See Now, Buy Now: The Flint and Tinder 365 Pants Are Your Ideal Everyday Pants this Fall

Flint and Tinder 365 Pants

Sometimes, repetition and practice are your two greatest friends in building or refining a menswear wardrobe you love to wear. That starts with finding essentials from brands and retailers you can trust, then honing those picks season after season.

Take Huckberry, for instance. You likely know the company from its partnerships on rugged watches and durable shirt jackets — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg — but what makes it so easy to go back to Huckberry is the range you’re getting in terms of selection. The company’s Flint and Tinder line is, of course, a particular favorite of mine (if you know, you know!), especially the ever-reliable Flint and Tinder 365 Pants.

This certainly isn’t the first time I’m talking about (potentially) your new favorite pants here on the blog — and that’s where consistency comes into play, because I’ve been impressed with the quality, fit, variety and versatility of these pants ever since I tried ’em years ago.

Here’s the even better news: The supple, durable Flint and Tinder 365 Pants — which blend the five-pocket style of a classic jean with the polished cotton-blend fabric of a chino — are better than ever this year as we roll into fall. Take it from someone who knows (tips cap).

I recently tried out a new pair of the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants and found the fabric to be soft yet durable, and the style points unmatched. The fit also offered room to move, a crucial detail in the Tapered fit in particular. It’s also tough to top the vast array of color options (12 in total!) and four fit types, along with sizes up to 44×32. Yes indeed, there are plenty of options for the guy who wants to bridge the gap between casual and office-ready style.

I wore my Flint and Tinder 365 Pants to a brewery for evening beers (alongside a Flint and Tinder Western shirt, of course), and then kept those same pants in my rotation later in the week for refined cocktails. I also plan to trot them out during #NYFW events in New York – that sort of versatility is nearly unmatched, in my book.

Flint and Tinder 365 Pants review.

These reliable (there’s that word again!), wear-with-anything pants are exactly the type of piece Huckberry excels at making. How so? Well, they blend the rugged appeal of jeans with the class of chinos, for starters. The fabric is soft yet durable, they’re crafted to work well at the office or on date night, and they’ve got plenty of personality thanks to a garment-dyed finishing process and a wide range of colors to suit every sense of style.

Back to that first point: The Flint and Tinder 365 Pants are part of Huckberry’s outstanding Smart Casual Collection, which urges you to rethink what you thought you knew about business casual style.

Opt for richer, more interesting fabrics, pieces that mix a blend of rugged and refined style, and then accessories that toe the line between both fields. Taken all at once, the Smart Casual Collection is a way of dressing for the office (and for any classy occasion) that’s fresh and modern — and at the core of it could be the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, so give ’em a shot yourself as we turn the page to a new season.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Bold Plaid Tuscumbia Shirt – A Refreshed Version of A Classic

Billy Reid Tuscumbia Shirt review.

When I shop my favorite menswear brands, I tend to look for consistency and reliability, and of course, a distinct sense of style. That’s where Billy Reid often comes into play: The classic-meets-modern Alabama menswear brand makes iconic pieces with a fresh sensibility, be it the best shirt jacket for breezy nights or a rugged indigo Western shirt.

They also have their own lineup of tried-and-true classics, like the flagship Billy Reid Tuscumbia Shirt. Here’s where it gets even better: They update some of the brand’s best pieces in every season in new colors and fabrications, each cooler than the last, like the Billy Reid Bold Plaid Tuscumbia Shirt.

It arrives just in time for fall, and it’s a nice change of pace from a more standard (yet always classic!) blue or white Oxford shirt, for instance. The fun doesn’t stop there, though.

Best men's shirt from Billy Reid.

The iconic modern brand already calls the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Shirt a “cornerstone of lived-in luxury,” what with its use of custom brushed plaid cotton (in the case of this shirt). The plaid pattern itself on the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Shirt is also rich and visually appealing, with plenty of layers to it.

That gives it a bit of an edge in terms of style over other more classic red plaid shirts, for instance — the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Shirt is crisp enough to wear beneath your favorite fall blazer in dressier style situations for the season ahead. The next time you need a shirt that refreshes an already-iconic design, opt for this number from Billy Reid.

The Friday Read: A Pure Michigan Weekend & The Best Labor Day Sales from Huckberry and Taylor Stitch

Best Huckberry menswear for 2023.

It’s hard to believe I’m typing this, but welcome to the last Friday Read of summer — or at least, the last “unofficial” weekly roundup of summer. There’s good news on the horizon, as early fall is one of my favorite seasons for menswear, and perhaps you feel the same way.

It’s really the undisputed champion among the seasons, and as prime a time as any for lacing up your new favorite chukka boots, layering up one of the best shirt jackets and enjoying a nip or two of whiskey (to name but two of my favorite pursuits).

Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket.

