The Friday Read: The Best Men’s T-Shirt, Shaving Clubs for Men & Spring Break Style

The tough T-shirt that’s going to layer with ease all spring.

OK, it’s here — another glorious spring Friday. What are you wearing this weekend? It’s about high time you picked up the best T-shirt for spring and summer — the Flint and Tinder Heavy Slub Tee, as shown above. It’s going to layer up perfectly with all manner of men’s style essentials, not to mention stylish spring sneakers or your favorite pair of chukka boots. It’s as simple as that. So, that’s the T-shirt you’re wearing this weekend. What’s on your weekend agenda? Perhaps a visit to your favorite brewery or maybe even an evening of live music? My weekend is going to contain a little bit of both — I’m kicking off Friday night right by seeing hard-rocking British band Foals play my favorite venue in the city, Brooklyn Steel! And beforehand, I plan to stop by Grimm Artisanal Ales for a few choice pre-concert brews. It all sounds great on paper — I certainly can’t wait. The rest of the weekend will be filled with searching out the perfect cup of coffee (I’m looking forward to hitting up Mixtape Bushwick in that regard), along with writing for some of my favorite menswear sites. As of late, I’ve started up writing again for Effortless Gent, a classic Web site I still love, and you can view that work here. For the rest of ya, well, there’s a nice selection of weekend reads below. Thanks for reading!

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  • Which jacket blends heritage-quality style with spring-ready layering potential and unlimited wearability? Why, that’s be the Todd Snyder x Golden Bear Bomber, as covered by yours truly at GearMoose! Cheers.
  • In my mind, our #OOTD series is always worth a second — or third — look. In that regard, I’d say it behooves you to learn how to wear your new favorite T-shirt this spring. This look won’t let you down, I guarantee it.Shop Mott & Bow Today!
  • Whether you’re new to the world of taming your stubble or consider yourself a seasoned pro, it’d be handy to know about the best shave clubs for men — right? Enter my latest post for GearMoose covering the shaving essentials you can’t live without.
  • Last but not least — do you have a spring getaway coming up? Are you wondering what to wear? Gear up with my suggestions for what to pack for a tropical spring break — it’s as easy as that.

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Before you go, I’m going to point you toward one more handy, useful article — my guide on how to wear sneakers this spring. It’s as classic and essential as can be. Find it useful? Let me know on Twitter!

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Vintage Sneakers for Spring

Do you have a favorite pair of sneakers in your closet? A pair of stylish sneakers to consistently turn toward in a multitude of spring style situations? Weekend brunch, brewery visits, hours-long park strolls — and of course, days at the office aplenty — can all be tackled with the stylish spring sneakers (and the #OOTD) in question. It’s all about versatility and comfort when it comes to Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers, and they’re complemented handsomely by a rugged chore jacket (via Everlane), a stylish denim shirt from Billy Reid and slim chinos (sold by Huckberry, of course). The building blocks here can really take you anywhere, with the ability to be mixed and matched with ease. The resulting #OOTD can go to the office on a casual Friday, or out to your favorite brewery, and essentially anywhere in between.

And the beauty of this #OOTD is that you can remove layers as needed through shifting spring weather. Specifically, the Everlane Chore Jacket (a new personal favorite) can even double as a cool blazer replacement if need be. And again, it all starts from the ground up with your new favorite pair of sneakers from Beckett Simonon. Cheers to spring!

Mixing up your spring sneakers with touches both rugged and casual — and from some of your favorite brands.

We’ve told you in the past that the best ensembles start from the ground up, right? In this case, that involves Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers, a heck of a stylish, comfortable and premium pair of sneakers that tie each and every outfit together handsomely. In this case, the outfit only gets better and better the more you look at it (I think so, at least). That is to say, a rugged chore jacket from Everlane adds versatile utility and style, especially when layered over both a stylish denim shirt from Billy Reid and a rugged henley from Flint and Tinder. Those three layers should have you ready for whatever comes your way this spring, from a light breeze to a sudden drop in temperature. And in matters of style, this entire combo works, too — it’s fit for a night at a gastropub or a round of beers at a brewery, or a day at the office. It’s also tied together by slim chinos that sit nicely atop the vintage trainers from Beckett Simonon— you see, it’s all tied together. It should also go without saying that the right #OOTD is also finished off with the right accessories, including a stylish leather watch and an equally stylish leather belt (both investment-level pieces in their own right). Richly crafted indigo socks from Anonymousism provide a dash of comfort and style, too. When worn all together, this #OOTD is darn near unbeatable — and again, it all comes back down to the stylish sneakers you’ve got on your feet. Happy spring, folks!

