The Friday Read: New Huron Deodorant, Performance Gear from Western Rise & Huckberry’s Best Hoodie

Best men's grooming essentials.

Let’s start the weekend on a fresh note, literally, with the latest and greatest in men’s grooming essentials from Huron. The performance skincare brand, which already offers plenty of well-received men’s grooming kits and individual items, just introduced new Huron Deodorant, and I’ll be testing it out properly very soon. In the meantime — and based on my experience with other Huron products and Huron reviews — let me offer up a crisp, clean co-sign if you’ve been searching for the best men’s grooming products to add to your routine ASAP. Better still, these are men’s grooming products made in America, which is pretty neat in its own right. So, I’d say that’s a nice, refreshing way to get this winter weekend started — wouldn’t you agree?

Beyond refreshing your grooming routine, let me point you in another, fresh direction for your weekend. As just one of the many hats I wear as a freelance writer, I get the chance to cover another one of my passions — music! — for sites like Atwood Magazine. I recently had the chance to catch up with Ian Devaney, lead singer of Brooklyn synth pop trio Nation of Language, and I’d recommend you give that feature a read and a listen to add some zip to your weekend. One more note before we get back to menswear — I also publish a music and menswear newsletter, which is also worth your time! Alright, then — here we go with the rest of today’s Friday Read.

Best men's hoodie.
  • Like I said, we’re back to menswear here with a helpful reminder for the weekend ahead. In case you’re still searching for a cozy winter weekend layer, head over to Huckberry — of course — to shop one of the best hoodies for men. You very well might already be acquainted with the hoodie in question (the famed and very well-reviewed Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie), but hey, a little refresher never hurt anyone, right? Stock up accordingly with the best hoodie at Huckberry (and more!).
Western Rise Evolution Pant for Men. Lightweight, Breathable, Stretchy and  Moisture Wicking. at Amazon Men's Clothing store
  • I’m all about comfortable performance menswear these days, the kind of gear that’s built with stretch, a soft feel and plenty of versatility. So, here’s another menswear recommendation: If you missed out on the end-of-year sale from Western Rise, purveyors of stretch pants and shirts made for a day hike and the office, there’s still plenty of time to shop and stock up. For starters, the brand is always debuting new launches (like its StrongCore Merino Hoodie), and you get free shipping in the States on orders of more than $150. It doesn’t get better than that. Happy shopping, folks.
  • Last but certainly not least, here’s one more style pick to send you off into the weekend. The right winter layer can make a world of difference when it comes down to staying warm on chilly, drafty, breezy winter days. That’s precisely why I wrote all about the best shawl cardigans from some of your favorite brands (be it Todd Snyder, Huckberry or Buck Mason) over at AskMen. Here’s to staying warm in style this weekend!

That’ll close out this weekend-starting dispatch on my end, but again, thank you for your ongoing readership and support! If ever there are any brands you want to see featured, or any gear you want to see covered, don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or Instagram. Alright, let’s get into the weekend!

The Friday Read: The Taylor Stitch Winter Clearout, Huckberry Gifts & The Best Boot Socks

Taylor Stitch's Coldweather Clearout Can Save Your Winter Wardrobe -  InsideHook

It’s time to kick off the weekend in fine form once again with some of the best winter menswear, and plenty beyond that, which you should expect from our weekly Friday Read roundups. I’ve been doing the Friday Read in some form since 2015, crazily enough, and it’s a big one in particular here in Brooklyn for your friendly neighborhood style writer: Today, believe it or not, is my 30th birthday! I started this blog from my bedroom in my college house back in 2013, and I’m stunned and amazed on a daily basis at the support and the readership here and on social media (give me a follow on Instagram!), not to mention ongoing interest in my other writing work at more than a few top menswear outlets. So, right off the bat: A massive THANK YOU for reading and supporting my work! I’ve already had a wonderful start to my birthday with a few incredible days in Florida with my family exploring Disney World (yes!) and the incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which you no doubt saw if you, again, follow me on Instagram — what a way to kick things off!

