Month / June 2025

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The GREATS Reign Sneakers are Some of the Best White Sneakers to Buy This Summer

Just when you thought you had your rotation of the best white sneakers for men all sorted out, another option enters the fray to convince you that yes, your search for a pair of the best sneakers for men isn’t quite finished. At least, that’s the case in my experience as we continue to consider all manner of stylish men’s summer footwear here on this Brooklyn style blog.

From boat shoes to suede chukka boots to, yes, the GREATS Reign Sneakers seen above, a guy’s footwear assortment needs just enough variety and versatility all summer long.

Find out more now at GREATS

Of course, this you well know if you keep up with the pages of this site. And if you’ve grown tired of wearing canvas sneakers — at least from time to time — and want a pair of fresh kicks with a dash more refinement (yes, refinement!) and crisp looks, then allow me to introduce you (or reintroduce you) to Brooklyn-based GREATS.

The online upstart is a longtime footwear favorite of mine when it comes to crafting the best sneakers for men at fair prices using ultra-premium materials. GREATS branding on the heel of most pairs of GREATS men’s sneakers finishes them off in eye-catching yet subtle fashion, for good measure.

The brand has made waves over the years for making what you might call designer sneakers, yet at supremely low prices compared to more expensive luxury sneaker brands (lookin’ at you, Common Projects). My GREATS reviews over the years have also found that the brand prizes comfort as much as style, another benefit to adding a sharp pair like the GREATS Reign Sneakers to your style rotation.

They share much in common with the iconic and better-known GREATS Royale and GREATS Royale 2.0 Sneakers, which take a classic court sneaker design and elevate it with materials like a premium Italian leather upper and lining, plus a natural rubber margom outsole for rebound and cushioning.

Find out more and shop sneakers at GREATS

The GREATS Reign Sneakers are handcrafted in Portugal and finished with details like a luxe, soft leather lining — the kind that molds to your foot over time and features anti-microbial properties, to boot. Waxed cotton laces give the stylish white leather sneakers for men an added dash of elegance, at least slightly.

Another pair of GREATS for your consideration: Sleek, lightweight sneakers to wear this summer.

I’ve worn GREATS sneakers for years, and if I were you, I’d take the GREATS Reign Sneakers for a spin with everything from rolled light wash denim and a printed short-sleeve buttondown to olive chinos and a blue chambray shirt on casual Friday.

The GREATS Reign Sneakers are among an indispensable crop of dressed-up or dressed-down white leather sneakers to add to your rotation, and not a moment too soon as we keep rolling through the high heat of summer.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Save 30 Percent On The Best-Selling Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt Right Now

Even as the mercury rises ever higher this summer season, it seems there are still style staples that pass muster just about anywhere, so to speak: The best men’s buttondown shirts, particularly a shirt with an Oxford shirt-esque design, fits the bill nicely if you want truly seasonless, efficient, effective style (seemingly) no matter the weather.

And in my experience, the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt certainly qualifies as a standard style staple for the modern man, with its reliable design, its expert use of fabric and color across several varieties, and its easy-wearing appeal — no matter what.

Find out more and shop now at Taylor Stitch

Yes indeed, that’s high praise as far as one of the best Oxford shirts for men is concerned, but it lives up to it — and you can score at least one style of the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt on sale right now (a rare sale, at that). Crafted from a reliable 4oz. 100 percent organic cotton for softness and a weight that’s wearable on most days (even in the summer), the Jack Shirt is also garment-washed — that gives it softness right out of the box, something I tend to look for in the best men’s shirting.

The fabric in this case is what makes this version of the best-selling, fan-favorite Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt a winner — it’s an indigo plaid that’ll only get better the more you wear it. It also happens to be 30 percent off right now, and is built out with classic Taylor Stitch details, like a rounded chest pocket and the brand’s signature Jack shirt collar.

And as you’ll recall with other Taylor Stitch menswear styles, the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt comes in the brand’s helpful chest sizing for a pleasing, tailored fit.

Other signature Taylor Stitch touches, like double-stitched buttonholes and a design that forgoes pleats, are also front and center in what might just become one of your new favorite buttondown shirts, whether paired with expertly washed chinos or styled with lounge shorts from your favorite menswear brand (that’s Taylor Stitch today, right)? When you crave a reliable, stylish shirt in any season, reach for the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Vintage Soft Wash T-Shirt – A True Modern Classic

Best T-shirts for men.

