The List: These Are All the Spring Style Essentials to Shop Right Now

The right way to kick off spring — with some of the best men’s shorts (courtesy of Huckberry).

We’re going to kick off the week (and a new month!) here in a big way at The Style Guide — welcome to another edition of The List, where today, we’ll cover the best men’s spring style essentials to help you  through these trying times. Just because your routine is different these days doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style to work from home or hold a virtual happy hour. That’s why I’m telling you all about the best men’s shorts, the best new sneakers for spring, an incredibly cool new dive watch, and heck, even some of the best leather goods. That’s just a start, though — there’s plenty more when it comes to your new favorite spring gear from brands like Buck Mason and GREATS. Let’s get right into the 16 best spring style picks to buy right now.

Flint and TInder 365 Shorts — $58

These are the best shorts for spring. That’s it.

Now, it’s quite high praise to label a  pair of men’s shorts as the best shorts for spring and summer … but for my money’s worth, the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts, available in a range of versatile colors and featuring a tailored fit, are exactly that: The best shorts to buy now. Wear them with a classic slim polo. On that note …

Buck Mason Sueded Cotton Polo — $55

A breezy, slim polo made by the good folks at Buck Mason.

Is there anything more classic for spring and summer than wearing a retro-inspired polo alongside some of the best shorts for spring and summer? In my estimation, not quite. This Buck Mason polo is laidback and easygoing, yet stylish enough to wear on a work conference call.

GREATS Royale Ripstop — $159

Durable men’s sneakers that look great while staying casually cool.

I mentioned above we’d be talking about some of the best new men’s sneakers, and the GREATS Royale Ripstop fits the bill quite nicely. Made with a ripstop upper featuring reflective accents, you can certainly rock these GREATS sneakers with the best shorts for spring and summer.

Billykirk No. 479 Carryall — $550

An exceptionally rugged travel bag for all your spring adventures.

Does it seem counterintuitive to buy one of the best travel bags for men right now? Perhaps. But I’m here to tell you that now is in fact the exact best time to buy a rugged duffel bag and start planning your next trip — for when the time comes, that is. And the Billykirk No. 479 Carryall just so happens to be one of the coolest bags I’ve seen in some time.

Martenereo Belgrano Stainless Steel Dive Watch — $299 (Pre-Funding)

An incredibly cool, classic dive watch to fund right now.

Now, we just talked about this incredibly stylish dive watch in my weekly roundup on Friday, but I’m here again to tell you this: The Martenero Belgrano (the first dive watch from the modern, craftsmanship-focused brand) is going to be your new favorite watch (period). Pre-order this rugged dive watch now for one of several great early bird deals on Kickstarter, then get ready to wear it day after day once it ships out in September. It’s also a highly affordable dive watch, and it’s worth your time — pun intended.

Corridor NYC Olive Beach Blanket Jacket — $215

A durable and cool-as-heck spring jacket from Corridor NYC.

Just because we’re all spending more time at home doesn’t mean you should forget to take care of your spring outewearCorridor NYC makes it easy on that note. The Olive Beach Blanket Jacket is simply one of the coolest jackets to buy this spring. You  can (and should!) rock it atop a garment-dyed Oxford shirt.

Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt — $118

An essential men’s shirt for spring and summer. 

OK, folks — here’s the garment-dyed Oxford shirt I mentioned above. It’s breezy, it’s easy to throw on as you get ready to work from home, and it’s a rare American-made shirtHuckberry knows how to get the job done.

HELM Boots Hollis Burgundy Boots — $350

Tough leather boots that’ll get better with age.

Yes, my friends: I’m still out here recommending you buy some of the best men’s leather boots, even as we get into spring and summer. The HELM Boots Hollis Boots are a rugged pair of leather boots that’ll stand out with ease in your rotation — the beautiful burgundy leather and signature white midsole ensure that. As per usual, you  can get $50 off your first order and free shipping, too.

Raen Optics Bastien Sunglasses — $160

Some of the coolest sunglasses to throw on as you hang outside this spring.

OK, let’s get back to something you might more typically view as a spring style essential: Some of the best men’s sunglasses. Simply put, the Raen Optics Bastien Sunglasses are as good as it gets, made with high-quality materials in a classic silhouette.

Belstaff Instructor Jacket — $475Just because spring has sprung and we’ve moved into May doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods yet when it comes to inclement weather. In that regard, Belstaff is making one of the best men’s jackets for spring, a lightweight nylon field jacket you can wear on solitary hikes and global adventures (when the time comes).

