by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Y. Chroma Apparel Classic Long-Sleeve Henley – A Modern Twist on a Timeless Staple

Y. Chroma Apparel review.

As I scour the market for the best menswear around, I’m often struck by companies that subvert the norm and do things a little differently — or in the case of Y. Chroma Apparel, a lot differently, in the best way possible.

The brand, which is just about two years old, was founded by entrepreneur Max Israel to give guys a better way of dressing at any age, but especially in mid-life.

Learn more now at Y. Chroma Apparel

That means a focus on giving guys more confidence, a selection of more bold and tasteful styles, rich colors and above all else, a true “system” approach to dressing. That means you can mix and match Y. Chroma Apparel menswear according to color, according to collections — like Urban, Field and Athleisure — and according to category, including classic staples like knitwear (henleys and T-shirts, for instance).

Y. Chroma menswear even includes a range of tasteful and ultra-stylish, NYFW-approved outerwear, pants and more. Y. Chroma even provides helpful video tutorials to aid you in building out your wardrobe, and they also offer backstories on each of its key styles, like cozy, textured shirt jackets and chino-style pants with military-style pockets and more eye-catching design touches.

Still not sold on Y. Chroma Apparel? Read on, my friends.

To say Y. Chroma Apparel is one of my new favorite menswear brands is an understatement, and that also takes into account the fact that the company makes one of the best henleys for men in a way that’s pleasingly different.

Find out more at Y. Chroma Apparel

The Y. Chroma Apparel Classic Henley lives up to its name in every sense of the word, with a super-soft build of cotton and elastane. Touches like a curved hem and a design meant to broaden your shoulders — note the position of the top shoulder seam — are also design details I positively love, while it happens to come in a whopping 10 vibrant colors.

A better-made henley, from fabric to fit and style, is just what the doctor ordered this time of year, and now that you know all about the Y. Chroma Apparel Classic Henley — and the brand itself — I’d wager you’ll come back time and time again.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Shirt Jacket is a Tough Yet Refined Outer Layer for Winter

I don’t know about you, but the best menswear essentials in my rotation tend to strike the right balance between refined and rugged, with historical and functional roots as well as modern-day good looks. It sounds like a high bar to clear, but that’s where designers like Billy Reid enter the equation.

The Alabama-based designer has a healthy respect for utilitarian classics, like the seafaring peacoat — the same peacoat worn by James Bond, mind you — as well as the denim shirt and the henley.

Reid makes all manner of refined menswear, mind you, but there are times where Billy Reid style staples veer ever so slightly from the norm — like the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket, a tough piece as fit for the field as it is for a round of beers at your local watering hole.

Find out more at Billy Reid

In every single stitch and every single detail, the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket is a step up from your typical puffer jacket and even some of the best shirt jackets on the market. For one thing, baffle fabric (a nylon -spandex blend for comfort and stretch) gives this hard-wearing shacket a water-resistant finish, while channel weaving gives it more durability and a more streamlined look than traditional puffer jackets.

Plus, the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket comes in a signature Billy’s Brown color — a perfectly versatile shade meant to be styled with shades of olive, indigo, black, charcoal and even darker shades of brown.

Best waxed shirt jacket for men.

Like signature Billy Reid denim shirts and outerwear, antique brass snaps finish off the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket in rugged fashion, whether layered over a simple off-white tee or paired with a thermal henley on chilly winter days.

Learn more and shop Billy Reid’s best-selling staples

Make note of carefully crafted details like a matchbox pocket, along with its flattering slim-straight fit — layer with care, wear the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket as often as possible, and use it when you want a more casually rugged outer layer than your traditional peacoat, for instance. Billy Reid is on a mission to take over your wardrobe, and it looks like the brand is certainly succeeding.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan is a Luxurious Winter Sweater Upgrade

Best cashmere sweaters for men.

