December 12, 2025 by Beau H.

The Friday Find: This Gustin American-Made Pocket Tee is An Ideal Move for Winter Lounging and Layering

Building out your ideal menswear wardrobe is an exercise worth undertaking from A to Z, and from the ground up: As I’ve long said here on this Brooklyn style blog, if you’re putting the thought and care into selecting the perfect pair of leather boots, the right belt or the right pair of selvedge denim, the same thought process can apply to the rest of your favorite menswear essentials.

And that even includes the humble T-shirt, especially one of the best American-made T-shirts out there — once you’ve tried what the good folks at San Francisco-based Gustin are slinging, you might never go back to the old ways of T-shirts made without a little extra elbow grease and American-made ingenuity in mind.

Shop USA-made style must-haves at Gustin

The Gustin American Heavy Long-Sleeve Pocket Tee is the sort of casually cool basic that just might make you wonder how you went so long without a stylish, highly durable, upgraded T-shirt in your laidback rotation. Fit for layering under a shawl cardigan, teaming with a flannel shirt jacket or worn with ease alongside tapered joggers for easygoing weekend outings, there might not be a better-made basic than this one, especially at the excellent price of just $39 (other USA-made T-shirts constructed in similar fashion might fetch closer to $120 from some brands, my friends).

The Gustin American Heavy Long-Sleeve Pocket Tee is made from a thick cotton jersey fabric with a heavier weight for a clean drape — and the sort of resulting style that should make you feel comfortable enough to wear this rugged tee on its own, no other layers required (unless, of course, you need to throw on a waxed trucker jacket to tackle winter yardwork).

Billed by the brand as “the perfect, extra-heavy long sleeve t-shirt,” it looks to me as though the handsome Gustin American Heavy Long-Sleeve Pocket Tee should live up to its billing, at least in my experience with Gustin menswear. And in a rich garment-dyed Navy, this tee should prove sturdy yet supple right out of the box. Find out more and pre-order your new favorite everyday long-sleeve tee online at Gustin.

October 12, 2025October 11, 2025 by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: These Gustin Selvedge Jeans Are Every Bit as Good as Advertised, at a Fraction of the Price

There are certain menswear staples that, if you ask me, are assuredly worth the investment, and a pair of the best blue jeans for men certainly qualifies. There are also levels to that investment, as with any grea style must-have.

While some jeans are more affordable and made with a blend of traditional cotton denim and modern stretch fabric, others are made from what you might call “the good stuff,” a truly out-of-this-world fabrication known as selvedge denim.

And my friends, the good folks at Gustin make some of the best selvedge denim on the market, and they do so at a fraction of the price compared to other high-end men’s blue jean companies.

Find out more now at Gustin

Of course, if you read this Brooklyn style blog regularly, you’ll have come across thick, hearty, sturdy pairs of raw (unwashed or untreated) men’s selvedge denim over the years, and there’s a true difference in the way this fabric wears, ages and molds to your body over time.

It’s exciting stuff as you consider your rotation of menswear essentials, and the Gustin 75 Okayama Standard Jeans are a best-seller from the San Francisco-based direct-to-consumer menswear brand, which specializes with great care in stylish men’s blue jeans and more.

It can be a big leap to buy a pair of selvedge jeans for the first time (pay special attention to the sizing specs for these men’s selvedge jeans on the brand’s Web site), but you can rest assured that this pair of sanforized raw selvedge denim measures up in every possible.

The Gustin 75 Okayama Standard Jeans boast a dependable 14.5oz. fabric weight for multi-season wear, while they fade to a medium blue with more wear over time (after starting as a deep blue indigo, of course).

And here come the savings, too: Gustin notes these jeans are “typically priced at $278-$417 in retail,” yet you can find several sizes of the Gustin 75 Okayama Standard Jeans available now for just $199. In my experience, that’s stellar value for some of the best men’s blue jeans. Between the savings, the style points and the stellar quality, you might have just found your new favorite pair of men’s jeans in the Gustin 75 Okayama Standard Jeans.

September 21, 2015September 16, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Upgrade: Sharp Sneakers

Editor’s note: This is the third in an ongoing series covering quick and easy upgrades to dilemmas a guy might face once in a while. For more entries in the series, click here.

