Month / June 2025

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Aether Apparel Emerson Buttondown Expertly Blends Form and Function All Summer Long

A well-rounded rotation of durable, dependable style essentials tends to have a little bit of everything: Picks made for more laidback pursuits, like linen trousers and soft-shouldered blazers, plus picks made for going far afield, like rugged canvas pants and the best combat boots.

And when an item falls seamlessly into both categories in matters of form and function — like the Aether Apparel Emerson Shirt — then it’s more than worthy of clearing some closet space as you build out a selection of summer style must-haves, my friends.

If you’ve read the blog and my Aether Apparel reviews over the years, you’ll know that the Los Angeles-based brand are experts at making gear as fit for the trail as it is for the city, including cozy picks like one of the best quarter zip sweatshirts, not to mention the hard-working yet stylish Aether Apparel Emerson Shirt.

The company are technical experts in terms of fabrication and design, balanced nicely with classic-meets-modern looks — as with the overshirt potential of the Aether Apparel Emerson Shirt. The Emerson is built like a timeless lightweight denim buttondown, garment-washed for a soft feel right out of the box and made to get better with age.

Learn more now and shop at Aether Apparel

And yet, its cotton build is reinforced with real self-edge (or selvedge) fabric detailing at the button placket that gives it more durability and structure — it’s both a handsome buttondown shirt made to wear on its own, and a stylish overshirt when topping off a pocket tee on a cool summer’s night around the bonfire.

Vertical snap-closure chest pockets round out the reliable Aether Apparel Emerson Shirt quite nicely when it comes to storage space for your everyday carry, and a split side seam also gives the Aether Apparel Emerson Shirt a dash of mobility and overshirt-like potential.

Its lightweight build should also prove highly packable, but the Aether Apparel Emerson Shirt might prove especially useful for summer travel, overnight camping and day hikes, what with its lightweight yet strong layering potential and helpful pockets.

Shop stylish, technical gear at Aether Apparel

Whether paired with canvas pants and lace-up hiking boots on the trail, or styled with black jeans and tan leather chukka boots back in the city, I’d wager you’re going to get plenty of wear out of the investment-level Aether Apparel Emerson Shirt, made all the better by its exceptional, technical construction and stylish build. Layer up and go forth this season, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt is a Classic Summer Style Upgrade

At times, especially in the high heat of summer, keeping it simple, rugged and classic is a wise choice for your rotation of menswear essentials. Particularly when the occasion leans more, well, laidback, when things are easygoing and leisurely, and when flipping hot dogs and imbibing cold beer is the name of the game — and even when it’s not — you need gear you can trust, especially among your rotation of the best shirts for men.

As you well know if you’ve read this blog over the years, the very best men’s style is sometimes the most simple and dependable — like a rugged chambray shirt from a longtime outdoor purveyor like Filson. And if that chambray shirt happens to come in a summer-friendly short-sleeve build, all at a rare sale price, consider yourself in proper position to knock your next summer #OOTD right down the fairway, my friends.

Best chambray shirts for men.

The Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt is on sale right now as part of the Filson Summer Sale, which includes the cream of the crop in terms of the best summer menswear — not just gear from other seasons relegated to the clearance section, at least in my experience.

Shop the Filson Summer Sale ASAP

With its handsome build, durable fabric and sturdy construction, the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt is — as the headline of this piece says — an instant-yet-classic summer upgrade for your wardrobe, ideally paired with stretch chino shorts or olive chino trousers and suede chukka boots. Chambray is a favorite fabric of this Brooklyn style editor for a reason, with its strong interwoven fibers that also add an air of casually rugged, contrasting style.

The cotton chambray used here is a mid-weight fabric, neither too flimsy nor too hefty, making it ideal to layer over a short-sleeve henley or else pair on its own beneath a Filson anorak jacket on blustery summer days far afield. Believe it or not, the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt can be worn for real-life work as well as leisurely pursuits, with useful everyday carry design touches like a pencil slot at the left chest pocket, plus back knife pleats for ease and range of motion.

With every detail thoughtfully designed and with rugged appeal aplenty — plus a discount that’s tough to pass up — the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt deserves your consideration as a casually dependable seasonal style move, folks.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Get These Rugged Naglev Boots from Huckberry for Your Next Summer Trip Off the Grid

The next time you get the chance to gear up and get out there, to really go off trail or even off the grid, you should assuredly be lacing up a pair of the best hiking boots. In my experience, there are pairs that rise above the rest, even in a crowded menswear market, and when one of those pairs — specifically the hard-wearing Naglev Combat Waterproof Boots — goes on sale, that’s all the better.