On today of all days, a luxurious and leisurely Christmas Day (Merry Christmas to all!), it feels right to be talking about as fine a winter style upgrade as you’re apt to find: Stepping into one of the best cashmere sweaters for men, and trusting one of the country’s best menswear designers to deliver a stylish version of the retro classic.

It’s a refined choice, and when it comes to this Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan, it’s about as versatile as it gets.

Shop must-have menswear at Todd Snyder

Yes, that’s right: One of the best cardigans for men is a versatile entry into your winter knitwear rotation. Let’s count the ways, shall we? Your new favorite cardigan works quite well for more than a few pursuits, including lounging at home alongside merino wool joggers.

After all, if you’re going to invest in something as nice (and relatively pricey) as the Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan, you might as well make the most of it.

And in my book, this handsome cardigan assuredly qualifies as the ultimate “house sweater,” so to speak, but it goes well beyond that as far as the best men’s cashmere sweaters are concerned. For dressing up slightly for post-holiday affairs alongside dark blue jeans, or for going all-out with charcoal corduroy trousers and a crisp white dress shirt, then yes, the Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan works quite nicely, indeed.

Take what Todd Snyder has to say, calling this cardigan an “elevated take on sporty essentials,” with a mid-weight fit that layers easily over Oxford shirting, a chambray buttondown or a performance dress shirt in equal measure.

The Snyder Olive color is another signature of the designer that makes the Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan both winter-friendly and yet perfectly well-suited to spring and fall layering — again, you’re going to want to get the most out of this cardigan by rocking it in multiple seasons.

Learn more now at Todd Snyder

And of course, starting right this instant — after Christmas and before the New Year — the Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan is an elegant, easily wearable choice that feels like a great style “splurge” to make right now. If you agree, then you’re in luck. Happy shopping, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: These Best-Selling Gloves from Huckberry Can Tackle Any Winter Work Right Now

The best outdoor gear for winter shouldn’t cut any corners, right? That’s an understatement, and that’s why I turn to retailers like Huckberry to outfit me from head to toe in impossibly rugged gear — kind of like a pair of the best gloves for men.

No matter your winter pursuit, from hauling brush to shoveling snow to chopping logs for the fire, a great pair of durable work gloves is a must — enter Huckberry, and enter a pair that’s on sale for a nice discount just ahead of the depths of winter. The Give’r 4-Season Wax Gloves stand up to winter’s worst and get the job done — and then some. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Shop cold-weather gear at Huckberry

Since the Give’r 4-Season Wax Gloves are billed as, well, year-round work gloves, perhaps you’ve already got a pair in your rotation. But there’s no time quite like the present, with holiday sales aplenty on the horizon, to outfit yourself in proper, rugged fashion for brisk winter days.

The Give’r 4-Season Wax Gloves just so happen to be marked down about 20 percent, and it doesn’t hurt that they come in a handsome, rich all-leather build in a particularly stylish shade of brown — not a bad thing to have if you fancy these more as everyday, casually rugged gloves, too. But let’s get down to business when it comes to the essential specs on the Give’r 4-Season Wax Gloves.

Thinsulate insulation and a waterproof membrane deliver both warm and protection from the elements, while the all-natural wax coating on your new favorite pair of work gloves adds a further layer of durability on tough days outdoors. Ribbed cuffs provide a secure fit, and in my experience, these gloves are thick enough to offer protection in frigid conditions, yet not so thick that you lose range of movement.

Bundle up with the best outdoor winter gear at Huckberry

The Give’r 4-Season Wax Gloves are also built with a steel D-ring on each glove, the better to hang, store and attach them (not that you’ll find many reasons to take ’em off once you get into the heart of your next outdoor winter project).

Like all of the best winter outdoor gear picks at Huckberry, these gloves are hard-working and hard-wearing, reliable and built to last — and when you consider the fact that you get all of this at a discount, I’d say they’re a worthy holiday treat of sorts for you and yours. Time to get out there, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt is a Modern Winter Menswear Favorite

Best flannel shirts for men.

