The Friday Read: The Best Sale to Shop Besides Prime Day & Summer Weekend Menswear Recommendations

Flint and Tinder menswear review 2025.

My friends, welcome back to your weekly (or near-weekly!) Friday Read dispatch, where we take stock of the world of menswear and a dash of, well, everything — from your bar cart to your wrist game and the footwear in your rotation, all via way of a few choice reading and shopping selections.

Each of those summer style essentials has been top of mind lately, as my #FreelanceLife pursuits keep me plenty busy, as you might have seen on my Instagram these past few weeks indeed. First, I hopped across the pond to tour Amsterdam with Heineken and then spent the better part of 10 days in vibrant, energetic Sao Paolo into Fourth of July weekend.

As I jet across the globe and get the chance to cover everything from fine tequila in Mexico to the best bourbon in Kentucky and the coolest watches and gear on the market — to name but a few pursuits — for sites like Maxim (along with this blog!), I often think about the idea of buying less, but buying better in building out an entire menswear wardrobe.

If you’re here reading this, perhaps you feel much the same way, and perhaps you also opt for classic-meets-modern retailers like Huckberry (more on them in just a moment).

And that’s why when something like the frenzy that is Amazon Prime Day comes around, I often tend to sit out the madness — how about you?

Instead, I try to opt for sale selections from the best menswear retailers, ones that I know well, use often, love and trust.

It’s a lofty order, to be sure, but as we looked at with the very best Fourth of July sales last week, there are remarkable deals to be had out there from fan-favorite designers across the board, be it some of the best sunglasses under $50 from Huckberry or a fresh new Buck Mason polo.

Those are just two selections designed with style and value in mind, along with better-for-the-planet materials and durability. Of course, I’ve also written lately about ways to save even more on designer menswear at Billy Reid, not to mention a host of the best discounts on summer gear from the likes of — you guessed it! — Huckberry.

The point is this: Whether you opt to shop a retailer like Huckberry or if you go the stylish small business route from another fan favorite like Bespoke Post, there are options aplenty if you seek alternatives to Amazon Prime Day — from apparel to footwear, outdoor gear, everyday carry essentials and more.

That’s what I’ll be thinking about this weekend as I kick back with a cold, crisp summer brew while wearing some of my favorite seasonal menswear. Of course, two weekend style dispatches are headed your way in the meantime. Here’s to shopping and saving the right way, and here’s to July in New York City and far beyond.

The Thursday Buy: This Buck Mason Free Flows Linen Polo is a Refined Summer Classic for the Season’s Heat

Best polo for men this summer.

There comes a time every summer — particularly right now, as the thermostat climbs without end in sight — where a guy needs to find the right balance between staying ultra-cool and looking, well, ultra-cool. How to dress stylishly in the heat is a main concern in my neck of the woods, especially if everything from rooftop happy hours to coastal getaways remains on your calendar in the weeks ahead.

One of the best men’s polos can help nail the delicate balance between comfort, style and crisp looks — make it a breezy, fashionable polo from the classic menswear purveyors at Buck Mason, and you’ve got yourself a winning upgrade as far as the best summer style essentials are concerned.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say the Buck Mason Free Flows Linen Polo takes an already-versatile silhouette and makes it even more wearable for the days and weeks ahead. It’s part of the new Buck Mason Free Flows Collection, an assortment of the best lightweight menswear that blends effortless cool, dependable good looks and breezy, textured fabric across the board.

And while the brand also excels at rugged menswear like one of the best Western shirts, the Buck Mason Free Flows Linen Polo is a touch more refined and plenty easy to style with linen trousers, soft-shouldered summer suiting and the brand’s utterly classic chinos.

There’s an air of retro cool to the Buck Mason Free Flows Linen Polo, which is billed by the iconic modern American brand as a “fully fashioned slim fit polo made from an airy blend of textured Italian cotton and linen,” (the blend is 70 percent seeded cotton and 30 percent linen, for the record). It forgoes a traditional button placket in favor of an on-trend yet timeless open V-collar, while the handsome Buck Mason Free Flows Linen Polo features a chest pocket for some added visual appeal, plus ribbed cuffs at the sleeves and bottom hem — not unlike one of the best sweater polos on the market.