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos

Breezy, versatile chinos in a modern cut — can’t ask for much more than that for spring.

What pair of essential men’s pants belongs on your legs and in your closet this spring? That’s quite easy — the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos, naturally. After all, every guy needs a stylish pair of chinos in his wardrobe to kick off a breezy, warm new season, and the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos check all the right boxes. Classic style? Check. A slim-but-not-too-slim fit? Check. The dependability that comes with gear made and sold by Huckberry? Triple-check on that one. And luckily, Flint and Tinder has made the choice easy this spring when it comes time to decide on the best men’s chinos to buy this very instant. It all starts with the use of high-twist cotton, a weave that gives these slim chinos breathability and mobility — these aren’t the thick cotton twill chinos that, while classic, can prove quite hard to get around in. No sir, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos get the job done quite nicely, and they clock in at under $100, too. Throw in the fact that they’re made in America, and you’re looking at your new favorite pair of chinos. But what else makes ’em so great?

The Olive color of the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos is particularly sharp, right? Right.

As we said before, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos just check all the right boxes, right on down to the customary Flint and Tinder shotgun shell button and zip fly. Those design touches are in keeping in line with what Flint and Tinder does so well — modern classics, done in a way that menswear lovers (new and old) can appreciate. Again, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos live up to that promise admirably, with the type of style that works just as well with a blue chambray shirt and classic chukka boots as it does with crisp white tee and your favorite vintage sneakers (preferably from Huckberry, too). And it goes without saying that you’ve got your pick of versatile color options when it comes to the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos, all designed to give you plenty of styling potential.  Try out the slim tan chinos with an indigo denim jacket and a white short-sleeve henley, or pair the classic olive chinos with a heather grey tee and stylish brown leather brogues. After that, you’re off to the races. Or at least, you’re off to wherever it is you need to go, dressed in sharp, classic style.

#OOTD: A New Way to Wear Your Henley this Spring

So, you think you’ve got your transitional spring style all figured out, ehh? Maybe you’ve even picked up a rugged henley for the new season from a trusted brand like Flint and Tinder. But how to wear it? That’s why we’re here today, folks. Something as classic as a slub waffle henley can be easily overlooked when it comes to your rotation of spring style essentials — especially if it’s subtly stylish and doesn’t call attention to itself. That’s why we’re amping things up today with a new way to wear your henley for spring. Make no mistake, this isn’t an ensemble you would wear if you want tips on how to dress for the office — this outfit is perfectly rugged and ready for a spring weekend. Again, it all starts with a versatile henley and builds from there, including unique layering pieces like an indigo denim trucker jacket from Levi’s, tough workwear pants and naturally, rugged leather boots. I think you’ll find the overall effect is pleasing and unique, without straying too far into fashion-forward territory. So, let’s dive into the rest below, shall we?

The right way to pair up a classic henley with other men’s style essentials.

When you start out your #OOTD with a men’s style essential as reliable and classic as the timeless men’s henley, you’re guaranteed to like the results (at least, that’s what I think). The henley really is a go-anywhere piece. All that being said, we’re not exactly reinventing the wheel here … and there’s nothing wrong with that. Teaming up your henley with a classic trucker jacket from Levi’s is but another way to freshen things up. The same can be said for the choice to throw on rugged workwear pants instead of slim tan chinos or charcoal five-pocket pants (although both would work well here, too). And on the footwear front, I’m always a proponent of rugged leather boots — the boots pictured above make this ensemble one that’s fit for a weekend burger bar outing or a casual Sunday brunch (or an early morning coffee run, or even a concert … you get the picture). What’s more, reaching for a stylish leather watch from Carpenter Watches upgrades this outfit even further, taking it from, well, just good … to great.

Accessories that get the job done, from the Topo Designs Town Socks to the durable Bexar Goods weekender bag, are critical in any outfit, much less a versatile pairing like this one. Top it all off and look your best with men’s grooming essentials from Bespoke Post, then call it a day. Or, actually, don’t. You’ve got plenty of places to go wearing your new favorite henley

The Friday Read: Dublin, Teeling Distillery & Arkells

Exploring Dublin Castle wearing the Orvis Heritage Field Coat and Tech Chambray Shirt, plus a classic Shinola Runwell Watch and new frames from Aspire Eyewear.