Grayers Wainscott Blue Linen-Cotton Shirt — $98

The best chambray shirt to buy for spring, in my opinion.

OK, back to something a little bit breezier. This Grayers linen-cotton shirt is one of the more casual chambray shirts for spring you’re apt to find, made with a linen-cotton blend you can easily wear with some of the best men’s chinos. And the chinos in question? See below right here.

Proof Nomad Pants — $98

Simply excellent men’s pants from Huckberry and Proof.

Yes indeed, the Proof Nomad Pants are assuredly some of the best men’s pants to buy now. Featuring the comfort and stretch of sweatpants and yet the polished design of your favorite chinos, these are the best pants to wear to work from home (and they’ll look simply excellent with a Buck Mason polo).

Autodromo Monoposto Chronograph — $1,800

A sleek, sharp, seriously stylish watch — as sold via Huckberry.

Yes indeed, I’m recommending you drop some serious cash on this investment-level watch from Autodromo. The Autodromo Monoposto Chronograph is a precisely made, exquisite watch. It’s also the perfect watch to wear on a long drive (preferably with the Belstaff Instructor Jacket), seeing as it’s sleek and sporty, too.

Mott and Bow Driggs Long-Sleeve Henley — $47

The best men’s henley for the ultimate in spring style.

Yes, that’s right — the good folks at Mott and Bow, makers of some of my favorite denim (and yours!) are now making a rugged men’s henley to wear on breezy, chilly spring days aplenty. It’s one of the best men’s henleys, and it’s ultra-affordable, too.

Billykirk No. 134 Sketchbook Holder — $165

A handsome leather journal for writing down all your best ideas.

Alright, we’re back to Billykirk, longtime makers of some of the best leather goods on the market right now. For sketching out ideas, writing down your to-do list and keeping track of future plans, this stylish leather journal is a true everyday carry essential (and a home office essential, at that).

Cuts Clothing Crewneck Curved Hem Tee — $48

A classic, buttery-soft tee in a modern cut.

If you, like me, are constantly on the hunt for one of the best men’s T-shirts, the kind that’s casual enough to wear on its own and cool enough to wear underneath an unstructured navyblazer. That’s what you’re getting with the exceptional lineup of tees from Cuts Clothing.

OK, my friends. That’s going to do it for today’s edition of The List. Of the above spring style essentials, do you have any favorites? Maybe the exceptional Billykirk No. 479 Carryall  has you hankering to hit the road, preferably with a stylish travel jacket like the Olive Beach Blanket Jacket  or a rugged Belstaff  jacket? Perhaps the GREATS Royale Ripstop are more your style, ideally worn with the excellent Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts and a Buck Mason polo. The choice is yours, but any of these gear picks are going to take your spring wardrobe from good to great. There’s no time to waste. To connect with me on all things #menswear, follow me on Twitter

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee

One of the best T-shirts of the moment.

There are certainly a plethora of options out there when it comes to shopping for one of the best men’s T-shirts, right? Casual picks abound, as do picks made with durable, heavyweight fabric  and there are definitely more lightweight T-shirts available, too. Well, folks, there’s one brand that can seemingly do no wrong when it comes to crafting and selling the best T-shirts for men, and that brand would be the all-American folks at Buck Mason. Specifically, the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee is the rare American-made T-shirt that wears well with practically anything (more on that in a second) and simply looks plain great the longer you consider it. It’s one of the coolest tees you can buy for spring, and having tested out tees from Buck Mason in the past, I’d say that claim is pretty darn accurate (although you’re welcome to shoot me a note on Twitter if you feel otherwise). The best men’s tees blend the best fabric with the best fit, and again, that’s what the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee does here. This curved hem T-shirt stands apart right from the get-go thanks to that unique design — the curved hem is flattering to a variety of body types, and it gives this tee an air of visual interest that makes it plenty suitable to wear in its own (especially with Buck Mason jeans, I might add).

SHOP: The Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee 

A classic tee in just one of many standout colorways from Buck Mason.

