Tag / best jeans for guys

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Wear Dark Blue Denim This Summer

Settle in and stay for a bit – we’re talking classic style, and more specifically, how to wear dark blue denim this summer in a special Tuesday edition of our Style Suggestion series (we’ll be back with our regularly scheduled Tuesday #OOTD post next week). Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Beau, do we really need to be wearing dark denim in the summer? It’s hot out!” Well … you’re right about that. But as with plenty of other menswear essentials, there’s a way to make dark blue denim work for you in every season.

And if ever you tire of wearing slim light wash denim, it’s easy to switch back to classic dark blue jeans — like we’re doing today. In the case of the below style suggestion, that means we’re blending reliable classics – slim Taylor Stitch denim – with a stylish short-sleeve shirt. And the rest of your outfit? Well, let’s just say that these picks are just as on-point as you’d expect, from stylish sneakers for summer to a rugged casual watch and a heritage-quality leather wallet. And with that … I’ll leave you to it! Read on, shop away and shoot me a note on Twitter with any thoughts you’ve got on this #menswear ensemble.

The Classic Denim: Taylor Stitch Slim Jean in Cone Mills Standard — $98 ($68 When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

Taylor Stitch denim

Supremely well-made, durable and stylish dark denim — just beautiful.

Here’s the crown jewel of the entire outfit, a pair of slim, classic dark denim made the right way. There might not be a better partnership in terms of rugged style and heritage quality than what Taylor Stitch has going on with Cone Mills. That means these slim blue jeans are made with only the best of the best in terms of cotton denim – that also means they’ll break in wonderfully and look great the more you wear them.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve California Shirt in Red Madras — $118

Taylor Stitch

A well-crafted, crisp short-sleeve shirt from Taylor Stitch.

Leave it to Taylor Stitch to perfect classic pieces that work in every season – like this handsome, slim short-sleeve shirt. It’s the perfect top layer for a casual, easygoing outfit – the color and fabric are unique and eye-catching. Plus, the fit and quality should be exactly as stellar as you’d expect coming from Taylor Stitch. Wear this for plenty of upcoming summer evenings through Labor Day.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in Vintage Navy — $28 OR ourCaste Finley Knit in Blue Grey — $28

Flint and Tinder

Two dark blue T-shirt picks for easygoing summer layering.

Layering a tee under a short-sleeve shirt might seem counterintuitive in the heat, but when you’re talking about a stylish Flint and Tinder slub tee or a uniquely textured, well-made ourCaste T-shirt, it’ll work out just fine. Either the Flint and Tinder tee or the ourCaste T-shirt give you the option to wear the Taylor Stitch madras shirt unbuttoned. The tee provides a bit of an extra layer against any summer breezes once the sun sets, too. It’s the perfect top half to wear to your next weekend BBQ.

The Footwear: Nisolo Diego — $129.98 OR SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot in Clipper Class — $108

SeaVees

Two finely crafted casual sneakers in unique colors.

We’re giving you two options here for casual summer sneakers, both of which make use of unique color and materials. The SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot in particular changes up your rotation from classic white leather sneakers, while the Nisolo Diego adds a bit of craftsmanship and rich quality to this outfit. Either are solid investments in terms of price. It’s worth noting that a pair of leather high-top sneakers – like the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi – could work here, too.

The Watch: Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT —  $498 OR Aulta Acuatico Automatico — $240

Two watch picks, two durable, tough and stylish options for ya.

Since this outfit is filled with rugged, casual and yet versatile basics from the ground up, it’s fitting to offer up two rugged watch options. The Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT is a strong, hard-wearing and noteworthy addition to any watch collection. And the Aulta Acuatico Automatico is just as functional and durable — it’s a no-fuss timepiece for a no-fuss outfit.
Greats

The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks (Three-pack) — $30

A simple set of athletically inspired socks, the ideal complement to a casual outfit.

If it’s not already, your sock drawer should likely be filled up with a whole lot of Arvin Goods socks. Stylish, sustainably made, simply designed and comfortable no matter the weather – that’s the case with the brand’s no-show socks and the Arvin Goods crew socks you see here. They’ll complement the colors in this ensemble quite nicely, and that’s all there is to it.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt – $80

Sturdy Brothers

A handsome, well-crafted belt that’ll get better with age.

If you’ve ever encountered the issues that arise with buying cheap accessories, consider those problems solved with the handsome, rugged and incredibly well-made Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt. Richly crafted to break in and get better with age, this Sturdy Brothers belt could become an everyday belt if you’re a guy who wears lots of stylish brown leather boots and the like.