The colorway of the Buck Mason Free Flows Linen Polo is crisp and classic, with a Natural shade that pairs well with everything in your wardrobe, from rolled light wash denim to olive chinos, tobacco-hued linen trousers, even grey or navy utility shorts.

The even better news? You can score all of these casually cool menswear essentials from Buck Mason alongside the elegant, rakish Buck Mason Free Flows Linen Polo. Your summer deserves a lightweight upgrade, and the accessible, retro-inspired Buck Mason Free Flows Linen Polo is the right way to go this season.

See Now, Buy Now: These Huckberry Sunglasses Are the Best Pair You Can Buy Right Now for Under $50

Huckberry sunglasses review.

Have you hit the point of the season where you’re feeling in need of a refresh as far as your summer style essentials are concerned?

That could go for everything from the canvas sneakers on your feet to the durable duffel bag you pack on weekend getaways, but perhaps it also extends to the stylish sunglasses you opt for each and every day. Allow us to investigate further as we dive into the hard-working shades shown above from Huckberry, shall we?

Finding the right balance between durability, effortlessly versatile style and rugged construction can be somewhat difficult: After all, the best men’s sunglasses have to pass muster at the beach, on the boardwalk and at the bar at that summer wedding. Finding the right pair isn’t all that easy, but that’s why we’re here today at this Brooklyn style blog.

At least, top-of-the-line pairs like the Huckberry Sunseekers can reliably stand up to all those pursuits, and then some. Yes, that’s right — your favorite online menswear retailer continues to deliver the goods when it comes to highly affordable style staples every man should own, a pair of the best sunglasses for men very much included.

In my experience with the Huckberry Sunseekers, they’re about as high-quality as it gets for the price tag, which squarely places them among an elusive crop of the best men’s sunglasses under $50. And with 85 nearly 5-star reviews, it seems my fellow fans of Huckberry — perhaps including yourself — simply can’t get enough of the classic style and dependable design of the Huckberry Sunseekers.

Made with 100 percent UVA/UVB resistant lenses set in a sturdy yet lightweight recycled polycarbonate frame, the versatile Huckberry Sunseekers come in a range of colors and patterns, including the crisp and classic Tortoise frame set shown above (complemented quite nicely by Forest lenses). Other editions of the sub-$50 Huckberry Sunseekers come in all-black, shades of olive and blue or else earthy tones practically made to be worn with a camp collar shirt and linen trousers.

However you choose to wear your new pair of Huckberry Sunseekers, be sure to reach for them early and often — the retro-inspired frame can be dressed down with a pocket tee and light wash jeans, or dressed up in a linen summer suit with relative ease. No matter the pair of highly affordable, highly fashionable Huckberry Sunseekers you select, you’re getting the famed retailer’s seal of approval — and some serious bang for your buck. Happy summer shopping, my friends.

The Tuesday Steal: You Can Still Save as Much as 55 Percent Off Right Now at Billy Reid

It’s been a key topic of conversation here on this Brooklyn menswear blog these past few days, and the past few weeks: How to make the most of summer in style, rocking clothes you love to wear, all the while saving a few bucks (when possible), in the process… and I’m here to help, my friends.

We talked just last week about the best menswear sales for the Fourth of July, and there are still a few last gasps, so to speak, in the world of men’s style essentials. Take the tail end of the Billy Reid Fourth of July Sale, for instance.

It makes perfect sense that the all-American designer — best known for taking rugged classics like the denim shirt or the peacoat and giving them a refined facelift — would extend a standout summer sale ever so slightly.

After all, nobody does casual elegance with a dash of refinement quite like Billy Reid, a brand that’s as suited for a summer wedding as a BBQ (particularly knowing you can wear the same stylish linen shirt to each affair).

