March 18, 2022March 17, 2022 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Harrington Jackets, A New Buck Mason Shirt and Spring Activewear

My friends, join me in another edition of the Friday Read as we step into spring in rugged fashion — not unlike that Filson jacket shown above, and not unlike the well-curated New Arrivals section at Filson. From waxed outerwear to lightweight shirts and hard-wearing henleys and T-shirts, I’m sure you’ll find the best new menswear that you need for the season ahead, all thanks to the venerable Pacific Northwest gear outfitter. I’ve definitely got my eye on some new style moves for spring, as crucial a time as any to make sure you’re ready for, well, anything from — from breezy spring days to sports bar beer sipping as you watch March Madness this weekend.

Shop new Filson gear right now

My agenda this weekend mixes both work and play, as I’ll be writing more menswear and gear stories for SPY.com (be sure to check out my byline!), not to mention taking in some long-awaited college basketball action featuring my alma mater, Michigan State! It really doesn’t get any better than that — be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep track of all the fun (and all of my writing work, too!). In the meantime, get into the spirit of the weekend (it’s still St. Patrick’s Day weekend technically, right?) with my picks for the best style reads and sales of the week.

Here’s a great way to start your weekend — by picking up a rugged new Western shirt from Buck Mason, of course. The ideal Western shirt — like the one shown above — is light enough to be worn on its own, yet durable enough to style with one of your favorite T-shirts, and it looks great with black jeans, tan chinos or even olive joggers. Get yours from Buck Mason now.

Alright, here’s a standout sale for all your budget-conscious shoppers (guilty as charged). The good folks at elevated performance menswear brand AETHER Apparel are running an End of Season Sale now through March 28th. Click through to get up to 60 percent off men’s gear, jackets, shirting, footwear and more — you won’t regret the savings or the style points.

Shop the AETHER Apparel End of Season Sale

Moving on from rugged menswear, spring is a time to get back out into the world with comfort and style in mind. That’s why it was so neat to write all about the best activewear joggers and jackets over at Maxim — these picks are anything but sloppy, my friends. Upgrade your wardrobe ASAP.

I’ll leave you with one last cherished, helpful style read before heading into the weekend. The Harrington jacket has an illustrious history and plenty of utility and heritage to go along with it. It’s one of my favorite styles of jackets, and that’s why it was so cool to write about the history of Harrington jackets over at Fatherly. Layer up in style, my friends! Cheers!

March 9, 2022February 18, 2022 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Get One of The Best Chambray Shirts for the Season at DSTLD

Never underestimate the power of one of the best chambray shirts for men, right? Yes indeed, I’d say that’s correct — no doubt about it. Chambray is a hard-working cotton denim fabric originally used as a workwear staple, and today, it’s been redone in all the proper, modern ways as one of the best men’s shirts, period. That’s what makes the DSTLD Chambray Shirt so special — it’s the perfect blend of classic and modern, with rugged good looks, plenty of versatility and an agreeable, sub-$100 price tag, to boot. I’ve written quite a bit on the blog here over the years about the classic chambray shirt, which looks great on every guy and offers more character, depth and rugged style than the Oxford shirt, for instance (although an American-made Oxford shirt is still a great style pick). It also doesn’t hurt that this particular chambray shirt pairs nicely with some of the best jeans for men, for instance.

Shop DSTLD men’s denim and shirts

The DSTLD Chambray Shirt carries on the Los Angeles-based brand’s focus on minimal, crisp and high-quality denim (and T-shirts, and some of the best cashmere sweaters), all at prices that geared to help you save a few bucks. Right now, you can snag this shirt for under $90, and that’s quite the steal when you realize what you’re getting.

