by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These American Optical Aviator Sunglasses are the Perfect Retro Shades for Spring and Summer

Preparing for the high heat of spring and summer in style — which we’ll talk about plenty in the weeks and months ahead on this Brooklyn style blog — starts with building what you might call a sort of menswear toolbox of essentials. Ensuring each and every part is in place — from leather loafers to lightweight stretch chinos, breezy shirting and your everyday carry essentials — goes a long way when you pack for your next getaway or plot your next weekend BBQ #OOTD.

And so it goes for scoring a pair of the best sunglasses for men — a pair of all-American, USA-made aviator sunglasses, at that. The aviator sunglass silhouette, originally developed and worn to great effect by real-life pilots, is an accessory that’s stood the test of time, worn by everyone from Tom Cruise in Top Gun to Daniel Craig as James Bond, and found just about everywhere stylish sunglasses are sold nowadays.

And a pair like the limited-edition American Optical AN-6531 (truly another rendition of American Optical aviator sunglasses, technical jargon aside) goes the distance in matters of stylish looks, a quality build, durable construction and long-lasting appeal.

How’s that for checking every box as far as the best sunglasses for men are concerned? Consider them a crucial addition to your toolbox, the type of shades you can dress up or dress down with ease.

The American Optical AN-6531 take a 1930s archival style from the famed brand, then soup it up for modern times (with a splurge-worthy price tag to match — your average beach store bargain bin sunglasses, these are not). They pay homage to WWII aviator styles, right down to the double-level nose bridge and cable temples to prevent slippage.

And while they get all the details right, they really are a modern update to a classic: The use of materials like Calobar™ green glass lenses and monoblock hinges — for enhanced visibility — speak to the perfect blend of form and function.

Plus, the fact that the American Optical AN-6531 are sold by Huckberry — and are perfectly ready to pair with American made T-shirts and blue jeans as well as a knit polo and stretch chinos — is a major added bonus.

Shop the best everyday carry gear ASAP at Huckberry

For utterly classic style on the daily, no matter the ensemble you choose to pair ’em with, there’s no doubt (at least in my experience) that the American-made, truly timeless American Optical AN-6531 sunglasses belong in your menswear toolbox this spring and summer. Invest in the best now, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Billy Reid Henley is a Refined Take on a Rugged Must-Have for Breezy Layering

As I scour the market to put together pieces on the very best men’s style essentials to amp up your wardrobe — and my own, of course — I tend to look for brands that put a distinct spin on tried-and-true favorites. Take one of the best men’s henleys, for instance. Yes, it’s a rugged classic that stands the test of time and looks great on any guy. And yes, you can find options aplenty through one of the best online menswear brands — Billy Reid, of course (a longtime favorite of this Brooklyn style blog).

Shop Billy Reid’s style essentials

But can something as functional as a henley be reinvented in a way that’s ever-so-slightly (just slightly!) refined? The team at Billy Reid — led by the Alabama-based design icon himself, of course — seems to think that yes, one of the best henleys for men can get a fresh outlook, a new feel, and with the Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley, I’d say they’re absolutely correct.

Just like the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat — which was recently updated for spring in a new waxed cotton design — the right tried-and-true staples of rugged everyday men’s fashion feel a little more elegant in the hands of Billy Reid. And the award-winning designer’s new Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley is the right middle ground between ultra-rugged and just refined enough, with details that elevate it above the average piece of knitwear.

The Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley uses a slub 100 percent cotton fabric for texture and visual appeal, but that fabrication also gives it a sort of year-round weight: As ready to wear on its own or beneath a denim jacket on cool spring nights as it might be when paired with a midweight flannel shirt come early fall or even mid-winter.

In fact, the use of trochus buttons also gives this henley a bit of an elevated touch. How’s that for a new twist on a reliable standby?

The elongated three-button placket also gives the handsome Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley the appeal of a band-collar shirt: Feel free to wear it underneath a Billy Reid blazer, for instance, if the mood strikes you. The Lichen Green color is a personal favorite of mine, with an earthy appeal that pairs as readily with light wash denim as it does with dark brown chinos or perhaps even light khaki chino shorts.

