Style Pick of the Week: RRL Slim Fit Selvedge Denim – A Rugged Pair of Men’s Jeans for Fall

Best selvedge denim for men.

It can sometimes feel overwhelming sorting out all the men’s style essentials you feel you might need on hand for fall. Seeing as the current season is arguably the best for menswear — from the layering potential to the return of the best boots for men and other cold-weather favorites — you’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

Huckberry Denim Shop 2023.

Let’s check off one box today though in fine fashion: A pair of the best men’s jeans, the sort that can grow with you through the season ahead and beyond. The sort of stylish men’s jeans that perhaps hung in your closet for summer, yet are now ready to take centerstage. Yes indeed, I’m talking about a pair of the best jeans for men as found in the new Huckberry Denim Shop (keep on scrolling, my friends).

Naturally, the Huckberry Denim Shop isn’t the only place worth shopping broadly today as you look for a new pair of jeans to add to your rotation. Let’s up the ante a bit and go a touch more premium and rugged than perhaps you might be used to wearing.

Best classic selvedge jeans for men.

After all, you want jeans that are built to last, especially in these more casual times — jeans that can add rugged appeal to weekend getaways and fall bonfires, and perhaps even at the office. Allow me to introduce you to the RRL Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans from Huckberry’s denim offering.

For the uninitiated, RRL is the truly Americana-inspired, vintage-leaning, ultra-rugged offshoot of Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren; if it’s durable denim, faded shirting and super-cozy sweaters you seek (among others), RRL has you covered. And that goes for these hard-working, seriously cool jeans, too.

RRL men's selvedge jeans.

The RRL Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans stand out from the already-excellent Huckberry crop of jeans for more than a few reasons, starting with the use of 12.4 oz. Japanese selvedge denim. That denim (at least in the pair shown here) features a mix of bronze and olive yarns that should break in nicely over time, although you can also find the RRL Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans in a range of other dark, dusty and indigo shades.

Regularly priced anywhere from $295 (like the Olive pair seen here!) to $459, these handsome jeans also feature USA-sourced rivets and hardware, to go along with USA-made production. And in virtually any shade, you can style the RRL Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans with everything from a henley and a waxed trucker jacket to your favorite Oxford shirt and a pair of the best fall boots for a business casual look.

The best part is, they’ll get better with each and every wear, and that’s one less thing to worry about as you plan out your next fall #OOTD.

Seasonal style: A September weekend in New York City

Editor’s note: Click through this link to read more personal style posts.

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From the office to a Central Park concert. Chambray shirt by Old Navy. Garment-dyed chinos by Dockers. Leather chukka boots by Beckett Simonon. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches. Weekender Fairfield Watch by Timex. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page.

 

It’s hard to believe that September is very nearly in the books — and of course, we’re now officially into fall. And coincidentally, that brought with an ever-so-slight change in seasons this past weekend at The Style Guide HQ and elsewhere. While I’ve appreciated the chance to travel so much these past few months — from a Michigan wedding to a Labor Day trip to Asbury Park — the slight shift toward fall made me glad to be in New York City this past weekend; it wasn’t quite any regular weekend though, as it kicked off with a stellar concert by the amazing indie pop band Lucius, and rolled into beautiful weather and the chance to explore Brooklyn.  Although I left my trusty Owen & Fred weekender bag behind, I still met the past few days with quality #menswear top of mind.

The weekend kicked off in rather unique fashion — although I headed into the office to cap off a busy week in fashion PR, I had to dress in versatile style. Of course, that goes without saying — but as I trekked from the office up to Central Park thereafter for a stellar Lucius concert via the Central Park SummerStage series, it was particularly important. I hauled my gear in my trusty Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag — handy for getting to and from the office. I also reached for a slim-fitting, textured Old Navy chambray shirt — it was the ideal weight for temperatures that were quite hot, but not sweltering (like the weather during my summer Las Vegas trip).  A chambray shirt is a great four-season essential, especially at a very agreeable price — and it teamed nicely with my Dockers garment-dyed chinos for an upgraded casual Friday look. This particular pair of Dockers chinos fit slim and are made of substantial, durable (yet breathable) fabric — again, a great four-season essential. And on the footwear front, I stuck with stylish leather chukka boots from Beckett Simonon — much like the slim chambray shirt, they’re the rare pair of footwear that can go from the office to a concert in one move. Although the brand has dress shoes for sale right now, I’d keep an eye out for future releases — these chukkas are comfortable, super and unique, thanks to the three-eye laces and sleek silhouette. I accented those essentials with another reliable casual accessory — my Timex Weekender Fairfield ; it’s a crisp, classic and subtle timepiece that moved from office to concert just as easily thanks to the slate green NATO strap.  And what a show it was!