The DSTLD Chambray Shirt in a fittingly versatile dark blue is crafted from a textured mid-weight 100 percent organic cotton, the kind of shirt that won’t feel out of place when worn with a waxed trucker jacket in early spring, or when paired up with one of the best T-shirts for men as temperatures climb. Of course, the workwear roots of the hard-wearing DSTLD Chambray Shirt (and the best chambray shirts for men in general) also make it a natural pairing with your favorite henley, not to mention other equally versatile picks — like slim DSTLD blue jeans for men, for instance. And it’s the DSTLD Chambray Shirt that makes it all go, with the kind of straightforward style you can wear to the office with tailored chinos or out on the town with black jeans. The DSTLD Chambray Shirt also features traditional chambray shirt touches, like front-button chest pockets and white contrasting button. If you ask me, it’s a winner all around, and that’s as good as it gets if you need one of the best shirts for men, period.

October 9, 2021September 19, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: American Giant Supima Oxford Shirt – The Best Oxford Shirt for Men to Buy Now

Is there anything that American Giant can’t do? The made-in-America retailer has you covered across the board with staples like one of the best polos for men and plenty of the best USA-made menswear, and you can add another item to that list: One of the coolest new Oxford shirts I’ve seen in some time, made with all the quality you’d expect from the famed retailer. I’ve grown to appreciate the brand over the years for its commitment to durable designs and fabrication in all respects, right down to its affordable bundle of T-shirts, and they’ve really hit the nail on the head once again with the American Giant Supima Oxford. It’s a step up in terms of everyday style and dressy appeal from a brand that excels at making casual style staples, and if ever you wanted more of the best American-made menswear in your life, well, here’s your chance to start stocking up on pieces like your new favorite Oxford shirt. What makes this classic piece so essential? My friends, I’m glad you asked.

Shop now at American Giant

Naturally, the American Giant Supima Oxford checks all the right boxes from the very start, including the use of that soft Supima cotton fabric, all the better to make this a shirt you can truly live in. It’s also made in Los Angeles, another step that signifies quality and attention to detail throughout. That USA-made build is also why it’s more expensive than your average Oxford shirt from a fast-fashion brand – the American Giant Supima Oxford clocks in at $118, but it’s more than worth the price tag.

It’s your new favorite shirt for work or play, and easily one of the best shirts for men that you can buy right now. Take your pick from classic Oxford Blue or crisp White, both of which are downright essential and easily wearable with plenty of your other wardrobe staples. Team either option with classic slim blue jeans or tan chinos at the office or on the road. Wear the American Giant Supima Oxford to the office tucked in underneath a classic fall blazer, or break it out this winter underneath a rugged shawl cardigan with your favorite pair of blue jeans. Any which way you slice it, the USA-made American Giant Supima Oxford works as hard as you do.

A single chest pocket and that buttondown collar are details that keep this Oxford shirt firmly classic and ready for anything, especially for business casual style at the office. And the best part is, you can even wear the American Giant Supima Oxford with other picks from American Giant — try it untucked atop an American Giant cotton T-shirt, for starters. It also works well buttoned up and then layered underneath an American Giant crewneck sweatshirt, a look that’s ready for the beer garden or a Friday meeting in equal measure. When you find a well-fitting, well-made shirt like the American Giant Supima Oxford, it’s absolutely in your best interest to step up to the plate and snag (at least) one for yourself. Happy shopping.

SHOP: The American Giant Supima Oxford

August 31, 2021August 27, 2021 by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Billy Reid Shirt is a New Fall Menswear Classic to Buy Right Now

Although it’s only just now the end of August, the time is still here to stock up for fall with one of the best shirts for men, the kind of shirt you can wear all day long. The Billy Reid Offset Pocket Shirt, my friends, is that very shirt. It’s available right now for under $100, making it a fine Tuesday Steal, but any way you look at it, it’s one heck of a fall shirt to buy now and wear from August into September and well beyond. It’s part of the Billy Reid Final Sale section, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s of subpar quality, design or construction. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s pretty rare to find one of the best men’s shirts for fall up for grabs at this point for under $100, and that’s just part of the reason why you should add this classic Oxford shirt to your wardrobe (don’t worry, future posts will dive into another #OOTD on how to wear an Oxford shirt for men, for instance). Plus, the fact that the pocket is placed in a slightly different spot than average is pretty neat.

