Category / Men’s Style

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Warren Jeans – The Perfect Casual Men’s Jeans for Summer

There are certain summer style essentials that are commonplace, true must-haves: The right pair of stretch chino shorts, the proper T-shirt for breezy casual style, and so on. Other pieces, like a pair of the best men’s jeans, can be tougher to wear — and even tougher to phase out of your wardrobe.

Take it from me: I’m a huge fan of wearing the best jeans for men as often as I can, usually with rugged chukka boots or high-top sneakers. And those jeans tend to hail from Mott and Bow, a brand that in my experience, delivers the goods in terms of utility, design and dependability.

Shop Mott and Bow men’s denim now

Yet when the high heat of summer is too daunting, I’ve found a helpful solution: Rocking a pair of Mott and Bow men’s jeans — at least, when the temperature is within reason — proves stylish, versatile and yes, a nice move for everyone who simply can’t get enough of the best blue jeans for men.

Mott and Bow men's jeans review.

I’d wager it’s not the first time you’ve come across a Mott and Bow review here on the blog, as I’ve been a longtime fan of the NYC-based denim upstart, which boasts decades of family experience at the top of its business (founder Alejandro Chanin grew up around the industry, after all).

And that means the Mott and Bow Warren Jeans are well-designed, stylish, easily wearable and even lightweight enough to wear in the summer months (again, within reason — proceed accordingly!). Your new favorite blue jeans for men, delivered in a pleasing and summer-friendly medium wash, feature a stretch factor of 18 percent.

That stretch makes ’em easy to wear on the go — with short-sleeve buttondowns, with one of your favorite polos or with a USA-made T-shirt.

Learn more now and shop at Mott & Bow

Note that they feature a mid-weight fabric, so they’ll prove more sturdy than jeans from a fast-fashion retailer — and they’ll prove an apt choice on slightly cooler summer nights, too. With waist sizing up to 40 inches and a reliable slim fit, the Mott and Bow Warren Jeans check all the proper boxes in matters of seasonal style and comfort: Unlock your new go-to pair of blue jeans today, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Trekking West to Arizona with Hamilton Watches

In my many freelance writing pursuits — covering everything from spirits to menswear to watches, trekking to Mexico with 1800 Tequila , visiting Boston with Joseph Abboud and more — I value tried-and-true essentials for my #OOTD.

Essentials like one of the best watches for men, of course, which just so happened to be the focus of my latest press trip. Suffice to say, staying on time in style, with rugged functionality top of mind, is the name of the game this Friday (and beyond), my friends. And it was a truly one-of-a-kind experience, which you very well might know if you follow me on Instagram.

Get menswear tips from my Instagram

The experience in question? Earlier this week, I had the chance to journey West with none other than Hamilton Watches, the legendary American producer of military and field timepieces (and an innovator in the timekeeping space since its founding in 1892).

The experience was unlike any other, as myself and fellow watch writers took the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical and Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition (this time on a new NATO strap) out into the field and the high heat of the Arizona desert.

On tap, aside from luxurious accommodations at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows? A thrilling desert off-road vehicle ride while wearing our Hamilton Watches timepieces, followed by a breezy and at times speedy river raft ride down the Salt River (once again, our Hamilton Watches timepieces proved mighty useful).

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical review.

The trip was capped off in thrilling fashion with a sunrise hot air balloon ride — and yes, once again, we trusted our Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical and Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition watches (my timepiece of choice) to get the job done.

Best field watches for men.

All the while, each of us found just about everything from Hamilton Watches to be tough, durable, easy to read in terms of legibility and timekeeping, and ready to stand up to the elements — be it dust, water or a hot day’s breeze. They even outfitted us with durable Hamilton caps, crucial in the Arizona desert.

I’ll have much more to come on Hamilton Watches via my many freelance writing pursuits, but for the price and the performance, this is a USA-made watch brand you can surely trust when you need it the most.