There’s still a good amount of time for short sleeves — and a great pair of sneakers. Short-sleeve shirt by H&M. Slim chinos by Frank & Oak. Navy suede sneakers by GREATS Brand.

Before you double-check your calendar, we’re definitely diving into sneakers right now on The Style Guide — even as it gets closer to October and boot season. Lest you think that means it’s time to shelve your sneakers, it’s far from it — there are plenty of ways sneakers can be styled sharply (particularly if they’re crafted from nice leather or sturdy canvas — like the pairs you’ll read about below). It seems so many brands are making sneakers now, it’s tough to keep track — from venerable institutions like Rancourt & Co. to newer, digital-focused upstarts like Gustin (more on both of those brands in a bit). That’s precisely why sneakers are such a great style upgrade. When premium brands make sneakers fit for wearing with everything from chinos to dark denim, it’s worth taking notice. My friend Madhav of Wardrobe Domination covered great men’s sneakers in detail earlier this year, so if you’ve need some shopping suggestions, that post is also worth a look.

Switching out your sneakers doesn’t have to mean reaching for something flashy — a classic pair of white captoes (like the GREATS Wilson) can do the trick. Short-sleeve buttondown by Saturdays Surf NYC. Lightwash jeans by J. Crew. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Switching out some tired running sneakers is just one step on the path to better style, and it requires small changes, bit by bit. It doesn’t have to require a lot of money, though. And maybe you’re just looking for a different pair of kicks. That’s why it never hurts to reach for a fail-safe classic in a low-key color if you’re switching out your kicks — that fail-safe classic is, in this case, a revamped style. Yes, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II release was much-hyped earlier this summer, and with good reason — it’s a functional update to a style that looks right with all kinds of casual (and even business-casual outfits). Other newer brands are also taking on the captoe sneaker silhouette and competing admirably — GREATS and its Wilson sneaker certainly come to mind. And as the weather ramps up for most of us, a trusty leather high-top sneaker can provide nearly as much durability (in some climates) as a leather boot — take, for instance, the Royale High from GREATS as detailed in this site’s recent Fall Style Wish List post.

Two different takes on a sneaker, both sold by J. Crew.

Among other high-top sneaker offerings, the Canvas SK8-Hi from Vans is a classic style that many seem to love — that side stripe sets things off just visually enough, too. With so many sneaker options out there, sometimes it’s nice just to have everything in one spot — take J. Crew, for example. The much-maligned retailer really does offer a ridiculous amount of sneaker options , from the decidedly sportier Nike Killshot (still a worthy upgrade from running shoes) to high-top suede sneakers with minimal details crafted in Africa (as seen above). The pair on the right would look particularly killer with some dark denim and a charcoal blazer. And that’s the beauty of a great pair of sneakers — they can be worn just as you would a fine pair of stylish dress shoes if you nail the fit and proportion of the rest of the outfit.

A look at a low-top sneaker that Gustin produced earlier this year. Many of the brand’s current high-top options are funding quickly.

If you still find yourself in the market for a more basic, beater-type pair (say, if you happen to live in a warmer-weather area), the SeaVees Army Issue Low should offer what you’re looking for. On that note, places like Urban Outfitters sell standard-yet-sharp styles like low-cut, gum-sole Vans for under $60. But, if you’re in need of a truly durable and higher-cut sneaker, Gustin is definitely worth a look — the brand is pre-funding opportunities for pairs of its Italian-made sneakers (like these stellar Blue Gum Sole High Top Sneakers), although the majority of those styles won’t ship until next year (bummer!). But if it’s a quicker purchasing turnaround you’re in the market for, keep an eye on Frank & Oak and the brand’s monthly collections — its most recent September offering included a full lineup of excellent-looking leather sneakers.

Not to be outdone by classic brands, even luxury companies are getting in on the sneaker game — it’s safe to say the Tom Ford Orford Sneaker is just one of any number of options outside the typical Style Guide budget. Of course, no mention of sneakers in this day and age is complete without paying homage (or at least linking to?) the style that begat a thousand copycats — the Common Projects Achilles Low. It’s expensive, it’s minimal and it’s one pair that really deserves exceptional care.

