The Thursday Buy: Viberg’s Scout Boots Are the Coolest, Most Rugged Spring Boots to Buy Now

Best men's boots for spring.

If you read this blog frequently, you know my philosophy: You can never have too much of a good thing, especially when that good thing revolves around stocking your closet with the best men’s boots for spring. Or really, any time at all, but especially spring, when the shifting weather and the promise of outdoor adventures aplenty awaits. That’s where the investment-level Viberg Scout Boots come into play, one heck of a pair of durable and rugged boots as sold by the durable and rugged gear purveyors at Huckberry.

Perhaps you’re familiar with Viberg reviews or with my love of my own Viberg boots over the years: These boots are built to last, crafted with care in Canada by a family-owned company that can’t seem to stop passing down its knowledge on how to make the best boots for men. And folks, this is a very good thing indeed. The Viberg Scout Boots are but the latest in a long line of ridiculously well-made, dedicated and great-looking boots to come out of the confines of our neighbors to the north, and for starters, the Viberg Scout Boots are well worth the price tag (they’ll set you back $710). How exactly does that work out? Reader, keep scrolling.

The Viberg Scout Boots are some of the best men’s boots for spring and beyond for a few key reasons, chief among them versatility. You can wear the Viberg Scout Boots with a rugged henley and your favorite pair of blue jeans for easygoing spring style, yet you can also lace up the Viberg Scout Boots with hard-wearing work pants and one of the best waxed jackets when the situation calls for it. That’s because the Viberg Scout Boots are built to last with Rowdy Dachshund leather sourced from Chicago’s famed Horween tannery (makers of some of the best leather goods and best leather boots on the planet). These hard-working boots are also made with a Goodyear storm welt for added durability — the fact that the Goodyear sole can be replaced is a huge bonus, and a visually striking Vibram Morflex sole adds comfort and a smooth ride.

If you ask me, the Viberg Scout Boots are some of the most reliable boots on the market at the moment, although sizes are going quickly right now. Vintage brass eyelets and waxed laces give these a slightly elevated touch, although one look at the Viberg Scout Boots is enough to see that they’re elevated in every way possible. Make this investment-worthy pair of boots your next pick-up right now. Once they’re yours, you’ll want to wear them as often as you can with your favorite spring style moves. Buy now, then thank me later.

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See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Merino Tee is the Best Men’s Tee to Wear As It Warms Up

Best merino T-shirt for men.

When done right, as it turns out, the best men’s basics are actually so much more than basic — this, I hope you know if you read this blog on the regular. Perhaps reading this site over the years has even turned you into a fan of venerable San Fran retailer Taylor Stitch, one of my favorite menswear brands and a company that excels at turning the basics into, well, so much more than basic. Take the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee you see above. Like the different-than-ordinary workwear style of the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket, or the uncommonly rugged shawl cardigan sweater from the brand, this merino T-shirt is so much more than meets the eye.

Merino in and of itself is a standout fabric to have in your wardrobe, especially in layers close to the skin — merino wicks away moisture, fights odor and bacteria and generally feels comfortable as heck. And over the years, that’s been my experience with pieces like the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee. I hope you’ll agree, but take a look for yourself below as we keep things rolling.

The brand also stocks heavier tees made from more substantial cotton-blend fabrics (like the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee), but as a base layer for commuting, hiking, grabbing beers or beating the heat in a shady park, the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee also excels as one of the best T-shirts for men — period.

Best T-shirts for men.

To get technical, the magic in this stylish merino T-shirt comes from the superfine 18.5-micron mercerized Merino wool, blended with Lycra for stretch. Without getting too technical, though, the mercerization process makes the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee super-soft, and it helps that the fabric has a nice, visually interesting texture. When you’re wearing the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee, it looks like a T-shirt made to be worn on its own — not an undershirt, for instance. For as rugged and essential as the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag line of knitwear can be, the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee is another standout option to add to your basics drawer.

It’s also helpful that the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee comes in a range of neutral colors, since this T-shirt is so soft and moisture-wicking, you’ll be able to wear it repeatedly (provided it’s not overused as a workout tee, for instance). The Heather Grey color of the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee pairs well with plenty of style moves in your spring wardrobe, be it olive chinos and your favorite chukka boots or khaki shorts and canvas sneakers.

Wear it casually with light wash jeans and a stylish military jacket, or take it for a spin beneath an ultra-lightweight, unlined blazer at the office. You’ll find plenty of ways to wear a tee as comfortable as the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee, and your wardrobe is all the better for it. Keep in mind it’s much pricier than a pack of cotton tees (the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee will set you back $68), but once you try this thing on, it becomes all the more worth it.