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An otherworldly performance from Lucius — and a privilege to be so close to the stage.

Lucius is certainly one of my favorite bands — the melodic five-piece always puts on a stellar show. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel upstate earlier this summer to see them in at the rustic Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, and this time around, the show was certainly just as thrilling. Having the chance to get very close to the stage certainly made it all the more poignant – Lucius excels when they connect with a crowd. Led by the lovely Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, nearly every song is a sight to behold — their voices just play that well off each other. It’s a show of their dedication that they work so well together — from the moment they kicked off the show with “Go Home,” the magic really never stopped. They’re a group with great variety in their setlist — you get the feeling that they could play either “Wildewoman,” their 2013 debut, or “Good Grief,” this year’s sophomore album, in its entirety and fans would enjoy it just as much. An encore even brought out the legendary Jackson Browne, who joined Holly and Jess on a version of “Willin’,” an unexpected and welcome surprise! The rest of the show was just as much of a treat for fans. From carefully composed tracks like the beautifully sung “Dusty Trails” and “How Loud Your Heart Gets,” to the jaunty “Almost Makes Me Wish for Rain” and brand-new track “Pulling Teeth,” (which brought Holly and Jess into the crowd), Lucius never missed a note.  The fact that they can transition from an upbeat sing-along like “Born Again Teen” to the lilting, haunting melody of “Gone Insane” within the same show is a testament to their versatility and skill — seriously, support this band if ever they tour near you! I can’t recommend them enough — and with a packed crowd on hand, I’m glad I had those durable Beckett Simonon chukkas to help my feet stay comfortable through the concert; all that jockeying for position (not a mosh pit, but still) lent itself to plenty of time on my feet.

Rugged essentials for a slight transition to fall. Flint Overshirt and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Kramer Sneakers by UGG for Men. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing Heritage collab. Brass bottle opener by Owen & Fred.

Rugged essentials for a slight transition to fall. Flint Overshirt and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Kramer Sneakers by UGG for Men. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing Heritage collab. Brass bottle opener by Owen & Fred.

Again, it was a truly thrilling show that kicked off a stellar weekend — despite a terrible home loss by my beloved Michigan State Spartans to Wisconsin. Admittedly, that put a damper on an otherwise beautiful Saturday that brought with it exciting freelance writing work — more details on that soon — and some exploration of Prospect Park, to boot. As the weather finally felt a  bit more fall-like (especially with a cool breeze), I was able to break out the rugged, well-crafted Flint Overshirt from Bridge and Burn. The overshirt is substantial but not too heavy, dyed with rich indigo and lined in soft plaid flannel. It’s just about everything you could ask for in a rugged fall overshirt, and with a slimmer fit than bulky, workwear-style overshirts of years past, it’s a decidedly modern style upgrade.

Huckberry
Although it would pair up nicely with a slim henley, I styled it with a lightweight Richer Poorer pocket tee – it’s a soft, slim-fitting basic that every guy should have in his wardrobe for transitional layering. That simple get-up was complemented with sturdy selvedge denim from Raleigh Denim Workshop. Featuring a tapered cut through the thigh and a slim-straight fit from the knee down, they fit the way sturdy denim should fit – and so far, they’ve broken in quite nicely. To cap off my Saturday look, I had to reach for my ever-present Frameri glasses, plus the versatile Kramer leather sneaker from UGG For Men. With the cut of a chukka boot plus a nice rich color, they broke up the deep blue hues of the outfit nicely – and they fit right in with the rugged Red Wing leather on my Waterbury Chrono (another essential that plays nicely off the more substantial textures of early fall).

Exploring Prospect Park on an ideal September weekend. Flint Overshirt and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Heather Grey Pocket Tee by Richer Poorer. Glasses by Frameri. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab.

Exploring Prospect Park on an ideal September weekend. Flint Overshirt and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Heather Grey Pocket Tee by Richer Poorer. Glasses by Frameri. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab.