Now, to business and to one of the best weekend menswear sales, yes? Sure thing, I don’t see why not. To get your weekend going, head to the Taylor Stitch Winter Clearout to take an additional 25 percent off Taylor Stitch Last Call items. It’s as simple as that, and it only runs until Sunday. Go right ahead and get on it, folks.

So, that’s but one way to make sure the weekend gets rolling in the right direction. As for me, I intend on doing the same, starting with a day off around the borough heading to some of my favorite spots, like Prospect Park and Threes Brewing, plus the famed Sycamore Bar & Flower Shop. Beyond that, the weekend is only set to get better: Saturday night, I’m trekking into Manhattan to see the one, the only, famed Philly rock band The War On Drugs at the iconic Madison Square Garden! I wrote about my love of the band in my music and menswear newsletter, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to keep the weekend moving along in such rocking fashion. As for the rest of your weekend, here are a few other choice reading and shopping selections from yours truly. Thanks once again for your support and readership! Cheers!

  • It’s never too early to start shopping for the best Valentine’s Day gifts for your loved ones, whether you check out my SPY guide to the best Valentine’s Day gifts or better still, shop the always well-curated Huckberry Valentine’s Day Shop. It’s got gifts for every sort of adventure partner in your life, and that’s something I appreciate. I know whoever you’re gifting will feel the same way, so start shopping!
  • Now, last but certainly not least, here’s something to help you step into your weekend — literally, at that. Here on the blog just yesterday, I wrote all about the best men’s boot socks to upgrade your favorite pair of winter footwear. They’re courtesy of the sustainably made accessories brand Arvin Goods, and consider my Arvin Goods review a highly positive one: You need these socks on your feet. Head here to read the full dispatch.

So, that’ll wrap up today’s birthday edition of the Friday Read (not something that happens all that often, I can assure you!). Here’s to a stylish and warm winter weekend, approaching NYC snowstorm and all. Again, thanks so very much for reading and for supporting my work! Lastly: CHEERS!

See Now, Buy Now: The Hestra Utsjo Gloves at Huckberry are the Best Winter Gloves Around

It can be intimidating to glance at the thermostat and realize how bone-chilling the cold can be these days, at least in Brooklyn, but this is where the best winter gloves will more than serve you well. If you live in a more temperate climate, perhaps consider yourself lucky that you needn’t be worried about bundling up with, say, a full allotment of the best gear for winter from the style-minded purveyors at Huckberry. And yet, here we are today with a deeper look at an exceptionally cool, exceptionally rugged pair of gloves, the Hestra Utsjo Gloves. They’re made with heritage quality and long-lasting performance top of mind, to say the very least, and they’re going to save you from many a frozen day this winter.

Are they some of the best gloves for men? Yes, you could certainly say that. And having tried a pair in the process of a Huckberry review or two back in the day, I’m confident they’re just what your winter ensemble needs. In fact, I wouldn’t leave it to chance any longer if you want gloves that blend style and performance, because that’s what family-owned Hestra has been all about for decades upon decades now: The best winter gloves, made with care and great looks in mind.

What’s the Hestra secret, and how can they continue to make the Hestra Utsjo Gloves to such exacting, durable standards? It’s all in the approach, starting with the fact that Swedish-based Hestra relies on its knowledge of leather craftsmanship dating back to 1936. It’s that same approach that makes even modern and highly rugged yet stylish men’s gloves like the Hestra Utsjo Gloves so essential to your winter wardrobe. Nordic elk leather is lined with insulating yet not-too-hot fleece, while insulation courtesy of Primaloft provides warmth that’s also not overly stifling. All together, it’s a nuanced approach that makes the Hestra Utsjo Gloves worthy of consistent wear in frigid temperatures.

