The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Chinos, New Spring Sneakers & New Luxury Timepieces

Best men's chinos for spring.

Let’s step on into the weekend accordingly wearing some of the best men’s chinos for spring, shall we? The pair you see above comes from one of the best online menswear shops out there, one you know all too well if you read the blog regularly: Of course, that’s Huckberry, and those are the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos, some of the best chinos for men to wear all spring. Shop accordingly to start your weekend, the right way, my friends.

I’ll be doing some shopping of my own this weekend, of course, but I’ll also be ringing it in the right way with some seasonal beers around Brooklyn and some jaunts around the borough, of course (weather permitting). I’m coming off a pretty momentous week, including an early-week trip to Boston to see NYC dance rock legends LCD Soundsystem — not once, but twice! — and I also saw another huge concert, a rescheduled Brooklyn concert by early-aughts rockers and personal heroes The Strokes! To see them in Brooklyn after a rescheduled New Year’s Eve show was a true joy. For now, I’ve got some more stories to knock out (a few of which you can read below!), and I’d encourage you to start spring in style. Cheers, my friends.

  • Here’s another essential spring style pick to start your weekend — head back on over to one of the best online menswear shops to stock up on the best men’s sneakers for the season ahead (and the rest of summer). From canvas kicks to leather-accented low-top sneakers and stylish high-top sneakers, believe me when I say the Huckberry Sneaker Shop won’t let you down.
  • It’s been a big few weeks in the world of luxury watches, which you surely know about if you follow me on Instagram or read my work at sites like Maxim. In that regard, I also wrote about the most affordable watches from the luxury watch extravaganza that is Watches and Wonders — read and shop my latest over at SPY, my friends.
  • I’ll leave you (briefly) with one more shopping pick for the weekend. It’s still plenty breezy from time to time, which makes it all the more crucial that your wardrobe is stocked with the right layers. Just yesterday on the blog, I wrote all about the best shirt jacket for spring from the trusted retailers at Bonobos. Make it yours ASAP.

That’s going to put a bow, so to speak, on the latest Friday Read. Be sure to keep it tuned here to shop the next Style Pick of the Week (coming up tomorrow!) and an outstanding Sunday Sale, all the better to shop and save. Cheers, my friends!

The Thursday Buy: This Bonobos Shirt Jacket is the Best Casual Layer for Spring

Best casual spring shirt jacket for men.

It’s hard to go wrong, in my humble opinion, with the menswear being designed and sold by Bonobos. Sure, that’s a lofty claim to make, but when a brand that started out making the best chinos for men has since expanded into a major global fashion player, it’s a worthy claim to make. That’s especially true when you step back and consider the fact that NYC-based Bonobos also now makes one of the best shirt jackets for spring. Scratch that: One of the best casual layers for spring, period.

Spring is, after all, a time to make sure your entire outerwear rotation is on-point, be it dressing for the office with one of the best lightweight blazers or an utterly classic leather moto jacket. But back to the task at hand. Not every situation or every day is suited for a spring blazer or a moto jacket. What about all those times when you want a casual layer you can throw on at a moment’s notice, perhaps over your favorite T-shirt or henley? That’s where the Bonobos Supersoft Fleece Shacket steps into the ring. This durable yet soft fleece shacket is the perfect hybrid style — cooler on the surface than a zip fleece jacket or quarter-zip fleece, easy to move around in and layer with thanks to the button front, and of course, available in a classic array of Bonobos colors. Yes indeed, the Bonobos Supersoft Fleece Shacket checks all the right boxes, and then some.

Best shirt jacket for men.

Crucially, the Bonobos Supersoft Fleece Shacket lives up to its billing: It really is super-soft, made with a cotton-poly fleece blend that’s been sueded for an extra luxurious feel. Yet, that cotton-blend fabric shouldn’t prove as heavy as your favorite winter flannel shirt, so you can more readily wear the Bonobos Supersoft Fleece Shacket atop your go-to spring T-shirt without breaking a sweat. Oversized buttons and two large front chest pockets add to the hybrid design details of this easygoing yet warm shacket — the Bonobos Supersoft Fleece Shacket is made to be worn in leisurely situations (say, with tailored joggers to get a weekend coffee), but it can also be worn as a mid-layer beneath a rugged field coat if it’s an especially chilly spring day.