This stylish spring T-shirt certainly has plenty going for it beyond just an eyecatching design (although that design makes it a perfect T-shirt to wear to the bar — when appropriate — for that feeling of old-school cool). This is a made-in-America T-shirt that certainly passes muster, using lightweight 100 percent slub cotton treated with a pre-shrunk wash for a perfect look and feel. It’s the kind of classic T-shirt that’s going to feel like you’ve had it for years … right out of the box. Wear it with slim tan chinos and a rugged denim jacket for breezy spring style, or else team it with a classic navy cotton blazer and slim light wash Buck Mason jeans for expert casual office style (when you can get back to your office, that is). The real kicker with the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee  might be the wide range of colors it comes in, from earthy Barley to rich Resin and an expertly washed Navy slub colorway. Again, I told you this could just be the coolest T-shirt to wear now — and at this rate and price ($35 via Buck Mason), you’re going to want to pick up way more than just one color. You’ve just found your new favorite T-shirt, my friends. 

SHOP: The Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee 

The Friday Read: New Jeans from Mott and Bow, Work-From-Home Footwear & Grayers Face Masks

Get a tee, give a tee — a perfect way to give back to charity relief efforts.

As we kick off another Friday Read here on The Style Guide, we’re going to dive right in the best way possible: By highlighting a great way to give back to front-line first responders. Those relief efforts come courtesy of Huckberry, who just launched its For the Frontlines program. The scoop is this: Put your hard-earned dollars toward both style and a good cause through buying the Proof 72-Hour Frontlines Donation Bundle. You get a stylish merino tee for yourself, and another shirt is being sent to a frontline worker — how cool is that? You can also request a T-shirt of your own if you happen to be a frontline worker. If that’s the case, thank you on behalf of this small Brooklyn style blog for your extraordinary service. The cause is a noble (and stylish) one, so kudos to Huckberry for launching this program.

OLIVERS

In the meantime, there are other ways you can give back to COVID-19 relief efforts. For instance: Head to HELM Boots to pick up your new favorite leather boots, then use the code “donate20” to get 20% off your purchase — while $20 goes to relief efforts. It’s a great inititiave with some excellent benefits from one of the most stylish boot brands I’ve come across. There’s also plenty more covered in today’s Friday Read when it comes to new gear, including the best new dive watch on the market (available for pre-order right now from Martenero — more on that below). Now that we’ve covered those items of business, what else is on your weekend to-do list? I’m looking forward as always to tucking into some strong coffee (this time via the Brooklyn outpost of Ninth Street Espresso) and playing a new vinyl record I just got in, the terrific 2017 album “Antisocialites” from Canadian indie rockers Alvvays! Are you a fan? And how are you using your added time at home this weekend? Give me a shout on Twitter, and enjoy the Friday Read below.

Now’s your chance to get an early deal on one of the best new dive watches around.

  • OK, let’s talk watches for a second — like the stylish dive watch shown above. If you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on a coveted Martenero timepiece (as seen here on the blog), you know they’re the real deal. This stylish watch brand is back in a big way with yet another opportunity to crowdfund a new timepiece — the  Martenero Belgrano is one of the coolest watches to buy now (well, pre-order, at least). Here’s the deal: It’s Martenero’s first dive watch, paying homage to classic models while delivering style all its own. 200 meters of water resistance and a crisp, sharp design help blend fashion and function, and the 316L stainless steel construction ensures plenty of durability. Right now, you can pre-order the Martenero Belgrano for an early bird special of $299 (it’ll ship this September), with prices increasing from there if you don’t snag the deal in time. Act quickly, because that’s a great deal compared to the full retail price of $790. If looks and design are any indication, Martenero has just come out with your new favorite watch — maybe pick up one in every color if you feel so inclined. 

OLIVERS

  • Here’s your reminder that that yes, yes indeed … you can still shop for and try on some of the best men’s jeans to wear at home. Crucially, stylish jeans with stretch are the kind you should be searching for, and that’s where NYC’s Mott and Bow (a longtime favorite of mine) comes into play. Right now, you can use the code beau10 to get 10 percent off your first purchase at Mott and Bow! Keep in mind, the brand also makes stylish henleys and some of the softest, coolest T-shirts known to man. There’s never been a better time to upgrade your spring at-home style.
  • It’s heartening to see how so many brands are pivoting their operations and looking for ways to give back to COVID-19 relief efforts, is it not? Found under the New Arrivals section, you’ll come across a unique-but-crucial addition to the Grayers brand and its lineup of summer style essentials. That’s right, Grayers is now selling (non-medical) face masks in an array of cool-looking and high-quality fabrics. It’s a sign of the times, to be sure, but it’s a welcome way that the brand is giving back. Pick up a four-pack (or two-pack!) now.
  • NYC-based men’s shoes brand Ankari Floruss (started by prominent menswear aficionados Moti Ankari and Marcel Floruss), recently debuted its first-ever pair of slides for cool, refined at-home style. They’re handmade from 100 percent leather and retail for $117, with a portion of sales going to helping frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic. I can’t think of a more stylish way to give back.