Design perks aside, focus on adding this shirt to your wardrobe and reaping the rewards as far as versatile, affordable style is concerned.

Get your new go-to fall shirt from Billy Reid
Wear it as often as you can, starting now

The Billy Reid Offset Pocket Shirt, with details like signature striping at the shirt hem, exemplifies what the classic American designer does best, which is make solid everyday staples using premium processes and fabrics. The result is elevated above the ordinary, and that’s an understatement. In the case of your new favorite shirt, that means this Oxford shirt is made in Portugal from, not surprisingly, 100 percent Oxford cotton cloth in a rich, deep shadow plaid. The shadow plaid of the Billy Reid Offset Pocket Shirt would actually pair quite nicely with tan or auburn Billy Reid chinos or jeans for a sharp, business casual-ready ensemble.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Offset Pocket Shirt

It’s also designed with a standard fit, which isn’t overly slim nor overly baggy. The result is a classic men’s shirt that looks great untucked or teamed with, say, a refined Billy Reid blazer and faded jeans for date night or office-minded style. When you can snag a deal on something as essential, cool and highly wearable as the Billy Reid Offset Pocket Shirt, my best advice is to add one to your wardrobe as quickly as you can.

July 28, 2021July 8, 2021 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch University Stripe Oxford is a New Essential

As far as the best men’s shirts are concerned, Taylor Stitch nearly has the market cornered, and it’s been that way for a good while now. The San Francisco-based brand, which you can also find my Shop By The Style Guide, has built a fervent following through attention to detail, solid construction, great fits and constant innovation. The latest result of the brand’s chase to build one of the best shirts for men? The Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt in Navy University Stripe. It’s one part preppy, one part classic and plenty wearable and stylish any way you slice it.

The brand has got a knack for doing plenty of different things the right way, be it the best adventure shorts or an investment-level jacket, and it certainly helps that they’ve long been making one of the most classic men’s shirts to pair with style staples new and old. The Jack Shirt from Taylor Stitch is very easily the stuff of legend, and the kind of shirt you build a brand around (Taylor Stitch launched, after all, with a focus on making the perfect men’s shirt). They’ve definitely cleared that high bar with the Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt in Navy University Stripe, and it’s just the latest, coolest pattern to get the “Jack” treatment, if you will.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt in Navy University Stripe

The Jack Oxford Shirt checks off a few critical boxes as far as what you need in your Oxford shirt. It’s designed to be worn tucked in or untucked, making it ideal for business casual situations (tucked in, paired with tan chinos) or worn untucked with an expertly crafted pair of Taylor Stitch denim. Crucially, the Jack Shirt from Taylor Stitch is built from a substantial but not overly heavy 6oz. 100 percent organic cotton, giving you some sustainability plus style. The Jack buttondown collar, another staple of this design from Taylor Stitch, is nicely sized and has a bit of a roll to it, like classic Oxford shirts.

Beyond that, the navy university stripes call to mind that classic all-American style of decades gone by, and yet, it’s a shirt that looks as fresh as anything out there today. The buttondown collar is a way to bring your suit down a notch (I’m thinking of a classic patch pocket khaki cotton suit, worn with a knit tie to an outdoor summer wedding). However you choose to rock it, the Jack Shirt from Taylor Stitch, especially in a preppy stripe pattern with natural buttons, is a suitably stylish way to cap off your next summer #OOTD. In fact, as far as shirts that make or break an outfit go, this one definitely helps take your look from good to great.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt in Navy University Stripe

July 7, 2021June 23, 2021 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Filson Chambray Buttondown Shirt is the Most Rugged Shirt for Summer

