Summer is about as prime a time as any to flex one’s muscle in terms of sartorial sensibility — yes, that holds true even as the thermostat climbs. In fact, beating the heat in style, whether at the beach or a backyard BBQ, is easier to do than one might think, especially if you shop summer style essentials from, say, Relwen.
The Ohio-based brand has been a longtime favorite of mine, with an eye for taking classic menswear moves — like the Oxford shirt, the chino or the polo — then refreshing them with a touch of the modern.
The Huckberry-approved brand is on my mind this weekend, particularly its artful mix of breezy, stylish pieces fit for summer’s heat — in fact, there’s an entirely new set of Relwen menswear essentials online at the famed retailer, and not a moment too soon through another summer heat wave.
Staying cool in the heat is top of mind in my neck of the woods, which actually looks a little different these next couple days — I’ll be trekking down to Scranton, Pennsylvania (yes, the home of the acclaimed series “The Office”) with my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary for a family weekend of summer fun in the sun.
Of course, I’m bringing my Buck Mason swim trunks and some Huckberry swim shorts for the occasion, and plenty of cold beer and delights from the grill are on tap. What’s on tap for you this weekend? We’ll have a duo of posts covering summer style must-haves, of course, so be sure to swing on by accordingly. Cheers and here’s to the weekend, my friends!
“Ready for anything” sometimes doesn’t even begin to cover it when talking about (and wearing) some of the best work boots for men, at least in my experience. When I shop for rugged men’s work boots — the sort you can wear into the field, onto the trail and back — I look for stellar traction, waterproof performance and rugged appeal.
And luckily, the Huckberry x XTRATUF Waterproof Chelsea Boots fit the bill in every regard. Better still is the fact that they’re on sale for a whopping 40 percent off, and plenty of sizes are yours for the taking.
For as much as summer is about stepping into a pair of your new favorite sneakers, I’ve found that a pair of the best boots for men is just as essential, particularly for adventures far afield. For me, that means park visits, strolls on a nature trail and brewery beers, but for you, it might mean something different — trust me when I say the Huckberry x XTRATUF Waterproof Chelsea Boots are up for all of it, and then some.
With the Huckberry x XTRATUF Waterproof Chelsea Boots, you’re getting legendary performance from heel to toe — my XTRATUF review notes that these boots are trusted by fishermen on the high seas and plenty of other folks working in inclement weather.
And these durable pull-on boots carry on that legacy nicely (click through to Huckberry — it’s in the name, after all!), with triple-dipped 100 percent waterproof construction. The Huckberry x XTRATUF Waterproof Chelsea Boots also boast a sturdy lug outsole for maximum traction on the trail or the deck, and they’re easy to slip on and off with a pair of the best canvas work pants, blue jeans or even sturdy stretch canvas shorts for especially hot days.
And yes, again, it’s worth repeating that the Huckberry x XTRATUF Waterproof Chelsea Boots are now 40 percent for a limited time via one of your favorite retailers — add to your footwear rotation this summer ASAP.
When a summer weekend approaches, one that rings in the very first *official* weekend of summer, no less, I know where I head for the best summer style essentials — and perhaps you do, too. From ripstop shorts to rugged T-shirts, from super-soft polos to linen trousers, from leather loafers to hard-wearing canvas sneakers, the place to go — in case you needed a reminder — is Huckberry.
I’ve found that it truly is a one-stop shop in my experience, with the goods and gear to get you from point A to point B in style. And that’s just a fact (not a sponsored post). They’re a brand I’ve trusted myself for years, and as a heat wave rolls into town, there’s never been a better time to stock up on some of the best menswear around — at least, that’s my personal opinion.
Huckberry gear is never far out of my rotation, be a hike out to Brooklyn’s Marine Park (as you might have seen on my Instagram) or a truly stunning show by one of my favorite bands, Future Islands.
The Baltimore synth pop heroes — a group I’ve covered via my freelance music writing pursuits at Atwood Magazine — recently put out a career-best album, People Who Aren’t There Anymore, and the show delivered electric emotion and passion in every respect.
Of course, I had to wear some stylish Flint and Tinder jeans and my trusty Huckberry chukka boots for the occasion — keeping up with the energetic moves of frontman Sam Herring (alongside my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary!) is no easy feat!
The evening proved everything I expected and hoped for, and then some — that’s the way it seems to go with Future Islands shows, as I’ve found over the years. And it was a perfect intersection of style, music, passion and ambition — Radio City Music Hall is famous for that, or so it would seem.