The Grooming Essentials: Way of Will Natural Deodorant — $18 AND Way of Will Natural Body Wash — $29.50

One brand packed with grooming options to keep you fresh in the heat.

One brand – the responsibly made Way of Will – and two great options to keep you smelling fresh and looking great in the heat. The Way of Will Natural Deodorant is a marked departure in terms of quality and design compared to standard drug store deodorants, and the Way of Will Natural Body Wash is a crisply scented, finely crafted body wash that’ll come in handy every day.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Irving Sunglasses — $118

J. Crew men's sunglasses

A classically designed pair of sunglasses made for plenty of summer style scenarios.

While J. Crew sunglasses aren’t particularly cheap when you compare them to other stylish men’s sunglasses, they’re a quality investment. They provide unique looks and breezy, laidback style – the kind of style that should perfectly complement your Taylor Stitch denim and a breezy Taylor Stitch madras shirt. Throw these sunglasses on without fear – whether you’re bringing along the best beach gear or strolling to your local farmer’s market.

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The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $38 OR FairEnds Brushed Cotton Ballcap — $48

Take your pick between easygoing, casual and versatile ballcaps to complement this outfit.

With a casual, subtly stylish ensemble like this one, you’re going to want accessories that hit the mark, too. A simple ballcap crafted from premium materials looks great, finishes off your outfit with some visual interest and protects your face from the sun. The Huckberry Explorer’s Cap offers up a pleasingly vintage look, while the FairEnds Brushed Cotton Ballcap is a no-nonsense hat that plays well off the Taylor Stitch madras shirt.

The Backpack: Filson Daypack — $99.98 OR Bradley Mountain Scout Backpack — $219

Filson Daypack

Add a rugged, ridiculously well-made backpack to finish off this outfit.

I do love a stylish messenger bag as much as the next guy, but there are certain situations that call for style that’s a little more functional and efficient. For hopping around from bar to bar, heading out on a stroll around town or loading up gear to take on a casual day trip, either the heritage-quality Filson Daypack or the Bradley Mountain Scout Backpack are going to get the job done. Two bags, two rugged, casual and yet versatile options to add to your everyday carry gear.
Florsheim
The Wallet: Bellroy Travel Wallet in Cocoa — $120 ($79 When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

A heritage-quality wallet that should get a ton of use going forward.

Let’s leave no stone unturned in the way of your everyday carry. The Bellroy Travel Wallet could be the last wallet you need to buy for a long time – it’s that well-made. Crucially, it’s also available for a heck of a deal when you sign up for Bespoke Post. Like the Filson Daypack or the Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt, it’s an accessory that’s going to get better with age – that much is absolutely true.

We covered a lot of ground there, didn’t we? Wearing dark blue denim in the summer is easy when you keep it crisp, simple and casual. The Taylor Stitch slim jeans you see above are made to break in over time while looking terrific – that much is true. And when you complement them with easygoing basics – like the Flint and Tinder Vintage Slub Tee or the ourCaste Finley Knit – you should be set for lazy backyard cookouts or a day-long upstate exploration.
Timex

Complementing reliable essentials with versatile, stylish summer sneakers is also a critical step to keep in mind. Without a doubt, either the Nisolo Diego or the SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot are going to treat you just fine. And when it comes to your everyday carry – as critical a component as any – the rugged Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT or the Aulta Acuatico Automatico are both reliable watches. Of course, don’t leave home without a bag like the Filson Daypack – agreed? Lastly, grab the Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt and the Bellroy Travel Wallet if you want to accessorize in style. Have a better handle on how to wear dark blue denim? I hope so! Follow me on Instagram to see how I style my dark blue denim, and I’m looking forward to hearing from ya in the comments.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow Morton Denim

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Slim, easy to wear and sleek -- the ideal pair of black denim, new from Mott & Bow.

Slim, easy to wear and sleek — the ideal pair of black denim, new from Mott & Bow.