Before we can embrace a brisk breeze, crisp leaves underfoot and the warmth of the Flint and Tinder Trucker Jacket from Huckberry, I’m taking a moment to reflect on a momentous summer — including two trips back to my lovely home state of Pure Michigan.

I’ve spent the past week with family on iconic Mackinac Island, a longtime resort destination set across a small 8.2-mile island that outlaws transport by anything but bike or horse-drawn carriage. It’s a wrinkle in time with plenty of charm. Fascinating, right? I found it an ideal time to test out some early fall menswear from the likes of Billy Reid, Sea Culture and more, as you might have seen on my Instagram.

Taylor Stitch menswear 2023.

And of course, we took our time enjoying bright, blazing sunsets, cold local beer (and wine!) and panoramic views of the Great Lakes. What a way to close out summer among family, yes? I also took advantage of the chance to wear gear from Taylor Stitch (although the above jacket remains on my wish list!).

Elsewhere, I’ve got #NYFW events in my sights next week back East, but for now, I plan to enjoy a spirited Labor Day back in the Lower Peninsula watching Michigan State football and sipping on my favorite Michigan beer from the likes of Bell’s Brewery (Oberon is still going strong, in my book at least!).

I’ll leave you with two last Labor Day weekend recommendations: You can get 15 percent off the Huckberry Sale section for Labor Day, and you can enjoy 20 percent off the Taylor Stitch Last Call section, too. How’s that for a proper end to summer? If you score any stellar deals this weekend, let me know in the comments below. Cheers to a long weekend, folks!

The Thursday Buy: Step into Early Fall with these Rugged Leather Chukka Boots from FRYE

No matter the year or what else might be happening in the world of broader men’s style trends, there are classics I reach for time and time again, be it my favorite henley, a rugged shirt jacket or — in the case of today’s post — a pair of the best leather chukka boots for men.

It’s all about a pair of boots with the right construction, style and dependability, and that’s where I turn towards FRYE and the company’s legendary FRYE Bowery Chukka Boots — how about yourself? I’ve found that there’s hardly a season in which the Northeast-based FRYE doesn’t provide the proper boots in terms of rugged appeal and exceptional style.

That’s the case whether you’re searching for some of the best men’s boots for spring or again, the richly crafted FRYE Bowery Chukka Boots for early fall (and beyond). The best leather chukka boots are like a Swiss Army Knife in your footwear rotation: Casual enough to wear with dark blue jeans, cleaned up enough to wear with corduroy pants and your favorite Oxford shirt, and made to look better with age (if you like to put your boots through some wear and tear, that is).

Best leather chukka boots for men.

The FRYE Bowery Chukka Boots are built with plenty of useful bells and whistles, including a supportive three-eyelet lacing system that extends higher up the ankle than other pairs of men’s chukka boots. In the case of this pair shown here, the tan oiled vintage leather is handsome and elegantly rugged, and aside from that, the PORON footbed forms to your foot over time.

For good measure, the lug sole is injected with rubber for some added spring in your step, which should make the FRYE Bowery Chukka Boots as comfortable as they are stylish. They’re also finished with waxed laces for a sleek touch, and should you prefer a different shade than tan leather, FRYE offers four other colors in a range of sizes.

If all those specs line up with what you need (and they should!), then it sounds like the FRYE Bowery Chukka Boots could become your new favorite pair of leather boots for fall (and beyond).

See Now, Buy Now: Ease Into Early Fall with a Cozy Relwen Workshirt from Huckberry

Best men's shirt jacket.

It’s like I often say on this Brooklyn men’s style blog: Sometimes, a proper wardrobe is built well in advance of when you might need it. You don’t know that you need the best menswear from Huckberry until you really need it, I say (more on that in a second).

And in the same way that you sometimes start shopping for summer style essentials in the early spring, the exact same holds true for fall — and for the best fall menswear, at that.

While you might not need one of the best men’s shirt jackets at this very moment as we roll into a balmy Labor Day weekend, the time will soon come where layering up is of the essence. Or, heck, maybe you need to stock up on a rugged shirt jacket right this instant. Either way: In my experience, you should certainly do yourself a favor and snag the excellent Relwen Soft Brushed Utility Workshirt while you’ve got time to spare.

I’ve loved Relwen menswear over the years for its blend of rugged appeal and modern functionality. As you very well might know, the brand takes inspiration from military heritage styles, then uses soft, durable fabrics and more modern cuts. And as it were, you can expect much of the same from the Relwen Utility Workshirt.

Relwen workshirt review.

The key here is the use of soft cotton plus spandex for stretch, and then the details carry the day from there. Two front-button chest pockets deliver storage space for your everyday carry essentials, and beyond that, the fit should prove roomy enough to layer atop your go-to henley or a thermal shirt.