And for now, you can retool your menswear rotation for the next leg of summer in fine form: Through the end of the day today via the Billy Reid Fourth of July Sale, you’re saving 30 percent on select styles, plus an additional 25 percent off sale styles: That’s good for as much as 55 percent off the best Billy Reid menswear when you use the code EXTRA25.

Variety aplenty awaits you in the last few hours of the stellar Billy Reid Fourth of July Sale, whether you’re searching for a perfectly casual pullover hoodie for the beach or a striped polo for another upcoming coastal getaway.

Expert fabrication and effortless style is the name of the game with Billy Reid — although these clothes are polished and crisply designed, I’ve found Billy Reid menswear to be outrageously comfortable and breezy, from patterned shirts to chino shorts and trucker jackets (yes, your favorite menswear brand does all of that, and then some).

For a limited time (a very, very limited time), find your new favorite summer #OOTD — or at least a few pieces that can go into crafting the perfect ensemble — via the fast-moving Billy Reid Fourth of July Sale. Summer style and savings in one go are yours for the taking.

See Now, Buy Now: These Bespoke Post x Rancourt Leather Moc Shoes are An Ode to Heritage Craftsmanship

Coming off the Fourth of July weekend, perhaps your mind has been focused on the best USA-made menswear — besides hot dogs and beer and fireworks, of course.

Or rather, perhaps you’ve been focused on menswear made the right way, the better way — not the easy way, but with care, craftsmanship and just a few extra steps in mind. That’s where Bespoke Post goes big-time with its first-ever collaboration with longtime Northeast footwear purveyors Rancourt & Co.

It can be valuable to rethink your men’s style rotation in that way from time to time, starting from the ground up with your footwear — beyond just canvas sneakers or leather espadrilles this summer. And in that regard, there’s Rancourt & Co., a brand with a long lineage when it comes to crafting some of the very best shoes for men, from handsome boots to timeless leather loafers, moccasins and even heritage-inspired sneakers.

That makes the new Bespoke Post x Rancourt Bison Leather Ranger Moc Shoes all the more special: They’re made with pride and limited to just 100 pairs, all the while merging Bespoke Post’s keen eye for sometimes-overlooked brands with the rich quality that Rancourt & Co. consistently delivers.

Hand-sewn in Lewiston, Maine, these pleasingly rugged moc shoes are about as good as it gets, using grain-side and flesh-side bison leather for plenty of texture and eye-catching appeal, then molding that leather into a classic three-eye moc design.

That means the build of the Bespoke Post x Rancourt Bison Leather Ranger Moc Shoes is somewhere between a classic two-eye boat shoe and perhaps a more rugged chukka boot — it can be worn easily with selvedge denim or olive canvas fatigue trousers, with a chunky build that looks right at home all the while.

Meanwhile, the two-tone leather upper will age wonderfully over time, while the option to trade in either boot laces or suede laces gives the Bespoke Post x Rancourt Bison Leather Ranger Moc Shoes even more casual, retro cool and versatility. Bear in mind, the handsome and impossibly stylish Bespoke Post x Rancourt Bison Leather Ranger Moc Shoes are limited to just 100 pairs via Bespoke Post — act quickly to give your seasonal footwear rotation a shot in the arm.

The Sunday Sale: Shop Huckberry’s Fourth of July Sale to Save as Much as 40% On the Best Gear and Menswear

Best summer gear from Huckberry 2025.

There are certain rites of passage in the world of the best summer menswear, particularly when it comes to welcoming new style essentials into your rotation and refining tried-and-true favorites.

And there’s no time like the Fourth of July and Fourth of July weekend to celebrate the season at hand with the best new menswear and gear — especially on-sale selections from a fan-favorite retailer like Huckberry, the brand behind everything from rugged leather hiking boots to crisply cut denim, expertly crafted linen shirts, handsome swim trunks and even a series of exclusive field watches and the best everyday carry gear.

That’s why we’re here today: To take stock of your menswear rotation as we cross into the next leg of summer, and to perhaps encourage you to thoughtfully retool and revamp your closet of the best men’s style essentials for summer. You can certainly find plenty of ways to do that right now within the Huckberry Sale section.

