by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: This Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat is a Menswear Bargain for Spring Layering

If you’ve been on the hunt for the best spring style essentials, perhaps you feel like you’ve unlocked a sort of menswear formula of sorts. Rugged quality, longevity and style points should be top of mind in that formula, particularly as you take on spring wind and rain, and a dependable jacket goes a long way. A dependable jacket from the likes of Huckberry, you might say?

Yes indeed, one with a reliable silhouette — the build of the humble chore coat — and the right fabrication to back up can make a big difference as you layer up this season, and if you’ve read this Brooklyn style blog over the years, you know the drill.

Learn more now at Huckberry

In fact, you might find just what you’re looking for in the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat, a casually cool, durable outerwear addition that just so happens to be on sale at Huckberry this fine Sunday. The famed Americana retailer is well-known for its standout Flint and Tinder line, which takes cues from workwear of days gone by, including the humble trucker jacket, the flannel workshirt and now, a fresh take on the chore coat.

Reliable technical specifications lead the way with the latest inspired offering from Huckberry, including warm (but not bulky) PrimaLoft insulation and a sturdy DWR-finished waxed exterior. Snap buttons keep out wind and rain while making for an easygoing (yet functional) wearing experience with the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat.

It’s cut longer than the brand’s legendary trucker jackets, ideal for keeping out spring’s worst weather, while the fold-up collar of the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat also offers ample protection from the elements.

And because this is the Sunday Sale feature, after all, you’d do well to know the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat is marked down $50 (to $148 from $198). Throw in a versatile color on offer in a crisp, wear-with-nearly-anything Navy, and you’re looking at perhaps your new favorite casual spring men’s jacket.

Find the best men’s gear for spring at Huckberry

Four pockets (one interior, three exterior) provide helpful storage space for your everyday carry essentials, and you can adjust the snap cuffs on the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat as needed for extra protection this spring.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat – A Spring-Ready Update to a Classic

Billy Reid Bond Peacoat review.

Even the most timeless, utterly classic silhouettes in the menswear lexicon can use a refresh through a new lens from time to time, like one of the best peacoats for men. That ethos carries through to your spring outerwear rotation, particularly as blustery and brisk weather rips through town.

And thus, we find ourselves diving into an update to a hallowed silhouette in the modern style pantheon, a new twist on the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat. You might recall from past Billy Reid reviews on this blog that the trusty Billy Reid Bond Peacoat is a best-selling favorite from the brand, plus the style worn by James Bond in 2012 epic “Skyfall,” among other notable appearances (007 himself, Daniel Craig, is even a noted fan in real life of the hard-wearing yet elegant peacoat).

So, the style is a certified classic, but how can it get even better? It comes down to a few custom, sturdy updates, my friends.

Learn more now at Billy Reid

Yes indeed, in my experience, the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat continues to get better year after year, boasting a laundry list of expertly designed and carefully crafted touches that can only come from the mind of famed menswear designer Billy Reid.

BIlly Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat.

That means this trusted style now comes in a suitably spring-ready, seriously inspired fabric developed with blustery seasonal weather in mind — yes, the Billy Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat now comes in a fabrication custom developed by the legendary Halley Stevensons.

The waxed cotton design repels wind and rain, all the while retaining the crisp, useful design hallmarks of the original Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, like a tasteful leather under-collar detail, a cotton-linen lining for a dash of warmth and comfort, and dark horn buttons.

The jacket is certified weather-ready and should even develop its own patina over time, adding a touch of character to a refined peacoat style you can dress up or dress down alongside a host of Billy Reid menswear (an Oxford shirt and tan chinos come to mind, for starters). Reliable peacoat hallmarks, like double-breasted construction and peak lapels, make the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat in its new waxed iteration a certified, functional yet stylish stunner — one you can be proud to wear this spring (and in the years ahead).

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt Is an Expert Spring Layer for Refined Style

Is the quest for the perfect spring wardrobe ever complete? Not quite, at least not if you want to find the best possible versions of a few key men’s style essentials, like the ever-reliable shirt jacket — an expertly cut layer in the right hands, thanks to the design vision of award-winning menswear designer Todd Snyder.