In my experience, there might not be a brand that makes a better, more stylish shirt for men than Taylor Stitch. A bold way to kick off today’s post (and a new, shortened) holiday week? Perhaps, but if ever you’ve tried on or tried out the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt, then you’re aware that it’s a heavy hitter, even among the best flannel shirts for men.

Shop menswear essentials at Taylor Stitch

You might call the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt an instant classic, but it’s been a personal favorite of mine in its many iterations over the years, the latest and greatest very much included. All the hallmarks of one of the best winter shirts for men are present, including soft-yet-sturdy organic cotton twill construction with a garment-washed finish.

That makes the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt as comfortable as any shirt in your rotation, particularly if you frequently love to wear, say, one of the best men’s flannel shirts in the colder months (guilty as charged).

The rich Olive Plaid version of this winter’s take on the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt is especially eye-catching, and a nice change of pace for your own shirting wardrobe aside from white Oxford shirts and even indigo denim shirts (again, guilty as charged).

The brand’s signature California collar frames the face nicely and even gives the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt some dressy appeal — at least, beneath a navy blazer with dark blue jeans for a business-casual sort of look.

U-shaped chest pockets give this shirt a sort of overshirt or shirt jacket-type of appeal, although the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt — available in useful chest sizing — is as wearable tucked in with a shawl collar cardigan as it is untucked alongside your favorite pair of black jeans.

For winter-ready versatility and style in spades, opt for a perfectly fitted edition of the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt, then be surprised (or rather, not surprised!) at how much wear you get out of it this season (and beyond).

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: You Can Only Get these Blundstone Boots at Huckberry, and they’re On Sale Right Now

In my experience, it’s often nice to know you can turn to a go-to, essential pair of boots time and again without missing a beat –not unlike my trusty Blundstone boots, which I wear about as often as possible (and which you can conveniently find online with just a few clicks via famed retailer Huckberry).

Shop Blundstone boots and more at Huckberry

You see, when bad weather strikes, when all-day comfort is key and when casually rugged style is of the essence — which it often is here on this Brooklyn style blog — then a pair of Blundstone Chelsea boots just plain old work, at least in my experience.

Best Blundstone boots for men.

And if you haven’t dipped your toes, literally, into an on-trend yet classic pair of Blundstone boots, my friends at Huckberry have precisely what you need: That is to say, they’re now selling the Huckberry-exclusive Blundstone 2406 Suede Chelsea Boots, and it’s your lucky day.

How so, Well, those rugged Chelsea work boots are on sale, and at more than 30 percent off, they’re a downright steal (an understatement, of course).

The Blundstone 2406 Suede Chelsea Boots rethink what you thought you knew about the style — first off, they’re built with water-resistant suede, rather than a suede leather that’s difficult to care for when inclement weather rolls around.

Blundstone 2406 Suede Chelsea Boots review.

They also boast a shock-absorbent, extremely cushioned outsole, the kind that I love for its rebound, support and grip. The Blundstone 2406 Suede Chelsea Boots come in a wear-with-practically-anything shade of dark tan Sepia, while front and back pull tabs make for an easy-on, easy-off wearing experience.

Shop menswear, gear and more at Huckberry

They’re sturdy enough for work, stylish enough for a night strolling cobblestone streets in search of an Old Fashioned, and certainly worthy of your hard-earned cash given the fact that the Blundstone 2406 Suede Chelsea Boots are on sale right now at Huckberry, just in time for winter, the holidays and well beyond.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Huckberry Made In the USA Watch Cap Beanie – An Essential Winter Hat

Best winter hat for men.

As I’ve often said here on this Brooklyn style blog, they don’t make ’em quite like they used to — unless the company making your favorite menswear essentials happens to be Huckberry, that is. Hot on the heels of the holiday season, and just in time for last-minute gifts for guys, the Huckberry Made in The USA Watch Cap Beanie is a newfound classic, a stylish stocking stuffer and quite simply, one of the best winter hats for men out there.