 

When it comes down to accessories, I also love a great hat – keep in mind, we’re not talking an athletic logo ballcap, but a subtle, simple wool cap (also from Bridge & Burn). If you’re into hats and want one that eschews the younger look of a logo ballcap, this one is the way to go. That ensemble made it easy to head to Prospect Park for some exploration and time spent in the sun. It’s one of my favorite areas in Brooklyn, with wooded pathways and access to neat areas nearby (like the excellent Midwood Flats, a craft beer haven with nice gourmet burgers and sandwiches). It’s also an area that’s quickly becoming more popular, with plenty of development nearby – yet, the park hasn’t lost its charm.

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Casual Sunday style for a trip to Milk & Honey in Brooklyn. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Slim short-sleeve henley by Old Navy. Slim Mercer Denim by Mott & Bow. Sunglasses & brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Leather chukka boots by Beckett Simonon. Blue weekender bag by Sword & Plough.

I took the opportunity on Sunday to enjoy some excellent weather around Brooklyn – no overshirt needed this time, although I did accessorize with a tough denim jacket. The pleasant weather meant it was the ideal chance to break out a slim short-sleeve Old Navy henley — while it’s still warm enough. If you want to upgrade your basics wardrobe with pieces that fit trim and won’t break the bank, definitely peruse the digital pages of Old Navy. Although we’re past Labor Day, I’ve found light tan or natural denim, like the trusty Mott & Bow Slim Mercer, nods toward white jeans without going too far down that path — the Mercer was a nice change of pace alongside crisp Beckett Simonon chukkas. The ensemble was complemented nicely by some patterned Richer Poorer socks — a pair or two from the brand is another purchase worth making if you need a sock upgrade. Easygoing accessories worked with this look, too. I’d definitely recommend taking a look at new sunglasses –like the Runaway Aviator – being produced by MVMT Watches. Of course, the excellent brown leather & rose gold watch seen here from the brand is also worth your time – pun intended. Each piece made for a laidback #menswear look fit in as I grabbed a delicious coffee at another perennial Brooklyn favorite, Milk and Honey. With a relaxed vibe, rustic wooden tables and a top-notch selection of pastries and brunch favorites, it’s worth a walk through the Ditmas Park neighborhood to get there.

It’s the small pleasures like a delicious coffee or a nice walk that can sometimes get lost in the bustle of New York City – so with that in mind, I was glad I took the opportunity to get out and explore this weekend in Brooklyn. It never hurts to start off your Friday night with a stellar show by Lucius, either! I’ll be counting the days until the band returns to my neck of the woods, and I’ll (hopefully) be dressing in style in the meantime.

If you have style questions of your own, hit me up on Twitter – or follow along on Instagram for daily #menswear inspiration. For now, it’s back to work — look for a special Style Q&A coming up on Wednesday, and circle back tomorrow for a look at a fall style #OOTD. Get it? Got it? Good.

Until next time,

-Beau

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Selvedge Denim for Fall

Editor’s note: To fill up your closet with plenty more online shopping picks, head here.

We all love a great pair of classic dark denim, right? Surely, it’s fun to switch up your denim wardrobe with slim white jeans during the warmer months, but there’s something about the changing of the leaves — any day now — that calls to mind the desire with more rugged style in mind. That starts from the ground up with tough leather boots, and it carries through to a #menswear staple that can seem intimidating at first — selvedge denim. There’s a whole lexicon and a significant subset of the digital menswear community that reveres this type of jean, and with good reason. It’s made with more attention to detail and skill than non-selvedge denim, as it’s constructed with the ‘self-edge’ (outer) part of the fabric — creating the distinctive detailing on the inside of the outseam. It’s prized for its durability, toughness and plain cool looks — plus, who doesn’t love to cuff a pair of selvedge denim over broken-in leather boots? So, that’s a little history for you. What makes it better than plain dark denim? It’s a matter of preference, to be sure — but the sturdier weight and feel of selvedge helps it break in over time, last longer and create some very neat selvedge denim fades. Again, that heavier construction lends itself perfectly to fall and winter — particularly with pairings like a shawl cardigan and a classic chambray shirt. With that being said, where to begin? Start with The Style Guide’s picks below for the best men’s selvedge denim for fall (and beyond!). Catch more menswear inspiration on Twitter or Instagram, too.

#1. Raleigh Denim Workshop Jones Slim 211 Selvedge — $225 (Available via East Dane)

As classic as it gets when it comes to selvedge denim -- a tailored fit, beautiful fabric and sturdy construction.

As classic as it gets when it comes to selvedge denim — a tailored fit, beautiful fabric and sturdy construction.