The New York City-based expert tends to put his own refined spin on even the more rugged classics, especially like the humble shirt jacket, or “shacket.” When you want a new outlook on old favorites, consider Todd Snyder — and consider making the carefully developed construction of the Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt a part of your seasonal layering rotation.

Learn more now at Todd Snyder

While his tailoring and even footwear selection tends to lean more elegant, there’s a certain dashing, casually cool and rugged-yet-elevated outlook when it comes to pieces like the Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt.

Best spring shirt jackets for men.

Think of this like the overshirt you wear when you want to lend a dash of effortless cool to a chambray shirt or even a henley — the Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt can effectively elevate even slightly more casual pieces. But with the best shirt jackets for men, it’s best to not overthink it — the brand has already done that for you, and it shows in the comfortable, performance-minded yet polished construction of the shirt jacket itself.

The Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt gets its mix of structure and breathability from a blend of hemp, cotton and merino wool, an ingenious touch that gives it softness and a touch of warmth. The chest pocket is a handy design feature you can put to good use for stashing an EDC pen or small field notebook, making this a casually cool weekend shirting option.

In a deep shade of Brown or a lighter shade of Tan, it teams up rather nicely with shades of olive and indigo, made all the better by pairing it up with a grey henley or pocket tee. The Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt can even be worn atop a grey crewneck sweatshirt — a way to dress up a casual staple. With the right blend of lightweight fabric, durable structure and ever-so-slightly refined good looks, this shirt jacket is a surefire spring style upgrade, no doubt about it.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Buck Mason Bruiser Leather Jacket is One of the Coolest Spring Jackets for Men

Best leather jackets for men.

The classics stay steadfast in your wardrobe of men’s style essentials for a reason, or several reasons, rather, and that list of often includes rugged utility, standout style and even a dash of toughness. The best leather jackets exude an air of all three, and then some — the Buck Mason Bruiser Leather Jacket checks those boxes handily, and it arrives just in time for spring.

Or rather, this durable-as-can-be leather jacket has been a spring style staple in the Buck Mason lineup for some time, and it’s back and better than ever for a new season at hand. The Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket takes its cues from throwback rider leather jackets, which belong in the same family as the classic moto jacket, but offers slightly more coverage than typical moto styles.

In fact, you might notice that the Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket bears a passing resemblance in terms of design to, say, the famed Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket. That’s not all, of course. Let’s get deeper into the basics of your new favorite leather jacket, shall we?

Learn more now at Buck Mason

The right leather jacket can take a wardrobe from good to great, from average to effortlessly cool and super-stylish: Just witness how it looks with a timeless white tee and crisply cut chinos.

And if you’ve never taken a stab at owning a leather jacket, this handsome Buck Mason leather jacket might prove a fine introduction to the category, especially if you’d prefer to save some cash compared to a classic (yet more expensive) producer like New York City’s Schott (also a personal favorite of mine, as luck would have it).

Beyond that, the Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket gets every vintage detail correct, including zip pockets at the hip (adorned with what Buck Mason lovingly calls “knuckle-side” corduroy lining for comfort and a touch of warmth on brisk spring days. The fold-over collar can be flipped up for coverage against spring winds — think of this jacket like a go-between from your technically minded jacket and your rugged field jacket. It’s not quite suitable for spring rain, of course, but it’ll do just fine for rugged style the rest of the time.

Luckily, Buck Mason makes plenty of other style staples that pair nicely with the Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket, from subtly stylish T-shirts and light wash jeans to black jeans and one of the best chambray shirts on the market.

Vegetable-tanned sheepskin leather will mold to your body over time, while hand-burnishing gives it a lived-in look and feel. The Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket is made to get better with age, and your wardrobe will be all the better for it this season.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Hard-Wearing RRL Workshirt Is a Dependable (And Discounted) Spring Style Pick-up

Best spring workshirts for men.

Once you’ve checked off the proper boxes in terms of the basics of your spring wardrobe — a rain-ready jacket, a pair of stylish light wash jeans, perhaps some essential base layers and waterproof leather boots — where’s a guy to go? While that list isn’t exactly exhaustive, it’s a pretty solid start, and things can only get better from there — right? No doubt about it, but keep in mind that it pays off to invest in essentials you can actually wear, rather than an unnecessary splurge.