The Antique color option is a vibrant shade of yellow that you could style with black or charcoal jeans or chinos to really let this “shacket” pop, but the Blue iteration of the Bonobos Supersoft Fleece Shacket is your best bet for maximum versatility. For good measure, one of the best men’s shirt jackets actually won’t break the bank — as of right now, it’s marked down to $89 (previously, the Bonobos Supersoft Fleece Shacket was $119). So, to recap: You’re getting what’s truly a super-soft fleece shirt jacket in a spring-ready weight, one made from stretchy, comfortable material. And what’s more, the Bonobos Supersoft Fleece Shacket is on sale for a terrific deal. Sounds to me like you’ve found your new favorite spring layer.

See Now, Buy Now: Get these Timeless Leather Chukka Boots from Veldskoen for Spring

Best chukka boots for men.

It’s time, at least for now, to leave behind your sturdy, heavy winter snow boots and instead embrace spring with a pair of the best leather chukka boots for men. Perhaps you’re already a devout fan of the chukka boot, that ever-versatile two or three-eye shoe with a high ankle cut and a sturdy, yet soft, gum rubber sole. If you’ve read The Style Guide, you know I’m a longtime advocate for the best men’s chukka boots, and if you’ve been reading especially closely, you know that I’m all about Veldskoen leather chukka boots — there’s no time like the present to upgrade your footwear rotation. Veldskoen chukka boots have history in spades, not to mention easily wearable modern style. Even better, the surprisingly rugged new boots you see above — the Veldskoen Eight Feet Chukka Boots — mix things up just enough to stand out from the pack.

Veldskoen’s roots run deep, back to South Africa and back to its role as one of the pioneering brands producing desert or chukka boots. Clarks chukka boots brought the style to the masses, but similar styles Veldskoen in its earliest iterations were worn hundreds of years ago. That brings us forward into the present day, where the Veldskoen Eight Feet Chukka Boots are now an extremely well-made, lightweight yet durable spring footwear pick. That South African heritage is on full display with these handsome boots, made in partnership with the four Du Toit Brothers (known as Eight Feet), with close ties to the South African National rugby team.

Best leather chukka boots for men.

The Veldskoen Eight Feet Chukka Boot hits on the classic style details of the chukka boot, from the two-eyelet upper to the open lacing to the aged leather atop a rubber sole. But look closely and you’ll spot the sort of touches that make the Veldskoen Eight Feet Chukka Boots some of the best men’s chukka boots. Take the water-repellent leather upper, plus made-in-South-Africa construction that prioritizes attention to detail and quality materials. Next, note the recyclable rubber sole with a treaded ripple design for added traction. Last but not least, pay close attention to the fact that the Veldskoen Eight Feet Chukka Boots also use a high-density memory foam sole technology to mold to your feet over time.

These stylish leather chukka boots are just about as well-designed as it gets for boots made from that materials — the water-repellent quality is a nice added design feature that not too many leather chukkas have. The versatile brown leather will age well over time, and the color is wearable with everything from your favorite light wash jeans to stretch olive chinos — to name but two ways when it comes to how to wear the best leather chukka boots for men. The next time you’re seeking a durable, hard-working and yet easy-to-style pair of spring boots, consider the Veldskoen Eight Feet Chukka Boots — they’re worth the price ($229.99), and they’ve got quite the story to tell.

The Tuesday Steal: Get Up to 70 Percent Off the Best Spring Menswear at Faherty Brand

Best on-sale spring menswear.

If you’re seeking the best on-sale spring menswear, now is the time to start shopping early and often. That’s what we’re all about here at The Style Guide in today’s edition of The Tuesday Steal, and what a steal it is indeed today: Right now, you can get up to 70 percent off some of the best new menswear at Faherty Brand via the Faherty Sale section. The family-owned and family-founded brand has been a longtime favorite of mine, known for both its super-soft shirts and its hard-wearing outerwear, the type of gear you can rock nearly year-round (especially on cool spring mornings and chilly winter nights).

Faherty has plenty of standouts worth shopping in its rotation at full price, including the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt (one of the best winter shirts for men, mind you), not to mention one of the coolest trucker jackets on the market. There’s no doubt this is a sale worth shopping ASAP, in my book (it gets better — read on).

Faherty Brand review

Within the Faherty Sale right now, you’ll find deals aplenty, like 50 percent off one of the best long-sleeve polos, 35 percent off one of the best shirt jackets for men, not to mention 20 percent off your new favorite flannel shirt. And if it were me, I’d also keep my eyes peeled for 50 percent off a rugged Donegal crew sweater and 53 percent off one of the best linen shirts for men. That’s just a quick look at the best men’s style deals on the market right now via the excellent, fast-moving Faherty Sale — best get shopping right now, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: The Outerknown Roam Polo is the Best Men’s Polo for Spring and Summer

Best polo for men to buy now.