Shop Hamilton watches online now

And of course, you can find Hamilton Watches and more at sites like Huckberry, which is also a tough thing to pass up. For powering your weekend, look to one of the best men’s watches — and look forward to two weekend style posts incoming on this very blog. As always, thanks for reading and stay stylish!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Lightweight Men’s Chinos from Relwen & Huckberry are a Summer Essential

Best lightweight chinos for men.

What are your go-to menswear essentials for summer, the pieces you can’t live without? There’s a time and a place for laidback swim trunks and a USA-made T-shirt, just as there’s a time and a place for some polish — with one of the best men’s polos and a pair of the best lightweight chinos from Huckberry, for instance.

Learn more now at Huckberry

It can be a tricky balance to figure out, especially when it comes time to stay cool and stylish in the heat for men, but not if you’ve got the right men’s style picks for summer close at hand.

And by that, I mean today’s featured pick: The Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos live up to their name and then some, delivering an air of polish and comfort as the mercury rises.

Relwen men's chinos review.

Relwen rises above the fray in the menswear world, using military and workwear inspiration to craft modern updates to the classics, from a rugged linen workshirt to the aforementioned lightweight stretch chinos. That’s the sort of balance I appreciate, with a respect for heritage styles meeting the use of modern technology. When it comes to the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos, the use of a lightweight cotton — blended with spandex — gives them a light-as-air feel and a nice hint of stretch, in my experience.

Best chinos for men to buy now.

Plus, the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos boast a classic slim-straight cut, the kind that flatters most frames and is neither too constricting nor overly relaxed. I’ve found that the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos sit nicely atop everything from Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger boots to Clarks chukka boots to my preferred canvas high-top sneakers from Chuck Taylor in the summer months.

Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos review.

Durable details also set the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos apart from the pack, like a gusseted crotch and pleated knees — all the better for comfortable range of motion on the go. A sturdy snap button and hard-working zipper hardware also lends a further air of durability to the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos.

Add in the fact that they come in a range of neutral, earthy and stylish colors, and you’ve found a pair of pants worth stocking up on before the high heat of summer hits. If that sounds ideal to you, then your new favorite pair of chinos awaits via Huckberry and Relwen.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Polo is a Surefire Daily Style Winner

Best summer polos for men.

It seems that lately here on the blog, the best polos for men have been a prime topic of conversation. In my experience, that’s as it should be: When done the right way, as with the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Polo at the top of the page, the style is a timeless classic.

Learn more now at Taylor Stitch

We’re talking a stylish polo for men that’s more elevated than a T-shirt, more breezy than even one of the best Oxford shirts, and wearable with everything from the best linen pants to chino shorts (at least, in my experience). And the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Polo fits the bill quite nicely, seeing as it’s made from a brand obsessed with putting a modern, well-fitting and distinctive spin on throwback staples.

It helps that this polo shirt is also updated with eco-friendly organic cotton, and the laundry list of features carries on from there. The Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Polo is also available in a Bleached Natural Stripe option, plus a deep Indigo Stripe, but the Washed Indigo iteration is my personal favorite.

That color gives it wearability with everything from dark tan chinos to light grey linen trousers and even navy dress pants (don’t forget sleek leather loafers).

Shop men’s shirts and more at Taylor Stitch

And as with other Taylor Stitch men’s shirts, the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Polo comes in the brand’s excellent chest sizing options — a tailored fit that’s not too tight, and is often flattering (especially on my 6’2″ frame, the 44″ chest size works particularly well).

The two-button placket is more relaxed than somewhat dressier polos, but with the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Polo, it’s as if the brand has simply upgraded your favorite T-shirt in a more polished way. When casual-yet-elevated style scenarios come calling, reach for the breezy, well-made Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Polo — it’s a new daily summer staple, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Go Anywhere This Summer (And Save 25 Percent) with this Versatile Bamboo Hoodie from Huckberry

Best lightweight hoodie for men.

You might be surprised at the number of uses you can find for somewhat unexpected style items in the summer months, like one of the best hoodies for men. Or rather, normally the purview of the colder months, Free Fly Apparel has dreamed up a perfectly stylish, sustainable way to craft one of the best lightweight hoodies for men.

