Although plenty of people out there might be focused on, say, the second weekend of the Coachella festival, I’ve got my sights set in a different direction — namely, in search of cold Shiner Bock beer like you see above. How exactly does that work out, and what does it have to do with this blog? Well, if you’ve read the rest of my writing work at sites like SPY, you know I’m a HUGE fan of American beer — and that’s what’s bringing me South to Austin (Texas!) for the first time since 2018.

I’ll be staying in Austin with fellow media members, exploring the city, imbibing Shiner beer and of course, visiting the famed Shiner Brewery in Spoetzl! Along the way, we’re taking in the best of what Texas has to offer, from local BBQ to horseback riding and more. I’m so thrilled to be invited along, and I can’t wait to keep diving into a true Texas weekend! For now, you can follow along on my Instagram with all the fun. In the meantime, I’ve got some more Shiner Bock to sip on — cheers, and here’s to the rest of the Friday Read!

• Alright, my friends: If you’ve kept up with the blog, then you know the brand above. It’s another Texas-based brand, this time the good folks at Austin’s Howler Brothers — I previously shouted out the Howler Brothers Spring 2022 Collection here in this blog post, and it’s high time you gave them another look, in my humble opinion. They make rugged, lightweight adventure shirts, shorts and more — the sort of gear you can wear on the water and then back into town to grab, well, a cold Shiner Bock beer. Cheers, folks.

• For all of you not dealing with the Texas heat this weekend, I’ve got quite the style pick for you: Layer up for blustery spring days with a personal favorite jacket I’ve shouted out more than a few times — that’d be the Buck Mason Storm Stopper Ghia Driver’s Jacket, which I covered as last week’s Style Pick of the Week. It could just be the perfect jacket for spring, my friends.
• Last but certainly not least, here’s another spring-centric style move to get you in the spirit of the season, so to speak. My favorite American menswear designer, Todd Snyder, just launched his first-ever shoe collection: It’s an offering of four classic colorways in a timeless chukka boot design, and I wrote all about it over at Maxim.com. Lace ’em right on up, my friends.

We’re going to wrap up today’s Friday Read this very instant, folks, as I’ve got some “work duties” to attend to — again, get yourself a cold Shiner Bock beer delivered to your door if you want a classic taste of Texas! Cheers and thanks, as always, for reading!

Sometimes, it’s the most seemingly simple spring and summer style essentials that actually make the biggest difference in your wardrobe. Whether it’s your go-to pair of classic canvas sneakers or a breezy-yet-effective merino T-shirt, every guy’s wardrobe needs workhorse pieces that perform even better than they look — like the Proof Rover Shorts, part of some of the best new menswear arrivals on tap right now from the good folks at San Fran’s own Huckberry. If the Proof Rover Shorts sound familiar on the surface, that’s because, well, they are. At least, partially.

The Proof Rover Shorts are in fact a shorter version of the Proof brand’s famed Proof Rover Pants — those pants happen to be some of my favorite pants, and if you’ve tried them, perhaps you feel the same way. The aptly named Proof Rover Shorts share a lot of the same DNA, with a true work short build that’s built on a proprietary blend of Sorbek, cotton and lycra for stretch, durability and abrasion resistance. As the headline mentions, too, the Proof Rover Shorts are also the ideal outdoor shorts: For yard work, day hikes, grilling or patio beers, even. They really shine when it’s time to tackle tough projects, though.

The even better thing about the Proof Rover Shorts is that, much like the Proof Rover Pants, these stylish men’s shorts will only get better with time — Huckberry calls out the specially engineered pigment dye process that fades over time the more you wear them. And of course, you’ll certainly want to wear the Proof Rover Shorts as often as possible, especially in highly versatile colors like Dark Bronze Grey (shown above) and Light Olive. With black metal hardware and highly durable construction, plus a gusseted insert for ease of movement, the Proof Rover Shorts do a standout job at checking off all the little details you might not have considered in a pair of shorts.

Best of all might be the price. Sure, the Proof Rover Shorts clock in at just under $80, which is more expensive than picking up, say, a classic pair of chino shorts, but these shorts in particular are made to be worn into the great outdoors and beyond. It’s the same kind of versatility you’re getting with the Proof Rover Pants, of course, only that much more adept for spring and summer. Do yourself a favor and snag the Proof Rover Shorts — your new go-to spring and summer shorts.

Have you started lightening up your wardrobe yet? Slowly but surely, perhaps? We’re in the midst of a blustery spring (most of us, anyway), but that doesn’t mean you can’t still plan ahead by stocking up on one of the best lightweight shirts for spring and summer. It’s high time you started shopping the New Arrivals section at Todd Snyder, an effortlessly cool, well-curated and well-designed selection sure to have you dressing in style for big and small moments aplenty this season. The key is the Todd Snyder Summer Weight Favorite Shirt, a revamped take on the designer’s go-to Oxford shirts that’s been freshened up in a summer-ready look and feel.

You might still be looking for the perfect spring jacket, for instance, and you might find it tough to invest in a lightweight shirt when you’re still bundled up on chilly mornings wearing one of the best crewneck sweatshirts, but again, the key lies in planning ahead, being prepared, and then reaching for one of the best men’s lightweight shirts when the time comes. And although it’s pricier than your average fast fashion buttondown at $148 at Todd Snyder, the Todd Snyder Summer Weight Favorite Shirt is a purchase that’s worth the investment — as is much of what’s being done right now by one of the country’s best menswear designers.

What exactly makes the Todd Snyder Summer Weight Favorite Shirt one of the best lightweight shirts on the market? It all starts with the use of lightweight, substantial yet breathable Portuguese cotton, carefully made in Portugal itself by reputed tailor and shirtmaker Somelos. That’s what elevates the Todd Snyder Summer Weight Favorite Shirt a cut above the rest, in both price and quality. Beyond that, it’s just a mighty fine buttondown shirt, the kind you can wear untucked with your favorite blue jeans or tucked in with chinos and an unlined navy blazer for business casual scenarios. Consider the Todd Snyder Summer Weight Favorite Shirt a nice alternative to a heavier Oxford shirt, especially when it comes to particularly balmy days.

The buttondown collar on the Todd Snyder Summer Weight Favorite Shirt is a classic shirting touch, and the button chest pocket adds a touch of visual interest without overdoing it. This is a shirt that’s both casual and yet polished, the kind you can wear unbuttoned over a Todd Snyder x Champion graphic tee, or buttoned up with a knit tie and your favorite lightweight blazer. It’s also a nice added touch that the Todd Snyder Summer Weight Favorite Shirt comes in so many warm-weather-friendly colors, including Surf Green and Blue Stripe. This stylish shirt could prove so comfortable that you very well might want to get at least one or two more to round out your wardrobe. And again, as with most things Todd Snyder, it’ll pay off down the line this season. Here’s to prepping for spring and summer in style.