The Friday Read: New Spring Menswear & the Trip of a Lifetime with the Huckberry Explorer’s Grant

If ever there were a brand to puts its money where its mouth is, so to speak, at least in terms of delivering the best gear for adventures far afield, then it very well might be Huckberry. The Americana and adventure retailer is a fitting choice to kick off today’s Friday Read and to kick off your search for the best new spring menswear out there.

And on the heels of an adventure of my own last week — an opportunity to review a luxury hotel in Saint Tropez — I simply can’t wait to get back out there on the road again. There’s no time like the present to set your sights on the horizon either, as the triumphant return of Huckberry Explorer’s Grants delivers an absolutely prime chance to go far afield and carve out epic new memories.

The insanely cool opportunity hasn’t been seen in some time (I previously wrote about Huckberry Explorer’s Grant IV way back in 2016), but it’s now back and absolutely better than ever. The 2025 edition of the Huckberry Explorer’s Grant boasts a value up to a very cool $50,000, including four nights at a 5-star adventure lodge, first-class flights for you and an adventure companion to get there, and a whopping $20K in Huckberry credit to outfit yourself with the best new spring menswear and gear.

Not a bad deal at all, right? Oh, and don’t forget that the Huckberry Explorer’s Grant comes with credit for a rental car to get you where you’re going (and to get you far off the grid) with utility in mind. It’s an astounding opportunity that showcases what Huckberry is best at: Durable, rugged, hard-wearing gear made for going off-trail and around the globe (and that’s an understatement in this case).

Adventure options aplenty are abundant in the travel package, from southern Utah on up to Maine or out to Big Sur — to say the Huckberry Explorer’s Grant is rather epic is, again, an understatement. How to enter the adventure-focused Huckberry Explorer’s Grant contest (now until March 31st)? Sign up at Huckberry with your E-mail, then look out for up to 31 more ways to boost your number of entries.

The Huckberry Explorer’s Grant doesn’t come around very often, so now that it’s back in full force (thanks to Toyota), I’d say the chance of a lifetime is yours for the taking. Good luck entering the Huckberry Explorer’s Grant — take a chance while you’ve still got the choice, and we’ll See Out There, thanks to Huckberry, of course.

See Now, Buy Now: These Roark Travel Pants from Huckberry are A Versatile Wardrobe Addition for a Spring Getaway

Roark Layover Travel Pants review.

The right tools for the job at hand — especially when the job at hand is dressing the best way for travel — are crucial, and if you’ve ever hit the road wearing gear that’s less than ideal, you tend to notice it right away.

There’s a balance between comfort, style and functionality when hopping on long-haul flights, taking on road trips or even zipping up the coast on a quick train ride, and I’ve found the best travel menswear and gear balances things nicely in terms of that trio of traits.

That holds particularly true when it comes to the best travel pants, like the Roark Layover Travel Pants as shown above – make a wrong move, and you’ll be uncomfortable for hours, my friends. But it doesn’t have to be like that — let’s dive in, shall we?

I’ve also found, of course, that the best travel gear tends to come from a site like Huckberry, which is why — in my experience — a selection like the Roark Layover Travel Pants have proven so useful in my own wardrobe. But it doesn’t have to be like that — let’s dive in, shall we?

Best travel pants for men.

In my experience, the Roark Layover Travel Pants are packed with a laundry list of features that separate them from the pack, even among other pairs of stylish, well-designed pants. The two-way stretch fabric boasts a versatile, crisp straight leg fit, and the fabric is as comfortable as it is durable. The straight-leg fit also means the Roark Layover Travel Pants pair nicely with everything from the best high-top sneakers to hiking-minded sneaker boots and even a pair of rugged pull-on boots, like Blundstone.

Best men's travel pants for summer.

But beyond their versatility in matters of good looks, the Roark Layover Travel Pants feature a slew of useful pockets, like a zippered pocket with a stash sleeve, plus classic back patch button pockets.

A quick-stash pocket at the back yoke turns the Roark Layover Travel Pants from a crisp-looking pair of everyday pants into a pair of pants made to crisscross the globe, which is only enhanced by the addition of mesh ventilation and laser cut openings at key stress and movement points.