We often talk here on this Brooklyn style blog about adorning your wardrobe with the classics, with modern updates to staple pieces that can stand the test of time, look great while doing so and deliver a dash of casually rugged style to your menswear wardrobe — in any season, of course.

That holds true with the basics from the ground up, but it’s particularly important when selecting one of the best T-shirts for men, and that’s where our friends at Huckberry deliver a winner (yet again I might add).

Shop the best gear for men and more at Huckberry

After all, you can wear one of the best men’s T-shirts for work or play, for BBQs or lounging on the front porch, for day hikes or days in the garage, for afternoons at the brewery and just about everything in between.

Yessir, when it comes to your weekend style ensemble, there’s not much that can get as much done as the humble T-shirt — you best make yours a great one, like the Flint and Tinder Vintage Wash T-shirt. This hard-working T-shirt builds off the classics, like the simple yet sturdy tees favored by guys known only by their last name: McQueen, Brando, Dean… the list goes on. In the annals of menswear, the right T-shirt simply delivers the goods, and you can trust Huckberry to come up with their own spin on an iconic favorite.

There’s plenty to love about the Flint and Tinder Vintage Wash T-shirt, starting with the fact that it’s made in the USA and finished with a garment-wash treatment for an exceptional level of softness. The use of 4.5 oz. cotton, in my experience, makes this T-shirt soft and highly wearable: It holds its shape and structure over time, whether you select one in a crisp color like Black or my personal favorite, Olive (you can see me wearing a Flint and Tinder pocket T-shirt in a very similar construction and color above, over on my Instagram).

Yes, to say I’m a big fan of the Flint and Tinder Vintage Wash T-shirt in its many variations — including Classic or Tall fits, plus eight timeless colors — is an understatement, and I think you’ll start to feel the same way about the Flint and Tinder Vintage Wash T-shirt the more you wear it.

Better still is the fact that you can bundle multiple options of the handsome, easygoing yet hard-wearing Flint and Tinder Vintage Wash T-shirt and save — buy three, in fact, and save 15% on the Flint and Tinder Vintage Wash T-shirt. The next time you reach into your T-shirt drawer, in search of a tee to wear with light wash jeans, chinos or even laidback lounge shorts, make sure it’s this best-selling Huckberry T-shirt.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Frye Leather Sneakers are a Refined Set of Summer Sneakers for All Occasions

Best leather sneakers for men.

It seems that anything goes these days in the menswear world — well, not just anything, but there are more options out there for stylish guys than ever before, and that certainly includes the availability and wearability of the best sneakers for men across the board.

Think of it this way: While dressy occasions were once only the domain of, well, dress shoes and perhaps loafers in the summer months, there are options aplenty for the guy who wants an elevated pair of sneakers he can wear with business casual looks, and Frye (Northeast-based footwear purveyors for well over a century) certainly delivers.

Learn more and shop men’s shoes now at Frye

Yes, that’s correct, my friends: When done the right way, a pair of leather sneakers like the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers can get the job done with chinos and a lightweight blazer as readily as they can pair with linen lounge shorts and a breezy short-sleeve polo. Let’s dive in further, shall we?

Best known for rugged lace-up boots for spring (as well as stylish shoes for fall and winter), the brand’s sneakers are worth a closer look — particularly given the fact that they blend form and dressy appeal with comfort.

The Frye Astor Leather Sneakers use a classic court sneaker design, swapping out canvas for rich tumbled leather in handsome shades like Caramel seen above. The leather itself should patina nicely over time, but these fashionable men’s leather sneakers also come in shades like crisp White — the ultimate pair of leather dress sneakers, if you will, especially when worn with olive chinos and a white Oxford shirt, for example.

With a sturdy contrasting rubber outsole and a leather lining that should mold nicely to your foot over time, the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers blend luxury with an accessible price (try $148 on for size right now, ehh?). Other pairs of the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers, especially sleek Black atop a white outsole, are on sale for as low as $99 as well — not bad at all for sneakers you can (repeat after me!) dress up or dress down.

When your casual canvas sneakers aren’t quite the right move and when you want the comfort of sneakers at the office blended with the casually cool look of the right pair of lace-up kicks, I’d suggest — wholeheartedly — that you give the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers a shot this season.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Sperry and Todd Snyder Just Teamed Up on the Perfect Summer Boat Shoes

In the ever-evolving world of men’s style, I like to keep an eye on the horizon for the best menswear designers and brands, companies one can truly trust to fill a need and to deliver on quality and style, time and time again.

