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 Thursday Buy: This Relwen Canvas Chore Coat is an Instant Outerwear Upgrade

Best chore coats for men.

It’s hard to believe that we’re shifting slowly but surely from burly winter outerwear and some of the best winter jackets into, well, burly and tough-as-nails early spring outerwear for seasonal style transitions, but here we are. And that leads us to today’s featured pick, a true must-buy if you — like me — prize expertly rugged style and frequently wear pieces like one of the best chore coats for men.

If that sounds like you — and I’m guessing it does, if you read the blog on the regular — then the Relwen Canvas Chore Coat could be the latest and greatest piece from the vintage-inspired Ohio brand to find some space in your wardrobe.

The brand has come up time and again in Huckberry reviews on this Brooklyn style blog, and in my experience, the company’s focus on tried-and-true recreations of the classics with a modern twist is much appreciated. That goes for pieces like the iconic Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket as well as its famed hunting jacket-inspired blazers.

So, to business: What separates the Relwen Canvas Chore Coat from other chore coats you might be eyeing as we step from one season into the next? Well, your new favorite chore coat uses high-tensile cotton and nylon with stretch for plenty of durability and strong yet lightweight layering potential. It’s also water-resistant on the outside (thanks to a polyurethane coated backing finish), and you’ll find the Relwen Canvas Chore Coat is comfortable to wear inside and out: The tricot lining should see to that.

And in my experience, chore coats that are abrasive are no fun to wear — the Relwen Canvas Chore Coat should prove the opposite, whether layered over a midweight flannel, a thermal henley or an American-made T-shirt in warmer weather. You’ll also find the classics are covered in terms of details when it comes to the Relwen Canvas Chore Coat — that means it’s outfitted with a foldover collar, a five-button front and oversized patch pockets (a top-entry chest pocket and side-entry hip pockets) for your everyday carry essentials.

Relwen Canvas Chore Coat review.

One more feature to love about the Relwen Canvas Chore Coat — besides the fact that it comes in a trio of tasteful, wear-with-just-about-anything, lighter colors for spring? It’s finished with a drawstring cord waistband, so you can customize your fit when wearing the hearty Relwen Canvas Chore Coat into the field in inclement weather.

The rest of the time, this handsome chore coat should prove ruggedly casual with light wash jeans, suede chukka boots and your favorite henley. (Slightly) warmer days await ahead, and the Relwen Canvas Chore Coat should be your go-to jacket for all of ’em.

See Now, Buy Now: This Flint and Tinder Corduroy Western Shirt is a New Wardrobe Workhorse

Best corduroy shirts for men.

I don’t know what your wardrobe is looking like these days, as we power through the final stretch of winter and look toward spring (hopefully), but mine is packed with rugged style essentials aplenty. That includes a healthy dose of Western-inspired fashion, which happens to be everywhere these days — and which happens to be more accessible than one might think.

Take the new Flint and Tinder Spring 2025 Collection — it’s an homage to hard-working style staples, like retro-inspired trucker jackets and expertly dyed sweatshirts… and of course, the corduroy-meets-Western shirt shown above.

While it might seem intimidating to try on something as on-trend as a Western shirt, or to trade in your trusty Oxford shirt for something a touch more rugged — as it was for me! — well, just know that Huckberry and Flint and Tinder have taken the right approach with the Flint and Tinder Spring 2025 Collection.

There’s just something familiar about this fresh update to the iconic Western shirt, including the use of lightweight, textured corduroy instead of denim. The Flint and Tinder Corduroy Western Shirt still gets all the details right, using ultra-soft garment-dyed cotton corduroy fabric for a change of pace.

Best Western shirts for men.

That design touch puts this between a standalone buttondown shirt and a lightweight overshirt, the kind you could wear unbuttoned over a graphic tee (or the kind you can wear right now underneath a shawl cardigan).

It even features burnt bone button snaps for a dash of authenticity (what else would you expect from Huckberry!?) and the Flint and Tinder Corduroy Western Shirt comes in a trio of versatile colors (including a refreshing shade of olive, all the better to pair with light wash or dark black jeans and trusty leather boots this coming spring).

For now, trust that the pleasingly rugged Flint and Tinder Corduroy Western Shirt will deliver the goods in matters of dependable style — and a change of pace from the expected in your shirting rotation.

The Friday Read: Recapping NYFW, The New Flint and Tinder Spring Collection & ‘The White Lotus’ Season Three

In the menswear world, it’s sometimes a tricky balance — to look forward to what’s new and what’s next in seasons to come, all the while zipping to events scattered across Manhattan during New York Fashion Week.