From A to Z, the Roark Layover Travel Pants have it all when it comes to the best travel pants. The waistband, for good measure and all-day (and night) comfort of the Roark Layover Travel Pants is elastic with a drawstring front, all the better for hours of wearability. For flights across the Atlantic and even adventures across town, you might not find a better pair of travel pants for men this spring than the Roark Layover Travel Pants.

See Now, Buy Now: This New Flint and Tinder Denim Jacket is a Casually Rugged Outerwear Essential

Best denim jackets for spring.

There are certain men’s style must-haves I find myself reaching for throughout a specific season that tend to prove their worth time and time again: For those who dress more formally, that might be a classic blazer or an essential pair of chinos, and for those who value casually rugged fashion (guilty as charged!), that might be one of the best denim jackets for spring from the good folks at Huckberry.

The right denim jacket — like the Flint and Tinder Type II Denim Jacket shown above — can go a long way towards proper transitional style, particularly when worn casually over your favorite T-shirt or a rugged henley (just look to a modern style icon like Ryan Gosling for inspiration on how to wear a denim jacket — more on that in a moment).

The best denim jackets are neither too heavy or stuffy, nor too light — the denim trucker jacket was originally designed to be worn on the open road, and Huckberry’s Flint and Tinder line delivers a faithful homage to the iconic Type II style worn decades ago.

What does that mean for your wardrobe of spring style essentials? It means that a sturdy selvedge denim jacket — finished with stretch for comfort — can provide some comfort against chill spring breezes while easing you back into slightly warmer weather.

It also means that details like two button chest pockets can provide critical everyday carry storage space — of course, Huckberry men’s jackets are built for most anything, this one very much included. The Flint and Tinder Type II Denim Jacket also comes in a pleasing light wash for spring, the kind of shade of denim that lightens things up from the dark, substantial hues of fall and winter.

Best light wash denim jacket for spring.

The double-pleat design on the Flint and Tinder Type II Denim Jacket mimics the original version of the jacket released back in 1953, while Huckberry wisely finished off your new favorite denim jacket with a locker loop at the neck (all the better for hanging this jacket up on a hook after a long day in the field). There’s even a leather patch logo for a subtly stylish finish — and yet another mark of quality craftsmanship that sets the Flint and Tinder Type II Denim Jacket apart from even the best men’s denim jackets on the market.

With the proper details, the correct fit and the versatility that comes from an updated version of an icon, this durable new denim jacket seems destined to become a spring style classic in your wardrobe (and in mine).

The Sunday Sale: Shop the Excellent Huckberry “Sale On Sale” Now While It’s Still Around

Huckberry Sale 2025.

Building out a wardrobe packed with spring style essentials is all about opportunity and preparation — yes, those things still count when it comes to menswear essentials, just as much as they do in your 9-to-5 (and beyond).

Coming out of a blustery winter and stepping right into a brisk spring can leave some of us a bit flat-footed, in my experience — certain staples need to come out of storage, some styles (of shirting, of denim, of outerwear and footwear) need to be swapped out or replaced… so what’s a guy to do, other than read this Brooklyn style blog?

The solution, at least today, is simple: Stick to what you know, to tried-and-true retailers like the good folks at Huckberry, who make it easy to refresh your wardrobe in (nearly) an instant.

The latest stroke of good fortune from the Americana and adventure-inspired retailer? The Huckberry Sale on Sale, which knocks 15 percent off already on-sale items. Not a bad deal at all, right?

And like any and all things Huckberry, you’ll find vast swaths of gear suited for every sort of adventure — coffee dates, speakeasy sips, travel excursions far afield and closer to home. Staples for your bar cart, for your loungewear rotation and for your lineup of leather boots all get the discount treatment in the Huckberry Sale on Sale promotion — running now through March 11th.

Yes indeed, your days are numbered when it comes to picking up some fresh spring gear — at least, gear at a discount through the mighty tempting Huckberry Sale on Sale offering. Even designer brands that don’t often receive markdowns (like Western-inspired RRL and personal favorites Taylor Stitch) are seeing some simply excellent markdowns on everything from shirting to blazers to denim.

Best gear deals at Huckberry 2025.