Find your new favorite henley at Billy Reid

With its lightweight, textured and substantial yet airy fabric, pls elevated details beyond even the best men’s henleys, I’d say the new Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley has all the bells and whistles needed to amp up your casual layering game this season, this summer and well beyond.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: You Can Get 3 Premium Polos from The Tie Bar for Just $150 Right Now

Finding a deal in the high heat of spring and summer, particularly on a staple item you can dress up or dress down practically every single day, is a tricky proposition — unless you know where to look, that is. And in my experience, especially over the past few years, the good folks at The Tie Bar are meeting the moment handily in terms of both affordability and variety — across a full spectrum of menswear essentials, not just the company’s famously budget-conscious (and stylish) neckwear options.

Learn more now and shop at The Tie Bar

Just in time for rooftop soirees and warm-weather formal occasions with a leisurely tilt, The Tie Bar is offering up a stellar deal on a positively massive array of stylish men’s polos: Right now, take your pick of any three polos for $150 at The Tie Bar.

You could feasibly cover your entire weekend wardrobe — from Friday happy hour to a weekend BBQ to a Sunday round of golf — with three polos for a stellar deal, and the great news is, the Chicago-based company offers plenty of variety in its lineup, to boot.

Best spring and summer polos for men.

At just $50 a pop (math!), the company’s offerings are crisp, elegant and yet laidback in their own way — particularly its wide selection of vintage-inspired sweater polos, prep-inspired tipped polos in soft cotton, and even sweater-tee hybrids. The Tie Bar’s polo lineup gets the job done in terms of office-ready polish and plenty of seasonal comfort — in my experience wearing The Tie Bar shirts and sweaters, its fabric selection is soft and packed with stretch, yet doesn’t wrinkle easily or lose its shape.

The same should surely hold true across the entirety of The Tie Bar’s polo lineup, which even includes full-button front sweater polo options and an array of plaid and stripe colors. Again, these polos are soft in terms of construction, sized properly for a flattering, not overly tight, fit, and available in a range of vibrant colors and patterns to suit every taste.

And yes, you can score three options from The Tie Bar’s polo lineup for just $150 right now. Spring and summer style just got a whole lot easier, more affordable and more efficient, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Flint and Tinder Is Now Making the Perfect Oxford Shirt for Year-Round Wear

Best Oxford shirts for men.

When one considers any well-curated roster of men’s style essentials, there are certain must-haves that tend to spring to mind right away: Casual selections like an essential men’s pocket tee or classic blue jeans, plus pieces that just plain old work in nearly any style scenario. That’s where one of the best men’s Oxford shirts enters the equation, regardless of the time of year or the dress code at hand.

And as you well know if you read this very Brooklyn style blog, the good folks at Huckberry tend to cover plenty of bases as far as those men’s style essentials are concerned. Of course, that very much includes your new go-to buttondown shirt, the type of selection you can wear just about any time you please.

The Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt is billed by Huckberry as a “timeless Oxford shirt,” one that’s been the epitome of “classic, smart-casual style since day one” — the prep roots of the Oxford shirt, plus its role in American style culture (thanks to brands like Brooks Brothers) are nearly indisputable. And that leads us to a modern spin on a classic from Flint and Tinder, the sort of move in which Huckberry excels.

Helpfully, the Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt gets the details right — big and small — including the use of soft garment-washed fabric for comfort right out of the box. It also comes in a timeless roster of easily wearable colors and patterns, like crisp White, traditional Light Blue and even a sharp, fresh Blue University Stripe option.

A touch of helpful stretch lends mobility and easygoing appeal to the Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt, while the rest of the details — again, an area in which Huckberry excels — are ideal for versatile style. Take the rounded chest pocket and rounded button cuffs — the handsome Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt checks all the right boxes, at least in my experience.

Shop men’s shirting and more at Huckberry

It’s also the perfect length to wear tucked in with stretch chinos or untucked with Huckberry’s chino shorts — it doesn’t get much more essential and essentially cool than that, does it, my friends? When you want everyday style you can trust, and a shirt that’s priced affordably for the office or for laidback weekend wear, opt for a fresh spin on a classic — like the Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt, starting right now and rolling into the rest of spring and summer.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: This Todd Snyder Field Shirt is Wildly Discounted and Perfect for Cool Spring Nights

Some deals just come along that are too good, at least on the surface, to pass up. And some of the best menswear deals live up to that billing handily, too: Quality meets affordability, particularly among your favorite menswear brands.

For a dash of luxury, a hit of functional spring layering and some seasonal style with attitude — at the right price — we turn today towards Todd Snyder, award-winning menswear designer and a man on a mission to take over your wardrobe.