And at the same time, there’s the desire to keep your eye on the prize, so to speak, when it comes to the best spring menswear (like the new Flint and Tinder Spring Collection from Huckberry, as shown above). My many freelance writing pursuits — as you know if you follow me on Instagram — give me the chance to tackle both, and then some.

It’s a balance I’ve been thinking about quite a bit as we roll into another Friday Read — and as we deal with dressing in style for winter, of course, with the best men’s style essentials close at hand. Perhaps you feel you’re in the same boat? Ready to start dressing for early spring, yet tasked with layering up for early winter?

Yes indeed, that’s how I feel as I gravitate toward hearty winter selections like the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, while at the same time prepping my wardrobe for a transition with selections like lightweight corduroy shirting, expertly washed denim jackets, garment-dyed sweatshirts and more — all from the new Flint and Tinder Spring Collection, of course.

And yet, I saw plenty of intriguing, memorable menswear during NYFW, including a standout prep-meets-modern collection full of expert tailoring from rising brand Peak Lapel NYC. I was also impressed by the flowing, challenging silhouettes of Sergio Hudson, and cool-as-ever Japanese outerwear and sturdy, commute and travel-ready bags from Yoshida Porter.

But this begs the question: What does NYFW mean for you — and for me — as we navigate stylish daily dressing here at this Brooklyn style blog? Let’s dive in before the weekend kicks off in earnest, shall we?

  • Above, you’ll see a monochromatic look with plenty of texture and an edgy, rock n’roll finish from Authentic Roz: At the elegant Prince George Ballroom last Saturday, the upstart fashion label unveiled its “I AM DIFFERENT” collection, using 24 edgy looks to deliver a “a visual manifesto of self-discovery.” The experience was chic, rugged and a blend of the minimalism of Japan plus the downtown cool of New York City streetwear. In short, Authentic Roz was everything thought-provoking about NYFW. So, when it comes to my favorite look above, how does this translate to your own wardrobe? Make note of earth tones, of the workwear vibe of the jacket itself, and then see how brands like Buck Mason are delivering a dusty range of colors in military-inspired silhouettes, from canvas shirt jackets to field jackets and even denim. And that, my friends, is fashion done right.
  • Speaking of Buck Mason and the legendary modern Americana brand’s focus on the classics, well, the brand has done it again, you might say. If you read this style blog on the regular, then you’ll know that the company delivers expertly crafted denim, outerwear, super-soft T-shirts and ruggedly handsome looks like denim and chambray shirts. But it’s the denim we’re here to talk about today: Buck Mason just debuted an entirely new denim range, and as you perhaps read about yesterday on this very site, the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans are a new masterclass in affordable Japanese denim. Hit the link below for more, my friends.
  • Are you a fan of the smash hit television series ‘The White Lotus’? The HBO drama — created by “School of Rock” co-star and writer Mike White — takes viewers to exotic locales around the world, showcasing an often-ritzy, mysterious and surprisingly dark week in the life of the resort’s wealthy guests. The setting this go-round is Thailand, which lends itself to a range of crisp, refreshing cocktails enjoyed by its guests — including actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, who stars in a new campaign promoting Thailand, “The White Lotus” and of course, Ketel One vodka and Tanqueray gin (both favorites of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son). Fittingly enough, I got to talk to the young actor about all of those pursuits and more over at Maxim.com. Cheers, my friends!

That’s going to wrap up today’s exploration of NYFW style, the best new denim and the standout Flint and Tinder Spring Collection from Huckberry — there’s something for everyone today, is there not? Now, before I let you stroll off into a winter weekend — and Valentine’s Day weekend (hello to my love, Mary!) — I’ll leave you with my guide to the best winter work boots from Wolverine. Lace ’em up and get after it, my friends.

The Thursday Buy: This Flint and Tinder Cable Sweater Delivers Expert Winter Warmth (and Style)

Winter shows no signs of letting up or slowing down, at least in my neck o’ the woods — that calls for burly, durable, dependable outerwear and knitwear. In fact, if you’ve got the opportunity to pick up a heritage-inspired style at a discount, that’s all the better — and we’re hitting the sweet spot today with a classic cable knit sweater from our friends at Huckberry and Flint and Tinder.

Part of a slew of discounts available from the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale, the Flint and Tinder Highlands Guide Cable Crewneck Sweater is a modern update of a classic, an utterly reliable style with tightly woven cable detailing for added warmth.

To hear the famed retailer tell it, the sweater “offers heirloom-worthy craftsmanship, heritage cable-knit looks, and everyday durability” — I’ll let you be the judge of that, but if Flint and Tinder’s tough-as-nails waxed outerwear is any indication, you’re in good company with perhaps your new favorite sweater.

