See Now, Buy Now: This Sunwashed Polo from Faherty Brand Is The Breezy Upgrade You Need This Summer

Building a successful and stylish menswear wardrobe means options are crucial, as we often say — and that certainly holds true for selections that bridge the gap between casual style and laidback, leisurely pursuits.

So, while a selection of stylish men’s T-shirts gets the job done for off-duty hangs, for instance, what about when you want that crucial sense of polish and style in a fashion that’s just a bit more elevated? Well, my friends, that’s why we’re here today — to talk about one of the best polo shirts for men, the right sort of style to step things up ever so slightly without overdoing it.

And as seems to be the case most times these days as you scour the market for the best summer style essentials, Huckberry and Faherty Brand have just what you need.

Family-owned Faherty Brand was founded with inspiration and roots along the coast of New York, and its breezy yet durable array of menswear (especially its ultra-soft flannel shirts and sweater-shirt jackets) holds true to that approach.

These are selections that are particularly at home on and near the water. Past Faherty Brand reviews on this blog have tended to cover its winter menswear, but let’s shift to something more lightweight as the thermostat climbs, shall we?

And that brings us to the Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo, an undisputed style staple for soft comfort and casually cool good looks. The Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo is also a best-seller at Huckberry, which is saying something given that the Americana retailer has plenty of selections that are fan favorites (including Flint and Tinder’s own lineup of summer-approved polo shirts).

The Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo, on the other hand, takes a slightly more laidback approach without losing any of its versatility: 100 percent organic cotton gets what the brand calls an ozone wash for plenty of softness, while the three-button spread collar is an expert style move.

This handsome polo comes in two eye-catching striped options, and one variation of the Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo takes its cues from iconic Breton stripe T-shirts. And for just under $100, you’re getting a classically minded polo shirt that’s as easily wearable with stretch chino shorts as it is with linen trousers or stretch chino pants.

For effortlessly cool style, for classic good looks and for plenty of soft comfort, the Faherty Brand Sunwashed Polo is a surefire style upgrade when you want to toe the line between luxe and leisurely. Add it to your style rotation ASAP, my friends.

The Sunday Sale: This Bonobos Everyday Shirt is a Discounted Steal for Your Daily Menswear Rotation

If you think of your rotation of men’s style essentials like a toolbox, as we often talk about here on this Brooklyn style blog, then there are certain must-haves that make up the backbone, the sort of pieces you can always use close at hand. No matter the season, and no matter (nearly) any occasion, the best Oxford shirts for men certainly qualify as a must-have, and the Bonobos Everyday Shirt shown above fits the bill handsomely.

Wearable with everything from a blazer and stretch chinos to rolled light wash denim and canvas sneakers, as at home tucked in with linen trousers or untucked alongside trusty jeans, the best men’s Oxford shirts really are a daily staple when done the right way, and the Bonobos Everyday Shirt certainly qualifies.

Able to be taken for a spin at the office or alongside lounge shorts at a weekend BBQ, the details are thoughtfully curated here, not unlike Bonobos’ world-famous, effortlessly cool men’s chinos.

The Bonobos Everyday Shirt boasts soft Oxford cotton finished with 2 percent elastane for helpful stretch, and it doesn’t hurt that one of the best Oxford shirts for guys looks great tucked in or untucked. As with other Bonobos menswear selections, I’ve found that the fit is nicely tailored without being overly tight or overly relaxed — the Bonobos Everyday Shirt comes in four fit options (from Tailored to Athletic), plus three lengths for an expert cut and finish.

And if you look closely, the Bonobos Everyday Shirt nails Oxford shirting details, from the buttondown collar to the chest pocket, plus sleeves that look great buttoned up or rolled up, ready to get to work. A selection of classic solid colors are on sale in a wide range of sizes for nearly 50 percent off, with dozens more color and pattern options on sale for more than 50 percent off.

And since it’s Bonobos we’re talking about here, I’ve found that stellar value is simply the name of the game — alongside easily wearable quality any day of the week. For versatile everyday performance, crisp looks and casually cool style this season, opt for a true modern classic in the Bonobos Everyday Shirt, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts – Hard-Working Shorts Ready for Anything

Best shorts for men.

Your summer has the potential to go just about anywhere — if you’ve got the right gear and the right style essentials for the task at hand, that is. And in my book, the rugged outdoor purveyors at Filson seem to hit the nail on the head when it comes to reliable adventure gear, from lightweight shirting to durable canvas bags and now, the perfect pair of casually rugged canvas shorts.

The Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts might seem an unlikely style selection from a company best known for its selvedge denim and of course, its tightly woven Dry Tin Cloth pants and shorts, but they carry on the Filson legacy of tough-as-nails menswear.

Filson reviews note that the company makes heirloom-quality menswear across the board, even in the warmer months — going off trail this summer requires attention to detail, thoughtful design and a focus on durability, and my friends, that’s what the Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts bring to the table (or rather, to the trail and to your campsite).

The Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts are fit for both work and play, so to speak, thanks to the midweight cotton canvas construction that should resist abrasions, dirt and debris. Helpfully, they’re built out with an elastic and drawstring waistband, that way, you needn’t wear a belt 24/7 (but one would certainly come in handy from time to time).

And unlike some other pairs of Filson shorts with a longer cut, the Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts feature a versatile 7-inch inseam, not unlike other pairs of the best men’s shorts (like the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts, for instance).

The Filson Oakville Canvas Shorts are made from sturdier, thicker fabric, giving them durability and toughness on the trail, while classic side slant front pockets and back button patch pockets deliver EDC storage space.

In colors like Filson’s classic Bronze Brown and even the grey-hued Gravel, these are rugged shorts meant to be paired with Filson pocket tees, a short-sleeve henley and perhaps even a camp-collar shirt and well-worn canvas sneakers.

For durability and design you can trust, plus some style points to spare, make these handsome, classic canvas shorts from Filson your next #menswear pick-up, folks.

The Friday Read: A Trek to Amsterdam with Heineken & The Best Summer Travel Gear

In this freelance life (or the #FreelanceLife, as I like to call it), incredible opportunities come across my inbox and my line of sight on the daily. That includes the chance to pursue my passions, to write about the best menswear from brands like Huckberry on this very blog, to test out new watches, audio gear and everyday carry essentials, and to try the finest spirits and the best summer beers on the market — among other pursuits, of course.

And helpfully as I cover a wide array of pursuits for sites like Maxim and CoolMaterial.com, I frequently get the chance to hit the road, go far afield and uncover stories behind iconic brands, distilleries and breweries.

It’s a thrilling opportunity, and one that takes me now over to the iconic city of Amsterdam — celebrating its 750th anniversary as a city! — plus famed worldwide brewer Heineken. There’s plenty on tap, including fresh Heineken beer, a tour of the city’s canals, a visit to Heineken’s new R&D center, and a tour of the brewery itself — naturally, you can keep up with all of the fun over on my Instagram. Cheers, my friends!

Of course, for trips like these, I know the right gear goes a long way, especially when it comes to plenty of time on foot exploring a new city and an iconic brewery like Heineken. I trust favorite retailers like Huckberry for ultra-soft cotton tees and (if needed), the famed Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket for spring and summer rains (and more).

I also value comfortable stretch denim and denim shirting from Buck Mason, and lately, I’ve been wearing Ariat Chelsea boots for some rugged-meets-refined appeal.

As to those boots, they’re as easy to dress up with stretch chinos as they are to dress down with rolled blue jeans and another staple piece, Filson’s Frontier Short-sleeve Henley.

In addition to durable travel gear, I’ve also been favoring stretch pants from Public Rec, especially ones with the design of five-pocket pants and the stretch of tapered joggers.

And not to be outdone or overlooked, let’s talk the best watches for travel: Lately, my Shinola Bronze Monster has found place of pride on my wrist (and in my duffel bag). Speaking of duffel bags and the best men’s travel bags: I tend to trust my ever-helpful Halfday Travel bag, with a garment bag interior and multiple pockets for shoes, men’s basics and more.

It hits all the right notes in terms of easy transport on the go — very much including occasions when I need to bring my Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer, as with this trip and formal nights out in Amsterdam.

My Halfday travel bag has more than served me well on past jaunts, including an April trek to Tequila Ocho, a trek into the Italian Dolomites with audio brand Sonos and even a recent family wedding in Knoxville. To say it’s an efficient travel bag to zip from point A to point B is an understatement, and it also more than reliably holds my trusty toiletries bag from Herschel Supply.

The list of the best travel gear goes on and on, but once you find picks that you love and that serve you well, it makes packing and traveling in style a relative breeze (as does TSA Precheck, of course).

What sort of travel gear do you bring on your own adventures? And what’s next on your personal summer getaway to-do list? Be sure to follow along with all the fun — and my gear picks, and my watch picks — over on my Instagram as I scour Amsterdam for the very best of the best. As ever, expect two weekend style posts covering the best summer gear and menswear from retailers like Huckberry

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.