So, you very well might want to set your sights on one of the best workshirts for men — a durable layer, one that can work atop a pocket tee or a henley, and one you can certainly wear in plenty of casually cool style scenarios. My good friends at Huckberry, of course, have you covered.

Learn more now at Huckberry

And, it’s like we always say here at this Brooklyn style blog: If you can save a few bucks on an essential like a durable workshirt, well, why not take a swing at it? With that, we pull back the curtain on the Huckberry Sale section and dive into the dependable, rugged workshirt shown at the top of the page: The RRL Farrell Workshirt is just the ticket — plus, it’s marked down to $180 from $225. Considering that RRL gear doesn’t often go on sale, hey, any savings is a positive, yes? I’d say so, my friends.

RRL channels vintage Americana and the Great American West through a modern lens, from expertly faded denim to stylish flannel shirting and this substantial yet spring-ready overshirt. It’s not quite as ready for spring cleaning as a traditional canvas workshirt, for instance, but the RRL Farrell Workshirt should prove perfectly serviceable, what with its cotton-linen twill construction.

Shop on-sale style essentials at Huckberry

Two front-button chest pockets give it a layering-ready workshirt feel, while the black-and-red plaid pattern is based off vintage workshirts and should pair stylishly with light wash jeans and a black thermal henley. The possibilities in terms of effortlessly cool casual style are nearly limitless, provided you’ve got the right essentials to go along with it — and again, you can turn to the Huckberry Sale section to sort out the rest of your seasonal layering needs.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Patagonia’s Lightweight Flannel Shirt is a Perfect Transitional Shirt for Brisk Spring Days

Best lightweight flannel shirts for men.

Dependability is the name of the game when it comes to the best spring menswear essentials, and there’s a delicate balance as you bridge the gap between seasons, from your choice of boots (more lightweight than winter), denim (again, lighter in color than winter) and of course, your shirting rotation.

As we’ve talked about in the past on this Brooklyn style blog, we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to battling the elements — in fact, we very well might be in the thick of it as far as gearing up for spring is concerned.

And that, my friends, is where Patagonia’s trusty Lightweight Fjord Flannel Shirt steps up to the proverbial menswear plate — as sold by Huckberry, it’s got all the comfort and warmth of a classic men’s flannel shirt, just with a lighter build more well-suited to spring style.

Learn more now and shop new spring gear at Huckberry

Patagonia gear is legendary for both its toughness and sustainability, along with its utility, and the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt moves through the season with that same lineage top of mind. The Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt is the kind of shirt you reach for on a brisk spring morning, which can quickly turn into a day when you need to shed that flannel shirt in favor of your base layer (perhaps a short-sleeve henley or pocket T-shirt?).

In the meantime, the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt is made from super-soft brushed cotton flannel — brushed on both sides for added softness, of course.

Your new favorite flannel shirt is also classic in its construction, with a helpful chest pocket for visual interest and some added EDC storage space (if you choose to rock the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt as a workshirt, that is). And that’s another benefit to opting for a lightweight flannel shirt these days — it’s a blend of both comfort and just enough warmth for spring weather (leave the ultra-thick flannel overshirt at home these days).

The Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt comes in three utterly classic plaid combinations, each well-suited for spring — and each more appealing than the timeless red-and-black flannel shirt you (and this Brooklyn-based writer) have been wearing all winter.

So, the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt delivers a stylish change of pace in matters of looks, plus lightweight utility in the form of easygoing yet sturdy, supple layering. Paired with dark blue jeans or even stretch chinos, the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt is as solid a seasonal style move as it gets, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: This Merino Polo from Huckberry Blends Performance and Style (At a Discount)

Best polo shirts for men.

When you scour the market for the best spring style essentials, what do you look for? Do you look for picks that blend the best of utility with performance and effortlessly cool style? That’s the mission of this blog, after all, and it all comes together in one expertly cut polo shirt — one that’s nicely priced at a discount — from our friends at Huckberry.