I personally spend plenty of time in the Huckberry Sale section perusing some of the finest gear – from stylish sneakers to breezy shirting, everyday carry essentials, summer swimwear and much more.

And now, it’s all on sale for as much as 40 percent off. How’s that for getting savings on gear you can wear right away? Not bad at all, particularly when you consider the sort of gear that’s up for grabs right now this fine Fourth of July weekend.

Right now, I’ve got my eye on the tastefully designed, versatile Luca Terra Low Leather Sneakers, plus seriously discounted Huckberry Walden Eyewear sunglasses. There are even savings to be had on Relwen’s soft-as-can-be Jersey Stripe Polo, the kind of shirt that can be worn with everything from stretch chinos and leather loafers to lounge shorts and white canvas sneakers.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg: There are serious savings to be had within the Huckberry Sale section as we close out the Fourth of July weekend and roll right into the rest of summer. Go to it and get out there in style, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley – A Summer Adventure Favorite

Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Or rather, can you update a rugged style classic and make it even better in the process? A modern Huckberry favorite seems to answer that question, at least in my experience: The Proof lineup of performance menswear from your favorite online retailer updates favorites (from polos to long-sleeve shirts to the tried-and-true henley) with some of the best fabric around in merino wool.

The results are endlessly wearable and made for summer adventure, at least in my book, and that certainly holds true with the Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley, a fresh twist on a rugged staple that every guy seems to look great wearing.

We’ve covered plenty of rugged Proof menswear fit for summer travel, blistering days in the heat and days trekking from town to trail and back, and this handsome henley in a modern fabrication fits the bill nicely for each of those pursuits (and more beyond that, of course).

From adventure pants to lightweight summer shirting, you won’t find much that can’t be made better by the moisture-wicking, anti-microbial nature of merino wool — and translated into one of the best henleys for men, the results are even more essential.

Best short-sleeve henleys for men.

The Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley does just what it sets out to do, using moisture-wicking merino wool that the brand put to the test for 72 hours of wear in some adventurous locales (you’ll find that same performance fabric in its long-sleeve tees, polos and more).

And yet, the Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley gets an even more streamlined update by way of snap metal buttons on the placket — a distinctive touch that allows you to customize your fit and ventilation on the go. Plus, this durable modern henley features a sun rating of UPF30+ for increased protection from the elements (although you’ll still want to put on sunscreen if you wear this shirt on its own — stay safe out there, folks!).

While colors like Navy are my personal favorite when it comes to this dependable short-sleeve henley, the Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley also comes in versatile Black and vibrant Aegean Blue. However, this dependable performance shirt is such a fan favorite, it’s sold out in all other colors as of now, with some sizes moving quickly. For now, your best bet is to score an available size and color of the Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley, then put it to the test far afield this season.

The Friday Read: The Very Best Fourth of July Weekend Sales & A Brazilian Getaway

Huckberry Summer 2025 menswear.

After a bit of a vacation from our Friday Read dispatch last week, we’re back in fine form to roll into the holiday weekend — with as much leisure, style and cold beer as our friends at Huckberry shown above. As it were for the Fourth of July weekend, I’ll miss out on the holiday itself: My latest international jaunt has taken me (along with my lovely Mary!) south of the Equator to Brazil to celebrate a close friend’s wedding in Sao Paulo — and our trip has gone beyond the major metropolis and on out to Atibaia, Monte Verde and more.

While the first leg of our trip saw us exploring Sao Paulo largely on foot (and by car), from rooftops to basement bars and sidewalk cafes, the next leg took us to the rolling mountains and foothills of Atibaia.

We’ve spent this last handful of days with a collection of American friends taking in the impossibly cool Mid-Century Modern designs of a lavish home dreamed up by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan (boasting four Eames chairs and a host of impeccable touches beyond that!). Even on the heels of a global jaunt to Amsterdam with Heineken late last month, our two-leg trip has proven invigorating, rather than exhausting — it’s funny how that works out, ehh?