Learn more and shop at Todd Snyder

Snyder’s foray into menswear now results in everything from durable henleys to expertly faded jeans, soft-yet-sturdy flannel shirts and of course, an array of breezy spring and summer tailored essentials. But before we get into the high heat of summer, a few choice layers are still of the essence — like the Todd Snyder Corduroy Field Shirt shown above. First off: Speaking of a deal, it’s a whopping 76 percent off right now in an array of sizes.

Next up: Its utility, which comes in the form of a cotton corduroy build. While corduroy is traditionally found in the colder climes of fall and winter, the Todd Snyder Corduroy Field Shirt can still prove useful when things cool off on spring evenings, or when a spring day dawns unexpectedly chilly.

The great thing about the luxe build of the Todd Snyder Corduroy Field Shirt is that it just so happens to combine the rugged appeal of an overshirt with the sleek look of black corduroy — you could even wear this shirt atop a grey or white Oxford shirt as a daring substitute for a blazer.

Shop and save at Todd Snyder

Either way, I’d say the Todd Snyder Corduroy Field Shirt is a fun piece to experiment with — it can also pull double-duty in the colder months worn over a turtleneck shirt. The designer calls it “the best of both worlds,” and it’s hard to argue with that sentiment — with dark blue jeans or with olive chinos, it’ll look dashing and pleasingly rugged. And remember: While it’s a change of pace, this handsome field shirt is a whopping 76 percent off right now. If I were you, I’d certainly give it a shot.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Oris Divers Date Watch – A Seriously Rugged Watch for Outdoor Adventures This Summer

In my book, the best gear for men from head to toe exudes rugged toughness, style and versatility, from your choice of chambray shirt to your selection of dark blue denim, brown leather boots and of course, the watch you wear on your wrist.

In the smartphone age, wearing one of the best men’s watches is a more deliberate style move, an investment in something that can elevate any look — and provide critical functionality in places your smartphone can’t. The Oris Divers Date Watch shown above, as sold by my good friends at Huckberry, certainly delivers in that regard.

Shop men’s watches and more at Huckberry

And while I love, say, Shinola men’s watches — as you might have seen in Shinola reviews on this very blog — the very best everyday carry gear for men also requires a deeper look, another point of view:

There are options aplenty out there when it comes to the best dive watches for men, like the handsome Oris Divers Date Watch shown above. Yessir, it’s a certified winner in matters of both looks and performance, with the specs to prove it.

For the unfamiliar, Oris is a somewhat overlooked heritage watch brand deeply rooted in the art and science of the best dive watches for men. The Oris Divers Date Watch speaks to that legacy quite handily, and stylishly, at that. In fact, Oris released its first-ever dive watch back in 1965, and this durable and subtly fashionable diver nods to those roots in the best way possible.

Best dive watches for men.

You see, the Oris Divers Date Watch gets distinctly 1960s touches like compressed bezel numerals and a monochromatic color scheme not unlike much more expensive dive watches (looking at you, Rolex).

Sized in relatively throwback fashion at 39mm in terms of dial size, a Swiss-made 733-1 automatic mechanical movement powers this watch with a 41-hour power reserve (designed to keep the watch ticking and on track even if you don’t wear it for a period of time).

Its rugged yet slightly dressy stainless steel build is accented by 200 meters of real-world water resistance, meaning you can easily wear this watch into the water and its depths without missing a beat. Of course, the timepiece also comes with a sporty black rubber strap for even more variety and versatility.

Yet, the classic profile of the tough-as-nails Oris Divers Date Watch also lends itself to styling in luxurious fashion with a knit polo, stretch chinos and brown leather loafers. Take my word from it: If Huckberry approves of its performance, then a timepiece like the sturdy Oris Divers Date Watch belongs in your wrist game rotation ASAP this summer.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Astorflex Boat Shoes are a Subtly Stylish Footwear Upgrade

When the chance comes to step into a new season in style, by dipping your toes into something that’s ever-so-slightly fresh, a slight departure from the ordinary, we here at this Brooklyn style blog say: Take it wholeheartedly, especially if the opportunity arises to try out a new shoe silhouette from a Huckberry-approved brand.

And if you’ve kept up with the blog on the regular over the years, then you’ll know it’s hard to pass up a chance to slide into some Astorflex boots and loafers. The family-owned Italian brand uses sustainable production methods in crafting its best-selling chukka boots and the recently launched Astorflex Derby Shoes, and the Astorflex Loafers are also a refined yet easy-to-wear summer style favorite.