Upgrading or switching out your sneakers doesn’t have to be ludicrously expensive or painful though — the key is finding a style that fits your lifestyle, ideally one that can be dressed up or down (that’s where sharp leather sneakers from brands like GREATS or Frank & Oak come in). And sneakers can complement other style upgrades, too — there are few places where slim denim and a nice pair of sneakers can’t go.

What’s your go-to pair of sneakers? And how would you style an upgraded pair of nice kicks? Let me know!

Want more style musings throughout the day (who doesn’t??). Follow me on Twitter @BoKnowsClothes.

August 22, 2015August 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Gustin Classic Boot

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

The latest release from Gustin — a shockingly affordable and stunning boot made right in America.

The folks over at San Franciso-based Gustin have been on something of a tear in recent months — the brand released its first pocket T-shirt earlier this spring, and if it wasn’t enough to deliver well-crafted basics on top of excellent everyday wear, the brand then put out some stunning sneakers this summer. Those releases were the cherry on top of its already standout line of durable and well-crafted denim and complementary pieces like chore coats. And each item funded quickly as per the brand’s crowdsourced production model. Consider Gustin one step further into completely dominating your wardrobe now, thanks to the release this week of a lineup of made-in-America boots that look positively outstanding. If the speed at which they’re funding is astonishing, the price point is nothing short of jaw-dropping, too — just $199. That’s a good chunk less compared to similar-looking boots from Wolverine or Red Wing, for starters, yet they’re made by the very same craftsmen.

The Inferno Tan shade brings heavy vintage vibes, an eyecatching color and a heck of a price point.

Gustin’s boots are available in three different looks, ranging from the chocolate brown shade seen at the top to a bright shade of tan and a grey-and-gold tinged Natural color. The specs of the boots are equally impressive, particularly for a pair that retails at what’s normally a final sale price for other brands. Built to last with Chromexcel leather from the world-renowned Horween Leather Company, they feature a tough Goodyear welt. The brand even used a custom last to create a pleasing, slim-yet-rugged profile that should pair well with its dark denim — and particularly rough-and-tumble fabrics like herringbone and tweed come fall. The waxed brown laces and brown metal eyelets on the CXL Brown Classic Boot are the kind of details that make these both a boot that can take a beating and a boot that’ll look all kinds of right when worn with dressier cold-weather essentials — is it fall already?

Will you be funding Gustin’s latest release? How would you style the boots seen here?

June 3, 2015June 3, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Combat Gent Slim-Fit Travel Jacket

An in-person review of Combat Gent’s Slim-Fit Khaki Travel Jacket. Size shown: 38L. Spring Plaid shirt by Gustin. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Brown leather watch by Stuhrling. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Editor’s note: For a full rundown of product reviews covering everything from polos to watches, click here.

Combat Gent (or Combatant Gentlemen, if you’re one to go the full name route) has been popping up lots of different places in the digital menswear community as of late, and they’ve been turning heads mainly for the price points at which they provide their products. The consensus has been somewhat mixed, but largely positive, and for those not in the know, the brand offers a range of suiting, shirts, ties, dress pants, denim and even weekender bags at prices far lower than one might expect. They’re also doing tuxedos, which would be a great buy if you’re the type to buy a tux and need to do so on a budget.

And they definitely caught the attention of this menswear writer as I shopped around for my Spring Style Wish List. Combat Gent reached out to me earlier this spring in fact, and offered up the product that you see here (namely, the Slim-Fit Khaki Travel Jacket, along with the Ash Grey Heather Herringbone Shirt and one of the brand’s Endurance Shirts in White ). The khaki travel jacket in particular has proven to be a highly versatile piece — it pairs easily with casual get-ups, like the henley, chinos and sneakers combo you see below, as well as with slightly more business-casual outfits (namely with the Gustin Spring Plaid shirt and some dark denim).

Slim-Fit Khaki Travel Jacket by Combat Gent. Washed red henley by GAP. Light grey chinos by Bonobos. Navy sneakers by GREATS Brand. Striped socks by Richer Poorer. Brown leather watch by Stuhrling.