Preparation often makes perfect as you develop a wardrobe filled with the best menswear from Huckberry (or anywhere else, for that matter). And when it comes to this pleasingly rugged, cozy and versatile workshirt, you’ll be more than prepared for what lies ahead.

The Tuesday Steal: Get Up to 50 Percent Off the Best Men’s Gear at the Bespoke Post End of Summer Sale

If you swing by the pages of The Style Guide with any regularity, you know that I can’t quite pass up the best menswear deals — that holds true any day of the week, but it kicks into high gear around the holidays. Or in this case, it kicks into high gear as summer comes to a close and we start looking (slowly but surely) toward early fall.

The best Labor Day weekend deals are here but for a short time, and the Bespoke Post End of Summer Sale has those deals on full display — for a limited time, of course. Just like a few of your other favorite online men’s retailers, including the fine folks at Huckberry, Bespoke Post in fact does so much more than just men’s style essentials.

In fact, it seems that the Bespoke Post Sale section is never not well-stocked, which also holds true as we close out summer.

Forsake Davos High Boots for men.

Breezy temperatures and sunny days are likely to stick around for a while yet, so you can take full advantage of everything the jam-packed Bespoke Post Sale section has to offer. By that, I mean you can score savings on fall-ready picks (like the rugged Forsake Davos High Boots as seen above) in addition to warm-weather selections like the Line of Trade Breeze Shorts.

Rugged Columbia men's watch.

You can even find a rugged Columbia men’s watch for under $40, which is positively astounding savings at this point in the season. Elsewhere, the Bespoke Post End of Summer Sale will have you set for camping trips (via outdoor tent deals), cooking (with savings on a selection of kitchen knives) and crisp fall mornings (save big on coffee equipment!).

The wide range available right now via the Bespoke Post End of Summer Sale has to be seen (and shopped) to be believed, so go right ahead and do precisely that as we roll into Labor Day weekend. Cheers, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: The Mott and Bow Oliver Jeans are Your New Favorite Everyday Jeans

Best blue jeans for men.

If you ask me, it’s mighty valuable to lean into the pieces you absolutely love wearing when it comes to your wardrobe, and particularly when it comes to your favorite pair of jeans. By that, I mean that once you find a brand you love, or a fit you love, you can build a versatile wardrobe with those building blocks, and then mix and match from there.

Best Mott and Bow jeans for men.

So, the best men’s blue jeans can wear as easily with your favorite pocket T-shirt as they can with a standout Oxford shirt, so… those blue jeans had better be a dependable, stylish pair. And while you’re very likely tempted to reach for a pair of light wash jeans for spring and summer, a pair of timeless blue jeans in a dark wash are about as reliable as it gets.

All of this is to say, in my experience, you can certainly find your new favorite pair of blue jeans at Mott and Bow. Don’t believe me? Take a closer look for yourself (with more to come in this post today).

You’re very likely familiar with the NYC denim upstart from the pages of this blog — I’ve had nothing but great experiences in terms of durability, wearability and style since I first tried the brand in 2015 (talk about a major throwback). That still holds true today with the Mott and Bow Oliver Jeans, as essential a pair of men’s denim as you’re apt to find.

Mott and Bow denim review.

The Mott and Bow Oliver Jeans have received more than 180 reviews at an average of 4.6 stars, no easy feat in a crowded denim market — but man cannot survive on customer reviews alone, so it’s worth taking a closer look at this pair of crisply designed blue jeans. The Mott and Bow Oliver Jeans are made with a slightly heaver, medium-weight 13oz. cotton denim — this should make them an ideal pair of blue jeans for early fall through into winter.

Meet the Classic Full Zip Hoodie: pictured in both men's and women's. Available in an array of colors.

They feature 1 percent elastane (as opposed to Mott and Bow’s customary 2 percent), but the design of these jeans is still focused on comfort stretch denim. They’re also done up in the brand’s Slim fit, which features a 15.5″ leg opening. And yet, you can still score the Mott and Bow Oliver Jeans in either the brand’s Skinny or Straight fits.

I’ve tried both Slim and Straight with the Mott and Bow Oliver Jeans and other pairs, and find that the Straight Leg fit works nicely with bulkier leather work boots or Blundstone boots. The Slim fit is a better pairing with low-top or high-top sneakers. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.

Best Selling Honey Collection

And Mott and Bow’s signature deep blue color is the real winner here: These jeans are dressy enough to wear with your favorite blazer, casual enough to wear with a rugged henley, and durable enough to hang in there, season after season. Your new go-to pair of jeans is calling, my friends.

The Sunday Sale: It’s the Last Day to Shop the Todd Snyder End of Summer Sale

Todd Snyder End of Summer Sale 2023

You could call it summer’s last gasp, or you could simply call it a fine time to keep wearing (and shopping for) all-season essentials, the kind of menswear must-haves that can pull double-duty through late summer and into early fall. I say, why not both? That goes for rugged menswear and EDC gear in spades, particularly from one of your favorite men’s style brands.