The search for the best sustainable menswear is never really over, is it? Not in my book, it isn’t — not if you want to dress in sustainable fashion while looking great, and you can even doing that while wearing one of the best polos for men. Yes, the once-preppy polo is now getting a bit of a cool, throwback-minded, breezy upgrade, at least in terms of looks, while also featuring some of the most eco-conscious fabric on the market. Yes indeed, when it comes to talking about one of the best men’s polos, I’m talking about the well-made Outerknown Roam Polo, a new spring style addition from one of the most sustainable menswear brands on the market.

The Outerknown Roam Polo is yet another standout addition to the brand’s lineup, designed by menswear aficionado John Moore and developed by both Moore and legendary surfer Kelly Slater. Perhaps you’ve had the chance to layer up with the brand’s more rugged cold-weather gear, like the famed Outerknown Blanket Shirt, but the Outerknown Roam Polo is an outstanding way to keep that sustainable focus rolling all year long — trust me on that.

Best sustainable polo for men to buy this spring.

Available in colors like Bright Navy and Green Night for an added dose of fresh spring style, the Outerknown Roam Polo is made from an eco-friendly blend of hemp and organic cotton — hemp is a fiber that actually regenerates soil as it grows, all the while without requiring a ton of water. The fact that you can find it put to good, very stylish use in the case of the Outerknown Roam Polo is a major added benefit to your wardrobe. Hemp and organic cotton should also prove softer than traditionally stuffy cotton pique, and again, that sustainability factor is essential when shopping for even more simple basics like the best polos for men. I’d certainly count the Outerknown Roam Polo among that crop (pun intended).

Best of all, the Outerknown Roam Polo features small yet high-quality added touches like mother of pearl buttons — two of them, for a classic, casual touch. Subtle logo embroidery at the left sleeve keeps the Outerknown Roam Polo squarely in timeless, not overly loud territory, while the straight hem and tailored fit should make it easy to wear this stylish men’s polo untucked with your favorite chinos and high-top sneakers all spring long. When you want to make a sustainable spring wardrobe upgrade ASAP, look right away to the good folks at Outerknown.

The Sunday Sale: The Best Pants for Spring Are 60 Percent Off at Myles Apparel

Best men's chinos for spring.

Join me in another edition of the Sunday Sale, as we cover the best on-sale menswear to buy now. Needless to say, I think you’re going to like this deal on the best men’s chinos for spring and beyond as we cover yet another standout offering from performance menswear purveyors Myles Apparel. Hopefully, you’re already well-acquainted with the well-stocked yet fast-moving Myles Apparel Surplus Sale, a terrific spot to get plenty of rugged, road-ready and yet comfortable, stretch-filled items for your next road trip, your commute or your time back in the office. The Myles Apparel Tour Chinos, first and foremost, are some of the best chinos for men in their own right, even at full price ($128), yet today, they’re on sale for a whopping 60 percent off. You heard correctly: You can get some of the best men’s chinos for 60 percent off while supplies last.

They’re already selling quickly, so don’t sleep on ’em. But why these chinos, and why now? They’re perfectly well-suited to take on the demands of spring, when the weather warms up and you want to get back out there to your favorite coffee shops, breweries, parks and more. Folks, in an Athletic Slim cut and colors like a slate grey or blue, the Myles Apparel Tour Chinos are polished enough to wear from day to night, and again, that 60 percent off deal is one not to be missed. It’s the use of quick-drying, stain-resistant and water-repellent — and custom-developed — stretch woven twill fabric that makes the Myles Apparel Tour Chinos a real standout. And one final time — because they’re selling mighty fast — you can and should shop some of the best chinos for men for 60 percent off. Your spring wardrobe will thank you. Alright, now get to it!

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans – The Best Lightweight Jeans for Spring

The best lightweight jeans for spring.

Spring is an ideal time to lighten things up in your wardrobe in terms of color, sure, but it’s an even better time to embrace comfortable, lightweight stretch fabrics, a la the best lightweight jeans for spring (or, hey, the best lightweight sweater for spring). But back to the task at hand. Thanks to the good folks at Mott and Bow — NYC-based masters of some of the best men’s jeans for about a decade now — a new pair of the perfect lightweight denim for spring and summer is well within your reach, and that’s no exaggeration. The brand already makes some of the best light wash jeans in stretch cotton denim, and the Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans — especially in a Slim cut and a spring-friendly color like Apricot — are some of the best jeans for men you can buy right now.