That holds true for some of my favorite brands big and small — perhaps you feel the same way, but in the universe of American menswear, it’s hard to say there’s anyone doing it quite as well as Todd Snyder when it comes to refinement, expert great looks and a sense of respect for heritage style.

That’s heady praise, to be sure, but it all comes together quite nicely when you sample the designer’s array of stylish sneakers for men, the best linen shorts and now, a standout pair of heritage-quality boat shoes here just in time for summer.

The boat shoe is an icon of American style, with its roots on the water and on boat decks — and back on dry land, worn in preppy fashion by plenty of masters of men’s style. It makes perfect sense that Todd Snyder — one of my favorite designers, of course — sets his sights on both the past and the present with the new Sperry x Todd Snyder Vachetta Leather Boat Shoes.

These stylish boat shoes for men are now part of a collection that also includes two exclusive updates to the iconic Sperry CVO Canvas Sneakers. How’s that for sorting out your casual summer footwear needs in fine fashion, ehh? Available in sizes 8-13 as of now, these stylish men’s boat shoes seem to be selling quite quickly at Todd Snyder — as fine a place as any to go for a summer style upgrade, yes? Why not throw in a linen shirt or trousers, I say.

Learn more now at Todd Snyder

The Sperry x Todd Snyder Vachetta Leather Boat Shoes reimagine Sperry’s Authentic Original Boat Shoes in a design exclusive to Todd Snyder, using remarkable Vachetta leather for the upper, along with rawhide laces for a rugged touch.

Unlike some other boat shoes, which can feel a touch flimsy or thin, the new Sperry x Todd Snyder Vachetta Leather Boat Shoes — available in both handsome Natural and sleek all-black Leather — rest upon an EVA foam midsole and a non-slip Vibram outsole for further support and comfort. The outsole on the Sperry x Todd Snyder Vachetta Leather Boat Shoes is particularly impressive, with a thick and rugged build that, again, is different than other boat shoes on the market.

Learn more now at Todd Snyder

When paired with everything from a breezy jersey cotton polo and chino trousers to lounge shorts and a short-sleeve pocket tee, these boat shoes do everything the designer intends — and then some. And with a leather build that only gets better with age, the Sperry x Todd Snyder Vachetta Leather Boat Shoes are a perfect summer pair of summer footwear, at least in my experience. Go forth in style, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Step Into Your New Favorite Summer Sneakers with the Henry Runner from York Athletics

The right pair of sneakers for men has to be able to check at least a few key boxes — ideally more than that, be it comfort, durability, support, effortless style (something we’ve been talking a lot about here lately on the blog) or a combination of all of the above.

Call it the jackpot if you’re able to check each of those boxes, all the while getting a discount on a pair of stylish men’s sneakers you can start wearing right away, yes? And so it goes with the York Athletics Henry Runners, on sale right now through one of your favorite online retailers for men, Bespoke Post — they’re on sale, they’re in season, they’re endlessly wearable and they’re going to prove perfect for all your summer travel plans ahead.

Find out more now at Bespoke Post
Best lightweight sneakers for men.

The York Athletics Henry Runners are billed by Bespoke Post as a “handsome lightweight cross-trainer,” and they’ve got retro good looks to match — a helpful blend of form and function, so to speak. With its New England roots and its blend of old-school heritage and modern technology, York Atheltics is the perfect brand to give your footwear rotation a shot in the arm — all for under $100 right now through Bespoke Post.

York Athletics Mfg. Henry Runners review.

The York Athletics Henry Runners use a soft jersey knit upper set atop a rubber outsole and a springy EVA foam base, while a polyurethane foam lining also delivers support and rebound. Better still is the fact that the supremely comfortable, workout-ready York Athletics Henry Runners turn into more of a lifestyle sneaker, thanks to the vintage runner-style design and the back leather pull tab.

Shop men’s footwear and more at Bespoke Post

The York Athletics Henry Runners seem to be the total package, and they’re certainly wearable with stretch chino shorts and a jersey polo as well as lounge shorts and a pocket tee, or even light wash jeans and a classic short-sleeve henley. The York Athletics Henry Runners bridge the gap between style and performance, a rarity for sneakers under $80 (as they so happen to be right now).

The liner wicks away moisture, EVA exterior technology provides superb rebound and support, and the entire package is fit for summer travel or backyard BBQs. Find your pair now while they’re still in stock at Bespoke Post.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Sunwashed Polo from Faherty Brand Is The Breezy Upgrade You Need This Summer

Building a successful and stylish menswear wardrobe means options are crucial, as we often say — and that certainly holds true for selections that bridge the gap between casual style and laidback, leisurely pursuits.