The Huckberry Sale on Sale even includes luxury home staples, like the Onsen Bath Bundle and this handsome, elegant Danish upcycled bar cabinet. Truly, there’s hardly a stone left unturned when it comes to this one-of-a-kind sale, with seasonal favorites and unexpected style delights just waiting to be uncovered. But you’ve only got through March 11th, my friends — best hop to it while these deals are still hanging around.

The Friday Read: New Rum from Andres Brugal, New Bluetooth Headphones & The Top Menswear Color Trends of 2025

As you know if you keep up with this blog on the regular or follow me on Instagram, I wear a lot of hats in this freelance life, including covering a range of topics that fall under the “men’s lifestyle” umbrella, from flannel shirts to sturdy pocket knives to the best leather boots and yes, luxury spirits.

This week covered off on nearly every single one of those bases in my many writing (and extracurricular) pursuits — take, for instance, the ultra-luxurious Andrés Brugal Edition 02 rum as shown above.

I was fortunate enough to get an exclusive first look at the rum for Maxim, and also fortunate enough to attend a launch event celebrating the very rare liquid itself. But spirits weren’t my only focus this week: A new luxury Audemars Piguet watch (just a bit out of my price range) debuted in a vivid shade of green, while my focus elsewhere shifted to some of the best new spring menswear of 2025.

As you know if you read this blog, a wardrobe refresh is in order with the changing of the seasons, from the best new Taylor Stitch sweater to buy now, right on through to a durable and dependable Buck Mason x Lee trucker jacket.

So, we’ve got fresh updates to classics — in the spirits, watch and menswear worlds, of course — and plenty to look forward to on an early spring weekend in Brooklyn for yours truly. Here are a few more choice reads and style selections to start your weekend right way, my friends.

  • Speaking of fresh spring style finds to power a new season, how’s this for an introduction to some “freshness” in your wardrobe? For my friends at Cool Material — where I’ll be writing semi-regularly these days! — I covered the top menswear color trends of 2025 and how to wear ’em. I also spotlighted some key selections from top style brands, ones you know, love and have seen on this blog. To start a new season off right, give these picks a look at Cool Material, my friends.
  • The theme of today’s Friday Read seems to be wearing many hats, or testing out plenty of categories in that elusive and ultimately fun “men’s lifestyle” space. And as you know if you follow me on Instagram, I’m serious about my music and about my audio equipment to guide the process. That’s why I jumped at the chance to test out the new H20 Audio RIPT LITE Headphones. They’re compact, they’re built for performance — mainly zipping around Brooklyn on foot, on my end — and they’re also ideal for athletes who value a secure pair of headphones for a variety of pursuits. They’re also a better deal than Apple AirPods, for instance, and I’ve found that they stay put and boast long battery life. If you’re in the market for some new headphones, you might want to snag a pair of the H20 Audio RIPT LITE Headphones.
  • Let’s send you off into the weekend the right way — with one more stylish shopping selection, of course. That’d be my pick for a discounted men’s blazer, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer from my good friends at Huckberry. I covered it here on the blog earlier this week, and it’s up for grabs in a versatile Navy color for weeks on end of seasonal style enjoyment. Happy shopping, my friends.

That’ll wrap up this guide to new spring style trends and gear quite nicely, I’d say. What’s on your seasonal wish list? If you have plans to hit the road or the trail, might I suggest checking out a selection or two from the performance-driven gear rotation via Proof and Huckberry?

The Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt, with moisture-wicking, anti-microbial properties and plenty of durability, is a personal favorite. And with that: Let’s gear up, get out there and make the most of this spring weekend! Cheers to style, spring sips and more, my friends.

The Tuesday Steal: This Garment-Dyed Blazer from Huckberry & Wills Is a Discounted Classic

Best blazers for men to buy now.

In my experience, and as we often talk about on this Brooklyn style blog, the classics stay the classics in a stylish menswear wardrobe for a reason. They’ve got history and pedigree, from the white T-shirt to the blue jean, the lace-up leather boot and of course, the navy blazer.

These are pieces that tend to look great on every guy, especially if the occasion is a little more tailored — and they’re also pieces you can helpfully find through a retailer like Huckberry, which brings us to today’s on-steal style must-have, an utterly classic-yet-modern twist on the navy blazer.

The Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer has plenty going for it, from its sale price (below $190, a discount of about 20 percent) to its ever-versatile build and construction. It doesn’t hurt that this blazer hails from the more refined lineup of Wills menswear, which frequently boasts cashmere sweaters and perfectly cut, subtly stylish buttondown shirts. And now, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer can be yours — for the right price, of course.

Helpfully, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer does away with the stuffy trappings of some other styles of navy blazer, which can include a thick, all-wool build and even gold buttons — a typical country club or Sunday school blazer from days gone by, this is not. It boasts a lightweight, garment-dyed stretch cotton blend fabric, so this option is ideal for spring and summer — as well as fall, when worn atop a solid-color, midweight flannel or chambray dress shirt, for instance.

Best navy blazers for men.

Patch pockets keep the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer more casual and approachable — this is a stylish men’s blazer you can wear with jeans, no doubt about it. Functional three-button cuffs at the wrist are a touch more commonly found on much more expensive jackets, while the single-vent back is a classic sportcoat move.

Your new favorite blazer is more laidback yet no less polished than other options you might have in your wardrobe, but it’s got just enough flair and straightforward good looks to keep things intriguing and stylish in at least three seasons. Think of the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer as another workhorse in your wardrobe, and score it now at a very nice low price from the Huckberry Sale section.

See Now, Buy Now: This Proof Merino T-shirt is A Performance-Ready Take on the Classic Tee

Best T-shirts for men.

Despite the fact that it can be difficult at times to improve upon a classic, that hasn’t stopped the good folks at Huckberry and Huckberry in-house brand Proof from trying. The company puts a performance spin on the best basics for men, including the humble and trusted T-shirt. And as we move slowly but surely from winter into early (early) spring, one of the best T-shirts for men is the sort of piece that can serve you well in matters of style and performance.

Over the years, Proof has also made some of my favorite pairs of pants for work, but today’s focus is all about the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt. It’s been a staple of the Huckberry and Proof lineup for years (Proof launched in 2018), and it tends to get better with time and with each new edition — that’s a great thing to hear when it comes to the best performance menswear, is it not?

And although it looks simple on the surface, the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt — available in dozens of color combinations to suit every sense of style and wardrobe — this stylish performance T-shirt for men delivers the goods when it’s all on the line.

In my experience, that means the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt wears exceptionally well in terms of comfort with tapered joggers and white leather sneakers for a long day of travel — Huckberry put the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt to the test across a weekend of endurance pursuits, after all.

Plus, the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt wears easily and subtly beneath a light wash denim trucker jacket and stretch five-pocket pants when you want to go more casually cool, as well. Through it all, the difference is in the details when it comes to your new favorite T-shirt.

The Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt blends merino wool for anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties, plus nylon for stretch and durability, while its classic fit should work well on a number of different body sizes (I prefer an XL in my rotation of T-shirts from Huckberry). It’s also built with UPF 30+ for sun protection, and the use of nylon allows the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt to spring back into action — and to its proper size — after being machine washed.

If you want a T-shirt that stands up to hiking, to spring weekend coffee runs, to global travel and to everything in between — all the while looking great and standing up to repeat wear in a wide range of colors — then yes, the Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt is one of the best T-shirts a guy can buy right now, my friends.

The Tuesday Steal: These Tough, Stylish Chelsea Boots from Huckberry are On Sale Right This Instant

Best Chelsea boots for men.

It pays off to have a trusted stable of sturdy, dependable men’s style essentials close at hand, no matter the season. That certainly holds true in your footwear rotation, particularly when stepping ever-so-slightly from late winter into early (early) spring. And friends, I have just the pair of boots to upgrade your menswear stable right now — at a discount, no less, and from one of the best online menswear shops for guys.

The menswear shop in question, of course, is a personal favorite: The good folks at Huckberry, who surely know how to stock and sell some of the best boots for men, along with a host of complementary selections, like expertly faded jeans, stylish trucker jackets and more.

The focus today, though? That’d be the Rhodes Footwear Boone Wedge Chelsea Boots, a hard-wearing set of workwear-inspired Chelsea boots that manage to be both rugged and refined at the same time. In my experience, those are the best kinds of pieces to have in your transitional style wardrobe, are they not?