Is it really the weekend if you aren’t kicked back, cup of coffee (or cold beer) in hand, perusing some of the best menswear deals of the moment? Not quite. If you’re new here, I’m going to direct you toward another edition of The List — it’s  my weekly roundup of the best men’s gear for plenty of different style situations. Rest assured, although we’re all at home, it’s crucial that you stay dressing in style. Correct? Indeed. OK, that’s all for today. Thanks for reading — stay safe, stay healthy.

-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: This Grayers Jacket is the Perfect Casual Jacket for Spring

Now, right off the bat, it might seem unconventional to recommend one of the best spring jackets when we’ve all been spending far more time off the road and inside than normal, but hear me out: The Grayers Frank Track Jacket is simply one of the coolest spring jackets your money can buy. It’s an essential you can throw atop your favorite T-shirt to take your family on a (socially distanced) walk, and you can even wear it on a day working from home. When the work day’s done and you want to try your new favorite lager posted up on the back porch (or your couch)? Throw on the Grayers Frank Track Jacket — in times like these, there’s nothing that one of the best men’s jackets for spring can’t do — are we on the same page? Great, let’s keep rocking. For starters, this classic spring jacket has the same casual feel as your favorite hoodie (it’s made with 100 percent slub French terry cotton, after all), yet has the polish a cool zip-up jacket brings to the table.


SHOP: The Grayers Frank Track Jacket

Perhaps the reason this casual spring jacket feels so cool and laidback comes from the fact that it’s part of the Grayers Athletic line, which updates heritage silhouettes (think classic crewneck sweatshirts and sweatpants) with quality fabric and modern fits. That means this jacket is rugged enough to wear atop your favorite henley with classic chore pants for some spring morning yard work, yet the Grayers Frank Track Jacket also works just fine when paired up with your favorite chambray shirt for a video conference call — or a relaxing post work-from-home beer. These are strange, trying times we live in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look great, no matter what the day has in store. To clear that bar quite easily, reach for the Grayers Frank Track Jacket  — it won’t let you down.

Thanks, as always, for reading — stay safe!

-Beau

SHOP: The Grayers Frank Track Jacket

#OOTD: How to Wear a Henley for Spring Weather (Or Working from Home)

There’s no doubt that things have been a bit  — OK, a heck of a lot — different these past several weeks around The Style Guide, and I’m sure that’s the case in your neck of the woods, as well. The opportunity for those classic spring outings (lazy afternoons at your favorite brewery, backyard BBQ’s, park walks) has become, well, a lot harder to come by — unless you’re making a point to BBQ at home with the family or take hikes with your partner or the fam, that is. And yet, we’ll press on in terms of the best spring style essentials for this new situation — and beyond. Specifically, let’s talk about a casual menswear staple you can wear to work from home or explore a (secluded) park on the weekends: I’m talking, of course, about one of the best men’s henleys. To be even more specific, I’m talking about one of the best short-sleeve henleys, a reliable-as-can-be layer that you can wear on its own or underneath your new favorite denim jacket. The rugged Reigning Champ henley in question could just be the casual spring basic you’ve been searching for, what with a tailored fit and the ability to be worn with tough leather boots and slim black denim (in the case of this #OOTD, at least). We’ve gone ahead and included other versatile gear picks for the season, including a durable everyday carry bag for when you’ve got to get organized in your workshop or on your hike. It’s a shame that, for now, this outfit might not work a ton of places, but rest assured, the time will come for you to wear a classic henley to get a refreshing beer — and when that time rolls around, this is the #OOTD you’ll need to wear.