You’re in luck today, and if you’re open to striking while the iron is hot, so to speak, then Huckberry’s latest and greatest footwear find is yours for the taking. The Naglev Combat Waterproof Boots are a fan favorite as sold by the rugged Americana and gear retailer, to say the least. They often tend to sell out, but some of the best men’s boots are still in stock and marked down (for now) in a variety of sizes. What makes these tough-as-nails boots so special? Let’s dive in, shall we?

Shop the best boots for men and more at Huckberry

They’re built with impressive specs and a sleek, modern combat boot design geared to go just about anywhere you can dream up. And seeing as they’re now on sale for about 35 percent off, I’d wager there’s never been a better time to upgrade your summer hiking boots rotation. The hard-working Naglev Combat Waterproof Boots feature plenty of bells and whistles, starting with a Kevlar outer shell that’s complemented by a wool inner boot for a snug fit and further protection from the elements.

Integrated speed lacing makes for a secure fit and an easy wearing experience when it comes to the Naglev Combat Waterproof Boots, while a grooved natural rubber outsole delivers maximum traction on dicey terrain. The combat boot length of the aptly named Naglev Combat Waterproof Boots provides further coverage and ankle support, and the vegetable-tanned leather and coconut fiber inner footbed molds to your foot over time for a supremely comfortable wearing experience.

Find your new favorite boots at Huckberry

They feature a sleek, streamlined look, the kind you can even wear with canvas pants when you’re not on the trail. The Naglev Combat Waterproof Boots are rounded out with an elastic ankle band for a fit that just won’t quit — support is surely the name of the game with what just might be your new favorite boots.

The next time adventure calls, lace up the hard-working, built-to-last Naglev Combat Waterproof Boots, and rest assured they’ll deliver the performance you need — no matter how far afield you venture.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt is a Prime Seasonal Style Move

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt review.

When the high heat of summer rolls around, it’s nice to have a closet you can rely on at a moment’s notice, especially a selection of stylish men’s shirts that fit the bill nicely for plenty of laidback occasions. It’s all the better if you’ve found a brand you can trust from day to night — a brand that manages to put the same attention to detail into its seasonal wares as its year-round offerings, like the good folks at Taylor Stitch.

The San Francisco brand has been a longtime favorite of mine for its attention to detail in men’s shirting and its respect for updating the classics with a fresh twist — like the indigo fabric used on the shirt above (more on that in just a second).

Learn more now and shop at Taylor Stitch

So, while the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt is an undisputed style classic in all four seasons, well, I’d wager that the Taylor Stitch Jack Short-Sleeve Shirt is even more well-suited for summer, making it one of the best short-sleeve shirts for men.

It boasts organic cotton Oxford fabric in a flattering short-sleeve cut — remember, the brand offers shirts in helpful, tailored chest sizing. Elegant touches like a casual, rounded chest pocket mean that even the Taylor Stitch Jack Short-Sleeve Shirt has something in common with the best Oxford shirts on the market.

Better still is the fact that the Taylor Stitch Jack Short-Sleeve Shirt comes in both Indigo Stripe and Black Seersucker options for variety in a well-curated wardrobe rotation. And yet, the handsome indigo number of this variation of the Taylor Stitch Jack Short-Sleeve Shirt might be your best bet, particularly if you prefer wearing shades of tan and earth tones in your selection of chino shorts and five-pocket pants.

And another thing to love about the Taylor Stitch Jack Short-Sleeve Shirt? The fact that you can dress it up ever so slightly with tan chinos and leather loafers, or else keep it casual and breezy with khaki chino shorts or even grey lounge shorts (both of which Taylor Stitch sells, of course).

Between the handsome fabric, the thoughtful construction and the expert attention to detail, the Taylor Stitch Jack Short-Sleeve Shirt is your new go-to move for summer BBQs, casual hangs in the backyard and all sorts of summer outings.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: These Proof Rover Pants from Huckberry Are Perfect for Every Type of Summer Travel

Best travel pants for men.