There are certain trips that leave an impact on you for days, weeks, months & yes, years to come. I’ve had the great fortune to take quite a few, and I know my trip this past weekend to Dublin is one of those such trips. It was certainly quick, but I had just enough time to get a feel for this historic city, complete with plenty of thankful reflection (and lots of on-foot exploration wearing my Orvis Heritage Field Coat!)

Highlights included the Teeling Distillery (go to the upstairs Bang Bang Bar, get the “New” Fashioned, thank me later), stellar menswear at Indigo & Cloth (packed with contemporary menswear brands like Norse Projects and Our Legacy) and the cozy, authentic confines of Bowes Lounge (get a pint of Guinness and take in the crowd). Fancy a bit of record shopping? Duck into the Sound Cellar — it’s next to a Subway shop & across from Trinity College, but that’s all the better!

Among the hustle and bustle of the city, I had two stellar Irish Breakfast platters (Canal Bank Cafe, near my quarters in Ranelagh, makes a great one!), I drank my weight in Guinness at the iconic Guinness Storehouse, and I had the chance to see one of my favorite bands, Scottish synth pop heroes CHVRCHES, play a powerful Friday night show at the iconic Olympia Theatre. If ever you get to Dublin, I can’t recommend sampling a little bit of everything this wonderful city has to offer — it’s a city and an experience I’ll always remember fondly.

As it were, I’ve got another quick weekend trip in the mix — similar to my quick jaunt to Vancouver to see Canadian rock stars Arkells, I’ll also be hitting the road to see them tomorrow! The trip is a much quicker one — a mere train ride to Philadelphia to see this powerful band play Underground Arts! My last time seeing this remarkable band (at the massive, sold-out Pacific Coliseum) was impressive, powerful & life-affirming, so I expect a similar showing this time, but in a much smaller setting! Start your own weekend with this week’s edition of The Friday Read, then coming back around tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week. Thanks for reading!

  • I always talk about the little details making a difference in terms of the way you get dressed every single day — it’s with that in mind that I rounded up several of my favorite everyday carry essentials for The Manual, from a refined leather watch to a durable phone case.
  • The work being done by the team at Buck Mason is really never not Buck Mason Bruiser Bomber JacketGearMoose worth a look — case in point being the remarkable , one of my favorite leather jackets of the moment. It just so happens to be the subject of one of my latest features, too!
  • Let’s turn back to GearMoose for a menswear feature I had some serious fun writing — the Todd Snyder x Timex partnership always yields some fruitful, stylish results. On that note, it’s been enjoyable to test out the refined, slim Todd Snyder x Timex Mid-Century Watch, a sleek timepiece that calls to mind old-school watches. Again, head to GearMoose to check it out.

As we again transition slowly but surely into spring, I have one more menswear recommendation for you today — namely, check out this rugged workwear jacket from Flint and Tinder to take on all your weekend adventures. That’s all from me for today!

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

Here’s your new favorite jacket — there, I said it.

Put it this way: The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket could be the last jacket you need to buy for the rest of winter (and heck, next fall). Perhaps you thought your seasonal outerwear situation was all set? Not so fast. The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket is the right way to refresh your winter jacket collection as the season rolls along, what with its classic blend of workwear style and durability. It’s a step down in terms of dressy style from, say, the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t wear the  Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket every other time you need a tough, dependable jacket. It’s made in the U.S.A, a signifier of that extra attention to detail and quality for which Flint and Tinder is known across the board.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

The quality behind the Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket starts with its construction and fabrication — for instance, it’s made with tough cotton canvas from North Carolina, a haven for excellent textiles. It’s there that the Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket really starts to take shape, from the cotton corduroy flip-up collar (a classic workwear touch) to the quilted interior lining.

Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

Also available in Grey, this jacket is complete with a functional quilted lining.

And as you can see above, it comes in both Grey and my personal favorite, a rich shade of Brown that wears well with all of your other favorite menswear essentials (think indigo denim and brown leather boots, for starters). The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket also wears nicely with slightly dressier pieces, like slim olive chinos and a white Oxford (topped off with classic leather chukka boots, of course). And that versatility means this tough workwear jacket is much more versatile than you might think — try it with a denim shirt and grey chinos to head to a weekend happy hour or a casual coffee date.

