See Now, Buy Now: The Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket is the Lightweight, Durable Layer You Need to Step into Spring

Well, there you have it, my friends: Just as quickly as we were talking about the best winter menswear and gear for snowstorms aplenty, it seems the switch has flipped (at least in my neck of the woods) towards the best spring menswear and essentials aplenty. It’s funny how that works out, isn’t it? Yes indeed, just as you rely on rugged winter boots, cozy parkas and burly shirt jackets in the colder months, your spring style rotation demands just as much seasonally inclined thought (and a touch of preparation, of course).

Shift things towards lightweight yet rugged, tough gear, especially on the outerwear front — weather-resistant performance, travel-ready style and versatility, and a dash of heritage-inspired good looks ought to do you well indeed, yes?

So, let’s start that preparation with lightweight style and performance in mind, shall we? The good folks at Huckberry are on the case as per tradition — as you well know if you read this Brooklyn style blog — and as new arrivals from the dependable Americana retailer hit the digital shelves of everyone’s favorite menswear and gear store, it’s worth keeping an eye on precisely what you can get your hands on.

And that brings us to today’s featured pick, a newfound favorite from Ohio-based Relwen that’s been given a fresh coat of paint, so to speak, for spring. A longtime favorite of the good folks at Huckberry, Relwen takes its ciues from old-school style staples, particularly those with military roots.

Best lightweight spring jackets for men.

It’s a great starting point for utterly classic, dependable menswear with go-anywhere good looks and plenty of utility, and the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket (available in four crisp, timeless colors and an eye-catching camo pattern), fits the bill nicely indeed when it comes to merging form and function.

From its field jacket-inspired design to highly useful details like a stand-up collar and a front placket with both snap and zipper closure options, the handsome Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket uses lightweight fabrication for both easy wearability and easy packability (when you’re not wearing it on the road, that is).

The durable Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket gets its rugged appeal from a blend of lightweight cotton and nylon with a water-resistant finish, while Huckberry notes sleeves of the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket are ergonomically designed for greater ease of movement.

Meanwhile, flap chest pockets and zippered hip pockets provide ever-helpful everyday carry storage space, while Huckberry also rightly notes that the tapered waist expands its “layerable versatility.” How’s that for a go-anywhere, do-anything seasonal jacket? As ever, it would seem that Huckberry has you covered as far as the best spring menswear is concerned.

See Now, Buy Now: This Wolverine Thermal Henley is An Expertly Crafted Transitional Base Layer

If you thought we were out of the woods just yet when it comes to starting your #OOTD off with a reliable, rugged base layer, think again: Spring (technically a few weeks out just yet) is prime time for relying on durable, tough selections to start off your next ensemble the right way.

Take one of the best henleys for men, which should prove as wearable beneath a denim shirt as with your favorite field jacket or a casually cool bomber jacket. And the good news is, the brand that makes some of your favorite boots for spring has you covered in remarkable fashion right now — thank Wolverine for crafting a surprisingly affordable, stylish men’s henley with easily wearable appeal.

The Michigan-based workwear pioneers at Wolverine have built a legacy on some of the sturdiest boots for men, be it the company’s insulated work boots, tough-as-nails moc toe boots or the iconic Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, always a classic in at least three seasons (if you, like me, simply can’t get enough when it comes to your stylish leather boots, Wolverine is the brand for you). But back to one of the best henleys for men, which you can find now at the Rockford, Mich. company for under $40.

The Wolverine Walden II Thermal Henley, a favorite of country music star and Wolverine partner Jordan Davis, delivers the kind of dependable performance, comfort and of course, rugged appeal that your wardrobe needs. The traditional fit and thermal-knit waffle construction are specifications you can count on, whether layered beneath a chambray shirt or teamed with a tough waxed trucker jacket.

A fit that’s cut specifically with room through the shoulders and chest should make this a tried-and-true workwear piece, along with the raglan sleeve construction of the durable Wolverine Walden II Thermal Henley. The three-button placket also allows you to customize your fit: Button it up all the way for protection against brisk spring breezes, or leave it unbuttoned a touch for more air flow on and off the job site (it’s the little things that make the difference, after all).

Available in timeless colors like Dark Navy, Stone and Black (Stone is a personal favorite of this writer), this hard-working henley should prove just what your next laidback #OOTD needs — whether paired with indigo blue jeans or tan canvas work pants on the clock or in the garage.

Particularly when teamed up with hard-wearing Wolverine men’s boots, I’d say you’ve found the right approach when it comes to a carefully crafted, workwear-inspired base layer from a tried-and-true brand, to say the very least.

See Now, Buy Now: This Flint and Tinder Western Shirt is a New (Early) Spring Style Favorite

Flint and Tinder men's shirts review.

How do you prepare your menswear wardrobe for the next season ahead while staying stylishly, squarely in the current season at hand? In my experience, that’s where helpful tricks of the trade come in handy: Looking for staple pieces that deliver easy wearability and timeless good looks is the name of the game, and as seems to be the case lately (and in many other seasons), the good folks at Huckberry get the job done with fresh yet utterly classic style selections.

