March 27, 2022March 13, 2022 by Beau H.

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

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.

Shop Free Fly gear right now

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.

March 26, 2022March 13, 2022 by Beau H.

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

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.

Shop new men’s gear at 5.11 Tactical

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.

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 RapiDraw™ 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.

Shop your new favorite flannel shirt

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.

March 25, 2022March 24, 2022 by Beau H.

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

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.

Shop must-have menswear from Bonobos

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!

I’ve talked plenty in the past about the essential, ridiculously well-made Flint and Tinder 10-Year Collection in all of its various forms, including one of the best men’s hoodies (and so much more). On that note, here’s an excellent way to stock up on your favorite casual basics: Now through midnight PST on Sunday, get up to 30 percent off the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Collection with no code needed. Seriously, that’s access to a deal on the best men’s hoodies and more, all made in the U.S. of A. Get on it, my friends.

Shop the Flint and Tinder Sale ASAP

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.

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!

March 24, 2022March 13, 2022 by Beau H.

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

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.

Shop rugged Shinola men’s watches

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.

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.

Add this Shinola watch to your wrist ASAP

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.

March 23, 2022March 13, 2022 by Beau H.

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.

Learn more at American Giant

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.

Shop American Giant menswear ASAP

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.

March 22, 2022March 7, 2022 by Beau H.

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

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.

March 21, 2022March 9, 2022 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Billy Reid Archie Jacket is the Best Spring Blazer to Buy Now

It feels to me like we were just talking about the best moleskin jeans for winter, among other seasonal style essentials, from the retailer in question today, the great Billy Reid out of Florence, Alabama. And yet, the time has now come to upgrade your seasonal wardrobe in a new way with some of the best spring style essentials we’ve seen yet from the famed American menswear designer. Sure, you know Billy Reid’s bestsellers by heart, I would hope: We’re talking rugged denim shirts, hard-wearing selvedge jeans and of course, the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, but the designer also does a number when it comes to more refined spring menswear essentials. Take the Billy Reid Archie Jacket, one of the best blazers for men and a special standout as we move into breezy spring and summer dressing situations.

Shop your new favorite blazer at Billy Reid

It’s the kind of blazer worth investing in, one that can be worn more casually with some of the best jeans for men — note the more laidback patch pockets — or in dressier situations with some of the best Billy Reid tailoring out there. Now, unlike on-sale menswear at Billy Reid’s Clearance Sale, this jacket is brand-new and full-price at just a shade under $600, but like most things Billy Reid, it’s worth spending a bit more to get one of the best men’s blazers.

The design of the Billy Reid Archie Jacket is exactly what you would expect — in a great way — from a designer that knows how to toe the line between ultra-casual and ultra-versatile. The aforementioned casual patch pockets make it easy to wear the jacket casually with light wash jeans or sans tie, with a chambray shirt, as part of a full suit. It’s made from lightweight, garment-dyed 100 percent linen for a breezy feel and finish on hot spring and summer days — if you’re looking for insight on how to dress for a summer wedding, starting with the Billy Reid Archie Jacket is but one way to go.

Get your new favorite spring blazer now

That fabric is then garment-dyed for an even softer look and feel, right out of the box. The Billy Reid Archie Jacket could very well be one of the most comfortable blazers you’ve ever worn. It’s lined in cotton, with cotton-blend sleeve lining for an easy-on, easy-off design. It’s also unstructured and looks better when worn with a more casual edge (again, skip the tie and wear a rugged denim shirt for a change of pace). The Billy Reid Archie Jacket is finished off with premium pick (or raised) lapel and pocket stitching, a sartorial touch that separates this blazer from the pack. The fit is modern and tailored, with plenty of size options available. For my money’s worth, and yours, the Billy Reid Archie Jacket is one of the best men’s blazers out there, period. Find out for yourself now before wedding season begins in earnest.

March 20, 2022March 20, 2022 by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Get 30 Percent off the Best USA-Made Menswear at American Giant

As we power through March, it’s more crucial than ever that your wardrobe is well-stocked for every possible situation, be it days working from home, spring weekend getaways or even days spent back on the grind in a casual office. What if I told you there’s one place to go to get on-sale menswear essentials made right here in America? Better still, what if you could shop a brand you love, a brand known for making the best American-made menswear on the planet — from the best work pants to an iconic winter sweater? That’s where you’re in luck, to say the least, with today’s Sunday Sale: Head on over to the American Giant Almost Gone Sale to get up to 30 percent off the best spring style essentials. Sounds too good to be true, right? Not in the slightest. The inventory selection is packed with casual style moves aplenty, from one of the best henleys for men (made from premium cotton) to some of the best men’s T-shirts — and more — on the market. Now, sizing can be limited, so act quickly if you see something you like.

Stock up on sale gear at American Giant

The American Giant Almost Gone Sale has all the variety your wardrobe needs, both in terms of the essentials themselves (T-shirts, hoodies, twill jackets and sweatpants) to the sort of durable design you require on the daily. The deals are outstanding in their own right, with items knocked down to prices well below $100 and $200. If you want to put together an entire look using only American Giant menswear — at sale prices, to boot — the American Giant Almost Gone Sale is an ideal resource these days. Select the colors you love, the styles you need and the essentials you’ve got to have, all the while saving some serious cash with the American Giant Almost Gone Sale. It’s yours for the taking, my friends.