And on that note, Future Islands will be in heavy rotation as I groove my way through a Brooklyn weekend. On tap? Cold beer, time spent at Coney Island and some of the best summer gear from my pals at Huckberry. To sort out your own weekend, here are a few choice reading and style picks. Get out there and get after it, my friends!
Let’s talk about the best watches for a moment, shall we? And let’s talk about a buzzed-about watch collaboration bringing an iconic timepiece to the masses: The ongoing Omega x SWATCH series of timepieces, which takes classics like the famed Omega “MoonWatch” and puts a SWATCH spin on it. The latest trio of timepieces debuted in select SWATCH stores across the country earlier this week, and I covered Omega x SWATCH over at Maxim. Good luck tracking one down, my friends.
Now, let’s talk summer travel. You’ve hopefully got a rugged, stylish weekender bag lined up for getaways aplenty, but what about a smaller carry-on or addition to your everyday carry essentials the rest of the time back home? That’s where this Satchel & Page waxed brief comes into play, as I covered yesterday on the blog. Cheers to hitting the road this season, folks.
Here’s one more style hit for your weekend: The right chore coat can function as both a durable workwear piece and a stylish replacement for a blazer — not to mention a hard-working travel jacket on top of all that. I wrote about a handsome Taylor Stitch chore coat earlier this week on the blog, so do yourself a favor and circle back if you haven’t scored one for yourself.
And without further ado, that’ll bring the curtain down, Radio City-style, on another edition of what you need to know, wear and shop this weekend. Thanks for following along here at The Style Guide — we’ll have two weekend menswear posts headed your way in short order (tomorrow and Sunday!), so clock in accordingly (before you clock out, that is). Cheers and we’ll see you out there, my friends!
It’s often tough to find one of the best men’s watches on sale for a great deal — those sorts of deals tend to not come around all that often. But when they do, as I always say, the opportunity to strike while the iron is hot is too good to pass up, especially as far as Huckberry gear is concerned.
At the time of my first review, you see, this rugged watch was 15 percent off. And yet now, the Huckberry x Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Diver is now 25 percent for a very, very limited time (stock is moving extremely quickly via everyone’s favorite gear and menswear retailer).
And as one might expect, the specs on the Huckberry x Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Diver are everything one needs in a rugged, stylish summer dive watch (or a dive watch in any season, for that matter). It boasts an aerospace-grade titanium case, a 1970s-inspired design and 200 meters of water resistance.
The tough-as-nails Huckberry x Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Diver dive watch aesthetic also extends to its rotating titanium bezel for keeping an eye on dives and water-ready excursions (or going anywhere else, for that matter). Your new favorite dive watch also features a 44-hour power reserve. On the dial itself, you’ll also find easy visibility through C3 SuperLuminova luminous paint on hands and dial indices.
Just when you think you’ve found the perfect pair of men’s shoes for a summer wedding (or any other tailored engagement this season and beyond), the good folks at Huckberry enter the fray once again with a new must-buy pair of stylish men’s footwear.
And not just any pair of summer sneakers or sandals — as essential as those are, a pair of the best men’s loafers can work wonders for casually cool-yet-elevated seasonal style. Luckily, the good folks at Astorflex have you covered once again.
Best known for making some of the coolest men’s chukka boots on the market, Astorflex is a gem of an underrated find to this day. The brand works out of a family-run factory using sustainable production methods to come up with versatile, durable and effortlessly cool footwear (click through this link here for more Astorflex reviews covering my experience with the brand).
And the Astorflex Fastflex Suede Loafers fit the bill quite nicely on all fronts, with the silhouette of a timeless penny loafer and the proper materials for an eco-conscious, summer-friendly finish.
Like other pairs of Astorflex men’s shoes from Huckberry, these loafers are handmade in northern Italy to exacting specifications, with a hard leather outsole complimented nicely by a soft, supple unlined interior for all-day comfort.
The roughout leather on your new favorite loafers is more textured and of course, rougher than suede, with a distinctive look that should rest nicely beneath a cuffed pair of the best light wash jeans, your favorite olive chinos or even a pair of natural-hued denim.
And for even more elevated wear, turn to the Astorflex Fastflex Suede Loafers underneath, say, a navy seersucker or cotton-blend suit for a bit of edgy-yet-polished style. While they may not feature the crepe rubber outsole of traditional Astorflex men’s boots, the streamlined Astorflex Fastflex Suede Loafers are all the better for it, offering up a new take on the classic leather penny loafer.