Learn more now at Free Fly Apparel

Think of the Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Hoodie as a change of pace that offers protection and functionality on summer adventures aplenty, and let’s go from there. I wrote a Free Fly review covering this essential hoodie, so if you’ve already snagged one, perhaps consider picking it up in another color — or perhaps consider adding it to your wardrobe for the first time ASAP.

Best lightweight hoodie for men to buy now.

That’s because, well, just like your favorite USA-made shirt or everyday carry essentials, it’s now 25 percent off at Huckberry via the lauded Huckberry Sale section. And the Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Hoodie is so well-designed, it just might change your mind entirely when it comes to how you layer up in the sun this summer — for days on the water, for beach strolls, for trail hikes and more.

The durable, eco-friendly nature of the Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Hoodie starts with that performance fabric blend, which just so happens to be a lightweight bamboo viscose blend. That fabric wicks away moisture and offers UPF20+ sun protection.

It also comes complete with a crossover neck for full coverage in the sun, while the streamlined design fits close to your body, yet not so close you can’t wear another layer (say, one of the best merino T-shirts?) beneath it. And what’s even better about the Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Hoodie is the fact that it packs down easily into a beach bag, tote or one of the best weekender bags when not in use.

Shop performance menswear and more at Huckberry

Heck, the Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Hoodie even boasts a left chest pocket for small everyday carry storage. In a range of light, breezy and neutral colors, it’s a prime seasonal layering move that’ll change how you dress for performance and comfort in the heat. And yes, that 25 percent discount won’t last forever, so shop accordingly now, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Outerknown Sojourn Polo is a Perfect Polo Shirt for Summer

Best men's polo shirt for summer.

In my experience, the best men’s style upgrades for summer are pieces that come in a silhouette you know and love, like one of the best men’s polo shirts, yet boast some features that separate them from the pack entirely.

Somewhere between the sharp style of an office-ready dress shirt and the casual nature of a pocket tee or a rugged men’s henley, the polo shirt is an indispensable summer classic — the short sleeves keep you cool and the collar adds polish, from BBQs to beach hangs.

And while the traditional polo shirt is usually made of, say, a thicker cotton pique fabric, Outerknown takes on the challenge of reinventing the polo shirt in stride.

Learn more now at Outerknown

The sustainable menswear brand, founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater, has long taken casual, eco-conscious men’s style quite seriously, from laidback picks like Outerknown chino shorts to the famed Outerknown Blanket Shirt, and the same can be said for the much-loved Outerknown Sojourn Polo.

That goes for its style as much as its famously outdoor-minded nature, with a range of colorways from navy to charcoal (keep scrolling for more).

Best summer polo for men.

How is the Outerknown Sojourn Polo a change of pace from the classic polo shirt? It starts with the fabric and construction, as so many great staple pieces from Outerknown tend to focus on when improving menswear staple pieces. The Outerknown Sojourn Polo uses super-soft regenerative organic pima cotton, a change of pace in terms of its eco-friendly nature and its ultra-comfortable feel.

That gives the Outerknown Sojourn Polo the breezy feel of a T-shirt, while the two-button placket lends the polish and versatility of a polo. As Outerknown says, the Outerknown Sojourn Polo is like adding a collar to your favorite T-shirt, and that’s the sort of casually cool summer style upgrade I can get behind.

When in doubt and when searching for something in between a dress shirt and an Oxford shirt or even a T-shirt, opt for this must-have from a favorite sustainable brand you can trust.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Save 25 Percent On This Sustainable Summer Shirt from Huckberry

Best short-sleeve shirt for men this summer.

If you’ve been keeping up with the blog on the regular, and keeping track of the incoming high heat of summer, you’re hopefully well aware of the utility of one of the best short-sleeve shirts for men. And of course, style goes hand in hand with that sort of utility.