The Tuesday Steal: The Shinola Detrola Watch is One of the Best Men’s Watches Under $400

Best men's watches under $400.

It’s hard not to love what the ever-stylish folks at Detroit-based Shinola are doing when it comes to making the best men’s watches — and plenty more — is it not? The brand, now a decade-plus old and specializing in stylish home goods, audio gear and an entire lifestyle collection, hasn’t taken its eye off the prize when it comes to crafting some of the best watches for men, as we’ve discussed on the blog time and time again. There’s a wide variety available, from one of the best versatile everyday leather watches to a durable dive watch for inclement weather, but today’s Tuesday Steal goes deep with a real winner: One of the best watches under $400, the fun, poppy and yet easily wearable Shinola Detrola No. 2 Watch.

The entire Shinola Detrola Collection was launched as a more affordable, casual and vibrant alternative to the brand’s elegant, Art Deco-inspired and classically designed timepieces, like the fan favorite Shinola Runwell Watch, and it sure does hit plenty of the right marks in terms of stylish design and agreeable pricing. The Shinola Detrola No. 2 Watch in particular shines through as the most versatile of the bunch, blending a lighweight resin case with a stainless steel core and a bright vibrant yellow-orange color. If you favor shades of olive, indigo, grey or black in your daily style moves, the Shinola Detrola No. 2 Watch is a standout new offering — all for under $400.

Best casual everyday watch for men.

The best watches under $400 tend to lean more casual and less dressy (thanks to the more simple design and simple yet high-accuracy quartz movement), and the Shinola Detrola No. 2 Watch is no different there. Note the black silicone rubber strap, which is less refined and more rugged than a leather watch strap. Quick-release pins make it easy to swap out the strap on the Shinola Detrola No. 2 Watch, though, giving you two watches for the price of one sub-$400 watch (naturally, Shinola also stocks some of the best watch straps on the market for watches of all sizes, too).

Unlike other Shinola models, the Shinola Detrola No. 2 Watch clocks in at 43mm, which is larger and more bold than the Shinola Runwell (available in the classic 41mm case diameter). Any which way you decide to rock your new Shinola Detrola No. 2 Watch — be it with your favorite thermal henley and jeans on breezy days, or with a soft cotton tee, chino shorts and canvas sneakers, it’s a downright steal at under $400. Get it on your wrist today.

See Now, Buy Now: The Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee is the Best T-shirt for Your Spring Wardrobe

Best T-shirt for men to buy now.

What goes into the making of one of the best T-shirts on the market? Is it the fabric, the fit, the color or the style potential? Or a tough-to-define mixture of all of the above? In my book, it’s all of the above in your search for one of the best T-shirts for men, and that’s what makes the best-selling Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt so downright impressive. It’s sold by Huckberry, naturally, and comes from the same brand that made the Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo — and a full lineup of the best merino gear for men. It’s only a T-shirt, but it’s really so much more than that as you dive into the impressive specs that separate it from the pack (and make it worth the $72 price tag). How exactly does that work out? Keep on scrolling, my friends.

The Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt is a flagship product of Proof (one of the in-house brands at famed San Fran retailer Huckberry), and although it’s — again — just a T-shirt, it’s got plenty going for it in terms of utility and style. Let’s start with the blend of engineered merino wool and nylon: The nylon provides durability and a touch of stretch and weather-ready performance, while merino wool naturally regulates your temperature and wicks away sweat and moisture while fighting odor. For one T-shirt to do all of that is downright impressive, yet that’s exactly what you’re getting with the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt.

Best merino T-shirt for men.

Huckberry themselves put the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt to the test across a grueling weekend of exploration and adventure, and it came out all the better for it. The Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt is machine-washable with no shrinkage, yet also designed to resist odor so you don’t have to wash it quite as much. And although the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt is an investment at more than $70, it could certainly be worth picking up more than one — all the better to give you breathable, breezy comfort throughout the entire week and perhaps an entire trip, especially if you pick one up in a versatile color. And that’s another thing about the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt — it comes in a whopping 15 colors, the kind you can mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe (including the fan-favorite Proof Rover Pants). That sure sounds like one of the best men’s T-shirts to me.

The fit is designed to be snug and tailored, so consider sizing up when picking up the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt, but this is actually another positive: You can actually wear the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt as either a base layer beneath a bomber jacket or a chambray shirt, or as a darn fine T-shirt on its own for warm spring and summer days. The versatility of the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt is virtually endless: Rock one underneath a lightweight blazer alongside some of the best men’s chinos at Huckberry as you head to the office, or keep the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt close at hand to wear with jeans or joggers. When you come across a stylish men’s T-shirt this essential and well-made, you should do your very best to pick up as many as possible, even if they’re pricier than average. Your hard-earned investment will pay off. See you out there, folks.