What’s more, the Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket is pretty darn affordable considering what you’re getting — a dependable, warm winter jacket that you can wear for both work and play. The cotton canvas exterior is going to take on chilly weather and snow with ease, while even the YKK coil zippers get the job done in terms of durability. There really isn’t any downside to picking up the Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket, that much is clear.  What’s your take on this soon-to-be winter style staple? Feel free to chime in on Twitter!

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

See Now, Buy Now: The Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down is the Best Flannel Shirt for Winter

This classic flannel shirt is American-made & truly timeless.

Looking for a new shirt to upgrade your winter style in a hurry? Our See Now, Buy Now series can undoubtedly help — witness the truly excellent Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down pictured above, for starters. It could just be your new favorite flannel shirt, and it’s not hard to see why. Your Brooklyn-based editor particularly loves the Red Plaid Flannel shown above (is that too on-the-nose for Brooklyn?), but each of three standout color options are winners when it comes to the American-made Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down. If you peruse the pages of the blog with any frequency (which you certainly should!), you know that we always appreciate and recommend gear from Flint and Tinder, the in-house brand at Huckberry that makes everything from your favorite Oxford shirt to the perfect pair of blue denim. And again, you can add this classic flannel shirt to that list — especially with winter still bearing down on us.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down

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This is more than just your average casual shirt, though. The  Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down is essential on so many fronts, from the tailored-but-not-too-tight fit (ideal for layering over a classic slub henley), right on through to the rich Red Plaid color (again, my personal favorite). The price is also agreeable for a flannel shirt made in the States — especially one that’s made from 100 percent Portuguese cotton flannel.

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In essence and in reality, the Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down is quite possibly the best flannel shirt you need to make any outfit great — that goes for office-ready looks like a tan herringbone blazer and charcoal trousers, or more casual ensembles (I.E. A rugged crewneck sweater and faded denim). Truly, the Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down has nearly limitless styling potential, and that’s great news with Valentine’s Day on the way. In short, you won’t tire of wearing the Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down — hurry up and snag yours now.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Flannel Button Down
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Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Type 3 Sherpa-Lined Trucker Jacket

A stunner of a jacket, from a well-respected brand, to boot.

There are jackets that immediately get your attention, jumping off the screen and easily grabbing a spot on any list of the best men’s winter jackets — are we on the same page so far? Good, because the exceptional Flint and Tinder Type 3 Shera-Lined Trucker Jacket is a sight to behold, and I personally think it could be your new favorite denim jacket. That might be my bias talking — I sure do love the American-made style purveyors at Flint and Tinder — but if first glances say anything, then the Flint and Tinder Type 3 Shera-Lined Trucker Jacket is going to be mighty, mighty impressive. Much like its warm-weather counterpart, the Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket, the Sherpa-Lined Trucker delivers rugged, classic style in spades — starting with that iconic silhouette. It carries through to the stonewashed cotton fabric from which this tough denim trucker jacket is cut (not all that dissimilar from the Flint and Tinder Stonewashed Jeans, come to think of it). That sets the tone for a tough jacket that’s also surprisingly easy to layer. It’s ready-made to wear with all sorts of men’s style essentials, from a classic flannel shirt to a slim henley on your top half.  
Shop Faherty Brand

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Type 3 Shera-Lined Trucker Jacket

Flint and Tinder

All the right details in all the right places here.

But, wait just a second … there’s more good news when it comes to this outstanding jacket. The use of one percent stretch should provide even more comfort and mobility, while the deep-pile sherpa lining gives the Flint and Tinder Type 3 Shera-Lined Trucker Jacket its name. Quilted polyester sleeve lining also makes it easy to slip this jacket on and off — it’s suitable to wear outside in chilly winter weather, yet shouldn’t prove too sweltering once you’re seated at the bar of your favorite brewery. And that’s another huge selling point when it comes to the Sherpa-Lined Trucker. The blending of a classic trucker jacket design with warm sherpa fabric means you can wear this as a winter travel jacket (thanks to the front-button chest pockets) or as a cozy extra layer atop a classic crewneck sweater during a weekend coffee date. To top it all off, custom hardware gives the Sherpa-Lined Trucker a unique, handsome finish. Oh, and it’s entirely made in the States, an extra touch that lends it that special feeling. Hopefully, you feel that way every time you put on the Sherpa-Lined Trucker. Don’t take my word for it, though. It’s yours for the taking.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Type 3 Shera-Lined Trucker Jacket


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The Friday Read: Movember, The Best Men’s Parkas and the Leather Boots to Buy Now

A comfortable, soft flannel that’s brushed for comfort & ready to take on fall and winter.

