January 28, 2020December 26, 2019 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Hooded Sweatshirt This Winter — The Best Way

If it seems like we’ve tried to cover a lot of ground in our #OOTD series this winter, well, that’s because … we have. From a guide on how to wear your new favorite sweater to today’s versatile-yet-rugged (and largely casual) set of winter style essentials, the stage is set for you to add another arrow to your quiver of menswear looks (yes, I went there). The best new men’s gear is here for you today, including an unexpected centerpiece: That of the surprisingly stylish hooded sweatshirt, and in fact … one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts. No longer is the hooded sweatshirt to be relegated to wearing on those winter days when you can’t muster up the energy to leave the house — no sir, we’re wearing the perfectly rugged Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover just about anywhere you want. Heck, if you work in a casual, startup-type office environment, we’re wearing this look there, too (it looks a heck of a lot cooler than Zuckerberg’s hoodies, trust me). But mostly, we’re wearing the best hooded sweatshirt and other critical men’s gear picks anywhere you might wear a normal crewneck or V-neck sweatshirt — to brunch, to run errands, to grab coffee, to watch the ballgame … you name it, the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover can probably take it on without missing a beat (aside from situations that definitely require a tie, that is). At any rate, your complete guide on wearing a hooded sweatshirt in style starts right here. Taking notes? Good, good.

The best way to wear a hooded sweatshirt comes down to the right essentials.

The Stylish Hoodie: Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover, $98 — Is it worth it to drop nearly $100 on one of the best hooded sweatshirts around? Yes, of course — especially when it’s got a tailored fit and uses comfortable fabric that’s guaranteed to break in.
The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Wool-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, $288 — The thing that’s really going to bring this rugged style ensemble together? Why, a classic trucker jacket, delivered in style from Flint and Tinder once more and lined in warm wool for your commute.
The Base Layer: Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley, $98 — You’re investing once again here, but this time in one of the best men’s henleys on the market — one from Faherty Brand, no less. In the event you need to take off that hoodie, this is a perfectly stylish base layer.
The Pants: Western Rise Alloy Chino Pants, $139 — The thing that takes this look from good to great? Some of the best men’s chinos from Western Rise — versatile enough to wear on a weekend hike, stylish enough to wear to drinks after (and yes, to the office, as well).
The Stylish Boots: Astorflex Dukeflex Boots, $155 — If you read the blog, you know I’m all about adding a pair of the best men’s boots to any outfit — especially these rugged chukka boots that channel moc toe boots, all courtesy of Huckberry.
The Rugged Watch: Luminox Modern Mariner Watch, $900 — For getting around in the snow, you need a tough casual watch — yet one that looks great, too. The Luminox Modern Mariner accomplishes that goal quite nicely, wouldn’t you say?
The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon Beer & Bourbon Box, $30 — The good folks at Duke Cannon know a thing or two about making the best men’s grooming essentials — this Beer & Bourbon Soap Kit delivers a trio of standout scents for every day this winter (and beyond).
The Everyday Bag: Tanner Goods Simple Tote, $130 — No matter where you’re goiing, you need a tough everyday bag — and yes, the Tanner Goods Simple Tote is more than up to the challenge of hauling your EDC essentials.

No matter how casual this #OOTD might seem at first, it’s all about making the right choices in terms of your gear — hence, when it comes time to discuss how to wear a hooded sweatshirt, we’re starting with nothing but one of the best hooded sweatshirts around. Starting with a Flint and Tinder hoodie makes it all the easier to throw on the rest of your rugged gear picks, including (of course) a classic trucker jacket, also from Flint and Tinder. That one-two combo is accented quite nicely by both a pair of the best men’s chinos from Western Rise (for that casual office sort of versatility), plus one of the best men’s henleys (for when you need a stylish base layer). The overall effect is one that’s casual enough to hang with the guys, yet not sloppy enough that you’re confined to your couch — and only your couch. That’s where a pair of rugged chukka boots comes into play, helped along on the accessories front by a tough casual watch — the Luminox Modern Mariner, to be more specific. You’ve also got the right idea in mind in terms of hauling your EDC essentials with the Tanner Goods Simple Tote — it blends style and tough functionality with ease. To top it all off, the best men’s grooming essentials (by way of standout soap from Duke Cannon) are yet a final, fitting way to cap off this winter-ready ensemble. Where will it take you this season? Let me know on Twitter — until then, stay warm in style, and thanks for reading!

October 6, 2018September 19, 2018 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt

More than just your average sweatshirt, that’s for sure.