Learn more now at Huckberry

The watch cap draws real-life inspiration from the high seas, where Naval officers relied on a close-fitting, thick-knit cap to keep them warm at night, and with a thick cuff and fabrication, its modern iterations get the job done just as handily. It’s not unlike other Huckberry winter hats we’ve talked about, merging form and function in one stylish package.

There’s also the fact that the Huckberry Made in The USA Watch Cap Beanie, in a handful of versatile, classic colors, is also a pro style move — in and out of cold winter weather, that is.

Now, Huckberry makes other beanie caps, to be sure, but this forgoes the thick ribbed knit of its other styles in favor of a close-fitting alternative that pairs up with everything from a crisp navy peacoat to a waxed trucker jacket or a cozy flannel shirt jacket. The Huckberry Made in The USA Watch Cap Beanie is about as reliable as it gets for a sub-$30 winter hat, in my experience.

Best beanie caps for men.

And when you consider the fact that your new favorite beanie cap is made right here in the States, that price comes off as a downright steal. For standout winter warmth, comfort and affordability — and for a prime last-minute gifting option for guys — opt for the Huckberry Made in The USA Watch Cap Beanie. It won’t let you down, and that’s a Huckberry guarantee.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Winter Beers, Last-Minute Gifts from Huckberry & A Florida Holiday Getaway

I don’t know about you, but in my neck of the woods, it feels like a sprint to the finish as we roll through the holiday season and put a nice bow on the end of this year. I’ve certainly stayed busy covering all manner of freelance writing pursuits, as you well know if you read this blog — that includes everything from yesterday’s post on the best new sweatpants to my coverage at Maxim of holiday gifts galore.

Speaking of: If you still need to knock out a few more items on your holiday shopping list, I’ve got just the recommendation for you. In fact, if you read the blog regularly, you’ll be well aware of what I’m going to say when it comes to the best last-minute gifts for guys (and just about anyone else in your life).

Huckberry’s Holiday Gift Guide hits the mark in plenty of different ways, from gifts for the rugged outdoorsman to gifts for the guy who’s got everything (seriously). I’ve always found that the retailers comes through with some of the coolest gifts for guys (and gals, of course), and that’s about the best recommendation I can provide as we close out this week.

Shop last-minute gifts and gear at Huckberry

Some last-minute holiday touches will certainly be on my mind as I close up shop in Brooklyn and make my way down to Florida for a family Christmas in the sand and sun, accompanied by my lovely Mary.

Expect plenty of fun in the sun on my Instagram, and be sure to keep it locked here for additional posts this weekend (and next week!) for gear related to all the rest of your holiday shopping needs this season. But first, a few choice reading and shopping picks to make your Friday sail by, my friends.

  • Feeling thirsty on this pre-holiday weekend Friday? That makes two of us, and that’s why I wrote about a true passion of mine, the best winter craft beers, featuring the likes of Stone Brewing, Sierra Nevada and many more seasonal favorites. Head to Maxim.com to check out my full list delicious seasonal sippers.
Read up on the best craft beer for winter now
  • Let’s keep it locked on another must-have for the holiday season: A stylish, investment-level watch. Again, I wear a lot of hats in this freelance life, and accordingly, I wrote for Maxim.com about the hottest Rolex watches of 2024. There are more than a few drool-worthy selections to add to your wish list — a guy can dream, right??
Best sweatpants for men.
  • I said it once before and I’ll say it again: The best sweatpants for men, especially with the cozy holiday season upon us, are a must-have, and that’s why I wrote about a classically cool new pair from Flint and Tinder and Huckberry. Head to yesterday’s post to read all about your new favorite sweatpants here on the blog, my friends.
Shop sweatpants and more at Huckberry

That’s going to wrap up my trio of selections for the best holiday menswear to read about, shop and buy right now. There’s plenty more where that came from –in the form of two weekend posts, of course — so be sure to swing by your favorite Brooklyn style blog in the days ahead. Cheers to the season, and as always, thank you for reading and for supporting this blog!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Flint and Tinder Terry Sweatpants are your Holiday Loungewear Solution

Flint and Tinder sweatpants review.

