The Thursday Buy: Buck Mason’s Newest Pair of Japanese Denim are a Worthy Wardrobe Addition

Best light wash jeans for men to buy this spring.

There are certain markers of quality in the world of men’s style essentials, if you ask me, certain things that simply read as a great sign when it comes to building out your wardrobe the finest, most stylish way possible.

A lofty goal that might be, but brands like Buck Mason — in my experience with the Los Angeles-based company — are making it easier than ever to find truly high-quality staples with a twist, like a fresh pair of some of the best blue jeans for men.

One sign and one surefire way to know you’re getting some of the most high-quality jeans on the market? Look to where the fabric is sourced and then perfected — in this case, Buck Mason is now making Japanese denim with the utmost attention to detail and quality.

It’s part of a series of new fits, fabric and washes from the Americana-inspired brand as we climb out of winter and head into very (very) early spring, but it’s never too early to consider adding some of the best light wash jeans for men into your rotation, particularly when it comes to the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans.

Buck Mason men's jeans review.

The new Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans might actually prove familiar if you’re a fan of the brand, like me — the fit plays off Buck Mason’s Ford denim fit, which features a timeless mid-rise, a straight-tapered cut through the thigh, and a slightly tapered leg. These fall somewhere between a pair of Lev’s 514 and a pair of the slim Levi’s 511 — much closer to the Levi’s 514, in fact, and they work quite well on my 6’2″ frame (follow me on Instagram for more style tips on fits and ensembles, my friends!).

In addition to the standout, just-right fit of the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans, the 14oz. Kaihara Japanese milled-denim fabric features stretch, slight texture and a garment-washed finish for a perfectly comfortable, vintage-inspired fit and feel right out of the box.

The fact that the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans pack all this into one nicely sized pair of jeans for less than $250 is impressive, at least in my experience scouring the market for the best jeans for men.

The even better news is that, thanks to the reliable fit of the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans, you can pair them with everything from spring rain boots or rugged moc toe work boots to classic canvas sneakers in seasons ahead. Of course, easygoing Buck Mason men’s T-shirts and henleys should prove wise companions in terms of casual style, too.

When it comes to men’s denim and wardrobe upgrades for spring, keep some tried-and-true markers of quality in mind — like the fact that your friends at Buck Mason now sell superb Japanese denim.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason G-1 Flight Jacket Updates an All-Time Classic

Buck Mason leather jackets for men.

In my experience, the best menswear brands are ones that have a sense of heritage and history in every stitch, whether that’s faithfully recreating iconic styles or presenting time-honored favorites with a twist.

Buck Mason hits the nail on the head in both areas, with its tasteful selection of modern updates to classic silhouettes, from henleys to blue jeans (as you know if you’ve read my Buck Mason reviews over the years) and yes, one very impressive leather flight jacket as seen above.

The Los Angeles-based company uses some of the best menswear icons as a starting point for its crisply designed, casually rugged 21st-century updates, and the Buck Mason Skymaster G-1 Flight Jacket is about as cool, stylish and well-made as it gets.

Rich goatskin leather in a deep, timeless shade of brown is accented by a luxurious and yet useful, true-to-form shearling collar, just as the original versions of the style were made for the U.S. Navy back in the 1930s.

Best leather jackets for men.

The Buck Mason Skymaster G-1 Flight Jacket is further adorned with ribbed wool cuffs and a bottom hem for warmth and a snug fit, another detail prized among fighter pilots looking for warmth and durability. The Buck Mason Skymaster G-1 Flight Jacket is cut with a relaxed fit for ease of layering — opt to wear your new favorite leather jacket atop a thermal henley, a chambray shirt or a combination of that legendary trio.

Button flap hip pockets provide storage space for everyday carry essentials, while the fit (cut to hit just below the hip) should pair especially well with dark blue jeans — accented perhaps by a stylish Buck Mason leather belt, of course.

Perhaps the very best part about the Buck Mason Skymaster G-1 Flight Jacket is that it should get better with age, developing a supple and broken-in feel to go along with its own patina the more you wear. While you likely won’t be taking to the skies in combat anytime soon, the handsome Buck Mason Skymaster G-1 Flight Jacket is a surefire way to pay homage to an outerwear icon.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason Tweed Blazer is a Refined Take on a Classic

Best blazers for men.