It’s really hard to go wrong with a brand like Filson, right? Even when it comes to making one of the best chambray shirts for men, yes? That second part might seem a little odd — after all, doesn’t Filson have a heritage and a knack for making some of the best outdoor gear for men? In that case, what do chambray shirts have to do with it? Well, actually, they’ve got more to do with it than you might think. Filson‘s reputation as a Pacific Northwest outfitter with more than 100 years of rock-solid production is quite admirable, and that’s led to some innovations, twists and turns along the way. Filson certainly makes some of the best men’s gear for summer, and some of the best lightweight short-sleeve shirts for seasonal adventures aplenty. And on top of that, they make reliable, durable and surprisingly stylish off-duty gear, like the Filson Chambray Buttondown Shirt. Unexpected? Sure. But no less well-made than any other piece of Filson menswear, right? That’s 100 percent correct, my friends.

When you want to go with something more rugged than refined, something with more guts and grits than wearing your favorite polo shirt, a chambray shirt is just the way to go. The textured weave of a chambray shirt makes it harder-wearing and better-suited for use in, say, a workshirt, which is exactly what sets this Filson long-sleeve shirt apart from the pack. And this certainly isn’t any old, flimsy shirt either (hey, not all chambray shirts are created equal).

SHOP: The Filson Chambray Buttondown Shirt

No sir, Filson makes “unfailing goods” (the brand’s famed tagline) for a reason. Now, the Light Indigo Chambray iteration of the Filson Chambray Buttondown Shirt has been a hot seller, but who says you always have to go with blue shades of chambray? Opt instead for the Oxford shirt-esque, yet extremely rugged, White Chambray version of the Filson Chambray Buttondown Shirt , then reap the rewards. The 5oz. cotton chambray is a nice mid-weight that should provide protection from the elements on your camping trip or in your garage, and it should also still prove easy to layer atop a classic Filson men’s T-shirt. The open chest pocket and button-down collar are also style moves that make the Filson Chambray Buttondown Shirt more akin to an Oxford than a workshirt. But since it’s Filson, you can wear your new favorite shirt any way you please this summer. That’s the Filson way, and the brand doesn’t offer up anything less than the best.

SHOP: The Filson Chambray Buttondown Shirt

June 6, 2021May 27, 2021 by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Get this Classic Grayers Oxford Shirt for Less Than $60

If you’ve kept up with the blog or with my Sunday Sale series — outlining the best deals on new watches, a new duffle bag and more — then you know that, well, I simply can’t pass up a great deal. That’s especially the case with the all-American brand Grayers, and of course, this classic Grayers Oxford shirt. It’s a downright steal from the Grayers Clearance Sale section. Simply put, any time you can score a new Oxford shirt for under $60, that’s a deal you work hard to snap up in time. The good news is, there are plenty of sizes available in the Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt. Beyond that, it checks all the proper boxes as far as what you need in an Oxford shirt.

Heading into the summer months, you can’t beat the dependability and versatility of an Oxford shirt, especially one that can pull double-duty at the office and at home or at your first grilling session. Hey, you’ll have to put on a proper shirt again at some point, and it might as well be the Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt. It’s got 100 percent cotton construction going for it, plus a crisp, timeless white colorway. Normally $88, this shirt is priced down to $59.99 and available in a wide range of fits, too. But wait, there’s more!

SHOP: The Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt

An Oxford shirt, with its classic buttondown collar and casual fabric, has long been one of the best shirts for men. Grayers knows a thing or two about that category as well, using buttery-soft fabrics to craft expertly executed men’s shirts in every season. And the Oxford shirt is certainly a multi-season workhorse, even in the depths of summer. The fact that you can wear this Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt with everything from jeans to lightweight chinos to your favorite shorts is pretty optimal, too.