Alright, my friends … doesn’t this #OOTD make you want to get out there and explore? Even just a bit? Rest assured, it still works for plugging in at home, working a bit in the yard, taking that solitary walk or a stroll with your partner … the best style should adapt to new situations, and I’d wager there’s not a place at the moment where a classic rugged henley (especially of the short-sleeve variety) wouldn’t work out nicely. That’s definitely the case when layered up accordingly with a stylish denim jacket in a unique cut and construction from Buck Mason, and the entire look gets an even cooler (yet comfortable!) edge with some slim stretch selvedge jeans for the utmost in comfort and timeless appeal. Heck, you can break those jeans in around the house, and then keep wearing them, well, the rest of the year. I’d say that’s also the case when it comes to rugged leather boots from Taylor Stitch, and to be specific, ones that slip on and off for ease of use. When this whole ensemble is paired up with the rugged necessities — like one of the most functional watches — it seems to me like working from home could even be … stylish AND enjoyable? Keep organized all the while with a durable nylon pack from Filson. And lest we forget … again, stylish socks make all the difference at home, so American Trench is your best bet. Taken together, this outfit is classic, cool-yet-edgy, and ready for some (socially distanced) exploration. When the time comes to venture to your favorite brewery or bar, well, you know exactly what to wear. Stay safe and thanks for reading!

The List: Keep Spring Rolling with the Best New Men’s Style Gear to Shop Now

A rugged field jacket that your closet needs ASAP for spring.

It’s been, to say the very least, a different spring than usual. Backyard BBQs and rooftop parties have been replaced by solitary hikes and back porch beers … and yet, that means shopping for spring style essentials is more crucial than ever. The best new men’s style gear can just as easily be worn at home hanging with the family as it can when we finally get the chance to get back out there — kind of like the excellent Flint and Tinder Desert Field Jacket shown above (more on that in a second). So, the best new menswear for spring? Get it all below, and then look forward to getting out there.

Flint and Tinder Desert Field Jacket — $198

The best jacket for spring to buy now? It’s certainly one of them.

Simply put, there’s no better time to get one of the best spring jackets than now — right now. This rugged field jacket plays off old-school safari inspiration to deliver one of the coolest spring jackets — it’s a seriously neat new offering from Flint and Tinder.

Buck Mason Standard Light Wash Jeans — $145

Slim light wash jeans that pack a serious punch in terms of style.

Yes, the time is right to buy some of the best light wash jeans for spring — and if you know Buck Mason, you know they’re the brand to shop now. Wear these slim light wash jeans as often as you can (yes, even to work from home).

Grayers Chambray Double Cloth Shirt — $98

A breezy, stylish spring shirt from Grayers.

Grayers Double Cloth Shirts are the stuff of (near) legend — they’re some of the best men’s shirts for spring, what with their breezy fabric and breezy fits. This is one of the best spring shirts you can buy for expert casual style.

Corridor NYC Summer Acid Plaid Shirt — $148

A seriously cool Western shirt to wear as often as you can this spring.

Let’s keep it focused on the best men’s shirts for spring for just one second, shall we? Corridor NYC has coe up with one of the best Western shirts your author has seen in some time. Wear this with your slim light wash jeans.

HELM Boots Lou Teak Boots — $325

Classically rugged leather boots to wear all spring (yes, all spring).

Yes, you can absolutely wear your favorite leather boots this spring. In fact, the HELM Boots Lou Teak Boots are some of the most rugged leather boots for the season … yet they’re surprisingly lightweight, too. Pair them up, again, with your slim light wash jeans.

Buck Mason Lightweight Double Slub Sweatshirt — $72

A lightweight sweatshirt to pair with Buck Mason denim.

Breezy spring weather still abounds out there, so at times like these, it’s ideal to have one of the best men’s lightweight sweatshirts on deck. If it’s this Buck Mason crewneck sweatshirt in a spring-friendly color? Even better.

Momentum Watches Smokejumper Watch — $215

A tough everyday watch that’s going to get the job done, easily.

We haven’t talked a ton about the best men’s adventure watches — like the Momentum Watches Smokejumper Watch — seeing as most of us haven’t been going on a ton of adventures. But if you want a rugged everyday watch, then this timepiece is but one of the most stylish all-black watches you can shop.

GREATS Court High Sneakers — $209

Remarkably stylish, cool high-top sneakers.

Brooklyn-based GREATS has been consistently making some of the best men’s sneakers for years now — and these stylish high-top sneakers are no different. If you’ve been wanting to add some retro-inspired high-top sneakers to your rotation, best go with the GREATS Court High.

Mulo Espadrilles — $190

The coolest slip-on shoes for spring? You be the judge.