For as much as a man’s wardrobe is about the everyday workhorses — the kind of pieces we talk so often about on this Brooklyn style blog — it’s also about the occasional indulgence (within reason, of course). Take the Buck Mason Shetland Tweed Countryman Blazer — it’s got all the trappings of one of the best blazers for men, with a bit of an added modern flair that updates a classic in fine form.

It’s also a particularly stylish swerve from a traditional selection for one of the best blazers for men, of course, and that’s also never a bad thing to have in your wardrobe in the heart of the holiday season. So, why the Buck Mason Shetland Tweed Countryman Blazer, and why now?

Well, my friends, I’m glad you asked. The holidays are an ideal time to step things up a notch in terms of dressing, with a greater focus on refinement and elegance — whether hosting, visiting friends or hitting the road.

And even when paired with some of your favorite pairs of jeans, a selection like the Buck Mason Shetland Tweed Countryman Blazer exudes another level of style: It’s got a tailored but not overly tight fit, while the Italian tweed fabric and classic pattern stand out handsomely via many an occasion.

Plus, details like flap patch pockets give your new favorite blazer a sort of rarified air — an easygoing touch that makes this handsome blazer more casual, but no less ready to pair with dark grey corduroy trousers and dark brown leather wingtip boots (a Buck Mason Oxford shirt would also fit the bill nicely here, my friends).

Fittingly, the dress-up or dress-down nature of the Buck Mason Shetland Tweed Countryman Blazer gets a boost from its natural soft-shoulder design — the sort of look that makes many a made-in-Italy blazer look so elegant. And at the end of the day, the Buck Mason Shetland Tweed Countryman Blazer departs tastefully from the norm (for a price) without overdoing it – doesn’t that sound like the kind of piece that can take any holiday #OOTD from good to great, my friends?

The Thursday Buy: Buck Mason’s Wool Hoodie is Your New Laidback Lounge Favorite

Best hooded sweatshirt for men.

As we round into the holiday season, and as you look to round out your own wardrobe of the best style essentials on the market, I’ve found that it’s the simple upgrades that make the biggest difference. That’s especially true even when it comes to the more casual parts of your wardrobe, like the best loungewear or the best hoodies for men.

And as you might expect, making a simple swap to one of the best men’s hoodies, like the Buck Mason Loopback Wool Hooded Sweatshirt, is a touch that can make a big difference if you’re interested in luxurious layering and lounging this season.

For those not familiar with the brand, Buck Mason puts its own premium-yet-rugged spin on Americana classics — my Buck Mason review covers a standout henley, for instance.

And that holds true when it comes to the hooded sweatshirt you reach for on casual days at home, or the one you wear layered beneath your favorite waxed trucker jacket for a casual weekend outing. Quality is of the essence, I’ve found with Buck Mason, and that shines through even in the easygoing nature of this surprisingly luxurious hoodie.

The Buck Mason Loopback Wool Hooded Sweatshirt trades in the typical cotton jersey fabric found on most hoodies (a variety of which Buck Mason also makes) for a super-soft merino wool-and-cashmere blend that just so happens to have an even softer looped merino wool backing.

That means every inch of the Buck Mason Loopback Wool Hooded Sweatshirt is soft and exceptionally comfortable, whether you score one in the Light Oat color shown above, or Charcoal as shown below.

Upgrading to a better hooded sweatshirt like the Buck Mason Loopback Wool Hooded Sweatshirt might seem like an indulgence, but given the fact that this stylish hoodie can be worn out and about on weekends, for holiday travel and at home, it seems like a solid deal in my experience with Buck Mason. To step up your cozy, casual game in fine fashion, the Buck Mason Loopback Wool Hooded Sweatshirt is one heck of a start, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Jeans – A New Take on a Classic

Best corduroy pants for men.

This time of year, as we barrel into the depths of fall, I’d say it’s time to rethink what you thought you knew about certain men’s style classics. Take the corduroy pant: Perhaps it makes you think of Sunday school, or of garish 1970s editions of corduroy pants.

Now, throw all that out the window, so to speak, because the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants are here to shake up a classic in a fresh, modern, rugged way. Of course, they fit right in with other tried-and-true, all-American favorites from the Los Angeles-by-way-of-the-Midwest brand (including one of the best chore coats and one of the best men’s flannel shirts).

There’s something familiar and yet different about these stylish men’s corduroy pants, and it starts with the construction and some very carefully made design choices from the iconic retailer.

For starters, these handsome corduroy pants are modeled after the Buck Mason Ford Standard Jeans, rather than based on dressy corduroy trousers with side hip slant pockets. That means the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants boast a rugged, casually cool five-pocket design, plus a mid-rise and a fit that tapers below the knee.

Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants review.

The Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants also come in a selection of colors that challenge the notion of what corduroy pants can be — just witness the rich Inkwell color above, not unlike a pair of the best black jeans for men.

Rivets at stress points give the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants a further touch of durability not normally found in the best men’s dress pants, while these trousers are also garment-washed for a lived-in look and feel right out of the box.

Best corduroy pants for men.

The Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants are crafted from 10oz. 14-wale corduroy, which is neither too narrow nor too wide — these pants act like durable jeans, but can be dressed up in business casual fashion like a pair of the best men’s corduroy pants. They can also be dressed down, rest assured — a Buck Mason men’s henley or flannel shirt would seem to be a worthy pairing.

And because of their corduroy construction, the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants can pull double-duty with refined leather dress boots or with broken-in leather chukka boots or even high-top sneakers. Just when you thought a classic was set in stone, Buck Mason comes along to shake things up in pleasing fashion this season.

The Thursday Buy: This Buck Mason Chore Coat is a Rugged, Luxurious Outerwear Upgrade

The classics have their place in the world of menswear essentials for a reason, and when a brand comes along that can make the classics even better, it’s worth paying attention (and shopping). As you well know if you read this Brooklyn style blog, I’m a major fan of Buck Mason, Los Angeles-based purveyors of some of the best modern menswear around.

That includes everyday must-have picks like the best flannel shirt and a lineup of USA-made T-shirts, as well as more luxurious-yet-still-rugged pieces — including the new Buck Mason Sportsman Chore Coat as seen above. It’s got vintage inspiration going for it in every stitch, as it was modeled after a 1941 U.S. Marine Corps Utility Jacket. You don’t necessarily see that in your closet every single day now, do you?

Best men's chore coats for fall.

Luxurious, supple steerhide suede gives the Buck Mason Sportsman Chore Coat some distinction as far as fabrication is concerned, while front patch pockets and a fold-over collar drive home its classic chore jacket design.

The Buck Mason Sportsman Chore Coat is then finished with tasteful contrast stitching and a V-shaped front stitch detailing down the front placket, another touch of distinction that gives this jacket an air of rugged luxury (yes, there’s that word again).

The Buck Mason Sportsman Chore Coat should layer with ease over other similarly stylish fall picks, be it denim or chambray shirting or a Buck Mason long-sleeve henley. Add in expertly faded jeans from the famed Los Angeles brand, and you’ve got a seasonal #OOTD practically made for apple orchards, Oktoberfest brewery visits and plenty more.

Rugged, expertly curated style awaits when it comes to the Buck Mason Sportsman Chore Coat, my friends, so invest in the best and know that you’re getting a modern classic for the price.

See Now, Buy Now: This New Buck Mason Flannel Shirt is a Perfect Seasonal Layer to Buy Right Now

Buck Mason men's flannel shirt review.

You could make the case, as I have over the years on this Brooklyn style blog, that there’s not a better season for menswear than fall. From dependable layers a classic thermal henley or a chambray shirt to the opportunity to style your favorite waxed trucker jacket — all with a crisp breeze in the air and a fresh Oktoberfest beer close at hand — it simply doesn’t get any better.

Of course, Buck Mason knows the charms of the season all too well. This approach certainly holds true with the upcoming release of the Buck Mason Craftsman Flannel, a durable workshirt made for just about anything this autumn.

The California-based brand is on a mission to take over your wardrobe, from accessories to knitwear and beyond. On that note, you’ve likely perused the new Buck Mason Italian-made eyewear collection, but consider this flannel shirt a more rugged style upgrade for the season ahead.

The Buck Mason Craftsman Flannel, available now for pre-order, is made from a durable, pre-washed 8oz. cotton flannel for maximum utility. It’s then finished with front-button chest pockets to store your everyday carry essentials, among other highly useful details. The rich Sequoia Plaid color is also a timeless detail, while this shirt itself should prove ultra-soft right out of the box.

Your new favorite flannel shirt is billed as a “midcentury-style work shirt cut for cold weather,” and it certainly looks to live up to that pedigree. For now, the Buck Mason Craftsman Flannel is only available for pre-order, but head to Buck Mason ASAP, request your size and sign up for alerts from the brand.