As we close out another summer weekend, perhaps the best travel gear is top of mind for you — both the gear you’re packing and the gear you’re wearing to get from point A to point B (and beyond). And for nearly any adventure summer sends your way, I’ve personally found that the Proof Rover EDC Pants are more than suited for the job, and they’re a prime purchase as we round the corner into summer.

In fact, they just might become your new favorite travel pants, and that’s saying something. It should also come as no surprise that they were dreamed up and designed by Huckberry: The Proof lineup of menswear is geared for days and days of adventure, especially its merino T-shirts.

Learn more now at your favorite online retailer

The even better news? These rugged, versatile adventure pants for men are on sale right now, and more than suited for whatever’s next on your calendar: Day hikes, camping trips, bonfires and city exploration on foot are made all the more agreeable by the use of durable yet lightweight cotton-blend fabric.

That fabric is reinforced with REPREVE fabric (spun from recycled water bottles), but the Proof Rover EDC Pants really shine through when considering every part of your daily carry: Eight pockets — yes, eight pockets — make the Proof Rover EDC Pants extremely useful on and off the trail.

Those pockets include side slant pockets, an inner zipper pocket at the hip, thigh pockets (like streamlined cargo pants) and a variety of back and thigh pockets — all geared to hold pens, pocket knives, multi-tools, keys, your wallet and much more.

Plus, these rugged travel pants are marked down nearly 50 percent in the Huckberry Sale section — talk about a standout deal to get you geared up for summer the right way, ehh?

With a tailored slim fit, the Proof Rover EDC Pants are also pigment-dyed and built to break in like raw denim, another thoughtful design detail dreamed up by Huckberry. WIth plentiful pockets, rugged yet versatile fabric, a streamlined and the ability to go from the trail to the town and back, these on-sale pants from Huckberry might just prove a new summer essential.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: These Vans Authentic Sneakers are a ’70s-Inspired Summer Must-Have

Best canvas sneakers for men.

It’s always nice, at times, within your rotation of menswear essentials to really dial things back, keeping things subtle, stylish and often classic. That goes for easy-wearing essentials like the pocket tee or the chino short, or even an Oxford cloth buttondown — as we always say here on this Brooklyn style blog, the classics are the classics for a reason. It’s even more helpful you can find a full assortment of those classics at a site like Huckberry, one of the best online shops for men.

Shop essential summer gear at Huckberry

Take a pair of canvas sneakers, particularly pairs of Vans men’s sneakers: The silhouette and design is timeless, the inspiration often harkens back decades, and the good looks are paramount to casually cool, easygoing summer style. That’s a lot of boxes checked in short order, right? When you want to lace up a pair without thinking about it, when you want easygoing style to a T, Vans canvas sneakers tend to come in mighty handy.

And a pair like the Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers get plenty of the details right in a way that’s both old-school and modern, drawing on the 1970s and classic skate shoes for current-day inspiration. They’re based on Vans Style 44, used by pioneering skateboarders for their traction and grip.

And the Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers still retain that traction and grip to this day, with a waffle gum pattern that keeps you on your feet and your board. The Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers also feature a thick and durable yet breathable duck canvas upper, the kind that can take a beating and look even better all summer long.

A leather collar lining ensures a comfortable fit even with no-show socks, while tech-minded details like an improved Sola Foam All-Day-Comfort insole deliver rebound and crucial comfort.

Of course, they wouldn’t be a pair of Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers without a rubberized heel logo and contrast stitching across the upper. And in matters of style points, yessir, the Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers deliver laidback good looks, whether paired with chino shorts and a knit polo shirt or a short-sleeve henley and lightweight linen drawstring shorts.

For retro-minded style you can count on — at a highly affordable price, no less — the iconic and newly revamped Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers fit the bill quite nicely as far as summer style sneaker additions are concenred.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Trek to Rabbit Hole Distillery & Huckberry Summer Menswear Classics

We’re launching into another action-packed Brooklyn summer weekend and getting back down to business after plenty of time on the road — join me, won’t you?

As you might have seen if you follow me on Instagram, and if you keep up with my many freelance writing pursuits, I spent the better part of last week in Louisville, Kentucky, the heart of American bourbon country and a place I’ve trekked to quite frequently this last handful of years as I cover spirits, gear and more for outlets like Maxim.