Think of it like your favorite polo shirt, just done up with performance fabric and the same wear-with-anything design, from the office to the links and back.

You’ll find it among a host of spring style must-haves priced to sell in the Huckberry Sale section, from crisp chinos to stylish lounge shorts, loafers and essentials for the home, but let’s dive into what makes the Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo Shirt so special (and so needed for your own wardrobe).

As Huckberry tells it, your new favorite polo shirt is a cut above, featuring “thermoregulating, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking Australian merino wool,” the kind that wicks away sweat, keeps you cool and serves a long-lasting purpose (Huckberry puts selections like the aptly named Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo Shirt through 72 hours of wear testing, after all).

Learn more now at Huckberry

All the classic details you need in a versatile polo remain, including a three-button placket — this time, the Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo Shirt is finished with matte black snap buttons for a low-key, subtly stylish look.

Nylon is used at key stress points to give the Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo Shirt some durability and a clean look — the kind that allows this handsome performance polo to be worn tucked in with stretch chinos or untucked with comfortable lounge shorts and leather loafers at a weekend BBQ.

Shop on-sale menswear and gear at Huckberry

It’s even finished with UPF30+ sun protection, the sort of detail that Huckberry never seems to overlook. How’s that for the right mix of performance, style and effortless cool? Not bad at all, my friends.

And given the fact that the Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo Shirt is marked down below $70 on sale, it’s also high time to take advantage of a wear-with-anything, go-anywhere polo shirt from the menswear masters at Huckberry.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos – Spring’s Most Versatile Pair of Pants

Best chino pants for men this spring.

As far as spring style essentials are concerned, it’s tough to top the versatility and reliability of a pair of the best men’s chinos. The once-preppy style staple has taken on a more rugged edge over the years, at least based on the color, style and design of the pair you select — and a pair like the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos might be just the ticket in that regard as we step heartily and stylishly into a new season.

Shop men’s pants and more at Huckberry

As sold by my good friends at Americana and adventure retailer Huckberry — one of the best online shops for men around, in my experience, the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos check all the right boxes when it comes to variety, dependable style and even a dash of utility this season.

As Huckberry sagely notes, Ohio-based Relwen “creates menswear that lasts,” from its durable insulated jackets to its strong flannel workshirts fit for spring and beyond.

The Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos carry on that same lineage with a dash of handsome polish top of mind, starting with their crisp slim-straight, nicely tailored cut. The real key when it comes to the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos, though? That’d be the 5.5oz. blend of cotton and spandex for stretch, comfort and shape retention — in any number of effortlessly cool colors and easily wearable sizes.

The Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos also feature helpful, hidden details like a gusseted crotch and pleated knees — that means your new favorite pair of chinos are as comfortable as can be for days of travel and a jaunt for drinks right off the plane (trust me, I’ve worn mine to do just that). These stylish men’s chinos also feature classic details of the silhouette, like dressy side slant hip pockets and back button pockets for stashing your wallet, keys or sunglasses.

These pants are about as effortlessly cool and useful as it gets, especially in an array of lighter shades for spring (like the Driftwood shade shown here). These handsome men’s chinos should pair up as easily with a pocket T-shirt and canvas sneakers as they do with a trucker jacket and a short-sleeve henley, or with a crisp cotton blazer and a chambray shirt for a blend of high-low style.

Regardless, the well-designed, crisply cut and reliably fashionable Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos get both the big and little details right, and that’s about all you can ask for from a pair of the best men’s pants for spring. As Huckberry always says, we’ll See You Out There, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Another Adventure into the Agave Fields With Tequila Ocho

Tequila Ocho.

If you follow me on Instagram or keep up with this Brooklyn style blog on the regular, you’ll see that many of my freelance writing pursuits go far beyond my passion for menswear — although, diving into the best men’s style essentials is where it all began, so to speak.

But some things just go hand in hand together quite nicely: The same craft that makes a denim jacket a top-notch style move can be found in everything from the best craft beer to pocket knives to tequila (and I’ve had the chance to cover a bit of all three, and then some!).