Our time in Brazil has been wide-ranging, vivid and impossibly memorable, from a guided Jeep and hiking tour through Monte Verde to a positively delicious visit to Destilaria Monte Verde, not to mention rooftop sunset viewings and stops at both the Dengo and Sabor chocolate enterprises. Traditional Brazilian music, rich and strong Brazilian coffee, a multitude of Caipirinhas, even a Brazilian IPA or two were also very much in the mix.

There’s something vibrant and immediately inspiring about Sao Paulo: Chaotic though the city can be, with its massive melting pot of Brutalist and contemporary architecture, modern enterprise and old-world history, it’s simply one of the most distinct and engaging cities I’ve ever had the chance to visit (and if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’m fortunate enough to travel the world for both work and play very, very frequently).

I look forward to the day I can return, ideally with another large group stay at a house designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan — talk about quite the way to spend your holiday weekend (take another look at the house both above and below, courtesy of Sotheby’s and Bossa Nova).

For your own pursuits far afield, allow me to offer some gear recommendations, particularly when it comes to your wrist game: I wrote just yesterday about a rugged Shinola ceramic watch that’s built for each and every summer adventure. A stylish hemp buttondown from Flint and Tinder (which happens to be on sale right now!) might also prove fitting for day-to-night style, especially in the breezy climes of Brazil.

But for now, let’s turn our attention to the holiday weekend and to a carefully picked handful of the best 4th of July sales for menswear, gear and more right now — these are my top-of-the-line selections from just a small handful of your favorite brands, all fit for the days and weeks ahead.

And naturally, we’re back here on Saturday and Sunday with a duo of style selections. Cheers to travel, to fun in the sun, to cold beer and to a laidback holiday weekend, my friends.

Let’s keep this weekend rolling with a few quick sale picks, shall we? Here’s what I’ve got my eyes on for Fourth of July style, and since so many sales abound, I’m limiting this to my top five right now.

  • Huckberry: Your favorite online gear and menswear retailer is offering up to 40% off via the Huckberry Sale section.
  • Billy Reid: Here’s a standout sale from one of my favorite designers — get up to 30% off a mix of classic and modern Americana menswear.
  • Bespoke Post: Visit the NYC-based retailer and score at least 40% off gear, home goods, menswear and more.
  • Mack Weldon: Take 25% off the performance menswear company’s Summer Collection when you buy 2 or more products, with no code necessary.
  • Todd Snyder: Take an extra 20% off on-sale designer menswear from the iconic American brand with the code EXTRA20 through the Todd Snyder Summer Sale.

That’ll wrap up today’s latest weekend-ready dispatch — again, I’m wishing you fun in the sun with family and friends, plus a hearty dose of cold beer, along with menswear and gear savings aplenty. Thanks for reading, folks!

The Thursday Buy: This Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch is a Rugged Summer Wrist Game Essential

Shinola Monster Watch review.

While we’ve talked plenty about the best summer gear across the board — from stylish boat shoes to breezy T-shirts, versatile buttondown shirts, stretch chino shorts and even canvas sneakers — it’s high time we considered another crucial addition to your summer gear rotation. Take a look at your wrist: Are you a fan of watches? A budding watch enthusiast or a seasoned veteran?

Or perhaps somewhere between the two, but with a knowledge of and appreciation for the finer things in life, like Shinola men’s watches? Then you’ve come to the right place today as we consider one of the best watches for men — especially as you look to plot out your next summer adventure.

Wearing a wristwatch in this day and age isn’t quite for everybody, as we’ve learned over the years, but if you’re into the style, intentionality and classic looks the right timepiece can provide, then I say again: You’ve come to the right place as we consider the adventure-ready delights of the Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch.

When it comes to Shinola reviews, we’ve talked about refined watches for everyday wear, as well as complementary pieces like one of the best leather duffel bags for men, and the Detroit-based brand has the market cornered as far as blending the best of the past with the present as far as the best men’s watches are concerned.