Now for the jacket’s specs — this piece is under the brand’s Outerwear section, although at first glance, it’s somewhat tricky to see why. It doesn’t appear to have the springy, wrinkle-resistant bounceback qualities of something like J. Crew’s Traveler suiting line, and the Italian cotton twill fabric doesn’t wear as though it has a tremendous amount of stretch. The twill is peached for softness though, a nice touch that pushes the jacket more into casual territory (although it still doesn’t move or wear as well as a Bonobos Washed Chino blazer, for example). The jacket features a single vent and is half-canvassed with a butterfly lining, although it actually wore a bit stiff at first for being so unstructured.

A very-near custom fit for a low price. Shirt by Gustin Braided leather belt by Merona. Dark denim by Mott and Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker.

The patch pockets and Corozo buttons are sewn in sturdily enough for the price — there’s no threadbare buttons or extra dangling threads. And the fit itself is definitely to be applauded. A size 38L on my 6’1″, 180-lb. frame fits like a charm — very nearly custom. The jacket is slightly longer in the back and covers a good amount of my backside — it’s not so long that it looks off when worn more casually with denim, though. The sleeves are trim and hit at about the ideal length for showing some shirt cuff, and the jacket has just a bit of pull when buttoned — those into a more traditional fit might want to size up with this piece. It does wrinkle slightly easier than one might expect from a “travel” jacket, but it really offers up a tremendous bang for the buck at just $70. The same style is available in a terrific shade of electric blue (Cobalt), along with Olive and Navy.

The Ash Grey Heather Herringbone shirt from Combat Gent being put to good use. Polka dot tie by Express. Slim chinos by Taylor Stitch. Brown leather loafers by Bass. Braided leather belt by Merona. Horween Chromexcel No. 8 leather watch strap by Form-Function-Form and watch by Timex.

And as far as other product goes from the brand, Combat Gent’s shirting is definitely worth considering when buying on a budget, too. The Endurance Shirt in White fits similar to an Express 1MX Extra Slim Fit shirt and would definitely be a solid purchase for about half of that price. It’s the type of shirt you could wear with a navy suit or on its own under a V-neck sweater. And the Ash Grey Heather Herringbone shirt as seen above (actually part of the brand’s Fall ’14 line of shirting) features a very soft blend of brushed Italian cotton and mother-of-pearl buttons that actually feel decently sturdy. The fabric itself is quite soft and feels much like a heathered cotton Oxford shirt from J. Crew. The collar on the shirt has a nice roll to it, and the piece fits slim and pairs nicely with a casual blazer, too. Although it’s technically a fall shirt, it’s the right weight to be worn in cooler spring temperatures.

While the quality isn’t up to par with J. Crew or another larger menswear retailer, Combat Gent’s blazers and shirts are worth your time and money if you’re on a budget (and who isn’t nowadays, right?). Some aspects of the fabric and construction might leave a little to be desired, but particularly if you need a starter suit, blazer or shirt (or if you feel like taking the plunge on a more fashion-forward suit), Combat Gent would be a great place to start looking.

Do you have any experience with Combat Gent? Thinking about picking up any pieces from the brand? Let me know!

May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Gustin Spring Plaid Shirt

A sturdy shirt with details that reflect the price. Spring Plaid Shirt by Gustin. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker. Brown leather watch by Stuhrling.

Editor’s note: For other product reviews covering more menswear categories than you can shake a stick at, click here.

San Francisco-based Gustin has been known across the menswear community these past few years for the excellent, sturdy (and American-made) denim they’ve been producing — don’t forget about their tough, durable chore coats either. The brand is expanding even further as of late into new, essential categories like T-shirts and (starting in June), sneakers. And you can add another category to the list of things the brand does very well — casual shirting. Gustin launched its shirting with a focus on the basics, like chambrays and Oxfords. They’ve since broadened that approach even further, to the point where they’re now funding a third release of shirts with lauded heritage shirtmaker Thomas Mason. They’ve done a nice job adding seasonal fabrics as well — like the Spring Plaid shirt you see here.