The best men’s short-sleeve shirts are more easygoing than a long-sleeved Oxford shirt, for instance, and can be worn in more ways than a polo shirt. Oh, and if you’ve got the chance to snag your new favorite shirt on sale? That’s all the better, because striking while the iron is hot never fails — at least, that’s held true when I’ve shopped the Huckberry Sale section.

Learn more now at Huckberry

And without further ado, that’s where the Wellen Easy Cotton Short-Sleeve Shirt is poised to enter your wardrobe. Just in time for summer, it’s 25 percent off, with all the easygoing-yet-versatile style your next #OOTD needs.

Wellen, for the uninitiated, is the sustainable in-house brand at Huckberry, and they make use of eco-friendly materials like 100 percent organic cotton. That’s also the case with your new favorite short-sleeve shirt, but it gets better from there.

Huckberry shirt review.

That’s because the Wellen Easy Cotton Short-Sleeve Shirt is space-dyed (or rather, each shirt is space-dyed), so no two shirts are exactly alike. The process creates a textured effect that makes this stylish shirt look much more expensive than its currently on-sale price tag of $73.

The use of space-dying also means the Wellen Easy Cotton Short-Sleeve Shirt is a distinctive take on the traditional short-sleeve striped shirt — and again, that’s never a bad thing to have close at hand this summer.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt – A Winning Summer Move from Bespoke Post

Bespoke Post men's shirt review.

In my experience, your summer #OOTD and your summer wardrobe in general need a wardrobe workhorse or two, pieces built with versatility and a no-fuss, no-frills approach. These pieces, like one of the best men’s short-sleeve shirts or one of the best USA-made T-shirts, are simple on the surface, yet made with versatility and durability in mind.

Take the Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt. It hails from Bespoke Post, purveyors of one of the best subscription boxes for men — as well as a full line of easygoing, easily wearable men’s style essentials.

Find out more at Bespoke Post

It’s somewhere between a casually rugged pocket T-shirt and a slightly more formal polo or an Oxford shirt. That makes it perfect for in-between days this summer, like a BBQ — layered over a classic T-shirt — or a day at your favorite brewery (styled on its own alongside the best chino shorts for men).

The key with the Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt? Its textured waffle weave, which gives it some depth, plus a laidback look and feel. Workwear button chest pockets give it a more rugged feel as well, not unlike an old-school shop shirt.

Line of Trade men's shirt review.

The weave of the Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt itself is also a two-tone weave, so it stands out stylishly, even in a darker color (like the navy option shown here). And as with all things Bespoke Post, it features a reliable build and quality at a very agreeable price.

Shop menswear picks at Bespoke Post

In fact, the Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt retails for $65, a fair price considering that you can even wear it as a casual shirt beneath a soft-shouldered summer blazer. The benefit of that particular move? Staying cool in the heat by shedding some extra fabric.

However you choose to wear the Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt, it’s yet another Bespoke Post menswear essential that gets the job done in matters of form and function.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Buck Mason Summer Menswear, A Brooklyn Rock Concert & Shinola’s Summer Getaway Bag

Buck Mason summer menswear review.

Even in the high heat of summer, it pays to be prepared in matters of style. That’s how your author feels here at The Style Guide, whether you’re in search of tips on how to dress for a summer wedding or how to dress for a rock concert. That’s why we’re here after all, right?

While I don’t have any summer weddings on the docket this weekend, I did attend a Brooklyn rock concert last night (more on that in a moment), and I can’t help but turn towards brands I trust for both occasions — this summer weekend very much included.

Buck Mason menswear review.

You might have guessed, but the brand in question — one that’ll have you wearing one of the best summer suits as easily as one of the best indigo henleys — is Buck Mason, and there’s hardly a better note on which to kick off a breezy Brooklyn weekend, I’d say.

Learn more now at Buck Mason

From rugged chambray shirting to soft-shouldered tailoring fit for weddings and rooftop happy hours, I find myself reaching consistently for staple pieces from the Los Angeles brand, even ones as seemingly simple as one of the best USA-made T-shirts. And for the record, this is no sponsored post — just a wholehearted style recommendation heading into a weekend of Brooklyn BBQs and cold beer.