Heck, you could go so far as to wear this breezy Oxford shirt with Buck Mason Deck Shorts and white canvas slip-ons for sporty, beach bar or BBQ-ready style. The fact that this classic men’s Oxford shirt works hard at the office is just the icing on the cake, too. And when it comes time to get dressed for a more casual outdoor summer wedding, the Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt should team stylishly with a navy blazer and some lightweight stretch chinos. The next time you want a standout deal on a hard-working shirt, get this crisp and easily wearable Oxford shirt from Grayers for under $60, and reap the rewards season after season.

SHOP: The Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt

April 25, 2021April 18, 2021 by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Get 15 Percent Off This Classic Men’s Shirt from Freemans Sporting Club

A new favorite casual shirt that you can even wear with a spring or summer suit.

Who’s ready to get 15 percent off a classic men’s shirt from Freemans Sporting Club? That sounds like a resounding “Yes” to me, so let’s get to it. Now, in last week’s Sunday Sale, we talked about getting a deal on the best T-shirt for men for spring and summer, but we’re going to amp things up a bit today. Namely, remember your trusty rotation of casual buttondown shirts, the sort of shirts you’d wear to the office and now (mainly) wear on Zoom calls? Well, this is that shirt, and it’s on sale until April 30th (more on that in a moment).
That’s where today’s deal on one of the best shirts for men comes into play, because you’re going to have to really get dressed again eventually. Be it a summer wedding, perhaps a date or a coffee run or a brewery visit (those last two are favorites of mine in Brooklyn!), you’re going to need a new favorite shirt, which leads us to today’s deal on a new Freemans Sporting Club shirt. The Freemans Sporting Club CS-1 Shirt in Navy Plaid is about as classic as it gets, with all the bells and whistles that you need (note the tailored fit and the casual chest pocket), and nothing extra to slow you down. It’s part of the Freemans Sporting Club Archive Sale, which in and of itself is a great place to get the best deals on premium menswear from this New York City brand.

SHOP: The Freemans Sporting Club CS-1 Shirt in Navy Plaid

A great way to wear your new favorite shirt.

It’s one of the best men’s buttondown shirts for a reason, with a price tag to match (it’s 15 percent off at FSC, which drops the price to $187). Why spend that much on a shirt? I’m glad you asked. It’s a shirt you can call your own, an entirely unique and outstanding shirt from a respected fashion brand, the kind you can wear underneath a khaki cotton suit at a summer wedding or all on its own with your favorite pair of spring and summer denim, high-top sneakers laced up and sleeves rolled. And just as above, you can certainly wear one of the coolest shirts for spring with olive chinos and brown leather boots.

How many shirts do you have in your closet that are that versatile? Not too many, right? It’s also made from 100 percent cotton for breathability, and that means you can layer it underneath a spring bomber jacket or atop your favorite T-shirt with ease. Mother of pearl buttons won’t break or snap over time, and again, the fit is made to be worn untucked or tucked in. Yes indeed, the Freemans Sporting Club CS-1 Shirt in Navy Plaid is quite possibly your new favorite shirt for spring and summer, and remember: It’s 15 percent off through April 30th. Shop accordingly.

March 25, 2021May 3, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Flint and Tinder Selvage Shirt is Your Go-To Spring Shirt

Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect's Shirt

The kind of essential everyday shirt you can wear for just about anything.

If you recently started another day standing in front of your closet, wondering in vain about what shirt to wear for the day’s activities — be it (masked) grocery shopping, (masked) brewery to-go beers or another Zoom call, have I got the shirt for you. Meet the Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect Shirt, one of the best men’s shirts for spring, and the sort of shirt you can wear no matter how much or how little design work you do. It comes to you courtesy of Huckberry and the famed, much-loved line of Flint and Tinder style essentials, which includes everything from a waxed shirt jacket to the best everyday gear (across several categories). But back to the Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect Shirt, which is the kind of grab-and-go shirt your spring wardrobe could use.