Shirtails are slightly long in the front and back for my personal taste, but it’s still fit to be worn untucked. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

This release was funded in the depths of this past winter (February if memory serves?) and at only $76 for this made-in-America piece, it’s not hard to see why. While that price is on the higher side if you’re on a budget, a one-off purchase like this can be an excellent way to get exposure to made-in-America craftsmanship and quality, if only infrequently to start. The shirt uses Japanese cotton cloth with a vintage plaid pattern — it’s nice to see another brand making use of plaid patterns in places other than fall or winter-weight clothing. The colors in this shirt are pretty vivid, and yet the overall pattern is subtle enough to have a pleasing effect on the eye from afar. The combination of red, green, blue, yellow and white might seem a bit much at first, but it definitely works in this case. Being able to glance closely and see different bits of color crossing over each other is a nice effect, too.

On the lookout for spring. Shirt by Gustin. Khaki Travel Jacket by Combat Gent. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

On the lookout for spring. Shirt by Gustin. Khaki Travel Jacket by Combat Gent. Braided leather belt by Target Merona. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

It’s the type of shirt that adds some punch to an outfit without taking away too much attention from elsewhere – and the multitude of colors pairs well with a neutral piece like the Slim-Fit Khaki Travel Jacket from Combat Gent shown above. Perhaps the most important thing to note on this shirt is the fit — although this shirting model isn’t on-sale now, that same design carries over to the brand’s other pieces. In a Slim-Fit Medium, the armholes are high but not restrictive, the sleeves have a tailored and clean (but not overly snug fit), and the shoulders are the right width on my 6’1″, 180 lb. frame. The shirt is just a tad on the longer side when untucked for my personal taste, but it’s more than able to be worn that way comfortably. As far as the overall fit, it’s very close to a slim-fit casual shirt from J. Crew or Club Monaco. (Editor’s note: Does anyone have any experience with the Classic Fit shirting style from Gustin?).

A closer look at details of the shirting and the blazer. Pocket square by Banana Republic.

Other shirting details absolutely live up to the purchase price as well. The two-piece front placket and sleeve cuffs feel sturdy, not flimsy — that’s key when rolling up shirt sleeves. The buttons are attached firmly to the shirt and at the buttondown collar – no loose threads or buttons in danger of falling off here. Crucially, the collar itself has a substantial (yet not overly large) roll to it, making it easy to wear without a tie. It’s little details like these that bring together a complete shirt fit for business-casual or more laidback wear. The pattern on this has the sort of scale that wouldn’t detract from a striped cotton tie in dressier instances, and yet the collar could stand up under a linen cardigan or V-neck sweater, too.

So, assuming the brand doesn’t pull a price hike and continues to fund new shirting releases in the current pricing range (roughly between $70 and $93), it’s absolutely worth a shot to snap one up that catches your eye. New product releases from Gustin tend to be funded in a matter of days, if not even more quickly, but at the rate the folks in Cali pump out stellar designs, there should be more than enough opportunity to pick up one of your own soon. Consider this writer sold for the future.

Have you bought any casual shirting from Gustin? What’s your experience been like? What other products have caught your eye from the store?

May 11, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Spring & Summer T-Shirts

One of my favorite warm-weather T-shirts. Nautical printed shirt by J. Crew Factory. Navy herringbone shorts by Frank & Oak. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Editor’s note: For more online shopping picks covering everything from great brands, gift guides and the best warm-weather blazers and shorts, head here.

A T-shirt’s a pretty simple item of clothing, right? Not too much to think about, certainly? When you look at it that way, any old graphic T-shirt will do. But so many brands and designers are upgrading this simple, iconic item of clothing with richer colors, better fabric and texture, more nuanced details and even wilder patterns that you would typically find on buttondown shirts. And that’s why it’s a better choice in this case to reach for something other than a plain ol’ white crewneck T-shirt or (particularly) a tank top. Some tanks are well-made and definitely work for some guys, but that’s beside the point — a T-shirt or short-sleeve henley just looks a bit better and could even be considered a bit more versatile. Here are five solid (non-tank) options to round out your warm-weather wardrobe.

#1. J. Crew Factory Slim Placed Stripe Tee — $24.50

An upgraded basic thanks to some small design details.

So this T-shirt will set you back a bit more than paying for a pack of classic white T-shirts — but there’s a reason for that upgraded price tag. J. Crew Factory’s quality is, by some accounts, on par with its elder sibling J. Crew when it comes to basics like this. This tee combines a slim fit with a nice shade of navy perfect for pairing with spring shorts or khaki chinos — the white, nautical-leaning stripe and chest pocket are also subtle design touches that differentiate it from a plain crewneck. Note that Old Navy has a nearly identical version of this piece for about half the price, although you lose out a bit on quality.

