylor Stitch Apres Pants or to the office or out on a date with a pair of tailored chinos — it’s going to go the distance while looking great and keeping you plenty warm.

Light horn buttons and those throwback-inspired color options ensure the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater adds plenty of style points to any fall or winter look. You should even keep it handy as a house sweater on chilly spring days, but right now, the unbeatable and timeless Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is going to get the job done handily this winter. Bundle up with this sweater and you won’t miss a beat this season.

The Friday Read: Huckberry’s Annual Winter Sale, NYFW, The Best Crewneck Sweatshirts & Savings at DSTLD and Topo Designs

Huckberry Annual Winter Sale.

Let’s start the weekend on the right note, a rugged and very well-made note, at that. I could be talking about any number of things, but really, I’m talking about the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale, a just-launched offering of some of the most rugged gear for men, only available now through Sunday. If you keep up with the blog, you know how much I love Huckberry, San Fran purveyors of some of the best gloves for men, the most affordable slippers and a heck of a lot more (like the best waxed trucker jacket on the market, among other picks. Through the Huckberry Winter Sale, you can get the savings of your dreams — seriously — with up to 50 percent off on gear you’re not going to find anywhere else. Don’t let me have all the fun — go shop this sale and feel free to report back on your purchases.

That’s not the only menswear-related offering I’m excited about this weekend. This Friday marks a pretty neat in-person menswear opportunity, too. It’s one of two annual presentations of the up-and-coming men’s fashion showcase known as New York Men’s Day, which was previously part of New York Fashion Week: Men’s and now serves as part of New York Fashion Week in general. It’s being presented by Perry Ellis, the iconic prep sportswear brand that now blurs the lines between classic and modern — 10 new designers get to showcase their collections, including a look at Perry Ellis menswear itself.

I always love checking out emerging designers and seeing how broader, runway-type trends might trickle down into future collections. And of course, it never hurts to connect with fellow menswear writers and editors! To keep up with all the fun, head to my Instagram and give me a follow (events run into early next week, too!). For now, here are plenty more menswear essentials to get your weekend rolling the right way.

Best jeans for men.
  • How’s this for another deal you can’t pass up? It won’t be around for long, though: Now through February 14th, get 50 percent off sitewide at DSTLD with the code TREAT50. The LA-based denim brand specializes in inky blue denim, super-soft T-shirts, minimal cashmere sweaters and more. If you’ve been waiting to score some of the best men’s blue jeans, this is the sale to shop.
Best on sale winter gear for men.
  • Speaking of savings on the best winter gear, there’s a lot to love — as always — at Colorado-based Topo Designs. The makers of some of the best outdoor gear are giving you up to 60 percent off via the Topo Designs End of Season Sale, now through February 21st. You don’t need any code, so do yourself a favor and get shopping — will ya?
  • I’ll send you into the weekend with a useful reading and shopping suggestion, at least in my opinion — a crewneck sweatshirt finds its roots in athletic wear, yet it’s just as at home these days under a blazer or worn casually with jeans. This versatility makes it downright useful in the winter months, which is why I wrote all about the best crewneck sweatshirts for men at AskMen. Layer up accordingly, my friends.

How’s that for a few menswear sales to keep the start of your weekend rolling in style? Before I let you go, here’s one more pick for you to consider as you’ve got your credit card at the ready. The best boots on the planet are made carefully and with rugged style in mind, like the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, yes? If you see a new pair of boots in your future, might as well make ’em Wolverine — read more about the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots here on the blog. Alright, then. You know what to do. Here’s to the weekend!

The Thursday Buy: The Shinola Runwell Automatic Is the Most Versatile Everyday Watch on the Market

Make no mistake, there are any number of the best men’s watches you could select and wear essentially on the daily from Detroit-based Shinola, as many a Shinola review will tell you. For your Brooklyn style writer and Michigan native, they consistently craft some of the best watches for men on the market in a range of accessible styles, be it a rugged dive watch or an investment-level dress watch. But what about if you want a watch that’s a little more toned down, a bit more easygoing and yet still just as ready for everyday wear? That’s when you should consider the Shinola Runwell Automatic 39.5mm, a sized-down version of its Shinola Runwell made for slightly smaller wrists and featuring a refined look and feel, to say the least.

What’s the key with the Shinola Runwell Automatic 39.5mm and why should you make it work for you? It’s got everything going for it that you might expect in one of the best everyday watches, starting with a crisp, retro-yet-modern dial design that wears just as well with a wool winter suit as it does with a pocket tee and your favorite pair of blue jeans come spring. Of course, the automatic movement is a big step forward for the brand, one that makes the Shinola Runwell Automatic 39.5mm noteworthy in its own right.

Best Shinola watch for men.

As you very well might have guessed, the specs on the investment-level Shinola Runwell Automatic 39.5mm (it clocks in at $1,095 at Shinola) are befitting of a handsome, elegant, and next-level everyday watch. The handsome leather strap and sharp black dial make the Shinola Runwell Automatic 39.5mm a true keeper in form as well as function, with a Swiss automatic movement (I.E. A stellar movement) to keep things ticking along in fine fashion. The Shinola Runwell Automatic 39.5mm looks timeless and sharp, ready to wear to the office with the sleeves of your Oxford shirt rolled up, and then just as at ease on the weekend alongside a rugged shawl cardigan.

If you want versatility on the daily with your watch rotation, you want the Shinola Runwell Automatic 39.5mm in your collection ASAP. A watch that can do it all can be hard to find these days, but you can rest assured you’re in great hands with Shinola’s latest and greatest innovation. Now, the only thing you need to do is get it on your wrist.

See Now, Buy Now: Lace Up the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots for Rugged Winter Style

I always say that you need to be prepared when foul winter weather comes knocking, and that’s no more true than right now, when you should be lacing up a pair of the best boots for men from one of the most trusted brands around. I’m talking, naturally, about Michigan-based Wolverine, a much-loved brand and — if you’ve read my Wolverine review — a favorite of this style blog. It truly makes perfect sense that the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots would continue racking up accolades and praise as we roll through the winter months.If you ask me, it’s a deal not to be missed, and things only get better when you realize you’re still getting some of the best men’s boots for an even lower price.

It’s getting even easier to bots like the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots on sale, but that’s no reason to rest on your laurels — I suggest you shop the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots right now, while there’s still time.

1000 Mile Moc-Toe Original Boot, Tan Leather, dynamic

There’s plenty to love about the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots, starting with the fact that they’re based on a 1940s design for plenty of timeless style and heirloom quality. The back of these boots just so happens to be triple-stitched for extra durability, and as if that wasn’t enough, the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots are also handcrafted in the States (of course — the brand is true to its Michigan roots). These aren’t quite a pair of full-on work boots, but you can bet the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots can take a beating and get better with age, especially in a rich Tan Leather colorway with contrast stitching.

That Tan Leather in particular means the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots wear well with everything from the best men’s chinos at the office to your favorite blue jeans and a henley on the weekends (durable parka sold separately). You can also pick up the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots in Black Leather for a more edgy look, although either pair should wear nicely with slim black denim for a night out on the town.

Sizes are moving quickly in both pairs, given as the style is already on sale, though. Now is the time to upgrade your winter boots rotation, and the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots can help you do that.