The Sunday Sale: Save Big on Performance Menswear with Free Fly Apparel’s Final Sale Section

Best lightweight hoodie for men.

There’s something to be said for a brand that fills such a specific niche with the best men’s gear that it’s hard not to appreciate them — and to shop them frequently, no less. That’s how I feel, at least, about Free Fly Apparel, the decade-plus-old, Charleston-based performance menswear brand that readily answers the question: “How do you protect yourself from the sun without overdoing it?” Even better is the fact that you can find on-sale performance menswear aplenty up for grabs in the Free Fly Final Sale section.

Now, how do they answer that question, precisely? By dreaming up the best performance menswear under the sun, made with bamboo fibers featuring built-in UPF+ sun protection. It’s an ingenious design approach that continues to pay serious dividends, as I’ve written about how the brand already makes one of the best men’s henleys for warm weather (to name but one favorite). It only gets better from there, though.

Find your new favorite gear now

Free Fly’s Final Sale section has you covered

The Free Fly Lightweight Bamboo Hoodie, with a large hood, super-light fabric and thumbholes for added sun protection for your hands — ideal for long days on the water — is a best-seller, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s also not hard to see why it’s been such a quick seller in the Free Fly Final Sale section, but beyond that, prices start at about 15 percent off and climb as high as nearly 40 percent off the best performance menswear. Whether you need a moisture-wicking henley for a day hike, or a pair of performance shorts with plenty of stretch, the Free Fly Final Sale section has everything you need — for a limited time, though. Best get that credit card at the ready now.

Style Pick of the Week: 5.11 Tactical Lester Long-Sleeve Shirt – The Best Transitional Shirt for Men

Best rugged workshirt for men.The

The best men’s shirts for spring add a nice touch of dual-fold utility to your wardrobe, be it one of the best chambray shirts for spring or an in-between, transitional workshirt like the 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt. It’s crucial to remember we’re not out of the woods yet as far as blustery mornings and chilly evenings are concerned, and that’s where a rugged flannel shirt can still prove plenty useful (potentially into summer on cool coastal vacations, bonfire roaring away). And although 5.11 Tactical is known for making downright useful gear tested in the most adverse conditions — for first responders, law enforcement and other tactical adventurers — they make a mighty nice flannel shirt for everyday wear, too. The same can be said of the rest of the brand’s rugged men’s gear, including stretch pants and moisture-wicking base layers, but it’s the 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt that’s our main focus today. And here’s the kicker before we go any further: You can get the 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt for under $40, no code needed, today. What an outstanding deal, ehh? It gets better, folks.

The 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt checks the proper boxes in terms of utility (note the helpful dual chest flap patch pockets, plus a pen guide pocket), yet the fabric has been designed with great care, too. It’s a 6oz. brushed, garment-dyed chamois, making for a remarkably soft feel that delivers great comfort against your skin (or when layered atop your favorite spring T-shirt, for instance). Purposeful design meets surprising style — that’s the name of the game with 5.11 Tactical.

Best flannel shirt for men.

Find your new go-to flannel shirt today

Shop 5.11 Tactical for rugged outdoor gear

Useful design features abound with the 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt beyond just what you can — note the drop welt pocket behind the left chest pocket. The shirt itself also features the brand’s proprietary RapiDrawâ„¢ snap placket, and even the shirt cuffs on the 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt are made to snap open with ease. Take it from your Brooklyn style writer, who’s worn this shirt throughout the winter into the early spring: It’s a very soft, comfortable and yet hard-wearing shirt, as ready to be worn with a waxed field jacket or a 5.11 Tactical men’s jacket as it is to be paired up unbuttoned with a soft cotton tee.

In an array of rich plaid patterns in neutral colors (like a deep Ranger Green Plaid or a more traditional Khaki Plaid), the 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt is perhaps the perfect flannel shirt to wear with jeans. It’s got easygoing, rugged appeal, not to mention plenty of room to layer over a thermal henley shirt. The fit isn’t overly tailored, but it’s not overly baggy: I’d suggest you take your usual shirt size, or size down if you don’t plan to layer with the 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt. So, we’ve got an ultra-soft yet useful flannel shirt, the kind you can wear as a workshirt or as a casual style move. Beyond that, it layers easily atop henleys and T-shirts. And last but not least, the 5.11 Tactical Lester Shirt retails right now for under $40. Sounds like it’s one of the best men’s shirts for spring, and it sounds like it should be yours ASAP.