Timex x Todd Snyder review.

And that’s where the Todd Snyder End of Summer Sale can help you freshen up your wardrobe for the weeks and months ahead — it’s not simply stocked with warm-weather gear, after all. And one important note: Although we’ve talked about the best menswear deals from the famed American designer in recent weeks, there’s a catch.

That catch? It’s the VERY LAST DAY (emphasis mine!) of the Todd Snyder End of Summer Sale. The savings are just as essential as ever, with the chance to save up to 75 percent off select styles (by way of an extra 30 percent off already-reduced gear).

Simply use the code ENDOFSUMMER30 to save on a bit of everything, be it the best men’s jeans, a classic Oxford shirt or breezy shorts you can wear to those last few bonfires (oh, and next summer, too). There’s quite literally no time to waste in this instance — the clock is ticking — so go forth and stock up your cart ASAP.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt – Your New Favorite Shirt Jacket

Taylor Stitch men's shirting.

In my experience, the building blocks of any good wardrobe (which we tend to talk about time and time again here on the blog!) are the pieces you know you can count on in matters of style, functionality and versatility — season after season. It’s should come as no shock that season after season, Taylor Stitch is one of those brands in my personal array of stylish gear.

There’s always something you can count on, especially as we approach the rugged climes of early fall, in the Taylor Stitch New Arrivals section, and the even better thing is, the brand never really strays too far from what it does best: Timeless, rugged everyday selections in useful designs (like one of the best shirt jackets), updated seasonally in cool colors and fabrics.

And on that note, meet the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt. Or rather, get a reintroduction to this highly wearable shirt jacket as we close out summer.

The latest iteration of the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt retains all the hallmarks of other Taylor Stitch shirts and shirt jackets, like button-through chest pockets and bar-tack stitching at key stress points. Plus, this edition of the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt comes in a soft, garment-washed organic cotton French terry fabric, and the Charcoal color is finished with monochromatic charcoal buttons.

It also comes in a cool, classic Fatigue Olive color, but the real benefit to the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is, well, its utility. It’s heavier than the brand’s Oxford shirts, but made from organic cotton French terry fabric, unlike the brushed flannel quality of the famed Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt.

You should be able to wear your new favorite shirt jacket reliably right now — on cool late summer nights and breezy mornings — with a classic pocket tee, and then I’d suggest layering up this durable shirt jacket over your favorite henley as fall rolls on. You can count on Taylor Stitch, and you can assuredly count on the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt to sort out your layering game from now through the season ahead.

The Friday Read: Taylor Stitch x GoRuck & A Michigan Weekend Up North

Taylor Stitch x GoRuck gear review.

Every time I head out in Brooklyn or head back to my home state of Pure Michigan, I often find myself looking for the most rugged, functional menswearI can find, whether for park strolls, brewery visits or a day perusing Brooklyn record shops. It might be the fact that when I head home, I’m thinking of the clothing I grew up wearing, which just so happens to be the sort of clothing that can come in mighty handy these days, too.

Or, it might be the fact that rugged gear is the name of the game now in Williamsburg and beyond, but I know a fitting menswear collaboration when I see it. And folks, the latest Taylor Stitch x GoRuck partnership fits the bill quite nicely.

And given that I’m on the road once more — back to Michigan for an Up North vacation, as opposed to seeing The National! — these are the kind of pieces that should come in mighty handy on late summer road trips and beyond, all the while merging form and function quite expertly.

Taylor Stitch x GoRuck

It’s the first collaboration between the San Francisco menswear brand and GoRuck, a brand known for remarkably hard-wearing EDC gear, backpacks, duffle bags and more (they’re billed as making the “toughest rucking & workout gear on the planet”).

Rucking, for the uninitiated, is any type of walking or hiking with a weighted backpack, and Taylor Stitch x GoRuck takes things a step further.

It’s a six-piece capsule collection entitled The Hard Road Loadout, and the Taylor Stitch x GoRuck collection boasts everything from a tactical hat to a merino base layer tee, a sleek quarter-zip base layer and a Rain Drop Camo version of GoRuck’s flagship GR1 pack. It’s finished off with durable waxed canvas, and the collection also features a packable shell jacket made with GORUCK’s legendary ToughDry© fabric.

GoRuck x Taylor Stitch review.

In short, it’s about as much as you could ask for in terms of remarkably tough yet stylish gear made for camping trips, day hikes and that final summer getaway. Of course, each piece will last well beyond that, and I can get behind that sort of dependability and performance.

Check out Taylor Stitch x GoRuck (as I will this weekend in my spare time in Michigan), and let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Cheers to getting out there, my friends!