Speaking of essential footwear for spring, what about adding some surprisingly stylish espadrilles to your spring footwear rotation? Wear these with everything from the best light wash jeans for spring to the the best men’s off-white pants. On that note …

Flint and Tinder 365 Pants in Salt — $98

Pants that are stylish and cool-as-can-be for spring.

Now is the time to try something new — like, say, the best men’s off-white pants. Not quite full-on white, not quite too faded-out, these Flint and Tinder 365 Pants are some of the best men’s pants for spring to begin with, and the Salt color is pretty critical to switching up your spring style, too.

Wellen Hemp Stripe Polo — $62

Made the right way — and with versatility in mind.

A stylish striped polo is a spring style must-have, even if you’re wearing it for outdoor dinners at home with the family versus large backyard BBQs. Good news is, the Wellen Hemp Stripe Polo is a both a stylish and sustainable polo you can wear with anything.
Celia & Perah Wireless Wood Speaker — $161.98

One of the coolest wireless speakers you’re apt to find.

Perhaps you, like me, have been spending a lot of time at home listening to your favorite music (on that note, to see what I’m listening to at the moment, you can usually head to my Instagram or Instagram Stories). Well, to upgrade your home audio even further, might I suggest this stylish wireless speaker from Celia & Perah?
Gola Classics Mark Cox Selvedge Trainer — $70

Sleek trainers that feature cool denim details.

These are classic spring sneakers if ever I’ve seen a pair, and they’re a play on the style worn by tennis legend Mark Cox. This pair in particular features vintage denim trim highlights, and crucially updates the original 1975 silhouette.
Hill City High Pile Pullover — $138

A cool, easy-to-layer pullover you’ll want to wear all weekend.

For casual, cool spring style, you need one of the best men’s pullovers. What’s more, you need one of the most versatile men’s pullovers, one that doesn’t look out of place on either a solitary hike or a jaunt to pick up your favorite to-go coffee. The Hill City High Pile Pullover just works.
Mott and Bow Classic Cashmere Crew — $149

A classic spring crewneck that looks great — no matter what you wear it with.

If you haven’t caught on by now, occasionally chilly spring evenings call for a stylish spring sweater that can serve as your top layer in a pinch — Mott and Bow now makes one of the best men’s sweaters for such an occasion, one that you can easily wear with Mott and Bow denim, too.
Lojel Urbo 2 Tote — $90

Remarkably durable and made for your next trip (hopefully, soon!).

The next time you need to commute or hit the road on a trip (hopefully, sooner rather than later!), grab this sleek tote bag from Lojel, made with tough 1000-denier fabric in a sharp black colorway for the ultimate in on-the-go travel style.

Shop Need Supply Co.'s Mens.

OK,  my friends. So we bring another edition of The List, covering the best new men’s style gear, to a close. Do you have a favorite when it comes to the selections above? I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan right off the bat of the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Jacket — and of course, I think it would wear extremely well with the HELM Boots Lou Teak Boots and some of the best light wash jeans for spring. There’s also something to be said for the casual versatility of pieces like the Hill City High Pile Pullover and the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, though. What say you? Feel free to catch up with me on Twitter. Happy shopping, stay safe!

Shop Mens Accessories at Need Supply Co.

Style Pick of the Week: GREATS Royale Knit Sneakers

Sleek, stylish and highly affordable sneakers shown here.

Despite being cooped up inside more than usual these past few weeks, perhaps your mind has inevitably started drifting toward what you’d  be doing if you weren’t self-isolating or working from home through this ongoing pandemic. It’s a scary situation, to  be sure, and it might seem frivolous to talk about the best men’s sneakers, but I assure you … there might not actually be a better time to kick back, relax and read all about the new sneakers you need now. That’s assuredly the case whether you’re spending time in your backyard, taking a solitary stroll or looking to step into something other than slippers as you dress to work from home. So, here we are: The GREATS Royale Knit Sneakers could quite possibly be the perfect casual sneakers for spring, and I’m going to tell you exactly why in just a matter of moments. *Moments pass* OK folks, we’re back. If you read the blog regularly(dating back to its early days, certainly!), you know that Brooklyn-based GREATS has done things a little differently since launching back in the early 2010s. That little something different? Premium materials, effortlessly cool silhouettes (like the GREATS Royale Knit!) and quality construction that won’t break the bank — far from it, in fact.
Shop Mott & Bow Today!

SHOP: The GREATS Royale Knit

GREATS does things the right way — even the little things.