And the Hestra Utsjo Gloves now feature touches like smartphone-enabled fingertips on the thumb and index finger. You can also snag your new favorite leather gloves in a variety of leathers, ensuring you’re going to look great no matter which pair of Hestra Utsjo Gloves you select. Use these gloves as the finishing touch when you step out to grab a Hot Toddy wearing one of the best men’s peacoats, and keep them close at hand when you’ve outfitted yourself with a rugged down parka, too. Be it hitting the trail or heading to the office, the best gloves for guys are simply essential, and the Hestra Utsjo Gloves have everything you need (and then some).

The Sunday Sale: This Rugged Outdoor Watch is 20 Percent Off at Huckberry Right Now

Marathon Watch WW194026 Swiss Made Military Diver's Automatic Medium Size  Watch with Tritium (36mm, Rubber Strap) : Marathon: Amazon.co.uk: Watches

There are certain deals that seem too good to pass up, especially when it comes to scoring a discount on one of the best men’s watches — that’s why you’ve got to see it to believe it yourself in the Huckberry Sale Section. The deal in question? I’m glad you asked, as it’s yet another fitting entry when it comes to the best menswear deals of the moment. Right now, you can take 20 percent off the Marathon MSAR Automatic Watch via the always well-stocked, covetable and seriously cool Huckberry Sale Section. That 20 percent discount (as of the time of this writing, at least) brings the watch down in price to about $840, from its previously lofty retail price of $1,050. So, that price drop now makes it one of the best men’s watches under $1,000, does it not? I’d have to say so, and I hope you feel the same way.

It’s the specs on the Marathon MSAR Automatic Watch that make it so impressive and downright essential if you need one of the best men’s adventure watches. The case on the Marathon MSAR Automatic Watch is sized at 36mm, a more old-school touch that ensures it’s not too cumbersome to wear on your wrist. And the Marathon MSAR Automatic Watch features a tough stainless steel case and a hard-wearing sapphire crystal dome on the dial. As to the dial itself, it’s easily legible in adverse conditions thanks to MaraGlo paint on those dial markings. And as Huckberry says, thanks to its “robust construction,” the Marathon MSAR Automatic Watch is water-resistant all the way down to 300 meters. It’s one of the hardest-working, toughest watches on the market (complete with a ready-for-anything silicone rubber strap), so you’d do well to add the Marathon MSAR Automatic Watch to your watch collection right now at 20 percent off. Happy shopping — thank me later, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: These R.M. Williams Chelsea Boots from Huckberry are the Best Winter Dress Boots

Navigating the treacherous terrain that comes with winter weather is a pretty daunting task if you’re not equipped with some of the best men’s boots, but how to best get through these slippery, snowy times in style? It’s simple, yet somewhat complicated: For those times when you need to look your best, be it date night, happy hour or a jam-packed day back at the office, step into some of the best dress boots for men to stay on your feet in style. See? Easy as that. OK, not quite, but the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots are an ideal solution to blending comfort and style, plus some winter-friendly traction in spades. For the uninitiated, R.M. Williams have been making incredibly hard-wearing, high-quality footwear in Australia since 1932 — to say they know what they’re doing is an understatement.

Sure, the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots aren’t quite a super-thick pair of snow boots or a pair of the best moc toe boots for men, so you might want to save them if the occasion is particularly snowy (or better still, pack them in your favorite everyday carry essential so you can change later). But for demanding winter days where sharp style is of the utmost importance, the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots get the job done reliably, and then some.

It’s also a mark of good quality — to say the least — that these rugged-yet-dressy boots are sold by Huckberry, one of the best online retailers for men. The R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots get the Huckberry seal of approval for plenty of reasons, including what Huckberry calls a “supple and durable” leather upper, not to mention the specially designed non-slip rubber welt sole. The sole itself can also be swapped out after excessive wear, although it’ll likely be sometime before you end up having any issues with the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots.

You can also take your pick between two handsome and elegant shades of leather (Dark Tan or Black) — either pair of the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots will prove highly versatile whether paired up with a slim pair of blue jeans, the best pair of corduroy pants or even your finest wool suit for winter. These boots are also carefully crafted from just one piece of leather, an added touch that elevates the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots into a wearable piece of luxury. Remember: The no-slip rubber sole is really what makes them some of the best winter dress boots for men. When you need to keep moving through city streets with style and utility in mind, step into the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots — your feet will thank you.