When it hits shelves, you’ll be the first to know, and your fall wardrobe will be all the better for it. Cheers to the season ahead, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Japanese Chambray Service Shirt – A Stylish, Rugged Icon

Best chambray shirt for men.

I don’t know about you, but in my experience, the best menswear essentials are the ones that truly stand the test of time, all the while providing versatility and modern good looks. It might seem like a high bar to clear, but that’s where Buck Mason enters the fray (and your wardrobe, of course).

And in addition to its lineup of iconic, hard-working pieces like the best American-made T-shirts, stylish men’s chinos and expertly faded denim (to name but a few), the Buck Mason Japanese Chambray Service Shirt simply delivers exceptional style.

Of course, the Buck Mason Japanese Chambray Service Shirt is a staple in my own wardrobe, as chambray shirts have been for years, and this particular number gets all the details right.

Buck Mason chambray shirt.

It’s made in a classic-fit design for layering atop your favorite Buck Mason henley or a sturdy heavyweight tee from the brand, while the light wash 5 oz Japanese indigo yarn-dyed chambray should age nicely and wear crisply in a number of seasons (fall very much included). Two patch-and-flap chest pockets offer utility for your everyday carry, while the handsome Buck Mason Japanese Chambray Service Shirt should very easily get better with age.

That’s the kind of style staple I can see working handsomely any day of the week, and hopefully, you feel the same way — see you out there, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason Indigo Sweatshirt is Ideal for Cool End-of-Summer Days and Nights

A guy’s wardrobe should revolve around the right blend of utility and style — being prepared for as many style scenarios as possible without missing a beat or feeling out of place. Sounds like a tall order, right? In my experience, I’ve found that Buck Mason covers just about every casually rugged, casually cool style scenario you could ask for, from sunrise to sunset and beyond.

In some instances, that might mean something like one of the best USA-made tees, and in another, it might mean a classic men’s polo for the office. Yet sometimes, it also requires thinking outside of the box — as in, adding another layer to your summer menswear #OOTD when you need it.

Best crewneck sweatshirt for men.

What I mean to say is, for the end of summer and the start (slowly but surely) of breezy nights, a piece like one of the best crewneck sweatshirts just seems to fit the bill. And Buck Mason has doubled down on that idea with the Buck Mason Indigo-Dipped Loopback Sweatshirt, using classic sweatshirt construction and rich indigo dye to hit all the right notes.

Soft-brushed French Terry cotton makes all the difference when it comes to the Buck Mason Indigo-Dipped Loopback Sweatshirt. Specifically, threads dipped and dyed (before knitting) give it that characteristically rich, deep blue look. It also hits all the right details in terms of classic men’s sweatshirts, including a double-layer V-stitched neck (originally meant to serve a functional purpose during workouts).

Best crewneck sweatshirts for men.

Contrasting threads at the collar, cuffs and seams separate this handsome, classically styled sweatshirt from the pack, and it’s a given that the Buck Mason Indigo-Dipped Loopback Sweatshirt will only get better with age.

The famed modern American brand has also come up with a sweatshirt featuring an even deeper indigo fade (so the sweatshirt looks lighter with age), but for my money’s worth, this version of the Buck Mason Indigo-Dipped Loopback Sweatshirt is as good as it gets.

The Thursday Buy: Buck Mason Is Now Making the Perfect Swim Trunks for Summer

Buck Mason swim trunks.

In my experience, when you find a brand making menswear essentials you know and love, it’s a wise move to venture back to that brand when they seem to *swim* into a new category: In the case of my friends at Buck Mason, that means Buck Mason swim trunks could quickly become a go-to favorite.

The recently introduced category brings the iconic modern menswear retailer’s emphasis on the classics to the forefront, and in a major way. The best men’s swim trunks are now being crafted by the Los Angeles-based brand, and they’re here not a moment too soon in the summer heat.

The Buck Mason Diver Cloth Swim Shorts are as timeless as it gets in every way possible, starting with the fabrication and fit. Unlike baggy cargo swim shorts of days gone by, these stylish men’s swim trunks boast a tailored cut and a shorter inseam — not to mention hard-wearing recycled nylon construction.

These swim shorts are also lined with nylon for support and comfort, but it’s the retro-leaning design (including a front-buttoned pocket) that drives home the proper blend of form and function.

Whether in a sharp Olive Drab or a crisp, darker shade, the Buck Mason Diver Cloth Swim Shorts are as essential as one of your favorite T-shirts from the famed brand. In my experience, they make a worthwhile addition to your next summer beach packing list (and then some).