We’ve all likely got that favorite weekend sweatshirt, the one that you reach for on cloudy, dreary, casual days — well, let’s shake things up a bit, because the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt is A) Your new seasonal favorite and B) One heck of an addition to your ever-growing list of men’s style essentials. Inshort, it’s got everything you need in a casual sweater, with an added punch in terms of style points, easy wearability and cool design details. Sounds pretty great, right? Billy Reid is one of those American menswear designers with a point of view that’s distinct and premium, yet uniquely accessible — case in point, the Dover Sweatshirt. Made in Canada from a cotton-poly blend in a classic crewneck sweatshirt design, this stylish weekend sweatshirt is a winner on all fronts … heck, it’s stylish enough to be worn to the office with slim five-pocket pants, suede Chelsea boots and a classic Oxford shirt for a nice mix of high and low styles. My personal favorite has to be the Natural color, but the Dover Sweatshirt is also available in a crisp Dark Midnight color. Really, it’s your call — you’re getting excellent versatility and style with the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt. The only question, really, is how to style it.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt via Huckberry

Neat leather patches set this thing apart from the pack.

Herringbone twill detailing and vintage-inspired leather elbow patches elevate the Dover Sweatshirt quite nicely. This is the type of sweatshirt that’s going to work with everything from perfectly faded jeans and suede chukka boots to slim corduroy pants and stylish brown leather brogues. When’s the last time you had a sweatshirt like that, ehh? The results are absolutely what you’d expect from a lauded designer like Billy Reid, who prides himself on doing things in a way that’s different yet accessible. Take the small finishing touches, like piping details at the armhole — the Dover Sweatshirt is made with craft and care top of mind. In short, you’re going to feel comfortable and look great, even if the only thing you can muster up is a visit to your local coffee shop. But preferably, you’re going to be dressed to take on the world (even on a weekend!) with the Dover Sweatshirt — it’s that stylish and sharp. For your Style Guide author, it’s the perfect grab-and-go piece to layer over a classic white T-shirt. But feel free to make the Dover Sweatshirt your own — it can certainly handle style scenarios aplenty.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt via Huckberry

September 7, 2017September 8, 2017 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Layer Up This Fall with the Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie

A stylish hooded sweatshirt? That’s what we’re talking today.

Is there such a thing as a stylish hooded sweatshirt? Absolutely — and the Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie might have just answered that question for you. Crucially, the Lowtide Hoodie is here just in time to combat early fall nights where it’s breezy but not cold enough for a heavy coat — you certainly need a layer like that when it comes to menswear essentials. Just as with dressing for a bonfire or one last evening on the beach or at your lake — the best nights, by the way — seasonally appropriate style is still called for. And that means the Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie is a prime addition to our ongoing See Now, Buy Now series. What’s the biggest step in picking a stylish hooded sweatshirt? Well, Style Guide reader … there are two, actually. It starts, first and foremost, with picking the right fabric — the Lowtide Hoodie features a textured terry toweling cloth exterior and a brushed fleece interior. That means the Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie feels great to wear over a classic men’s T-shirt while providing breathability and protection from a slight evening chill at the same time. The Lowtide Hoodie is a perfectly casual piece, featuring raglan sleeves for a flattering fit and mobility. The Olive colorway of this Outerknown hoodie also makes it easygoing and laidback, easy to style with slim light wash jeans or your favorite chino shorts. It gets better, though.

Outerknown makes all of its gear — including the Lowtide Hoodie, of course — with that critical blend of sustainability and style in mind. And there’s a reason this tee is perfect for the last few outdoor evenings of the season — Outerknown is designed in part by legendary surfer Kelly Slater, a guy who knows a thing or two about the great outdoors. That also means the Lowtide Hoodie looks at ease atop a rugged henley around a bonfire — and it looks just as simply stylish when you wear it under a black denim jacket for watching Saturday kickoff with your buddies. See, a versatile, stylish hooded sweatshirt can be found — and the Lowtide Hoodie might be the best place to start.

That’s it for this week’s See Now, Buy Now entry — stay stylish!