 

Just when you thought you didn’t need another pair of denim, along comes Mott & Bow with another must-have release. From the brand’s luxurious Italian-made denim to styles like its rough-and-tumble Norfolk Raw Denim and seasonal favorites like the lightwash Ludlow, they keep finding new ways to add more stretch, comfort and style to your denim game. That goes for the styles they stock over at Huckberry, and so it goes with the latest release on the docket from the fast-growing company — the ultra-dark and ultra-cool Slim Morton Denim. Black denim can be a bit underrated when it comes to matters of style — that is, everyone reaches for a pair of classic dark blue denim on the daily, yet black denim can sometimes get pushed aside. Make no mistake, it’s just as fun to wear, and nearly just as versatile — in fact, some might argue that a deep black jean is the dressiest style of denim you can wear. For the not-outrageous $128 price tag for the Mott & Bow Slim Morton, that’s not a bad thing at all. The dark color plays nicely off everything from a lightweight blue blazer at the office to a classic white Oxford worn untucked for casual-yet-polished (and decidedly minimal) feel on the weekends. Of course, it’s also the most “rock-ready” jean on the market — black denim is a solid choice when it comes to what you should wear to your next rock concert, especially if you rock ’em underneath a slim grey pocket tee and a classic leather jacket. Just don’t go too far down that lane when it comes to fit — although they’re also available in a Skinny fit (and a still-tailored Straight leg), Slim is probably going to be the way to go for most of us fellas out there.

And with a polished fit any way you slice it, there’s little these jeans can’t do. That goes for pairing up with fall style staples like a slim Taylor Stitch flannel shirt or a crisp blue Todd Shelton chambray shirt. Wear either of those on their own, or pair up the ensemble with a made-in-America Pistol Lake henley for an extra dash of rugged appeal. The positives of these easily wearable jeans don’t stop at looks, though. In fact, looks are just an added bonus when you consider the extreme comfort and quality with which this denim is made. They’re made with four-way stretch technology and an astonishing 26 percent stretch — yes, 26 percent! That’s quite a step up from the helpful and comfortable two percent elastane found in the denim brand’s other wares, and it should make them ideal for lots of extended wear — be it at the office from 9 to 5 and beyond, or out on the road as you travel in style. And about that slick black colorway  — it comes from a no-fade fabric, so that means you won’t lose any color as you wear these jeans over and over … and over. As has always been the case with Mott & Bow, you won’t find a better, more wearable or more comfortable jean — and at a time when black denim can take a backseat to the classics, having a premium pair in your rotation has never looked (or felt) better.

Get the Mott & Bow Slim Morton today at the brand’s Web site and pick up more Mott & Bow denim via Huckberry.

Are you a Mott & Bow fan? Would you purchase these jeans, and how would you style ’em?

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow Norfolk Raw Denim

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Raw denim -- heavy stuff fit for the winter.

Raw denim — heavy stuff fit for the winter.

As most of us move into colder weather, there’s just something that feels right — and functional — in reaching for heavier, more thicker fabrics. That goes for chunky knit sweaters, flannel shirts, durable boots and of course, dependable dark denim. Mott & Bow has become a fan favorite among the staff (of one) at The Style Guide, and its newest offering looks to fill that heavy denim void if you’ve been on the hunt. Of course, they’ve released everything from white denim earlier this summer to dependable blue denim with a nice hint of stretch, but the Norfolk Raw Denim is only the brand’s second dry, unwashed offering (the Rivington Slim is the other). Available in both Slim and Straight fits, either pick is going to be a great way to go as far as new denim.

The Slim fit should be tailored but not too tight, easily wearable with winter style staples.

The Slim fit should be tailored but not too tight, easily wearable with winter style staples.

Raw denim is, by its nature, designed to be worn for as long as possible before the first wash (and there are many schools of thought on exactly how you should go about that). In the meantime though, the jeans will conform to your body and lifestyle, breaking in and getting better over time. The 100 percent 12.5 oz. Turkish cotton in this pair of Mott & Bow denim is substantial without being monstrously heavy (and that’s good news if you enjoy wearing denim in the summer). When it does come time to wash this particular pair, the fact that they’re sanforized — treated with a shrink-preventing chemical — means that they’ll retain the crisp fit you should be looking for. As with Mott & Bow’s other offerings, select sizes are indeed available for its ever-useful Home Try-on Program, and the pricing is pretty advantageous. While the denim isn’t as cheap as, say, UNIQLO’s dark denim offerings, you’re not looking at outlandish J. Crew pricing. In short, these jeans should be a very solid buy from a dependable retailer — and when it comes to dark denim, they’ll provide style versatility in bunches, particularly if you match them up with other rugged winter staples.

Get the Mott & Bow Norfolk Raw Denim now.

Let me know — do you have experience with Mott & Bow denim? Would you try out these jeans?
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