Ahh, yes. Another Friday, another edition of The Friday Read … and another recommendation for the best fall menswear to buy now. Specifically, the handsome, versatile Proof Heatseeker Flannel— made from brushed polyester flannel for comfort and movement — is leading us off to start the weekend.  In short, the Heatseeker Flannel will go anywhere you go, from the office to happy hour, and it’ll look great doing it. Now, onto the rest of today’s entry. Have you made sure to keep up with the blog as we get you fully prepped for this season? We’re looking at Thanksgiving just a few weeks away — dressing in style for the occasion is crucial, and we’ll have more content in that regard next week on the blog via our #OOTD series. In other matters: We debuted a new look on The Style Guide this week! What do you think of it? Feel free to let me know on TwitterAnd elsewhere: I’m very, VERY excited to be heading back to my home state of Michigan this weekend for my kindergarten (yep!) best friend’s bachelor party! What’s on tap? Plenty of amazing Michigan craft beer, plus college football (Go Green!) and of course, the chance to break out some of my rugged fall gear as we spend the weekend at a log cabin retreat. To keep up with all the action, you know where to go — follow me on Instagram, and then be sure to join us again tomorrow for another edition of the Style Pick of the Week. OK, I’ve got a flight to catch — thanks for reading!

  • We’ve been rolling through  November for a while now, which means it’s time to turn our attention toward men’s health. Believe you me, it’s not too late to get into the spirit of Movember — my friend John Jones at The Manual dives into why, exactly, it’s worthwhile for us fellas.
  • The chill of winter is going to be bearing down on us in short order, which is why I rounded up the best men’s parkas for GearMoose! There’s something for every price point and every style, without a doubt.
  • In the way of other other men’s style essentials you need for fall, you can add stylish leather boots to your list — such as the Rhodes Dean Boots, a handsome and low-profile pair of sleek leather boots that I again covered for GearMoose. Lace up, then hit the road.

Still want something else to read? Check out thebest henley to buy for fall. Or, busy yourself reading about the all-weather boots you need in your closet (and on your feet). Still not ready to go back to work? Check out a recent edition of the Friday Read, covering the best leather boots and the best live music venues out there. They go hand-in-hand, right? OK, that’s all for now.

See Now, Buy Now: The Flint and Tinder Ridge Shell Is Tough and Weather-Ready

Your next fall outerwear purchase — rain-ready, functional & stylish.

Ever wake up and get caught off guard by nasty weather outside? Ever get caught in that weather without an umbrella? Same and same. That’s why I’m such a fan of the Flint and Tinder Ridge Shell (yes, more Flint and Tinder on The Style Guide!), and that’s why I think you will be, too. The latest entry into our See Now, Buy Now series also happens to be the rare weather-ready jacket that also happens to be stylish — no gaudy logos or overly bright colors here, just the classic style and tough design you’d expect from our pals at Flint and Tinder.  Simply put, the Flint and Tinder Ridge Shell really does drive home everything you know and love about the brand, from the USA-made construction to the rugged appeal and a unique sense of heritage and history. To wit: The Flint and Tinder Ridge Shell starts with water and tear-resistant Japanese nylon fabric done up in a silhouette that echoes timeless mountain parkas. The specs are tough, durable and ready for nearly anything, too. That goes for the custom metal snaps, the natural cotton drawstring and leather stoppers — all of which just so happen to be subtly stylish at the same time.

Crucially, the Flint and Tinder Ridge Shell is more than just your average, lightweight, grab-and-go jacket (although it looks great with casual style staples aplenty). No sir, there’s just a little something extra to this jacket — I’m particularly a fan of the Dark Olive color, which wouldn’t look out of place when worn with the Flint and Tinder Stonewashed Jeans and perhaps a rugged waffle henley. The possibilities for a jacket like the Flint and Tinder Ridge Shell go about as far as you’d like, from day hikes to that critical fall pumpkin patch visit to an afternoon wiled away at your local brewery. And to top it off, you won’t be caught off guard by the rain anymore.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Ridge Shell