The Friday Read: The Bonobos Sitewide Sale, Flint and Tinder’s 10-Year Collection & OMEGA x Swatch

Best deals on Bonobos menswear.

Now is as good a time as any — on a fine spring Friday — to jumpstart your weekend with the best deals on menswear, is it not? And I’ve got just the way for you to do that: With the Bonobos Sitewide Sale, of course. It’s a true rarity to get deals sitewide on the best Bonobos menswear — although you find some of the best chinos for men under $100 to begin with — but to knock those prices down even further on a wide array of style essentials is quite the treat. Here’s the catch: The sale starts next Friday and runs through April 3rd, but be sure to shop the rest of the Bonobos Sale Section in the meantime to save on new spring style moves.

Shopping should be on your weekend to-do list, and it’s on mine, too — at least, adding to my style wish list is near the top of my latest round of “to-do’s.” Elsewhere, I’m going to be keeping busy writing for SPY — one of my new favorite Web sites at the moment for the best men’s gear. I’ve also got quite the listening recommendation for you: If you haven’t had the chance to check out one of my favorite bands of the moment, Aussie rockers Gang of Youths, soar on into your weekend with my Atwood Magazine interview with the band’s bassist, Max Dunn. That’s hardly all I’ve got for you coming up. The rest of today’s Friday Read will sort out your weekend in fine, rocking fashion, too. Thanks for reading!

Flint and Tinder gear review.
  • Speaking of Flint and Tinder, here’s another recent release from the famed in-house brand at Huckberry that I simply can’t get enough of — and I think you’ll feel the same way. It’s the Flint and Tinder Fatigue Jacket, as covered by yours truly on the blog, that’s got the potential to become your new favorite spring jacket. Seriously. Read all about it and let me know in the comments below if you like what you see. Happy shopping!
  • If you keep an eye on the world of watches, as I do, perhaps you had your world rocked by an out-of-this-galaxy collaboration. Announced just yesterday, OMEGA and Swatch are teaming up on 11 new models of the iconic OMEGA Speedmaster. OMEGA x Swatch is one of the best watch partnerships I’ve seen in some time, so be sure to give my latest for SPY a deep dive — and keep an eye out for a Swatch store near you.
Best Shinola watch for men.

Here’s one more for all you watch lovers out there. It’s no secret that I can’t get enough of stylish Shinola men’s watches, and I particularly love the Shinola Runwell Watch. This classic timepiece got an update via a new edition of the Shinola Runwell in Matte Gray, which I happened to cover on this very blog just yesterday. If you’re in need of a durable, rugged and affordable new watch, I’d say that’s the one to buy. Alright, onward to the weekend. Make it a great one!

The Thursday Buy: The New Shinola Runwell Grey Watch is one of the Coolest Timepieces on the Market

Best leather watch for men.

For as important as it is to stock your full rotation of menswear essentials for spring — like the best rain jacket, for instance — it’s also crucial to make sure your accessories are on-point, like seeking out one of the best leather watches for men. No outfit is complete without the little details (word on the street is that folks notice both the watch on your wrist and your shoes first), so why not invest in the best with a rugged new Shinola men’s watch? Sounds pretty ideal, right? Don’t you and I both know it. I’ve talked plenty on the blog about the rugged appeal and timeless style points of the Shinola Runwell and other styles — like the hard-wearing, weather-ready Shinola Duck Watch, too — but there’s something a bit different about the Shinola Runwell 47mm in Matte Gray.

The 47mm case diameter, for starters, is a bold and tough Shinola favorite, the kind that might be too big on some wrists but sits nicely on others (remember, they also make the Shinola Runwell 41mm). This new edition of the Shinola Runwell can certainly take a few dings, but it’s the gunmetal PVD brushed case finish that takes it to the next level in terms of durability and eye-catching style. Trust me, your watch collection needs both, and the Shinola Runwell 47mm in Matte Gray delivers.

Best everyday leather watch for men.

The Shinola Runwell 47mm in Matte Gray features other useful, Shinola-esque details, like a handsome bit of contrast between the black dial, crisp white markings and the vibrant Shinola logo detailing (again, it’s the little things that make a big difference). There’s a helpful sub-dial and within that tough watch case, the Shinola Runwell 47mm in Matte Gray is powered by the brand’s Argonite 1609 quartz movement. Quartz is a less expensive movement in the watch world, but that’s what helps make the Shinola Runwell 47mm in Matte Gray such a steal anyways — it looks like a much more expensive watch, but is priced reasonably at $675. That’s part of who Shinola is as a brand: Making some of the best men’s watches at agreeable prices, packed with plenty of style details. Yes indeed, the Shinola Runwell 47mm in Matte Gray is next on my wish list when it comes to the best watches for men.