March 19, 2022March 6, 2022 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket – The Best Leather Jacket for Spring is Back

It only comes around every so often, and when you see it, you assuredly know it. I’m talking, of course, about the never-ending search to scope out one of the best men’s jackets, especially a hard-to-find, seriously cool and impeccably stylish spring jacket like the much-loved Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket. It’s back in stock at the famed San Francisco retailer, and is better than ever in its current iteration: It’s a splurge-worthy, drool-worthy jacket, and one of the best leather jackets for men, to boot. And in some shape or form, the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket has been a longtime favorite of this writer, going back to 2015 and right on through to 2022. If you’ve been on the hunt for a way to really invest in the best with a new leather jacket for spring, the remarkable, frankly incredible Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket is the perfect pick-up right now.

Shop Taylor Stitch outerwear right now

Now, it’s never easy to design or produce one of the best leather jackets for men: It takes care, attention to detail and a certain know-how, which is what makes the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket all the more impressive. It’s handmade in San Francisco by the outerwear masters at Golden Bear, who continue to take classic styles and produce them with time-honored methods for today’s modern man. Luckily, the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket is no different.

Available in three different stunning shades of leather, the Whiskey Steerhide edition of the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket is your author’s personal favorite, with the potential to break in wonderfully the more you wear. It’ll mold to your body thanks to the supple 3.75oz. steerhide leather, which should prove tough enough to handle spring breezes and yet none too bulky when worn over your favorite T-shirt. Think of the rugged, tough-as-nails Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket like a change of pace compared to other Taylor Stitch menswear essentials, like a thick shawl cardigan for winter or a refined wool blazer. Finished off with Thinsulate insulation in a warm quilted lining, the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket is a multi-purpose jacket as at home on a chopper or behind the wheel as it is when worn with indigo jeans, rugged Taylor Stitch boots and a classic tee on a casual spring weekend.

Get yourself a new spring jacket at Taylor Stitch

It’s worth considering another crucial point when it comes to the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket — it’s certainly worth the investment-level price tag ($1,075), because it’s finely crafted and made to last and last. Right on down to the sturdy antique brass sleeve zippers and the front YKK two-way antique brass zipper, the details are thoughtfully executed and perfectly styled. Throw in touches like reinforced zig-zag collar stitching and gusseted shoulders for ease of movement, and the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket is the ideal blend of practical function and rugged style. In short: It’s one of the best men’s jackets for spring, and you should shop accordingly.

March 18, 2022March 17, 2022 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Harrington Jackets, A New Buck Mason Shirt and Spring Activewear

My friends, join me in another edition of the Friday Read as we step into spring in rugged fashion — not unlike that Filson jacket shown above, and not unlike the well-curated New Arrivals section at Filson. From waxed outerwear to lightweight shirts and hard-wearing henleys and T-shirts, I’m sure you’ll find the best new menswear that you need for the season ahead, all thanks to the venerable Pacific Northwest gear outfitter. I’ve definitely got my eye on some new style moves for spring, as crucial a time as any to make sure you’re ready for, well, anything from — from breezy spring days to sports bar beer sipping as you watch March Madness this weekend.

Shop new Filson gear right now

My agenda this weekend mixes both work and play, as I’ll be writing more menswear and gear stories for SPY.com (be sure to check out my byline!), not to mention taking in some long-awaited college basketball action featuring my alma mater, Michigan State! It really doesn’t get any better than that — be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep track of all the fun (and all of my writing work, too!). In the meantime, get into the spirit of the weekend (it’s still St. Patrick’s Day weekend technically, right?) with my picks for the best style reads and sales of the week.

Here’s a great way to start your weekend — by picking up a rugged new Western shirt from Buck Mason, of course. The ideal Western shirt — like the one shown above — is light enough to be worn on its own, yet durable enough to style with one of your favorite T-shirts, and it looks great with black jeans, tan chinos or even olive joggers. Get yours from Buck Mason now.

Alright, here’s a standout sale for all your budget-conscious shoppers (guilty as charged). The good folks at elevated performance menswear brand AETHER Apparel are running an End of Season Sale now through March 28th. Click through to get up to 60 percent off men’s gear, jackets, shirting, footwear and more — you won’t regret the savings or the style points.

Shop the AETHER Apparel End of Season Sale

Moving on from rugged menswear, spring is a time to get back out into the world with comfort and style in mind. That’s why it was so neat to write all about the best activewear joggers and jackets over at Maxim — these picks are anything but sloppy, my friends. Upgrade your wardrobe ASAP.

I’ll leave you with one last cherished, helpful style read before heading into the weekend. The Harrington jacket has an illustrious history and plenty of utility and heritage to go along with it. It’s one of my favorite styles of jackets, and that’s why it was so cool to write about the history of Harrington jackets over at Fatherly. Layer up in style, my friends! Cheers!

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