Best boat shoes for men.

And now, that strong stable of stylish footwear gains another member with the addition of the Astorflex Hestaflex Boat Shoes — not a moment too soon for easygoing summer soirees aplenty. These low-profile boat shoes are a touch more streamlined than traditional boat shoes, with moc toe detailing throughout and a chunkier sole that calls to mind sneakers or chukka boots.

Best boat shoes for men to buy now.

And yet, like all great pairs of Astorflex shoes sold by our good friends at Huckberry, the handsome Astorflex Hestaflex Boat Shoes feature that same Northern Italy handmade construction, plus richly crafted bovine suede uppers in either eye-catching Olive Green or more classically styled Brown. A memory foam footbed bolsters comfort, yet it’s covered in leather for a soft, supple and ultimately, stylish finish.

The crepe cup sole is another handmade touch that should quite literally provide a spring in your step, whether you style the Astorflex Hestaflex Boat Shoes with rolled light wash jeans, navy chino shorts or olive lounge pants. Keep in mind that your new favorite boat shoes are also unlined within the shoe itself, meaning you can slide into them comfortably right out of the box.

And as Huckberry sagely notes, “when Astorflex introduced their take on a boat shoe, we had to get our hands on it.” I’d say the same holds true for your stylish casual wardrobe this season, particularly when reviewing the rest of Huckberry’s summer style lineup.

Shop seasonal style must-haves at Huckberry

In fact, boat shoes are practically begging to be paired with a knit polo and stretch chinos, to name but one way you should rock the Astorflex Hestaflex Boat Shoes. When the time comes to switch up your style rotation just ever-so-slightly, turn to a new boat shoe from a trusted brand.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Mason Short Sleeve Shirt from Line of Trade is An Unstoppable Summer Style Move

Best short-sleeve shirts for guys.

Every once in a while, a brand comes along that shakes things up in the world of men’s style essentials in classic-yet-modern, utterly fresh fashion: Drawing from the past (classic styles like workshirts, service shorts, henleys and more) while putting a new spin on things for the modern man.

Approachable without being fast-fashion. Stylish without veering too far into high fashion. Sounds like high praise, does it not? And high praise though it might be, Line of Trade and the new Line of Trade Spring/Summer 2025 Collection hit all the right notes when it comes to throwback-minded yet easily wearable, fresh looks for the modern man — that’s you, and that’s why we’re taking a look at a must-have shirt from this relative upstart right now.

Learn more now at Line of Trade

You very well might recognize Line of Trade from the pages of this very blog, or from the fact that it was started by Bespoke Post, retailers with an intense focus on finding the coolest gear and clothing for guys — many of those selections hail from small, scrappy brands, as you might have read in my Line of Trade reviews.

And helpfully, the new Line of Trade Spring/Summer 2025 Collection certainly makes the case that this brand — shoppable now via Line of Trade’s own site — is one to watch. Take the Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt: As spring starts to shift into summer, opting for a breezy short-sleeve buttondown shirt with a sense of polish is the name of the game, and this option checks all the right boxes.

Helpfully, the Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt gets the details just right, as is the case with Line of Trade’s sturdy flannel shirts and waxed outerwear for fall and winter. The Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt features a classic two-pocket workshirt build, but as the brand notes, this shirt is “built with a unique two-tone, pure cotton waffle weave” for texture and an ultra-breezy, soft finish.

It features folded and stitched shirt cuffs for an added touch of detail (roll up the cuffs for an even more old-school look), and the Line of Trade Mason Short-Sleeve Shirt also features a straightforward, slightly tailored fit that’s neither too relaxed nor too tight.

In addition to the rich Golden Ochre color seen here, your new favorite short-sleeve shirt comes in handsome colors like Vintage Navy for even more style points this summer. When you want a look that’s timeless and yet ready for some of the best men’s style in 2025 (and beyond), you very well might want to opt for this stylish short-sleeve shirt for men from Line of Trade. Get it while it’s hot, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Take 50 Percent Off this Adventure-Ready Filson Messenger Bag

Filson messenger bag review.

It’s like we’ve been talking about lately on this Brooklyn style blog: As you prepare to go far afield (or perhaps just to your family cabin or on an adventurous coastal vacation), well, packing some of the best outdoor essentials goes a long way. And until you hit the trail, you might not know the pack you’ve brought with you — or your hiking sneakers, or your rain jacket, and so on — can pass muster.