If you’ve read the blog over the years, you know that I’m a fan of the Mott and Bow experience from A to Z, be it their free home try-on process or the wide range of sizes in both waist and inseam lengths. Beyond that — as most Mott and Bow reviews point out — you can snag your new favorite jeans in Straight, Slim or Skinny cuts. That well-designed experience, combined with a new run of fresh spring color options, is what makes the Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans your new go-to spring jeans (not to mention your new favorite denim brand).

Best new men's jeans for spring

The great thing about shopping Mott and Bow men’s jeans is the fact that the brand makes it so easy to find a pair you love, especially like the Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans. And because colors like dusty Apricot are definitely a change of pace from some of the best men’s blue jeans, it’s nice to have the option to try them on and send them back, is it not? I’d call that a menswear bingo. The specs on the Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans — no matter which color you buy, be it Burgundy, Cadet Blue or Clay — are also impressive. Think: Comfort plus ease of movement, thanks to a 10oz. denim weight (neither too heavy nor too flimsy), plus the blend of 98 percent cotton and 2 percent elastane found within the Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans.

Even the small details, like the lightly distressed rivets and the custom Mott and Bow button and back logo patch, have the potential to make the Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans your new go-to pair of denim. And again, because you’ve got plenty of options in terms of color, it makes the Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans a reliable style move with other straightforward spring basics, like your favorite T-shirt and a pair of the best men’s high-top sneakers. In the world of men’s style, especially in the breezy world of menswear, it’s never a bad thing to have options, and that’s what the Mott and Bow Mercer Jeans give you. Make them your next denim purchase ASAP.

The Friday Read: New Spring Gear from KUHL, Watches and Wonders 2022 & A Myles Apparel Sale

KUHL gear review.

Has there ever been a better time than right now — an early spring weekend — to embrace a return to the great outdoors? Even if the “great outdoors” happens to be, say, your favorite local park, the right rugged menswear — like the best performance gear from Utah-based brand KUHL — goes a long, long way. If you’re not familiar with KUHL, now is also a great time to get acquainted. They make premium, eco-conscious picks, like the best men’s waxed jacket, durable hiking pants or soft flannel shirting — and they do it all with an ethos that your clothes should last a long time and look great no matter where you go.

It’s an inspiring approach, one that I love — I love it so much, in fact, that I featured KUHL in my guide to the best waxed jackets for spring at AskMen. I think you’ll love ’em as much as I do, so take a look and let me know if you like what you see. So, with that new gear recommendation in mind, I think it’s high time we got the rest of this weekend’s Friday Read rolling.

You can venture back here tomorrow for the latest Style Pick of the Week, and in the meantime, I’ll also be working on new content for sites like SPY. I’m doing it all, of course, before I head north to Boston to see legendary NYC dance rockers LCD Soundsystem play two shows at Boston’s newest venue, Roadrunner. Follow me on Instagram to keep up with all of the fun, and keep your weekend moving swiftly in style with the rest of my top picks.

Myles Apparel menswear review.
  • Here’s another gear recommendation you’ll love if you’ve been wanting to get back out there in style. It’s time for the Myles Apparel Spring Sale, another excellent way to save on the best performance menswear for a limited time. The Myles Apparel Spring Sale runs through April 3rd, and they’re offering 50 percent off the best stretch chinos, moisture-wicking shirts and more with the code SPRING50. Current sale pieces are also now going for up to 75 percent off. Now through Sunday, shop and save on standout gear, my friends.
Billy Reid spring menswear.
  • As the headline mentions, it’s been a big, big week in the world of watches, all thanks to the 2022 edition of the luxury watch trade show Watches & Wonders. It’s the best way possible to see an array of astoundingly cool new releases from the world’s top watch brands, and on that note, I wrote about the best new Rolex watches — with input from none other than the watch experts at Bob’s Watches. Check it out at Maxim and add a watch or two to your wish list.

That trio of reading and shopping selections will bring this week’s edition of the Friday Read to a close. Do you have any new items on your wish list or in your virtual shopping cart already? I certainly hope so, whether it’s a pick from the Myles Apparel Spring Sale or something from the endlessly cool Billy Reid Spring 2022 Collection. Let me know in the comments what you’re picking up, and here’s to a safe and stylish spring weekend.

The Thursday Buy: Viberg’s Scout Boots Are the Coolest, Most Rugged Spring Boots to Buy Now

Best men's boots for spring.