When you feel like you’ve exhausted all your Zoom call-worthy shirts, this one is here to save the day. Huckberry says it’s built more like a workwear piece than a classic Oxford shirt, which is good news for more than just Zoom calls. Throw on this selvage buttondown shirt at a moment’s notice to shape up for your next meeting, and assuredly keep it handy for weekend yard work (yes, it can pull double-duty).

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect Shirt

Selvage detailing showcases how well this shirt is made by the Huckberry team. Cheers to that.

Now, it wouldn’t be one of the best shirts for men if it didn’t provide a hearty dose of versatility, right? It’s the Japanese slub selvage denim fabric in a cool shade of Marled Charcoal that gives this shirt its neutral, crisp edge (literally and figuratively). It’s as easily wearable with dark denim as it is with tan chinos or olive canvas workwear pants. The rest is really up to you, because you can layer the Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect Shirt atop a white T-shirt for easygoing spring style, and you can throw it on over a thermal shirt for an unexpectedly chilly morning. Oh, and you can also wear it all on its own, fresh coffee in hand as you kick back this season.

Footwear options aplenty are going to shine through with this rugged workwear shirt, from classic chukka boots to canvas high-top sneakers. It’s truly a mix-and-match shirt that provides you with bountiful styling options, all the better to switch up your spring wardrobe when you feel like it needs some switching up. And because this is Huckberry we’re talking about here, this shirt is priced reasonably ($128 from Flint and Tinder) — if you ask me, it’s yours for the taking. Happy (early) spring, folks.

March 14, 2021March 7, 2021 by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Shop Filson Surplus for More Than 50 Percent Off This All-Season Shirt

A rugged flannel shirt in a Western cut for all sorts of spring layering.

The time is here to stock up on rugged spring style essentials aplenty, the sort of gear picks that won’t let you down when spring unexpectedly turns chilly, breezy or rainy (or all three). That’s where the Filson Surplus section comes into play, offering up final sale deals on the best men’s gear for outdoor adventures, yard work and casual spring get-togethers (of the small variety, that is!). It’s what you’d expect from a dependable retailer that’s been around for more than a century, and it’s that commitment to quality and craftsmanship that makes the Filson Flannel Western Shirt the exact sort of shirt you need in your rotation ASAP. It’s one of the most versatile men’s shirts for spring, what with its iconic Western build, and it’s available in plenty of sizes and two classic patterns for under $65. It normally retails for $135, so we’re looking at more than 50 percent off here. How about that, huh?

Now, if you read the blog on the regular (where I’ve talked plenty about the best gear to buy from Filson), you know that Filson’s menswear is an investment, at the very least. So to find one of the best men’s shirts for spring for 51 percent off, well, that’s a deal worth getting your hands on.

SHOP: The Filson Flannel Western Shirt

A midweight cotton flannel shirt for all kinds of seasonal layering and expert style.

Your search for one of the best men’s shirts has to check plenty of boxes (including versatility in color options, but let’s start with the basics. As luck would have it, this is a seemingly simple area where Filson excels. In this case, it’s the 6.2oz. cotton twill fabric used in this rugged flannel shirt that gives it, a not-too-heavy and not-too-light feel. It’s been brushed for softness, to boot (can you say bingo?). The fabric weight gives the Filson Flannel Western Shirt the ability to be layered atop a classic Filson men’s T-shirt or a thermal shirt when temperatures dawn particularly cold. You can also wear it underneath a spring-friendly denim jacket or a Filson rain pullover with ease.

The button-snap front and button flap pockets are akin to what you’d find a much more expensive Western shirt. So, it’s got style points and rugged good looks aplenty going for it. Pair it with a white T-shirt and your favorite pair of blue jeans for all-American style, or rock it with tan chinos for a unique take on a casual Friday when you do return to the office. The Filson Flannel Western Shirt doesn’t hold anything back, so the fact that you can get your new favorite shirt for more than 50 percent off is quite the bonus. Welcome spring the right way, starting today.