So, while a selection of stylish men’s T-shirts gets the job done for off-duty hangs, for instance, what about when you want that crucial sense of polish and style in a fashion that’s just a bit more elevated? Well, my friends, that’s why we’re here today — to talk about one of the best polo shirts for men, the right sort of style to step things up ever so slightly without overdoing it.

And as seems to be the case most times these days as you scour the market for the best summer style essentials, Huckberry and Faherty Brand have just what you need.

Find out more at Huckberry

Family-owned Faherty Brand was founded with inspiration and roots along the coast of New York, and its breezy yet durable array of menswear (especially its ultra-soft flannel shirts and sweater-shirt jackets) holds true to that approach.

These are selections that are particularly at home on and near the water. Past Faherty Brand reviews on this blog have tended to cover its winter menswear, but let’s shift to something more lightweight as the thermostat climbs, shall we?

And that brings us to the Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo, an undisputed style staple for soft comfort and casually cool good looks. The Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo is also a best-seller at Huckberry, which is saying something given that the Americana retailer has plenty of selections that are fan favorites (including Flint and Tinder’s own lineup of summer-approved polo shirts).

The Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo, on the other hand, takes a slightly more laidback approach without losing any of its versatility: 100 percent organic cotton gets what the brand calls an ozone wash for plenty of softness, while the three-button spread collar is an expert style move.

This handsome polo comes in two eye-catching striped options, and one variation of the Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo takes its cues from iconic Breton stripe T-shirts. And for just under $100, you’re getting a classically minded polo shirt that’s as easily wearable with stretch chino shorts as it is with linen trousers or stretch chino pants.

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For effortlessly cool style, for classic good looks and for plenty of soft comfort, the Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo is a surefire style upgrade when you want to toe the line between luxe and leisurely. Add it to your style rotation ASAP, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: This Bonobos Everyday Shirt is a Discounted Steal for Your Daily Menswear Rotation

If you think of your rotation of men’s style essentials like a toolbox, as we often talk about here on this Brooklyn style blog, then there are certain must-haves that make up the backbone, the sort of pieces you can always use close at hand. No matter the season, and no matter (nearly) any occasion, the best Oxford shirts for men certainly qualify as a must-have, and the Bonobos Everyday Shirt shown above fits the bill handsomely.

Find out more at Bonobos now

Wearable with everything from a blazer and stretch chinos to rolled light wash denim and canvas sneakers, as at home tucked in with linen trousers or untucked alongside trusty jeans, the best men’s Oxford shirts really are a daily staple when done the right way, and the Bonobos Everyday Shirt certainly qualifies.

Able to be taken for a spin at the office or alongside lounge shorts at a weekend BBQ, the details are thoughtfully curated here, not unlike Bonobos’ world-famous, effortlessly cool men’s chinos.

The Bonobos Everyday Shirt boasts soft Oxford cotton finished with 2 percent elastane for helpful stretch, and it doesn’t hurt that one of the best Oxford shirts for guys looks great tucked in or untucked. As with other Bonobos menswear selections, I’ve found that the fit is nicely tailored without being overly tight or overly relaxed — the Bonobos Everyday Shirt comes in four fit options (from Tailored to Athletic), plus three lengths for an expert cut and finish.

And if you look closely, the Bonobos Everyday Shirt nails Oxford shirting details, from the buttondown collar to the chest pocket, plus sleeves that look great buttoned up or rolled up, ready to get to work. A selection of classic solid colors are on sale in a wide range of sizes for nearly 50 percent off, with dozens more color and pattern options on sale for more than 50 percent off.

And since it’s Bonobos we’re talking about here, I’ve found that stellar value is simply the name of the game — alongside easily wearable quality any day of the week. For versatile everyday performance, crisp looks and casually cool style this season, opt for a true modern classic in the Bonobos Everyday Shirt, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts – Hard-Working Shorts Ready for Anything

Best shorts for men.

Your summer has the potential to go just about anywhere — if you’ve got the right gear and the right style essentials for the task at hand, that is. And in my book, the rugged outdoor purveyors at Filson seem to hit the nail on the head when it comes to reliable adventure gear, from lightweight shirting to durable canvas bags and now, the perfect pair of casually rugged canvas shorts.

Shop the best summer outdoor gear at Filson

The Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts might seem an unlikely style selection from a company best known for its selvedge denim and of course, its tightly woven Dry Tin Cloth pants and shorts, but they carry on the Filson legacy of tough-as-nails menswear.