#2. Pistol Lake Short-Sleeve Henley — $35

Changing up the typical crewneck or pocket T-shirt. Henley by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow.

The second option on this list isn’t a plain pocket T-shirt, to be sure, but everyone needs some diversity in their warm-weather wardrobe (this coming from a guy who’s got about three crewneck pocket tees in his closet). And a henley is a perfectly rugged way to break up the typical short-sleeve shirt rotation. This pick from Pistol Lake is as solid a choice as you’re going to get — made from soft, breathable 6 oz. jersey cotton, it’s sturdy and well-constructed. The price is a tad higher than a standard pick, but you support American-made ingenuity and attention to detail.

#3. Buck Mason Navy Crew Slub Tee — $24

Slouchier collar, rounded shirttail and a deep navy color — definitely not the standard crewneck.

For all the talk here about breaking things up visually with a solid chest pocket, sometimes there are, in fact, crewneck options sans pocket that work well. In this case, the navy crew slub tee from Buck Mason combines a slightly wider collar with an inky indigo color and slubby texture for some different visual details. The rounded hem is a touch also not seen on other T-shirts, and it’s got the kind of easygoing vibe that just works in the spring and summer. Its price, again, goes toward supporting made-in-America production, which seems to be missing a lot of places these days.

#4. Bonobos Yarn Spun Heather Printed Tee — $45

An eye-popping pattern and a rather eye-popping price, too.

A couple of things might catch your eye about this T-shirt — for one, the price is pretty darn high for a basic. And that pattern will absolutely turn some heads (it’s also available in a green floral option). Bonobos is definitely to be applauded for its commitment to breaking away from just making pants; this T-shirt in particular shows that. It’s the kind of pattern that will work for some … and might not work for others. But if you’re heading to the beach or a fun summer party, this is one way to upgrade a plain tee or tank top.

#5. Gustin Pocket T-Shirt 2 or 3-Pack — $28 or $42

Three colors of this pocket T-shirt were available in the first run. Photo courtesy of Gustin.

Now this next option here is slightly tricky owing to the nature of Gustin’s business model. The San Franciso-based, US-production-led outfit produces runs of items only when they’re 100 percent funded — so if an item funds quicker than expected (or if it doesn’t fund at all — very rare), you miss out on the chance to buy it. However, new varieties of everything from T-shirts to denim are being added nearly daily, so it shouldn’t be too hard to stock up on a 2 or 3-pack of pocket T-shirts. Currently, the company is offering up a 2-pack of black or white pocket T-shirts — that pocket is the ideal way to break up the plain-ness of a white or black crewneck, although something like heather grey would be more versatile when it’s on tap again for the brand.

In any roundup, and particularly ones involving a basic item made nearly everywhere, there are going to be some left out. Bonobos’ Yarn Spun Striped Pocket Tee in a soft-washed red is a covetable choice thanks to that sunfaded color and subtle stripes, and even Buck Mason’s Army Green Crew Slub Tee was tough to pass up. The Slub-Knit Pocket Tee from Old Navy was also a close finisher, but just missed the cut — keep in mind that places like GAP also do simple, affordably priced basics.

What’s your go-to summer T-shirt? Will you be picking up (or have you already bought) any of the above picks?

April 11, 2015April 11, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Gustin Pocket T-Shirt

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for . For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Three colors of this pocket T-shirt available for simple, easygoing style. Image courtesy of Gustin.

Gustin’s menswear business model is certainly the first of its kind that’s grown to such a large scale so quickly, and for good reason. Each of the brand’s crowdfunded offerings, from denim to workwear jackets, has been closely and carefully considered, right down to the excellent fabrics they use. That’s why it was great to see them add another simple, well-made, American-manufactured item to their rotation earlier this week: the pocket T-shirt.

The heather grey version up close (on model). Image courtesy of Gustin.