That includes pieces that are ever so slightly on trend while remaining firmly wearable and delivering rugged good looks, like one of the best Western shirts for men. Western style, from boots to cowboy-cut denim to durable Western shirts and ranch-inspired jackets, is all the rage at the moment, but it’s a trend rooted in the classics that you can make work for you — and then some.

Take the Flint and Tinder Cotton Western Shirt, part of a slew of new arrivals at Huckberry these days as we cast an eye towards spring. While Huckberry’s famed Flint and Tinder line relies on essentials both casual — like the iconic Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie — as well as slightly dressier (like its Flint and Tinder 365 Pants), the handsome Flint and Tinder Cotton Western Shirt is somewhere in between, as wearable with stretch chinos as with expertly faded blue jeans from the fan-favorite retailer.

The Flint and Tinder Cotton Western Shirt gets the details right in matters of classic good looks and fresh, modern style, using 100 percent cotton construction in a durable build finished with cow bone buttons for authenticity. Western detailing abounds across the Flint and Tinder Cotton Western Shirt, as luck would have it, including single point dual chest pockets and a Western yoke across the front and back shoulders.

The plaid colorway is, again as luck would have it, spring-friendly in every way possible, with a more versatile look and feel compared to denim shirting from the F&T line. Featuring durable stitching and a fit designed to look great untucked (or tucked in beneath a lightweight cotton blazer for a spring-ready change of pace), I’d say that yet again, Huckberry has thought of positively everything when it comes to the design and build of the Flint and Tinder Cotton Western Shirt, your new favorite early (early) spring style move, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: These Tecovas Moc Toe Boots are a Rugged Solution to Winter’s Worst Weather

Sometimes, the menswear world is as much about solutions as it is about style — as much about form as it is function, and that’s where the right pair of the best men’s boots can often go a very long way. Particularly as winter weather still continues to pummel the country, you need the right gear to get the job done, even if the job involves a casually rugged outing to your favorite dive bar.

And with their sturdy construction, work-approved performance, durable specs and even some style points to match, a pair of work boots from a somewhat unexpected source like Tecovas might just be the footwear upgrade you need to close out the season at hand.

The Tecovas LongHaul Moc Toe Work Boots fit the bill perfectly in terms of lightweight performance, dependability and the proper style points when you prefer to wear your leather moc toe boots a bit more casually off-duty. And yes, Tecovas is perhaps best known for its stylish Western boots for men, but don’t sleep on Tecovas sweaters, tough trucker jackets and Western-style shirting — all of ’em pair perfectly with the best moc toe boots for men, of course.

At times like these — and especially as we head into the casual, brisk and breezy climes of spring — a set of boots like the Tecovas LongHaul Moc Toe Work Boots can work wonders for your wardrobe. They boast a bevy of nearly five-star customer reviews, always a positive, and are truly work-approved in matters of specs and design.

The Tecovas LongHaul Moc Toe Work Boots are built with wateproof leather for multi-season performance, with a composite safety toe and cushioned footbed for supreme comfort and job site-ready reliability.

Tecovas men's boots review.

And for added comfort for long days on your feet, a dual density outsole delivers rebound and cushioning, while the gusseted tongue on these tough work boots should also aid in mobility — it assuredly seems like Tecovas thought of just about everything in matters of utility, which is just about all one can ask for when it comes to the best work boots for men, ehh?

And yet, when worn more casually with inky blue indigo denim or grey selvedge, the handsome and hard-wearing turn into a bona fide style move you should be proud to wear in casually rugged fashion. When duty finally comes calling, the Tecovas LongHaul Moc Toe Work Boots are ready to heed the call with the right blend of form and function — sounds to me like you could use a new pair of boots, yes? Lace ’em up accordingly, folks.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason Quarter-Zip Is a Seriously Cool Take on a Casual Staple

Best quarter-zip sweaters for men.

There are certain casual men’s style staples that, if you ask me, tend to get a bad rep of sorts. The quarter-zip sweater very well might be one of ’em, at least the way some brands make it: While ultra-useful for performance on the links and even as a lightweight, moisture-wicking travel sweater (a favorite way of mine to wear one!), there are some quarter-zip sweaters that lean a little too, well, corporate logo-heavy. But a better way is possible, and Buck Mason is on the case, folks.

And while there’s nothing wrong with rocking one at a work conference, what about a better and more casually rugged way to wear the quarter-zip sweater? As with most modern casual style essentials for men, the good folks at Buck Mason have devised the perfect way to get back to the functional roots of the zip sweater, and the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Quarter Zip is a prime example of a new way to look at one of the best sweaters for men, period. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

The Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Quarter Zip takes its cues from vintage athletic wear, using a thick vertical cardigan rib knit design and fully fashioned construction for a burly, rugged take on the quarter-zip.