Follow my travels on Instagram

Of course, it goes without saying that this Brooklyn style blog keeps me plenty busy as well, as I scour the market for the best menswear essentials from tried-and-true brands — several of which I get to review and write about as I crisscross the country! More on that in the weeks ahead as my summer travel schedule ramps up.

Read more of my freelance work

The occasion for the trip was a rather special one – as tends to be the case when I head to the heartland of stellar bourbon, and one I’d had on my bucket list for some time now. I had the chance to visit Rabbit Hole Distillery alongside a group of fellow spirits pros and writers, not to mention distillery founder and bourbon innovator Kaveh Zamanian.

It’s among the finest whiskey I’ve had in some time (particularly the Boxergrain expression), although I’d also count Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farms — as seen below! — as another winning selection in my quest to taste the best bourbon on the planet.

He founded Rabbit Hole a little more than a decade ago after a career as a therapist, a fascinating pivot that lends itself nicely to experimentation and a sense of attention to detail. After humble beginnings building the distillery from the ground up, Rabbit Hole now makes some of the most innovative American whiskey out there, with an equally innovative distillery design to match (it’s situated in NuLu, a buzzed-about and up-and-coming neighborhood with plenty of character).

The distillery, now owned by Pernod Ricard, uses extremely distinct malting processes and mash bills to produce several whiskies exclusive to its distillery, situated not far from the excellent Hotel Genevieve — for now, let me say that if you find yourself in Bourbon Country, U.S.A, put Rabbit Hole Distillery at the top of your list to visit.

As luck would have it, these spirits-focused trips — and even the many events I attended this past week as part of annual spirits extravaganza Bar Convent Brooklyn — are the perfect opportunity to test out the best summer menswear from companies like Huckberry.

Luckily, durable denim, rugged leather boots and breezy summer shirting prove mighty helpful when going from a distillery tour to a dinner at one of The ‘Ville’s finest establishments (allow me to recommend Bob’s Steak and Chop House at the Omni Hotel, plus Southern-meets-Japanese fusion establishment Enso).

What sort of gear do you bring to hit the road? Hopefully, this style blog proves helpful in those many pursuits, but as ever, you can expect two weekend style posts in the days ahead. Beating the heat in style, whether in Kentucky or back in Brooklyn, is the name of the game, my friends. In fact, might I suggest this stylish Billy Reid linen shirt or else a travel-ready Huckberry blazer to cement your next summer #OOTD?

Shop the best new gear at Huckberry

You can expect more where that came from in the days and weeks ahead — as ever, stay stylish, thanks for reading, thanks for following along and imbibing with me! Here’s to a Brooklyn summer weekend — cheers, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Linen Buttondown Shirt Lends Polish and Comfort to Your Summer #OOTD

Striking the right balance between style and comfort in the heat is the name of the game on this Brooklyn style blog this season, and that likely holds true in your neck of the woods, as well. It’s a tricky challenge at the best of times, but some of the best online menswear brands can help you get there in style — from beach vacations to rooftop dinner, weddings, BBQs and a little bit of everything in between.

And if you’ve perused the blog in recent months, you’ll know we’re all about the refined essentials being delivered by Alabama-based Billy Reid, one of the country’s top menswear designers and the makers of summer-approved essentials like the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt.

A personal favorite and a seasonal twist on the best-selling Billy Reid Tuscumbia Shirt (itself an Oxford-like buttondown with plenty of versatility. The brand updates that style throughout the year in luxe fabrics, fits and colors, and this summer edition is just what the doctor ordered if you want to maintain a sense of polished, crisp and even refined style without going overboard — and without overheating, no less.

For the warmer months at hand, the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt gets all the proper details right, as only a designer like Billy Reid can. Garment-dyed lightweight linen gives it a breezy, soft handfeel, nicely complemented by a standard fit that should allow for proper air flow in the heat.

The Billy Reid Tuscumbia Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt keeps all the right details that make the four-season Tuscumbia Shirt such a winner, including a buttondown collar, genuine Mother of Pearl buttons and small touches like Billy Reid’s signature heirloom ribbon detailing at the bottom hem.

It doesn’t hurt that the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt comes in a range of fresh, vibrant colors, all the better to lend some pleasant, tasteful flair to your summer wardrobe. It should also prove handy alongside everything from chino shorts and white canvas sneakers to linen trousers and leather loafers.