Tracking down great selvedge denim can be tough if you’re just starting your search — it’s helpful, then, that Raleigh Denim Workshop does such a great job crafting slim, stylish denim right here in America. The fact that they’ve got other stylish men’s denim options available via East Dane is a bonus if you’re deep into denim shopping, too. While the Jones Slim 211 Selvedge (which you can also find via Raleigh Denim) are a bit pricey, the quality, durability and longevity are absolutely on-point. They’re about as classic a pair of selvedge as you can get, right down to the red chainstitched hem, the textured white weft fabric that’ll break in over time.

#2. Levi’s Red Tab 511 Selvedge Jeans — $128 (Available via East Dane)

Black selvedge denim? Give it a try sometime -- this is arguably the one pair you need.

Black selvedge denim? Give it a try sometime — this is arguably the one pair you need.

Where else to start in your search for stylish selvedge denim but Levi’s? The Levi’s Red Tab denim line is a premium take on the brand’s classic styles, yet you still get the excellent fit, comfort and quality for which the brand is known. The 511 is a, you might say, a classic jean around The Style Guide for its slim fit and reliable durability, so upgrading to a sleek selvedge pair is only a logical next step. Black selvedge might seem out of left field at first, but know that if you only have to buy one pair of black denim, this is as good a place to start as any.

#3. Flint & Tinder All-American Slim Tapered Jeans — $98

A new offering from a brand that's done a stellar job expanding its basics.

A new offering from a brand that’s done a stellar job expanding its basics.

The hunt for sturdy, tough selvedge denim can take you high and low — that goes for the price, as well. Luckily, Flint & Tinder has done a stellar job on its new fall menswear line, from its easily wearable marled henleys to pieces like the handsome-looking All-American Slim Tapered Jeans. For starting out making boxer briefs and hoodies, the expansion of the line is an admirable one, and it means you could get dressed head-to-toe in Flint & Tinder (including the brand’s Inventor Socks, of course). This pair of selvedge should last and last while teaming with other stylish Huckberry essentials — if you’ve got a fall wish list going, that’s a very good thing indeed.

#4. 3Sixteen CT-101x, $220

Another pair of selvedge that's as classic as it gets.

Another pair of selvedge that’s as classic as it gets.

You know a jean has some cache in the marketplace when it’s named using letters and numbers — much like the brand 3Sixteen itself, as it were. They’ve developed a cult following for their ridiculous level of attention to detail, dependability and style (let’s not forget style). Now, it’s certainly open to debate as to the “must-buy” pair of denim from 3Sixteen (plenty also like the CT-220x), but the CT-101x has gotta be high on that list. It’s got a higher rise yet a tapered cut — that means a fit and feel that’s a little more old-school. The denim should still be a reliable pick to wear all kinds of places, including to your next rock concert with your favorite pair of leather boots (once you break the denim in a bit).

#5. J. Crew 770 Stretch Selvedge Jean in Indigo –$198

The folks at J. Crew get another style essential -- selvedge denim -- right.

The folks at J. Crew get another style essential — selvedge denim — right.

The thing about denim shopping is that, of course, it’s all about fit. Not every guy can slip into the Levi’s Red Tab 511 or something similar. J. Crew helpfully recognized that last fall, and introduced a better-fitting addition to its denim line — the J. Crew 770, a jean built with the athletic-minded guy in mind. They feature an excellent deep blue resin rinse, signature selvedge detailing and fit that offers more room to move in the seat and thigh. If that checks all your denim shopping boxes, toss these jeans in your cart. This is a pair of denim that’ll fit in at your next football tailgate or at the office when paired with a fall blazer.

Frank & Oak

Was that enough of a crash course in stylish selvedge denim? It’s a somewhat daunting universe, with plenty of specific terminology and devoted fans to make anyone’s head spin. Yet, learning even a bit more about selvedge can be a beneficial experience — you might only need to buy one pair of selvedge before you won’t want to wear anything else. There are also excellent places you can go for visual inspiration — that is, styling tips and tricks, plus information on new brands. My Instagram pal Marvaments crafts a beautiful feed featuring selvedge denim, chinos and rugged boots galore. And my fellow Instagram bud Ryan Cascarano frequently features some standout selvedge — and boots, of course. Give them both a look, follow along and if you’ve got any questions about selvedge denim or styles to shop for, shoot me a tweet or drop a comment below.

Stay stylish!

-Beau