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.

The Tuesday Steal: Flint and Tinder’s Stylish Hemp Buttondown Just Went On Sale – Try It Out Here

It’s something we’ve talked about plenty here on the blog: How can a guy stay stylish and cool in the heat, all the while tackling the demands (and pleasures!) of summer fun? If your wardrobe of summer menswear essentials is a toolbox, then the right fabrics and designs are crucial.

That’s where a textured, breathable and sustainable fabric like hemp comes into play, and you can trust the good folks at Huckberry to take hemp and turn it into a pleasingly breezy, stylish men’s buttondown shirt through the endlessly wearable Flint and Tinder lineup.

The Flint and Tinder Classic Hemp Buttondown answers the question, “What if you took one of the best Oxford shirts for men and then made it even lighter and more laidback?” and it does all of that while dropping down below $80 on sale — how’s that for a new addition to your rotation of the best summer shirts?

Best Oxford shirts for men.

Unlike thicker buttondown shirts from the fan favorite in-house Huckberry brand, the Flint and Tinder Classic Hemp Buttondown works in a touch of hemp (10 percent, to be exact), alongside organic cotton, which is especially fresh and summer-friendly in a handsome Navy Micro Stripe design. It uses lightly contrasting stitching at the pocket, but the Flint and Tinder Classic Hemp Buttondown does away with the buttondown collar for a more easygoing look and feel (just see how Huckberry styled it above).

The Flint and Tinder Classic Hemp Buttondown also boasts a classic fit, so you can wear it buttoned up over an undershirt (perhaps paired with a knit tie and Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer), or else rock it more as a lightweight overshirt (again, see how Huckberry has styled this shirt above).

Huckberry men's shirts.

With its breezy build and versatile fit, this new twist on the buttondown shirt could also serve as an overshirt of sorts alongside swim trunks at the beach, or else with chino shorts and leather loafers for an evening summer stroll (Aperol Spritz sold separately).

For now, the Flint and Tinder Classic Hemp Buttondown is marked down 20 percent, and available in a variety of sizes — it looks like you just sorted out your next must-have summer shirt, my friends.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.