The Shinola Monster line of watches is also a personal favorite for that reason, boasting larger case sizes than typical dress watches and featuring more bells and whistles made to take on the deep waters of the Great Lakes (or the dust of the hiking trail, or somewhere in between the two).

The rugged Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch gets its good looks from the use of a black ceramic material for its case and outer bezel — the material is strong yet lightweight, and made to resist the elements.

The company also finished off the crown of the Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch with a stainless steel coating for further durability — it’s like the brand has taken the best stainless steel dive watches, then lightened them up across the board with cutting-edge ceramic.

It doesn’t hurt that its minimal black build is complemented nicely by an integrated black rubber strap — this strikes me as the sort of watch that looks as at home with a short-sleeve henley and blue jeans as it does with swim trunks and a pocket tee on the shore. Even the caseback is adorned with red detailing, a touch one can’t help but love in terms of rugged, functional looks.

The wave-edged dial of this handsome yet sleek watch reminds the wearer — yourself included — of the depths of the Great Lakes, tastefully accented by red dial details. And you can be sure accuracy is top of mind as you wear this watch day in and day out, from city to shore, thanks to its SW200-1 Automatic movement.

If you want a hard-wearing adventure watch that packs in plenty of bells and whistles in a subtle manner, then the latest Shinola Ceramic Monster might just be for you — and if it’s your first introduction to a legendary modern brand with hard-working Detroit roots, I say for a final time: You’ve come to the right place.

See Now, Buy Now: This Mack Weldon Pique Buttondown Is A Supremely Comfortable Men’s Style Must-Have

Mack Weldon Silver Pique Buttondown Shirt.

As summer’s heat grows more intense by the day, there’s something to be said for embracing a more easygoing, laidback style of dressing — a sense of leisure, ease and comfort, without losing any of the polish you need for your day-to-day, summer-friendly #OOTD lineup.

Mack Weldon menswear review.

The good folks at Mack Weldon have long focused on nailing the right balance between polish and comfort, expertly dialing in a lineup of proprietary fabrics that stretch, move with you and wick away moisture, all the while retaining the sharp looks you need for a day at the office, a day on the links or a summer date night — or a dash of all three.

In my book, the Mack Weldon SILVER Pique Short-Sleeve Shirt is the latest and greatest innovation put forth by the New York City brand. Keep in mind, this commitment to comfort and quality includes a lineup already featuring some of the softest, best boxer briefs, T-shirts and performance pants for men out there. So, what makes the Mack Weldon SILVER Pique Short-Sleeve Shirt a worthy addition to your rotation of casually cool yet office-ready shirts?

Well, my friends, like the company’s innovative SILVER fabric lineup of tees, shorts, boxers and more, it all comes down to the proper lightweight fabrication. A stretch pique cotton (also available in a crisp Long-Sleeve version) features anti-odor Ionic technology, and it doesn’t hurt that your new favorite short-sleeve shirt also uses Supima cotton to get things started.

The result is a shirt that feels as comfortable and stretchy as your go-to athleisure gear, yet with the crisp look and effortless cool of a flattering short-sleeve buttondown. The collar itself mimics that of an Oxford cloth shirt, while the color calls to mind cool chambray (one of two options from Mack Weldon) — chalk up another winning point on the scoreboard when it comes to the Mack Weldon SILVER Pique Short-Sleeve Shirt.

In sizes ranging from S to XXL, there are options aplenty out there to amp up your wardrobe — it’s somewhere between the preppy sport potential of a Mack Weldon polo and the laidback nature of a Mack Weldon henley.

And yet, in my experience, the Mack Weldon SILVER Pique Short-Sleeve Shirt should prove wearable with everything from tan chino shorts to navy stretch trousers or even linen lounge shorts and canvas sneakers. It’s hard to top that kind of versatility, but the Mack Weldon SILVER Pique Short-Sleeve Shirt goes a step further with warm weather-approved comfort — try one out and let me know where it takes you, folks.