In the chaos of the holiday season — travel, gift wrapping, holiday hosting, holiday baking, last-minute shopping — shouldn’t some things be simple? Some things, like stepping into a pair of the best men’s sweatpants, yes, should certainly be simple.

And for rare moments of relaxation and casual days at home, the Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Sweatpants are making their case as a newfound holiday essential. Of course, they come from my good friends at Huckberry, and they’ve arrived not a moment too soon for some crucial holiday time kicking back — classic movies on TV and egg nog (or a nice dram of whiskey, or both) close at hand.

Shop holiday menswear essentials at Huckberry

Granted, holiday hosting (as well as venturing out to a holiday party) requires something with more polish, more style and a bit more refinement, agreed? But for plenty of downtime in between — if you’re lucky, that is — I’d wager a pair of the best sweatpants for men can pull their weight, and then some.

The Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Sweatpants are made the classic way, with a midweight French Terry cotton getting some extra softness via garment-dying — that makes ’em feel like these are the sweats you’ve worn for years, with the comfort to match.
A ribbed drawstring waistband and cuffs provide a secure, customizable fit — if your holiday celebrations tend to lean more casual at times, then you’ll very well want to wear your new favorite sweatpants in front of a roaring fire after a packed holiday meal.

Like all things Huckberry, the Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Sweatpants come in a range of versatile colors, and they feature side slant pockets and a useful back pocket (stow your bottle opener in one of ’em as you crack open a holiday beer). They’re certainly not the fanciest pants in your style rotation, but that’s not a bad thing.

Best sweatpants from Huckberry.

Think of the Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Sweatpants as a worthwhile casual style upgrade that you can feel good about wearing (and feel good while wearing, if the weather outside is frightful). Team them with wool slipper-boots from Huckberry, for instance, and settle in for “A Christmas Story,” or “Christmas Vacation,” or “Elf,” or, well… you get the drift, and you know the sweatpants you’ll be wearing this holiday season.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This American-Made Waffle Henley from American Giant is the Cozy, Rugged Layer You Need

Best waffle henley for men to buy now.

When it comes time to really dial down and take on winter’s worst, it helps to go back to basics — back to sturdy staples, like the trusty waffle henley — that are meant for warmth and rugged appeal.

For example, take the humble and hard-working henley. Plenty of brands have taken their shot in recent years at making one of the best henleys for men, but very few are doing it quite like American Giant, especially when it comes to the American Giant Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley.

Learn more now at American Giant

The American-made menswear manufacturer has been crafting distinct, limited-edition runs of clothing beyond just the fan-favorite American Giant Classic Full-Zip Hoodie, and these “drops” are very much worth checking out, at least in my experience. The American Giant Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley is the latest among those limited-time selections, with all the utility you could ever want in a durable long-sleeve henley.

Those specs start with a blend of cotton and spandex for crucial comfort and stretch, while the thick waffle knit is ideal for use as a thermal base layer. Raglan sleeves amp up the mobility factor on the American Giant Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley, which comes in both a distinct Pageant Blue and an eye-catching, old-school shade of red.

American Giant waffl henley review.

Its metal buttons even boast an antique finish, another careful touch that elevates the American Giant Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley from the pack (perhaps another reason it’s selling so quickly at the moment). Your new favorite henley is sewn together, finishing touches and all in Los Angeles, another rarity in the menswear world these days, and it’s practically tailor-made for layering underneath a shirt jacket, a trucker jacket or even a shawl cardigan.

Shop the best USA-made menswear at American Giant

To say you’d do well to add the American-made, fast-selling American Giant Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley is an understatement right now, my friends. Shop accordingly this holiday season.