The List: Buy These Stylish Gear Picks to Start the New Year from Huckberry

See the source image

Can you believe it’s 2022? I certainly can’t, and just as I said when kicking off the year last year, well, it’s even tougher to believe it’s already time to get back into the swing of things by checking out some of the best new gear picks for a new year. As with anything, be it a new diet, a new fitness routine or another new set of goals, these first few days of January provide much-needed perspective and a reset button of sorts as you plot the days, weeks and months ahead. In the past, I’ve asked about your New Year’s style resolutions, but if you’ve indeed resolved to dress better, why not start things off on the right foot and invest in some of the best new menswear from Huckberry?

Each of the picks below are a bit pricier than average, but all the more worth it when you consider the wear you’ll get out of them for years to come. These picks can serve as the centerpiece of an outfit, or they can be combined among themselves or with other wardrobe picks to really drive home versatile style. It really is that simple — here are some of my favorite picks to get you started off on the right foot (in some cases, literally) this year. Cheers!

The Best New Menswear to Buy for 2022 at Huckberry

Danner x Huckberry Vertigo 917 Gold Rush Boots — $245

Want to quite literally start the year on the right foot? Lace up some of the best boots for men from Huckberry and Danner, as previously covered by yours truly on the blog. These are as good as it gets for stylish, active pursuits (and they’ve been selling quickly, to boot).

Schott Plaid Wool Blend CPO Shirt — $140

If your winter wardrobe still feels like it’s missing something — say, one of the best men’s shirt jackets on the market — then this reliably rugged CPO shirt jacket from Schott is the way to go. It’s the perfect way to give your off-duty wardrobe a shot in the arm this winter.

Marathon Navigator Date Watch — $380

The right watch is an underrated accessory that can amp up even the most casual outfits, particularly ones with picks like the best weekend pants (more on that in a second). So, this well-crafted, stylish field watch from Marathon is an ideal addition to your list of everyday carry essentials.

Flint and Tinder 365 Pants — $98

I’ve taken the time in my Flint and Tinder review to sing the praises of these durable, wear-with-anything five-pocket pants, and they’re a perfect pick-up for the new year. Take them to the office then out to the bar and back with ease. I’d call them the best men’s pants to buy right now.

R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Chelsea Boots — $495

Want a pair of dress Chelsea boots that step things up a notch from the Huckberry x Danner boots shown earlier? These handsome, perfectly rugged yet supremely sharp R.M. Williams Chelsea boots are an ideal purchase right now.

Marine Layer Crewneck Sweater — $125

Made with a blend of recycled polyester and cotton, this textured sweater is a crisp-but-casual men’s winter sweater to wear with just about anything, but especially a white Oxford shirt, a pair of the best men’s pants and those well-made men’s Chelsea boots shown above. Get to it, folks!

Are you feeling inspired and ready to start the new year in style? It can be tough to revamp your wardrobe right after the holidays, especially in terms of budget, but if you invest in just a few solid pieces and build from there, your work will begin to pay serious dividends. Take one of the best winter sweaters, for instance, and team it with a pair of dress Chelsea boots, an Oxford shirt and some of the best men’s pants, and just like that, you’re ready for a night on the town or a day at the office — that’s all there is to it sometimes. Happy shopping and Happy New Year!

Style Pick of the Week: Proof Volt Parka – The Best Men’s Winter Jacket for Layering

Now that we’ve incredibly hit the first of the new year, believe it or not, let’s turn our attention to the matter at hand: Snapping up one of the best men’s winter jackets for immediate winter warmth and plenty of style. Of course, Huckberry is the place to go for said winter jacket, and as to be expected with the San Francisco retailer, they’re doing a little bit more than just stocking and selling any old winter parka. No sir, the Proof Volt Parka is probably one of the coolest winter jackets this Brooklyn writer has seen, and that’s a compliment of the highest order.