But in all seriousness, what sets the GREATS Royale Knit apart from the pack, truly? Is it the sleek and easy-to-wear silhouette — one that you can almost certainly pair with slim light wash denim or your favorite chinos in equal measure? Is it the use of a lightweight knit upper — one crafted from recycled ocean and single-use plastics? Or is it the fact that these stylish sneakers provide so much bang for your buck? Perhaps it’s a combination of all three of those key qualities, and then a little bit extra GREATS magic thrown in. As we mentioned, this is one pair of affordable spring sneakers — just $118 at GREATS, in fact. Incredibly, they’re machine-washable and able to air-dry — that means you can wear them absolutely all day long without worrying about what you’re getting into; it’ll all wash off at the end of the day. When’s the last time you had a pair of stylish spring sneakers that could do that? We’d wager it’s been quite some time. So, there’s no more time to waste right now — you need to upgrade your sneaker rotation immediately, and you need to do it with the GREATS Royale Knit. Let me know what think of these on Twitter.

SHOP: The GREATS Royale Knit

 

Elevated Basics. Grounded Price.

 

The Friday Read: A New Everyday Carry, The Best Loungewear Sets & Dickies Gives Back

The coolest shirt for a much different spring weekend than usual.

My friends, thanks for joining us yet again for another Friday Read. Consider this a starting point for your weekend and a bit of a look at the menswear industry at large, from deals and steals to ways to give back to COVID-19 relief efforts (like my friends at HELM Boots continue to run, for one). These relief efforts should be of particular interest during these trying and challenging times, so any way in which brands can offer support is very welcome indeed from my perspective. And as always, if you’re a medical professional or a frontline first-responder, THANK YOU for your service and your work ethic — it really is incredible and much-appreciated. With that being said, in times like these, it can sometimes seem odd to talk about menswear — like that rugged spring shirt seen above (it’s the Flint and Tinder Stretch Utility Shirt). But I’m of the opinion that style and routine can provide a helpful guiding light these days. So, we’ll continue to shine a light on the best spring style essentials on the blog, and hopefully, you’ll like what you see and what you read. Heck, if that classic shirt at the top of the page piqued your interest right off the bat, head over to Huckberry to shop the Flint and Tinder High Desert Collection — while also checking out the very well-curated Huckberry Journal. It’s another great source of quarantine reads — I hope you find today’s roundup helpful, too.

This weekend, I’ll be following much the same routine, socially distanced here in Brooklyn. That includes spinning plenty of vinyl (my latest purchase is the excellent “The New Abnormal” by NYC rock legends The Strokes!), and of course, enjoying some terrific coffee (namely, from the FourTillFour x Taylor Stitch partnership). As for your own weekend, I wish you safety, health & all the best! Read on below for more crucial content.

  • As the headline mentioned, I’m here to tell you all about one of the best essentials for your everyday carry, as I covered at GearMoose — that would be the new The James Brand x Huckberry Elko Knife, a sleek and well-designed pocket knife to act as an accessory to your favorite chore pants. Gear up accordingly.
  • Let’s dig into some menswear you can wear to work from home, shall we? In this era of ultra-casual leisure (even when on a Zoom call), you might want to check out one of the best loungewear sets for men — I rounded them up for The Manual. Stay safe, comfy and cozy, my friends.
  • Who doesn’t appreciate some rugged workwear when the going gets tough? I know I do — and you’ve now got another reason to love iconic workwear brand Dickies. The brand is converting its plants in Mexico and Honduras to produce FDA-compliant isolation gowns for hospitals and healthcare workers in response to the ongoing pandemic. And get this — Dickies and its parent company, VF Corporation are looking to produce and deliver 50,000 gowns in May,  with a goal of making as many as 675,000 by June, and then on up to 3.4 million (yes, million) by September.  Great work.

And with that, we’re going to wrap up today’s Friday Read. Have suggestions for what you might like to see on the blog, or in these posts (perhaps a weekly playlist? Spirits or beer recommendations? Specific clothing categories?)? Be sure to reach out to me on Twitter. I’ll leave you with one last guide for the weekend, covering how to wear a chore coat for spring. To tide you over until Monday, don’t forget about tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Once again — stay safe, stay healthy, and thank you for reading.

And a final, secret word if you scrolled this far — maybe check out this Taylor Stitch moto jacket below??

See Now, Buy Now: This Flint and Tinder Shirt is the Season’s Perfect Shirt

Pick a pattern, any pattern — Flint and Tinder has you covered.