The best thing to do when it comes to everyday carry gear is to prepare in advance in a major way: Filson has long had you covered in that regard, as you’re well aware if you read this blog and any of my Filson reviews.

Shop the best outdoor gear at Filson

From hard-wearing Filson Tin Cloth pants to lightweight shirting designed to protect you from the sun and keep you cool, Filson has a way with durable, tough, smart gear for all seasons — that very much includes the Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag. It’s the kind of reliable pack you’ll start to wonder how you ever traveled, hiked or adventured without.

And of course, since this is the Tuesday Steal (a deep dive into the best discounts on menswear and gear every week), well, the handsome yet functional Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag is yours for the taking — on sale for 50 percent off, at that.

Best messenger bags for men.

The Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag carries on the same legacy as the Pacific Northwest outfitter’s fleet of durable Filson bags and briefs, yet this one happens to be made from waxed Cordura nylon, rather than Filson Tin Cloth fabric or a similar build. Don’t let that detract you: This bag (a “Genuine Filson: as listed on its stylish label, after all) should still stand up to abrasions, dirt, grime and rain with ease while keeping your everyday carry essentials plenty safe within.

The Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag also adds some style points to your daily haul at home or on the road — the Service Green color is perfectly rugged. But it’s the specs that really set the hard-working Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag apart from the pack, including an interior padded laptop pocket and two sturdy zip exterior pockets — which I’ve found are much larger than normal messenger bag pockets, in my experience.

There’s also a full width back cargo stow pocket for items like a notebook or your passport, while the hardware — in a matching shade of Service Green, naturally — is as burly and sturdy as it gets. The fact that the exceptionally well-designed Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag is on sale right now — and is as versatile for the city and casually rugged look as it is for countryside adventures — is a downright steal as you ramp up your everyday carry essentials for the season ahead, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Huckberry and Danner Just Debuted the Perfect Hiking Sneakers for Spring & Summer

When the time comes to gear up for your next summer adventure — a camping trip, a boating excursion, a cabin weekend where the biggest ‘to-do’ is hauling the cooler down to the river — you need the right gear, no? In fact, one might say the best spring and summer men’s gear should be a cut above the rest: Built not merely to meet a challenge, but to go above and beyond.

That’s certainly true when it comes to the footwear you lace up to hit the trail (or go far afield), and Huckberry x Danner is here just in time to power every excursion on your to-do list this season.

After all, it seems excursions far afield, away from the city and into the country, are often made all the better if you’re packing and wearing the right sturdy boots (or some of the best hiking sneakers) for the terrain on the horizon.

Learn more now & shop at Huckberry

The latest Huckberry x Danner collection — another drop in a long-running series of collaborations on rugged footwear dating back years — is powered by the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker, a pair of hybrid footwear designed to blend in the durability of a hiking boot with the lightweight mobility of a sneaker.

The spirit of adventure, of course, is built right into what Huckberry rightfully calls “one of the lightest and toughest performance hiking sneakers we’ve ever tested,” and that’s certainly saying something, given the fact that the Americana retailer has a penchant for truly tough-as-nails gear.

In addition to an exclusive, suitably dusty and rugged Coyote colorway, the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker is built with a highly durable, abrasion-resistant and lightweight Perspair® upper, which rests atop Danner’s customary Ortholite insole for supreme comfort and rebound.

Huckberry x Danner review.

The Perspair® upper also means these are breathable and yet quick-drying, bolstered by a flexible Ariaprene® gusset for more freedom of movement crossing rocky streams and navigating hilly trails. The Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker is overbuilt in the best way, assuredly able to compete with pairs of the best hiking boots for men.

Vibram’s N45 Outsole gives the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker a ton of grip without overdoing it in terms of lug width, and these stylish-yet-functional hiking sneakers also rest atop another highly flexible touch, a TPU rock plate for more control (I’d call this a touch akin to four-way wheel drive on rocky roads, at least in my experience testing the best hiking sneakers from comparable brands like KEEN).

Huckberry x Danner Hiking Sneakers review.

I also appreciate the fact that these dependable hiking sneakers lace up with easily flexible speed lacing for plenty of wearability and a customizable fit. It’s like I always say, especially when it comes to Huckberry gear launches like the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker: If it seems like these two tried-and-true adventure brands thought of everything, well, that’s because… they did. Don’t pack for your next outdoor summer trip without the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker in your bag.