Gustin’s regular crewneck T-shirts were funded pretty quickly when they first launched earlier this year, and new colors have been successes as well. So a pocket T-shirt was in high demand. When it comes to style, this iteration is actually one step above a regular crewneck — the pocket adds some visual interest on its own, and a heathered fabric can also amp things up slightly. This first round of pocket tees is available for pre-purchase in a three-pack featuring solid white and black jersey cotton shirts, as well as a versatile heather grey triblend option. The set runs for $42 (an astoundingly low $14 per T-shirt if you’re keeping score), and is 43% funded with 12 days left in the run (as of this post). This is definitely the kind of T-shirt fit for easygoing weekend wear — and at that low price, it’s very attainable.

Does this T-shirt make your wish list? Any previous experience with Gustin or the brand’s T-shirts?

October 23, 2014 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Gustin Waxed Charcoal Chore Coat

Jacket by Gustin. Henley by Frank and Oak. Jeans by American Apparel. Boots by Palladium. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Jacket by Gustin. Henley by Frank and Oak. Jeans by American Apparel. Boots by Palladium. Photo taken in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Although it’s been unseasonably warm in New York throughout October, in the past few days, we’ve really seen the start of what I like to call autumn. And with that change in seasons in mind, I reached for a recent wardrobe addition: Gustin’s Waxed Charcoal Chore Coat. A chore coat brings to mind strong workwear influences that have become so prevalent in recent years — once worn by those in real rough and rugged industries, everything from chambray shirts to sturdy work boots has gotten the high-fashion treatment from major retailers like J. Crew, whose Wallace and Barnes collection, for example, always draws heavily from functionality and utility. And these items have a timeless appeal that can be incorporated into many different looks (take, for example, the ever-versatile chambray shirt).

Chore Coat by Gustin. Henley by Frank and Oak. Jeans by American Apparel. Watch by Timex.

Enjoying the beautiful autumn weater. Watch by Timex. Glasses by Burberry.

Gustin’s Chore Coat adds another rugged layer to workwear’s style-minded resurgence. The jacket was funded earlier this year using Gustin’s sourcing platform and shipped in mid-summer; until now, it’s been far too warm for such a hardy jacket. Thankfully, Gustin’s pieces (and this one in particular) are worth the wait. While the brand’s denim gets lots of love, they’ve expanded their offerings to chinos, chambray shirts and CPO jackets, and if they’re all done as well as this chore coat, they’d be worth a look. Unfortunately, this jacket isn’t available in the exact color seen here at the moment, but a relatively similar Honey Brown Chore Coat is being funded on the site now.

The Chore Coat uses a thick plain-weave waxed cotton (weight: 13.5 oz., if you’re keeping track), and it’s got some nice heft to it for fighting the chill of fall and winter without being crazy-heavy. It also features two front patch pockets and one chest patch pocket; the right chest pocket includes a button flap. The waxed cotton feels sturdy and durable, yet moves well. It’s not overly stiff by any means; already through just a handful of times out of the closet, it’s beginning to break in at all the right places, including through the arms and across the shoulders. Although chore coats of old were cut wider and bulkier, the body of this jacket is nice and trim, as advertised. The sleeves are slim but provide enough space for layering sweaters or perhaps an additional jacket underneath, and there’s more than enough mobility thanks to the jacket’s high armholes (something feasibly not found on older chore coats).

Paired with clean, simple staples and some unconvential Palladium boots.

This jacket should continue to break in exceptionally well, and thanks to such a trim cut, I can see it being worn in many different situations. The neutral color and workwear inspirations should lend a rugged vibe to seasonal shirt-and-tie combinations (like a chambray shirt and wool tie) or a casual sweater (like a navy crewneck) and dark jeans. It also complements traditional rugged staples, like the henley seen in these photos. I paired it with slim American Apparel black jeans and Palladium boots; although the Palladium boots are much more unconventional than a rugged pair of Wolverine boots, for example, they actually grip quite well when on the move thanks to the vulcanized rubber sole. Additionally, the canvas upper is sturdy and thick, meaning that these could be worn well into fall (and possibly winter, too). Just like those Palladium boots, the chore coat should see significant use in the coming months — although it’s sometimes tough to find similar options out there, picking up a workwear-inspired coat in an updated fit is a great way to inject rugged style into your daily get-ups.

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