And so it goes that once again, I find myself headed south of the border to uncover the secrets of a buzzed-about (yet underrated) tequila company in Tequila Ocho. My last jaunt to tequila territory came with famed producer Patron in late January, and you can look for a dispatch on that experience this coming spring at CoolMaterial.com.

Learn more now at Tequila Ocho

The wide world of spirits is also a large part of my main beat at Maxim (and I just covered the oldest Irish single malt ever released!), and it’s always a special treat to be able to get on the ground, out into the fields and behind the scenes at a distillery to find out what makes a particular company tick.

That extends to other press trips I’ve taken this year, including a trek into the Italian Dolomites with audio brand Sonos — craftsmanship and attention to detail truly make the difference, and I’m certain I’ll discover even more visiting the recently opened and revamped Tequila Los Alambiques facility (situated on land once owned by the grandfather of Tequila Ocho founder Carlos Camarena).

Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald

Especially alluring is the recent release of Tequila Ocho’s latest single-estate vintage, the tantalizing Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald, which debuted last month. It brings together a revered tequila company with a bourbon producer that’s seen a return to form as of late, with plenty of online hype to match.

Of course, the chance to taste great tequila is often accompanied by plenty of other perks, as well, including the opportunity to experience the finest dining Guadalajara has to offer (in this case, that’d be the excellent Restaurante Hueso), made all the better by the chance to try tequila right from the source.

And naturally, I’ve found that heading out into the agave fields requires the right gear, like the rugged denim shirt seen above. That means the best spring style essentials from one of my favorite retailers — Huckberry — are packed away in my travel-ready, trusty and highly useful Halfday Travel bag. You can get a closer look at its utility, in fact, below (tequila and menswear sold separately, of course).

What bag do you pack up when you hit the road? And what essentials are you bringing with you in that pursuit? As ever, you can expect a duo of style picks heading your way this weekend right here on this blog, and by the time Monday comes back around, I’ll be back in the swing of things in Brooklyn. Cheers to that, cheers to Tequila Ocho and cheers to the chance to live out your passions — thanks, as always, for reading!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Filson Dry Tin Cloth Pants are Up for Just About Anything This Spring

Best work pants for men this spring.

The right gear for the task at hand — spring cleaning, a day hike, a trip to your local brewery (or all three in one day) makes all the difference, as the good folks at Filson know. The legendary Pacific Northwest outfitter delivers dependable, durable style from head to toe (and in your accessories rotation, as well — its tough-as-nails bags are the stuff of legend).

Shop new spring workwear and more at Filson

And when it comes to the best work pants for spring — better known here as the right gear for the task at hand — the iconic outfitter has been delivering for years, to say the least. Filson Dry Tin Cloth fabric is arguably the backbone of the brand, the type of material trusted for decades, and found trucker jackets and the five-pocket work pants shown above, to name but a few style staples that get a workwear edge for the spring season (and beyond).

Designed with just about anything you can throw at ’em in mind, the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants are some of the best pants for spring for a reason, and it all starts with the company’s iconic, hard-working 100% cotton dry finish Tin Cloth fabric. It’s as supple and sturdy as waxed cotton, ready to take on the elements by repelling wind, rain, debris and abrasions of all sorts. The key is, it’s not waxed, yet tightly woven and durable as can be.

The Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants are also finished with details like rivets at key stress points, reinforced rear patch pockets for your everyday carry, and a front watch pocket for further storage space. Another crucial design detail that elevates the sturdy Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants? A metal shank button waist closure — no need to worry about key hardware failing you in the clutch. The famed outfitter notes that the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants were designed “with the cut of a favorite pair of jeans and the legendary durability of our signature canvas,” and that makes ’em sound like a truly terrific pair of work pants for spring, at least in my experience.

For pursuits on duty and off, the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants also come in richly crafted, classic colors like the aptly named Whiskey — ideal for pairing with an indigo denim jacket, a henley and lace-up leather boots for sipping, well, some whiskey around the campfire this spring. And when the time comes to dial down and really get to work, well, the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Work Pants are up to the job — and then some. Would you expect anything else from Filson? No, sir.