A fairly wide range of sizes are available, and the Astorflex Fastflex Suede Loafers are online at Huckberry now — just in time for your next summer shindig.
What are your go-to menswear essentials for summer, the pieces you can’t live without? There’s a time and a place for laidback swim trunks and a USA-made T-shirt, just as there’s a time and a place for some polish — with one of the best men’s polos and a pair of the best lightweight chinos from Huckberry, for instance.
It can be a tricky balance to figure out, especially when it comes time to stay cool and stylish in the heat for men, but not if you’ve got the right men’s style picks for summer close at hand.
And by that, I mean today’s featured pick: The Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos live up to their name and then some, delivering an air of polish and comfort as the mercury rises.
Relwen rises above the fray in the menswear world, using military and workwear inspiration to craft modern updates to the classics, from a rugged linen workshirt to the aforementioned lightweight stretch chinos. That’s the sort of balance I appreciate, with a respect for heritage styles meeting the use of modern technology. When it comes to the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos, the use of a lightweight cotton — blended with spandex — gives them a light-as-air feel and a nice hint of stretch, in my experience.
Plus, the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos boast a classic slim-straight cut, the kind that flatters most frames and is neither too constricting nor overly relaxed. I’ve found that the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos sit nicely atop everything from Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger boots to Clarks chukka boots to my preferred canvas high-top sneakers from Chuck Taylor in the summer months.
Durable details also set the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos apart from the pack, like a gusseted crotch and pleated knees — all the better for comfortable range of motion on the go. A sturdy snap button and hard-working zipper hardware also lends a further air of durability to the Relwen Flyweight Flex Chinos.
Add in the fact that they come in a range of neutral, earthy and stylish colors, and you’ve found a pair of pants worth stocking up on before the high heat of summer hits. If that sounds ideal to you, then your new favorite pair of chinos awaits via Huckberry and Relwen.
If you’ve been keeping up with the blog on the regular, and keeping track of the incoming high heat of summer, you’re hopefully well aware of the utility of one of the best short-sleeve shirts for men. And of course, style goes hand in hand with that sort of utility.
The best men’s short-sleeve shirts are more easygoing than a long-sleeved Oxford shirt, for instance, and can be worn in more ways than a polo shirt. Oh, and if you’ve got the chance to snag your new favorite shirt on sale? That’s all the better, because striking while the iron is hot never fails — at least, that’s held true when I’ve shopped the Huckberry Sale section.
And without further ado, that’s where the Wellen Easy Cotton Short-Sleeve Shirt is poised to enter your wardrobe. Just in time for summer, it’s 25 percent off, with all the easygoing-yet-versatile style your next #OOTD needs.
Wellen, for the uninitiated, is the sustainable in-house brand at Huckberry, and they make use of eco-friendly materials like 100 percent organic cotton. That’s also the case with your new favorite short-sleeve shirt, but it gets better from there.
That’s because the Wellen Easy Cotton Short-Sleeve Shirt is space-dyed (or rather, each shirt is space-dyed), so no two shirts are exactly alike. The process creates a textured effect that makes this stylish shirt look much more expensive than its currently on-sale price tag of $73.
The use of space-dying also means the Wellen Easy Cotton Short-Sleeve Shirt is a distinctive take on the traditional short-sleeve striped shirt — and again, that’s never a bad thing to have close at hand this summer.
I always tend to say that they don’t make ’em like they used to anymore, particularly if that involves making a stylish USA-made men’s shirt — and yet, that adage doesn’t always hold true. In this instance, my good friends at Huckberry are offering up access to one of the best men’s shirts for summer, and it comes from a brand with strong modern heritage in terms of design and fabrication.
The brand in question? Gitman Vintage, makers of shirts in Tennessee using handsome, vintage-style fabrics and carefully crafted methods. And the shirt in question? The Gitman Vintage Archive Madras Shirt, which just so happens to be marked down about 25 percent right now via the Huckberry Sale section. That goes for both the rich blue madras pattern seen above, as well as a distinct, multi-colored green plaid offering. Not a bad deal for one of the best shirts for men, right?
Now, we’re coming off a long weekend packed with Memorial Day deals on menswear, but a bit of extra shopping never hurt anybody, right? And just in case you’re wary of scoring another long-sleeve shirt heading into the high heat of summer, just know that the Gitman Vintage Archive Madras Shirt makes use of ultra-lightweight, 100 percent cotton fabric with a rich Madras fabric.
The Gitman Vintage Archive Madras Shirt has a touch of ’80s prep and retro style, yet the modern fit every guy needs today. And at its current price, it’s the kind of shirt you can invest in for both casual wear (alongside chino shorts, for instance), and dressier occasions (beneath a lightweight summer blazer and linen trousers).