Buck Mason men's black jeans review.

And as to the versatility of the brand’s offerings, from rock concerts to wedding receptions — Buck Mason black jeans in particular were a go-to style move as I trekked to the famed Warsaw Concerts venue to see avant-garde rockers Shannon and the Clams last night with my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary.

Shannon’s EP (which I covered at Atwood Magazine, alongside a new single release) was among the music that helped bring us together, and the show was a very fitting one to attend side by side. Of course, style is the name of the game at a Brooklyn show, and my favorite black jeans more than did the trick (perhaps you saw the rest of my rock concert look over on my Instagram?).

Whatever your preferred beverage and song of choice happens to be this weekend, here are a few fitting Friday Reads to get the rest of this thing started the proper way.

Shinola Canfield Carryall review.
  • Here’s one for fans of both finely crafted whiskey and its natural summer pairing, a summer bonfire. Or rather, famed rye whiskey purveyors WhistlePig went a step further, partnering with outdoor fire pit and gear maker Solo Stove on a whiskey bundle. A whiskey bundle? Yes indeed, featuring a new whiskey release, a co-branded portable outdoor fire pit and more. Read my take on the collab right now at Maxim.com, my friends.
  • And without further ado, let’s roll into the weekend with one more choice style pick from yours truly. If you’re anything like me, you might sometimes find it hard to part with your favorite pair of jeans as the mercury climbs. But there’s a stylish replacement close at hand via Todd Snyder, who designed a pair of five-pocket pants with the style and polish of chinos, yet the fit and comfort of denim. Taken altogether — particularly the breezy linen-blend fabric — and they’re the perfect denim alternative for guys, as I covered this week here on the blog.
Learn more and shop now at Todd Snyder

With that, I’ll bring this week’s edition of the Friday Read to a well-timed close (happy hour awaits on the horizon later today, and there are deadlines to meet, after all). If you didn’t quite find the summer menswear essentials you need from Buck Mason, for instance, rest assured that two weekend posts will cover other must-buy men’s style picks for summer — and with that, let’s get ready to toast to the weekend! Cheers and thanks, as always, for reading.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Shinola Canfield Holdall Is An Investment-Level Bag for Summer Travel

Shinola Canfield Holdall review.

Before you can set your sights on your next summer getaway, let’s take a step back. Or rather, several steps back. Yes, there’s surely something to be said for packing up accordingly, from one of the best summer shirts to the most versatile pants for summer, but let’s go a step deeper.

To be more precise, what stylish weekender bag for men are you taking on quick long weekend trips? The answer might very well be right in front of you in today’s post, courtesy of Detroit lifestyle brand Shinola.

Best weekender bags for summer travel for men.

The famed watchmaker blends both a rugged and refined sensibility with its selection of Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco-inspired watches, a lineup that already includes one of the best dive watches for summer. But its accessories (and an assortment of enviable home goods) are also worth another look — and that very much includes one of the best weekender bags for men.

The Shinola Canfield Classic Holdall could be the perfect go-between, a happy medium between a carry-on suitcase and an overnight bag. Made with premium European leather that’ll develop a handsome patina over time, this stylish men’s weekender bag checks the right boxes in terms of easy storage and transportation.

The interior is lined with soft cotton and comes complete with two interior slip pockets and an interior zip pocket for your everyday carry essentials. And in terms of that ease of transportation: Natural grain leather handles and a detachable striped shoulder strap deliver both style and utility at once. Keep in mind that although the Shinola Canfield Classic Holdall retails for the investment-level price of $1,395, it’s certainly built to last and delivers enough space to work for plentiful summer weekend trips.

Learn more and shop now at Shinola

Of course, because it’s crafted by Shinola, the handsome Shinola Canfield Classic Holdall will work well beyond summer, too. That’s the kind of functionality that’s tough to pass up, so rest easy knowing that your next summer #OOTD will travel safe and sound in one of the best weekender bags on the market.