If you quite literally want a jacket that’s engineered to deliver heat with the touch of a button, you’ve found it in the Proof Volt Parka. That’s right: This durable winter parka is built with three battery-powered heating panels within the jacket itself (one back panel and two chest panels), making it unlike any winter jacket on the market. It’s the kind of innovation seemingly only Huckberry can dream up, and that’s great news for yourself and anyone else who wants one of the best men’s winter jackets.

It’s like a warm hug to lift your soul through cold winter days, but beyond that, the Proof Volt Parka is simply a great winter jacket for layering and seasonal excursions, innovative technology aside. The nylon shell, made with stretch fabric for ease of movement, is coated with DWR technology to take on blustery winter winds and snowy weather. And beyond just those helpful and remarkable heating panels, the Proof Volt Parka features down insulation to deliver stunning warmth all on its own, especially when layered with one of the best thermal shirts and a rugged flannel overshirt. The rest of the specs on the Proof Volt Parka are also too good to pass up, from the metallic lining (made to store heat from the battery packs) to the useful drawstring hood. Equipped with an energy-efficient rechargeable battery (which you’ll have to snag on your own), the heating panels can last for up to 8 hours in especially chilly conditions.

For hitting the slopes, hitting the road or hitting the town, there might not be a better jacket to have in your wardrobe and on your shoulders than the ready-for-anything Proof Volt Parka. It’s more expensive than your average winter jacket, sure, but then again, that’s the Huckberry difference. If you do manage to snag it, let me know on Twitter. Cheers and here’s to the new year!

The Tuesday Steal: Shop the Huckberry End-of-Year Sale for the Best Menswear Deals Right Now

Shop the Highly-Anticipated Huckberry End of Year Sale - InsideHook

If you read the blog regularly, you know how much I love Huckberry as one of the best online stores for men, and the ante has been upped even further with the best menswear deals through the Huckberry End-of-Year Sale right now. In fact, the Huckberry End-of-Year Sale gives you up to 40 percent off, believe it or not. The San Francisco and Austin-based retailer stocks and sells some of the best gear for men on the planet, from the best winter men’s style moves to the most rugged men’s boots, and it only gets better from there when you consider the deals available in the Huckberry End-of-Year Sale. What exactly is up for grabs? Well, how about a little of everything, from the Huckberry Cruisers Sunglasses for under $25 to cashmere crewneck sweaters from Wills for under $200.

You’ll also find the best corduroy pants, a rugged Flint and Tinder workshirt, and even — incredibly — a waxed Barbour jacket for 25 percent off. You can also get the best men’s sneakers for under $100, not to mention a cozy Huckberry hoodie for under $100, too. When the opportunity arises to take up to 40 percent off at the Huckberry End-of-Year Sale, you should certainly jump on it this week. I’ll wrap things up early right now — you’ve got some shopping to do. Cheers!

The Thursday Buy: The Relwen Quilted Tanker is the Coolest Winter Jacket to Buy Right Now

Building the right winter wardrobe is as much about the details as it is about the big-ticket items, like securing one of the best winter jackets for men. You’ve hopefully already got some of the best men’s winter boots on your list, for example, but there’s more to it than that when it comes down to getting dressed for winter. Time is of the essence these days, as winter rolls into town in earnest — why not score a rugged, perfectly functional jacket from Relwen to make fighting winter weather that much more smooth and stylish? It’s not all about looks when it comes to Relwen though, and the military-inspired brand (sold by your friends at Huckberry, one of the best online shops for men) goes above and beyond here with the Relwen Quilted Tanker. If you’ve not yet shopped the Columbus-based brand, now’s your chance.

If you want a jacket that’s dependable, rugged and yet fashion-forward in its own way (note the camo pattern below), then the Relwen Quilted Tanker is your best bet at the moment. It’s modeled off a cold-weather tanker jacket (note the military tie-in), but it’s been updated for 2021 and beefed up in the all the right places. The woven nylon-cotton shell won’t slow you down, as it’s not overly bulky, and it’s also been treated with a peached, brushed finish for added softness. The Relwen Quilted Tanker checks all the proper boxes in the comfort department, and then some. That’s not all, folks.