When it comes to finding one of the best shirts for spring — the sort of shirt that fits your lifestyle, your work and your seasonal plans perfectly — I’m going to throw one stylish shirt in the ring right now. My friends, allow me to introduce you to the Flint and Tinder Organic Double Gauze Shirt, an easygoing and laidback shirt you can wear in just about any situation you dream up. As you can tell by the photo up top, you’ve got your pick of the litter in terms of stylish colors and patterns when it comes to the Flint and Tinder Organic Double Gauze Shirt — and at its current price ($98 via Huckberry), perhaps it’s wise to consider picking up more than one option? I’ll leave that up to you, though. Let’s get into why this number is one of the best men’s shirts at the moment, shall we? The organic cotton twill fabric is breathable and easygoing, yet not so breezy that it’ll get overly wrinkled (that’s a job for a linen shirt — which could come in handy this summer). The Flint and Tinder Organic Double Gauze Shirt also has a double-body design — think of this as the equivalent of an inner lining for some extra pattern and punch, most easily seen at the cuffs (flip ’em up for some cool contrast).
OLIVERS
SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Organic Double Gauze Shirt

My personal pick for one of the best shirts to buy this spring.

This classic spring shirt has the sort of quality construction and design you’d expect from Flint and Tinder, whether you pick it up in the breezy shade of Grey shown above (pair it with olive chinos) or in the bright Multi-Check (best paired with slim tan chinos and brown leather chukka boots). The overall effect of this shirt is one that’s as soft and comfortable as a flannel, yet in a lighter weight for those blustery spring days. Feel free to wear it unbuttoned over your favorite T-shirt or a rugged short-sleeve henley with faded denim, or else button it up and throw it on underneath a lightweight spring blazer. I’d say one thing is pretty clear no matter how you choose to wear it — the Flint and Tinder Organic Double Gauze Shirt is one of the best shirts for men, and it’s one you need on your back ASAP.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Organic Double Gauze Shirt

Terminal Tee

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear White Sneakers This Spring

Let’s start things off on the right foot (pun intended) — if you don’t have a pair of the best white leather sneakers for spring, you’re not doing it right. Well, at least you’re not doing it right … yet. The great news is, the  best white sneakers can in fact be found in the below ensemble, and they’re from a brand you know and love: Brooklyn’s own GREATS Brand, makers of fine sneakers that feature Italian leathers and plenty more bells and whistles. GREATS Brand has been a style staple on the blog going way, way back — case in point, this 2015 post on the GREATS Royale Court Sneakers, for starters! And the sneakers you’ll see on display today — the GREATS Royale Blanco — are both dressy and casual, every bit as versatile as you make them. Because breezy spring days are upon us (and because you’re hopefully able to get out of the house a little bit), the right accessories for casual and weekend-oriented style are coming along for the ride. A stylish spring windbreaker gives you protection from the elements and of course, one of the best denim shirts makes an appearance, too. See? These are pieces you know and love, and they all work in harmony together. Think of these sneakers like a nice go-between from dressy loafers to more casual unlined chukka boots — they bridge the gap, and the look great doing it. Wear this to grill at home, wear this on a solo weekend walk — just make sure you’re clear that white sneakers are a new spring style staple. Let’s get to the full look, shall we?

Now that we’re fully in step with one another — right? — it would seem that you’ve simply got to snag a pair of the best white leather sneakers for supreme spring versatility and great looks. The pairings are even more key, and geared toward laidback-yet-polished style (as always here on the blog). Layers make the difference from the outset when dealing with spring breezes, so the Grayers Montreaux Windbreaker is your new go-to spring jacket, layered up with ease atop the Wellen Hemp Tee and naturally, a rugged Buck Mason denim shirt. That combo works for situations where you’ve got to put some effort into it, but still want to feel comfortable. The same goes for the Olivers Apparel Passage Pants, which deliver stretch, mobility and yet tailored style in equal measure. For accessorizing down to a T, why not throw on one of the coolest men’s casual watches… and then check the seconds as you wait for the compliments to roll in? But the versatility and style of this look doesn’t stop there — keep either your stylish sunglasses or the essential pocket knife close at hand for little odds and ends that might come up. All along the way, of course, haul your gear in a rugged, American-made tote for that crucial finishing touch. Can you keep up? With the best white leather sneakers in tow, now you can. Cheers, my friends!