-Beau

November 5, 2016December 3, 2018 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt

Casual Sunday brunch gear, anyone? Shirt c/o Forever21 Men. Pocket Sweatshirt by Todd Snyder x Champion. Royale Court Sneakers by GREATS Brand. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

We’re deep into crisp fall weather here in NYC, and if that’s the case for you as well … have we got a treat for you today. Ladies and gentlemen, this week’s Style Pick of the Week makes perfect sense and fits right in with a great season for layering and rugged fall style. And without further ado, let’s hop right into why the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is so essential this season — and so worthy of inclusion as a Style Guide pick (wink, wink). We’ve talked about this item — and the brand — on the blog before, but you best study up. Todd Snyder is a menswear designer who’s certainly worth knowing — and shopping, and buying — for several reasons. His gear harnesses a distinct Midwestern sensibility and classic heritage style, all the while mixing in a bit of downtown cool. That’s true for his namesake line, which does everything from soft-shouldered suiting to classic pocket T-shirts with unique style details, and it’s true for his collaborative efforts, like the fast-selling Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch. And the Todd Snyder x Champion collaboration gets just as many things right. Snyder draws on real-life sporting silhouettes and old-time touches to craft pieces that every guy should feasibly as in his closet. And of course, this rugged crewneck sweatshirt from Todd Snyder x Champion might just be the only sweatshirt you’ll ever need again.

A rugged essential inspired by classic sportswear and done up for the modern man.

It’s made in Canada from soft French terry using high-quality construction, and the fit is slim with room to move — and layer a slim chambray shirt, to boot. And as yours truly has written about, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is the type of sweatshirt that can be worn on a weekend coffee date or worn underneath a waxed chore coat. Of course, you could mix things up and pair it with a classic blue Oxford, dark denim and a navy knit tie to wear on a chilly fall day. Small details like the chest pocket on the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt add a bit of visual interest, and the heather grey fabric is versatile no matter whether you pair it with slim olive cargo pants, dark selvedge denim or navy chinos. It’s a fairly good deal for under $100, too — especially considering how much you’ll want to wear it when you realize how comfortable it is. If you already own the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, let me know how it is in the comments. And if you’ve yet to pick one up? Best hurry over to Huckberry now — before it’s too late.

How would you wear the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt? Any thoughts on the quality?

January 9, 2016January 11, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Reigning Champ Crewneck Sweatshirt

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-cut, a classic color and plenty of styling options — the navy crewneck sweatshirt from Reigning Champ.

As with reaching for a pair of sturdy winter boots or a warm peacoat, there are some style moves that you just have to make in the winter time — mostly out of the increasingly cold weather, but also out of a desire to stay comfortable (and look good!). As far as style essentials go, the crewneck sweatshirt fits into that category. It’s a silhouette that’s really made a comeback into the style mainstream over the past few years going from a long-lost, poor-fitting piece (i.e. Jim Belushi’s crewneck sweater) to a silhouette that designers have turned to when seeking sportswear inspiration. Credit should go to a designer like Todd Snyder and his collaboration with Champion, and credit should also go to our brethren to the north, and the subject of this week’s Style Pick — Reigning Champ. The Canadian-based brand is focused on crafting timeless style staples — like basic tees and varsity jackets — alongside its impressive collection of sportswear-inspired pieces, like its Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt. You very well might recognize the brand from its partnerships with everyone from East Dane to Club Monaco, and the fact that they’re sold in those higher-end retailers is reflective enough of their quality and style — and that’s why you should consider picking one up, good sir.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan should stitching.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan shoulder stitching.

While it is just a crewneck sweatshirt after all, the timeless craftsmanship and neutral color give it lots of styling potential. A navy crewneck hits the sweet spot between dressed-down and business casual — it can be paired with slim tan chinos, captoe sneakers and a chambray shirt (as in this post), and you can even swap out those sneaks for chukka boots and a knit tie. David Beckham even pairs darker navy sweatshirts with blue denim. Of course, a simple navy crew meshes just as well with slim sweatpants and black sneakers on the weekends, too. And coming from Reigning Champ, you know you’ll get exactly what you pay for (from personal experience, the brand’s sweatshirts fit slim, and the fabric is soft & wears nicely). To boot, the Canadian exchange rate puts the Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt at a shade under $90, far less expensive than Todd Snyder’s more Wish List-worthy crewnecks — still pricey, but more agreeable. This Reigning Champ piece doesn’t have the collar or front raglan-sleeve stitching that one might expect from a typical crewneck, but that helps dress it up a bit, while the ribbed side panels, cuffs and hem add some visual interest. For one simple navy crewneck sweatshirt, there’s a lot of upside — and even more potential to wear it a few different ways.

Do you have a navy crewneck in your arsenal? Would you pick up this piece from Reigning Champ?

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Tag / best men’s sweatshirts