The Relwen Quilted Tanker is packed with bells and whistles you need when gearing up for frigid conditions, right down to the recycled poly fill and a box quilting for maximum insulation when and where you need it most. From there, it’s all about the helpful design touches that you can only find at many partner brands as sold at Huckberry. Take the right zipper chest pocket to store your everyday carry essentials, for instance, plus quilted hip utility pockets for even more storage potential. The Relwen Quilted Tanker is overly built, dependable as can be and meant to take on adventures on and off the trail (or around town).

Better still, the Relwen Quilted Tanker should fit somewhat slim while still offering potential for layering, especially, with, say, a durable Relwen sweater. How’s that for a brand you can trust? To really finish things off the right way, once you’ve layered this jacket atop other cozy winter staples, then you can either zip up the Relwen Quilted Tanker, use the snap-front closure or do both to keep out chilly seasonal weather. Last but certainly not least, the Relwen Quilted Tanker is available in a wear-with-anything (seriously, anything) Dark Forest or Black Camo color, and the stand-up, dual-snap collar adds yet another layer of functionality. The Relwen Quilted Tanker can go anywhere you want it to go this season.

See Now, Buy Now: These Flint and Tinder 365 Corduroy Pants Are Your New Winter Trousers

If you haven’t yet found one of the best pairs of men’s pants for winter, now’s the perfect time to stock up accordingly, and you’ll be relieved to know you can find your new favorite pants at your favorite retailer (or one of your favorite retailers, that is). I’m talking about Huckberry, the San Francisco (and Austin!)-based merchant that’s built quite the foundation for itself over the years as far as men’s style classics are concerned. Heck, just check out the rundown of Huckberry Bestsellers up for grabs, including the winter-friendly Flint and Tinder 365 Corduroy Pants.

They’re just like the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants you love and wear the rest of the year, yet this time, they’re done up in a seasonally ready fabric and packed with plenty of style points. You already know Huckberry as the makers of some of the best boots for men, not to mention one of the top men’s jackets you can layer up with this season. So, why not expand your Huckberry-centric wardrobe even further with the ever-reliable Flint and Tinder 365 Corduroy Pants? There’s lots to love about these tailored pants, starting with three excellent fits (Slim, Straight and Tapered), plus a wealth of colors from which to choose. Keep on scrolling for more, though.

So, color and fit are on-point, naturally, with the Flint and Tinder 365 Corduroy Pants — as to be expected, of course. What about fabrication? Of course, the good folks at Huckberry deliver there, too. 98 percent cotton corduroy and 2 percent stretch comes together in a pair of the best men’s pants for cold-weather dressing, from the office to holiday parties and winter weekends on the road. Antique nickel hardware is a nice design touch, but where these pants really shine is that crucial blend of both style and sustainability. 98 percent of the water used to make the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants is repurposed and reused, a notable benchmark given that it can be tough to make pants sustainably these days. Fear not though, because your friends at Huckberry are on it.

No matter which fit or color you select of the Flint and Tinder 365 Corduroy Pants, you’re going to get standout seasonal style in spades. They’re every bit as versatile as the classic 365 Pants, so feel free to pair them up with more rugged picks from the rotation of Huckberry Bestsellers, like the much-loved Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket and a pair of finely crafted leather boots (I’d suggest layering up with one of the best thermal shirts for men to round things out). And if you want to go dressy, perhaps with a retro-inspired cardigan and an Oxford shirt, the Flint and Tinder 365 Corduroy Pants offer up crisp, yet comfortable, style in spades. Again, no matter the fit, style or color you select, the Flint and Tinder 365 Corduroy Pants have the potential to be an unstoppable pair of pants this winter. See for yourself and reap the stylish rewards. Cheers, my friends!