If you read this blog frequently, you know my philosophy: You can never have too much of a good thing, especially when that good thing revolves around stocking your closet with the best men’s boots for spring. Or really, any time at all, but especially spring, when the shifting weather and the promise of outdoor adventures aplenty awaits. That’s where the investment-level Viberg Scout Boots come into play, one heck of a pair of durable and rugged boots as sold by the durable and rugged gear purveyors at Huckberry.

Perhaps you’re familiar with Viberg reviews or with my love of my own Viberg boots over the years: These boots are built to last, crafted with care in Canada by a family-owned company that can’t seem to stop passing down its knowledge on how to make the best boots for men. And folks, this is a very good thing indeed. The Viberg Scout Boots are but the latest in a long line of ridiculously well-made, dedicated and great-looking boots to come out of the confines of our neighbors to the north, and for starters, the Viberg Scout Boots are well worth the price tag (they’ll set you back $710). How exactly does that work out? Reader, keep scrolling.

The Viberg Scout Boots are some of the best men’s boots for spring and beyond for a few key reasons, chief among them versatility. You can wear the Viberg Scout Boots with a rugged henley and your favorite pair of blue jeans for easygoing spring style, yet you can also lace up the Viberg Scout Boots with hard-wearing work pants and one of the best waxed jackets when the situation calls for it. That’s because the Viberg Scout Boots are built to last with Rowdy Dachshund leather sourced from Chicago’s famed Horween tannery (makers of some of the best leather goods and best leather boots on the planet). These hard-working boots are also made with a Goodyear storm welt for added durability — the fact that the Goodyear sole can be replaced is a huge bonus, and a visually striking Vibram Morflex sole adds comfort and a smooth ride.

If you ask me, the Viberg Scout Boots are some of the most reliable boots on the market at the moment, although sizes are going quickly right now. Vintage brass eyelets and waxed laces give these a slightly elevated touch, although one look at the Viberg Scout Boots is enough to see that they’re elevated in every way possible. Make this investment-worthy pair of boots your next pick-up right now. Once they’re yours, you’ll want to wear them as often as you can with your favorite spring style moves. Buy now, then thank me later.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Merino Tee is the Best Men’s Tee to Wear As It Warms Up

Best merino T-shirt for men.

When done right, as it turns out, the best men’s basics are actually so much more than basic — this, I hope you know if you read this blog on the regular. Perhaps reading this site over the years has even turned you into a fan of venerable San Fran retailer Taylor Stitch, one of my favorite menswear brands and a company that excels at turning the basics into, well, so much more than basic. Take the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee you see above. Like the different-than-ordinary workwear style of the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket, or the uncommonly rugged shawl cardigan sweater from the brand, this merino T-shirt is so much more than meets the eye.

Merino in and of itself is a standout fabric to have in your wardrobe, especially in layers close to the skin — merino wicks away moisture, fights odor and bacteria and generally feels comfortable as heck. And over the years, that’s been my experience with pieces like the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee. I hope you’ll agree, but take a look for yourself below as we keep things rolling.

The brand also stocks heavier tees made from more substantial cotton-blend fabrics (like the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee), but as a base layer for commuting, hiking, grabbing beers or beating the heat in a shady park, the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee also excels as one of the best T-shirts for men — period.

Best T-shirts for men.

To get technical, the magic in this stylish merino T-shirt comes from the superfine 18.5-micron mercerized Merino wool, blended with Lycra for stretch. Without getting too technical, though, the mercerization process makes the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee super-soft, and it helps that the fabric has a nice, visually interesting texture. When you’re wearing the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee, it looks like a T-shirt made to be worn on its own — not an undershirt, for instance. For as rugged and essential as the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag line of knitwear can be, the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee is another standout option to add to your basics drawer.

It’s also helpful that the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee comes in a range of neutral colors, since this T-shirt is so soft and moisture-wicking, you’ll be able to wear it repeatedly (provided it’s not overused as a workout tee, for instance). The Heather Grey color of the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee pairs well with plenty of style moves in your spring wardrobe, be it olive chinos and your favorite chukka boots or khaki shorts and canvas sneakers.

Wear it casually with light wash jeans and a stylish military jacket, or take it for a spin beneath an ultra-lightweight, unlined blazer at the office. You’ll find plenty of ways to wear a tee as comfortable as the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee, and your wardrobe is all the better for it. Keep in mind it’s much pricier than a pack of cotton tees (the Taylor Stitch Merino Tee will set you back $68), but once you try this thing on, it becomes all the more worth it.