They don’t quite make ’em like they used to, unless the brand in question is Flint and Tinder at Huckberry. In my experience, the brand’s healthy respect for the past lends itself nicely to high-quality styles and timeless designs across the board, including this sweater spun from a blend of lambswool (for warmth) and nylon (for rebound potential and durability).

The Flint and Tinder Highlands Guide Cable Crewneck Sweater also happens to come in crisp, versatile colors like Navy, which pairs up well with chinos, corduroy pants and workwear trousers in shades ranging from tobacco to light tan to rust and olive (yes, all the colors of the spectrum are present, my friends).

The handsome Flint and Tinder Highlands Guide Cable Crewneck Sweater is a piece with heirloom potential in its own right, but for modern times, it’ll pair nicely with a durable flannel overshirt, a sturdy waxed field jacket or your trusty Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket, to name but a few selections. And right now via Huckberry’s latest and greatest sale, the Flint and Tinder Highlands Guide Cable Crewneck Sweater is a discounted splurge worth adding to your sweater rotation ASAP.

The Tuesday Steal: Save on the Famed Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket at Huckberry This Week

Best winter jackets for men.

As we often talk about here on this Brooklyn style blog, it often pays off to have a roster of men’s style essentials you can count on in the clutch — preparing for whatever the season throws at you can go a long way. And right now, for much of the country, that involves frigid air, brisk winds and plummeting temperatures — the perfect sort of weather in which to break out the Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket from our good friends at Huckberry.

The best part? You’ll find it on sale right now via the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale, which rolls on through February 6th — but then again, you might already know that if you’ve been keeping up with the blog.

Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket review.

The Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket is the sort of stylish winter jacket for men that comes in handy in a great deal of style situations, and it’s all the better that it’s on sale (marked down to $254, from $318). The water-resistant outer shell comes in a hardy woven nylon-cotton blend for repelling water and wind, while 80-gram down insulation from recycled polyester adds warmth.

Granted, the Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket isn’t rated for sub-zero temperatures necessarily, but should prove serviceable as a mighty fine winter jacket — perhaps atop a Relwen flannel shirt — provided you’re not traipsing through foot-high snow drifts (there are a variety of other men’s jackets at Huckberry that can tackle those scenarios).

The stand-up collar provides protection from the elements, useful inner and outer zipper pockets allow you to store your everyday carry essentials with ease, and the snap front closure further keeps out water and wind.

Consider the on-sale, tough-as-can-be Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket a fine casual outerwear move for days and nights on the go — particularly with Huckberry stretch chinos and perhaps lug-sole Chelsea boots for added traction. Go forth and pick up the Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket on sale while this deal sticks around (again, through February 6th!).

See Now, Buy Now: The Proof Rover Pants from Huckberry are A Must-Have for Your Next Trip

What do you value when hitting the road in terms of style and performance? And comfort, for that matter? Is it possible to strike a balance between the two, whether trekking far afield or staying a bit closer to home? With the Proof Rover Pants from Huckberry, my friends, the answer when it comes to striking the perfect balance is a resounding “yes.”

In m experience, the Proof Rover Pants are about as durable and dependable as it gets, boasting the stretch canvas fabric of workwear pants with the cut of a five-pocket pant. And the Proof Rover EDC Pants go a step further, bolstering the performance-plus-rugged-appeal nature of the Proof lineup at Huckberry even further. What sets the Proof Rover EDC Pants apart from your typical pair of cargo pants or work pants?

It’s got to be the pockets, my friends. The Proof Rover EDC Pants feature an astounding eight pockets for your everyday carry essentials, yet the design is such that these pockets are streamlined while staying effective (unlike the billowy cargo pants of days gone by).

In fact, the Proof Rover EDC Pants are more like modern adventure pants, featuring a lightweight cotton-blend fabric that’s also been pigment-dyed — that means your new favorite travel pants wear in like denim while staying abrasion-resistant yet comfortable.

The term “laundry” when it comes to features is an apt one with the Proof Rover EDC Pants, and there’s even better news: You can score a 50 percent discount on some of the best travel style for guys when you dive into these pants at the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale (now through February 6th, my friends).

And about those pockets. You’ll find pockets for keys, a card case, additional items like a multi-tool and more. Some pockets on these durable workwear pants boast zippers for security, and some are built like patch pockets for easy access.

Either way, the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale provides the chance to scoop up some of the best pants for men at a discount. With all the bells and whistles you’re getting in a pair of the Proof Rover EDC Pants (including a range of versatile color options), you very well might want to book a trip just so you can break ’em out. We’ll certainly See You Out There, my friends.