Filson reviews note that the company makes heirloom-quality menswear across the board, even in the warmer months — going off trail this summer requires attention to detail, thoughtful design and a focus on durability, and my friends, that’s what the Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts bring to the table (or rather, to the trail and to your campsite).

The Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts are fit for both work and play, so to speak, thanks to the midweight cotton canvas construction that should resist abrasions, dirt and debris. Helpfully, they’re built out with an elastic and drawstring waistband, that way, you needn’t wear a belt 24/7 (but one would certainly come in handy from time to time).

Find out more now at Filson

And unlike some other pairs of Filson shorts with a longer cut, the Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts feature a versatile 7-inch inseam, not unlike other pairs of the best men’s shorts (like the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts, for instance).

The Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts are made from sturdier, thicker fabric, giving them durability and toughness on the trail, while classic side slant front pockets and back button patch pockets deliver EDC storage space.

In colors like Filson’s classic Bronze Brown and even the grey-hued Gravel, these are rugged shorts meant to be paired with Filson pocket tees, a short-sleeve henley and perhaps even a camp-collar shirt and well-worn canvas sneakers.

For durability and design you can trust, plus some style points to spare, make these handsome, classic canvas shorts from Filson your next #menswear pick-up, folks.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Trek to Amsterdam with Heineken & The Best Summer Travel Gear

In this freelance life (or the #FreelanceLife, as I like to call it), incredible opportunities come across my inbox and my line of sight on the daily. That includes the chance to pursue my passions, to write about the best menswear from brands like Huckberry on this very blog, to test out new watches, audio gear and everyday carry essentials, and to try the finest spirits and the best summer beers on the market — among other pursuits, of course.

Read my writing at Maxim and more

And helpfully as I cover a wide array of pursuits for sites like Maxim and CoolMaterial.com, I frequently get the chance to hit the road, go far afield and uncover stories behind iconic brands, distilleries and breweries.

It’s a thrilling opportunity, and one that takes me now over to the iconic city of Amsterdam — celebrating its 750th anniversary as a city! — plus famed worldwide brewer Heineken. There’s plenty on tap, including fresh Heineken beer, a tour of the city’s canals, a visit to Heineken’s new R&D center, and a tour of the brewery itself — naturally, you can keep up with all of the fun over on my Instagram. Cheers, my friends!

Of course, for trips like these, I know the right gear goes a long way, especially when it comes to plenty of time on foot exploring a new city and an iconic brewery like Heineken. I trust favorite retailers like Huckberry for ultra-soft cotton tees and (if needed), the famed Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket for spring and summer rains (and more).

I also value comfortable stretch denim and denim shirting from Buck Mason, and lately, I’ve been wearing Ariat Chelsea boots for some rugged-meets-refined appeal.

As to those boots, they’re as easy to dress up with stretch chinos as they are to dress down with rolled blue jeans and another staple piece, Filson’s Frontier Short-sleeve Henley.

In addition to durable travel gear, I’ve also been favoring stretch pants from Public Rec, especially ones with the design of five-pocket pants and the stretch of tapered joggers.

And not to be outdone or overlooked, let’s talk the best watches for travel: Lately, my Shinola Bronze Monster has found place of pride on my wrist (and in my duffel bag). Speaking of duffel bags and the best men’s travel bags: I tend to trust my ever-helpful Halfday Travel bag, with a garment bag interior and multiple pockets for shoes, men’s basics and more.

It hits all the right notes in terms of easy transport on the go — very much including occasions when I need to bring my Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer, as with this trip and formal nights out in Amsterdam.

My Halfday travel bag has more than served me well on past jaunts, including an April trek to Tequila Ocho, a trek into the Italian Dolomites with audio brand Sonos and even a recent family wedding in Knoxville. To say it’s an efficient travel bag to zip from point A to point B is an understatement, and it also more than reliably holds my trusty toiletries bag from Herschel Supply.

The list of the best travel gear goes on and on, but once you find picks that you love and that serve you well, it makes packing and traveling in style a relative breeze (as does TSA Precheck, of course).

Shop the best travel bag on the market from Halfday

What sort of travel gear do you bring on your own adventures? And what’s next on your personal summer getaway to-do list? Be sure to follow along with all the fun — and my gear picks, and my watch picks — over on my Instagram as I scour Amsterdam for the very best of the best. As ever, expect two weekend style posts covering the best summer gear and menswear from retailers like Huckberry