Right now, the Rhodes Footwear Boone Wedge Chelsea Boots are marked down about 15 percent, so while the savings aren’t as major as what you might find from, say, the Huckberry Annual Sale, they’re still worth taking a look if you need a new set of durable Chelsea boots.

The key is the Goodyear welted Vibram Sport 2060 outsole, which provides superior traction and reliably rugged performance — unlike some other pairs of Chelsea boots, which typically lean more sleek and dressy.

The handsome bovine leather upper will develop its own patina over time — and quite stylishly, in my personal experience with Huckberry boots — while the bovine leather lining molds to your foot over time.

Plus, the Rhodes Footwear Boone Wedge Chelsea Boots come with a Morflex outsole for added comfort, support and traction. And in a stylish medium-brown shade, the Rhodes Footwear Boone Wedge Chelsea Boots should pair up fashionably with everything from olive chinos to light wash jeans to black denim.

The best part? Yes, they’re on sale right now — again, we’re not talking massive savings, but hey, a few bucks goes a long way when it comes to your new favorite Chelsea boots, does it not? Be sure to check back tomorrow for more insight into the best menswear and deals from top brands, folks.

The Sunday Sale: The Huckberry Annual Winter Sale Boasts Some of the Best Seasonal Deals on Gear and Menswear

Huckberry Annual Winter Sale 2025.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, my friends. Late January feels a bit unconventional though, with the doldrums of the season upon us, but I’m talking specifically about the chance to shop some of the best gear and menswear from my friends at Huckberry. Yessir, the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale offers up bundles of savings on rugged style essentials, everyday carry gear, durable footwear, tough-as-nails jackets and much more.

There’s a full roster of heavy hitters on sale for as much as 40 percent off, including cashmmere sweaters, sturdy waxed jackets, one particular Japanese Huckberry beanie and even some outstanding pairs of stylish, handsome leather boots. If you ask me, the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale has just about everything you could want in a rotation of winter gear — and selections you can wear long past this season and into the next.

There are selections from trusted Huckberry partner brands like Relwen and Taylor Stitch, plus savings on tried-and-true must-haves from Huckberry in-house purveyors like the legendary craftspeople behind Flint and Tinder. How’s that for savings and style rolled into one? The Huckberry Annual Winter Sale — now through February 6th — is prime time for discounts galore on a standout roster from one of the best online menswear brands, my friends.

Strike while the iron is hot, get your credit card at the ready and make some space in your closet for your favorite menswear essentials — new and old — from the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale, my friends.

The Thursday Buy: This Flint and Tinder Waxed Jacket is an On-Sale Style Steal at Huckberry

When the going gets tough, when frigid winter weather rolls into town, the truly tough wear Huckberry gear and menswear. At least, that’s what I tend to say, and tend to reach for in my personal wardrobe, and perhaps you’re of the same opinion. That’s what makes it so much fun — yes, fun! — to shop for staple selections like one of the best waxed jackets for men.

And when that particular selection happens to be on sale via the Huckberry Winter Sale right now, that’s all the better, is it not? Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket falls right in line with the San Francisco and Austin-based company’s ethos of rugged Americana and adventure gear.

Even better still is the fact that right now, it’s marked down to below $200. Yes, that’s right: One of the best jackets for men, period, is $200 off — and in a range of sizes and classic colors, like the handsome Charcoal option shown above.

In matters of durability, toughness and style, the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket checks all he proper boxes, as one would expect from the famed retailer’s Flint and Tinder line. The Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket is made in the USA, lending it an extra level of care and attention to detail, while the 10oz. waxed canvas exterior is sturdy, tough and made to get better with age.

Flint and Tinder review.

The Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket also boasts an ultra-warm flannel lining, while the jacket itself also features 4oz. of insulation for added warmth. It’s a tough-as-nails jacket fit for work or play, from brisk mornings in the fields to nights at the dive bar.

Plus, as our friends at Huckberry note, this jacket features a “re-waxable exterior for a lifetime of water-resistance.” How’s that for a jacket you can depend on for seasons to come? If I were you, I’d scoop up the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket as soon as possible.