Comfort, easygoing style and a crisp look are all standards to be counted on this summer with one of the best shirts for men, and the refined linen option from Billy Reid fits the bill handsomely for the warmer months ahead.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason Western Shirt Redefines a Rugged Classic for Modern Times

At times, I feel as if my wardrobe of menswear essentials is all sorted out, in perfect order and up for just about anything. And at other times, there’s a little something to be said for going out on a limb and picking up a refreshed take on a menswear classic — a little something extra, so to speak, like a fresh, durable Western shirt that updates the timeless style.

And since the best Western shirts for men seem to be all the rage right now, the time might be just right to pick up a new spin on an old favorite from the good folks at Buck Mason.

Learn more now at Buck Mason

Somewhere between the heavier, fall-ready appeal of the chambray shirt and the polished style of the classic Oxford shirt lies the lightweight fabric and supremely cool designed of the Buck Mason Palomino Western Shirt, potentially your new favorite summer shirt — seriously. You see, this retooled take on the Western shirt gets all the basics right, and then some, and it does so using a springweight blend of cotton and wool, as Buck Mason notes.

Best Western shirts for men.

Don’t let the use of wool fool you, though: It gives the shirt helpful shape, weight and structure without overdoing it: The Buck Mason Palomino Western Shirt seems to be the type of rugged Western shirt that’s neither too lightweight nor too burly: It’s just right, and just what the doctor ordered when it comes to the best shirts for men.

Timeless details like pearl snaps, a chest and back yoke and pointed flap pockets drive home the point that this a classic shirt with modern heritage, as fitting a combination as any to switch things up from a polo shirt or an Oxford shirt this summer. Better still is the fact that the Buck Mason Palomino Western Shirt comes in a range of handsome, distinct Ombre plaid colorways — another twist on an old standby from a brand that has deep respect for Americana heritage.

The Buck Mason Palomino Western Shirt is the sort of shirt that acts as a reliable change of pace when you need it the most: Consider swapping in this stylish Western shirt in place of an Oxford shirt atop rust-hued chinos, and perhaps consider pairing the Buck Mason Palomino Western Shirt with black jeans or even olive five-pocket pants.

At $168, the Buck Mason Palomino Western Shirt is an investment in the world of shirting, one with quality sewn into every stitch, though. What else might you expect from Buck Mason, though? Try the Buck Mason Palomino Western Shirt and add some Western flair to your traditional summer stylings, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Upgrade Your Everyday Carry with this Affordable Leather Wallet from Bespoke Post & Bellroy

Folks, it’s a big week around these parts (and likely, in your neck of the woods, too). Father’s Day 2025 is approaching, and if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect Father’s Day gift for pops or for the father figure in your life, allow Bespoke Post and Bellroy to swoop in at the last second and save the day.

Head over the Bespoke Post Sale section ASAP to score a deal that’s almost too good to be true: An upgrade to your everyday carry essentials via the Bespoke Post x Bellroy Hide and Seek Wallet, a collaborative effort that takes one of the best leather wallets for men and gives it the sort of distinction and style that only the good folks at Bespoke Post can provide.

Find out more now at Bespoke Post

It’s somewhat rare to come across something as well-made, stylish and highly durable in the world of EDC essentials as the Bespoke Post x Bellroy Hide and Seek Wallet — or rather, it’s rare to find one of the best leather wallets for men still in stock (and marked down more than 20 percent, of course).

That makes the handsome and tech-savvy Bespoke Post x Bellroy Hide and Seek Wallet a major find for both your own wardrobe and Dad’s array of everyday carry must-haves, especially if you’re looking to score one of the best Father’s Day gifts around.

Fashioned from environmentally certified leather that’s bolstered with RFID protection, the minimal yet stylish Bespoke Post x Bellroy Hide and Seek Wallet comes in an exclusive Burnt Sienna color, all the while boasting the ability to hold more than 12 cards — yes, 12 cards! How about that, folks?

Your new favorite leather wallet also clocks in at a steal of a price, just $69 for heritage-quality design made to last and last. There’s even a hidden coin and large bills pouch, all the better to ensure Dad has instant access to absolutely everything he needs on the go.

With durable design, exceptional style and the ability to upgrade every EDC kit, the Bespoke Post x Bellroy Hide and Seek Wallet could be the last-minute Father’s Day gift you need now — or simply an excellent upgrade for your own daily haul. Either way, everyone’s a winner this summer.