To finish things off, the brand places the Shinola Runwell 47mm in Matte Gray on a remarkable whiskey cordovan leather strap. That contrast between black and brown just works handsomely, giving you the option to wear your new favorite watch with rugged, durable leather boots, indigo blue jeans and one of the best men’s henleys, or with stretch washed chinos and a classic Oxford shirt back at the office. Any way you wear the Shinola Runwell 47mm in Matte Gray, it’s going to come through in matters of both style and precise timekeeping. Go forth and add it to your collection, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: The American Giant Lightweight Full Zip is the Best Casual Sweater for Spring

Best casual men's sweatshirt for spring.

Sometimes, the best casual style moves take something you know and love — say, one of the best men’s sweatshirts — and switch things up ever so slightly. If you read the blog, you already know that USA-made style purveyors American Giant excel at making all forms of casually rugged style gear, from heavyweight and mid-weight crewneck sweatshirts, like its famed American Giant Full-Zip and Classic Pullovers. Perhaps you’re even a fan of the rugged American Giant Roughneck Pants for work (or play). But the real reason we’re here today is the reintroduction of a classic: The American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip. Crucially, it strikes the perfect style balance these days and is, without a doubt, one of the best lightweight sweatshirts for spring — to say the least.

Like those crucial spring style moves I mentioned earlier, the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip changes things up ever-so-slightly from what you know and love. As the brand says themselves, this lightweight hoodie (available in some especially spring-ready colors) is as “light as your favorite T-shirt, as soft and comfortable as your favorite hoodie” — sounds pretty ideal to me.

The key with the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip is that fabric blend: In this case, it’s a tri-blend jersey fabric that goes heavy on the polyester for stretch, and uses cotton and rayon for softness and just a bit of sturdiness. The American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip hits that happy medium between the brand’s Heavyweight and Midweight options — it’s almost a summer-weight blend, perfect for breezy spring days and nights. The full-zip design of the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip also makes it easy to throw on or customize the fit: Zip it up all the way for extra coverage, or leave it unzipped to show off your favorite graphic tee.

You can rest easy when it comes to the quality of the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip — it’s made in North Carolina for an extra touch of care and attention to detail. It might be $90, but it’s one of the best sweatshirts for men for that very purpose. It also features raglan stitching for both durability and mobility, plus an added dose of contrasting style (you can see it most readily on the Grey Ink Heather color of the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip). Take your pick from on-trend spring colors like Burnt Clay Heather (ideal to rock with light wash jeans and your favorite chukka boots) or team a more classic colorway of the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip with dark blue jeans, a thermal henley and high-top sneakers. Casual style gets even easier with a laidback, yet well-made, essential like the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip — get your favorite color while it’s still around.

The Tuesday Steal: Get the Best USA-Made T-Shirt for Under $40 at Buck Mason

The best T-shirt for men.

It’s never a bad thing to hone in on a brand you love, and then ensure you shop that brand as often as humanly possible — especially when one of said brand’s specialties is selling one of the best USA-made T-shirts for under $40. The brand in question in today’s Tuesday Steal is hopefully one you already know, especially if you’ve read the blog over the years: That’d be Buck Mason, makers of everything from one of the best thermal henleys to a spring-ready trucker jacket. They’re a standout source for some of the best T-shirts for men, too — a reminder is always helpful if you’re just reacquainting yourself with warm-weather menswear after a frigid winter. And right now, your best bet is worth a closer look. $40 might sound like a high barrier to entry as far as shopping for T-shirts is concerned, but when it comes to the Buck Mason Venice Wash Curved Hem Tee, it’s more than a fair price considering the soft fabric, premium construction and an astonishing range of colors and sizes.

Get your new favorite tee from Buck Mason

It’s worth picking up more than one — trust me.

Now, don’t get me wrong: You could pick up a multi-pack of T-shirts for work or play from your nearest retailer, but once you’ve tried the soft comfort and undeniable quality of the Buck Mason Venice Wash Curved Hem Tee, you might not ever go back. Between the reinforced collar, the tailored-but-not-too-tight fit and the curved hem — ideal as a visual trick for the bigger guys out there — the Buck Mason Venice Wash Curved Hem Tee goes above and beyond what you’d expect from a typical T-shirt. The soft wash and cotton jersey fabric are standouts, too. The sub-$40 price tag is actually a downright steal when you consider what you’re getting with each purchase of the Buck Mason Venice Wash Curved Hem Tee, and the color options are enough to please every palette. It sounds to me like you’ve just found your new favorite T-shirt.