Let’s look back on the week that was here in Brooklyn and beyond, shall we? If you follow me on Instagram, you’re well aware that I cover a lot of ground in my freelance writing pursuits, from spirits to menswear, watches and more. I also keep an eye on the New York City cocktail and restaurant scene, checking out hotspots new and old — including Bar Madonna, as seen at the top of the page.
I had the chance to visit the elegant yet accessible space earlier this week with my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary, and we can’t say enough great things about the just-opened cocktail and small plates haven
Bar Madonna takes an ingenious approach, pairing a refined aesthetic with splashes of colorful, vibrant art — including a massive bar-themed mural. The deeper story behind its artsy look and feel? Its partnership with Brooklyn artist and designer KidSuper, who serves as the art director for the space. How cool is that?
Yes, in addition to truly delicious cocktails like the bourbon, fernet and coffee liqueur Brooklyn Special, the location also has its own art director, placing it a cut above in a crowded Brooklyn cocktail scene.
As to its selection of small plates and shared bites, the grilled baby romaine salad (with bacon and wild boar!) was a delight, as was the grilled octopus. Oysters topped with a spicy dash of giardiniera were also a huge hit, as was the vibrant 68th and Harrow drink with citrus-infused vodka. Reader. to make a long story short: The next time you find yourself in Williamsburg, or in New York City in general, mark down Bar Madonna as a must-visit space.
Accordingly, I also dressed in spring-ready style — with a rain jacket for a blustery evening — so let’s dive into a few reading and shopping selections I’ve had my eye on as of late.
Here’s one for all the auto and watch enthusiasts out there: Seiko just added to its line of Prospex chronograph timepieces with three elegant, road-ready and rugged options, each with triple-chronograph functionality and striking good looks. Pricey though they might be, you can add these watches to your wish list via my latest for Maxim.com.
Let’s dive into another prime nod to the season, shall we? Over within the digital confines of my good friends at Huckberry, the retailer just debuted a suitably breezy, sunny and very aptly named selection of the best summer menswear. And what exactly is on tap in the Huckberry Sun Shop? Colorful printed short-sleeve buttondown shirts, finely tailored shorts, lounge-ready pants and linen blazers, plus plenty of breezy, ultra-soft T-shirts. Amp up your seasonal dressing ASAP with Huckberry, my friends.
I don’t know about you, but I assuredly look forward to lazy days by the pool or the beach as this time of year rolls around — and that’s where my new AskMen guide to the best summer sandals for men enters the equation. Although I much prefer stylish leather loafers or woven slides like an espadrille-style shoe, the best sandals for guys are sometimes a necessity. And helpfully, there’s a way to score a pair made with plenty of style and craftsmanship in mind, rather than cutting corners. Take a look and see for yourself, folks.
And now, I’m going to bring down the curtain on this late spring edition of the Friday Read. Hopefully, you’ve got a few reading and shopping selections primed for a spring weekend, yes? If you happen to be in Brooklyn visiting Bar Madonna, feel free to drop me a line — and if there are any brands or categories you’d like to see covered here on The Style Guide, drop me a line in the comments below. Cheers to the weekend, my friends!
For as much as summer is about adventure and hitting the road in style, it’s also about kicking back, relaxing and making the most of the season (lazy days in the yard, BBQs, rooftop beers and more). There’s still a way to approach laidback days with style in mind, as some of the best shorts for men prove quite handily.
Take the Marine Layer Saturday Stretch Shorts, which bridge the gap between easygoing comfort and polished appeal. Naturally, they’re joining your wardrobe via the good folks at Huckberry, which is the kind of partnership I can get behind.
These stylish men’s shorts boast a cotton-spandex selvage blend for comfort and ease of movement, but it’s the elastic drawstring waist that gives them tons of effortless appeal. The fabric itself is heavy enough to maintain its structure without wrinkling, but not so heavy that it weighs you down. Plus, the standard fit and agreeable inseam length should fit well on most guys.
And beyond that, the range of sizes is helpful for guys of all sizes, while the Sand color wears well with everything in your wardrobe, from navy shirting to a linen buttondown, a chambray overshirt or a crisp, classic white T-shirt.
This pair of the best shorts for men can be thrown on with canvas sneakers as easily as your favorite brown leather loafers, and that’s the sort of versatility and comfort you need from the best summer menswear essentials. Craft your next #OOTD accordingly, my friends.
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