With its thick, sturdy collar, the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Quarter Zip manages to stand out from the pack, at least in my book — that holds true whether worn atop an Oxford shirt with dark blue jeans at the office, or with merino wool joggers more casually around the house or during a weekend coffee run. If it’s versatile style in a quarter-zip sweater that you seek, then the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Quarter Zip is the one to watch for this season.

With its yarn-dyed and garment-rinsed build, the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Quarter Zip also should feel plenty supple and comfortable right out of the box, while the ribbed collar and chest pocket add stylish detailing to a fresh take on a classic sweater for men. Available in two colors (the crisp India Ink and the eye-catching Sand Dollar), this new casual style staple should prove as wearable with expertly faded denim as with stretch chinos or corduroy trousers to round out the rest of winter. For an inspired take on a tried-and-true classic, reach for the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Quarter Zip, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: These FRYE Hudson Boots are As Tough and As Stylish As It Gets for Rugged Winter Dressing

Frye men's boots review.

If you take a look outside in your neck of the woods, it should come as no surprise that winter’s worst still tends to bear down. But there are momentary breaks in the action, breaks where you might be able to trade in your tried-and-true snow boots (perhaps by L.L. Bean?) for something a bit more stylish, eye-catching and just as dependable in terms of traction and style.

It’s a tricky equation to perfect, as we often say on this Brooklyn style blog, but heritage brands that get the job done — like FRYE Company — are a wise addition to your wardrobe — especially as we get ready to step ever so slightly into early spring over the next month or so, it’s ideal to look at yet another pair of the best boots for men, and perhaps a new pair of FRYE men’s boots is just what the style doctor ordered (you’re welcome in advance).

The FRYE Hudson Workboots, while not quite as rugged and road-ready as a pair of steel-toe work boots made for the factory floor, offer classically dependable good looks and the ultimate in accessible craftsmanship. With the FRYE Hudson Workboots, you’re getting a sense of craft and rugged appeal at every step of the way, from the Goodyear welted construction to the use of a traction-ready treaded rubber outsole.

Colors like rich Mahogany leather only make these stylish men’s leather boots, well, that much more stylish. Keep in mind that the Hudson Workboots also come in a moc toe boot construction, but the plain-toe Hudson Workboots should do the trick in equal measure, at least in my experience.

The smooth pull-up leather in eithr moc toe or plain toe form should patina handsomely over time, and these boots can even be made waterproof with balm from the legendary Northeast boot purveyors. The FRYE Hudson Workboots also feature an agreeable 6-inch shaft height, all the better to pair with blue jeans or corduroy trousers while offering some critical protection from the elements afoot.

And in matters of form and function, whether you lace up a pair in the company’s Whiskey colorway or stick with classic Black, I’d wager that the FRYE Hudson Workboots will give you just about everything you’re looking for in matters of standout style and durable design. Lace ’em up and see if they do the trick yourself, ehh?

See Now, Buy Now: The Beckett Simonon Lopez Boots are the Perfect Balance of Rugged and Refined for Your Style Rotation

Just when you thought you had exhausted every avenue in terms of your rotation of the best boots for men, another pair enters the fray — at least, that’s the case if you’re a major fan of the best boots for men, as I am. Mixing the rugged and the refined is the name of the game, with a profile that can be reasonably dressed up or dressed down — depending on the weather, of course. Beckett Simonon, makers of direct-to-consumer boots and dress shoes significantly marked down from their retail prices, have nailed the formula, and they’ve even thrown some significant savings for you in the mix.

And the Beckett Simonon Lopez Boots check plenty of boxes if you need another pair of rugged, durable footwear to carry you through winter and into spring (the groundhog did see his shadow, after all!). While the footwear maker does indeed produce streamlined dress boots with wingtip and captoe detailing, the hard-wearing yet versatile Beckett Simonon Lopez Boots fall somewhere in between — able to be paired with dark blue indigo jeans or wool trousers in equal measure. That’s certainly not all they’ve got going for ’em.

The Beckett Simonon Lopez Boots work so well for your versatile style rotation thanks to the use of rugged pull-up leather, complete with a more round toe box that’s apt for pairing with casual trouser styles. There’s a laundry list of features built into these dependable boots, including the use of a leather lining and leather insole for comfort, sweat absorption and a fit that molds to your feet over time.

A steel shank delivers structure and support, and heel caps add grip and durability. Throw in the fact that the Beckett Simonon Lopez Boots are crafted with resoleable Blake stitch construction and are also water-repellent — critical in any pair of handsome yet essential men’s bots for winter — and Beckett Simonon has certainly done a proper job at crafting another standout pair to add to your rotation.

These stylish men’s leather boots also come in colors like Walnut and a rich, deep Chocolate color, all the better to wear with everything from light wash jeans to olive chinos, while the pull-up leather construction will develop a wonderful patina over time. With their leather-lined construction, you can even wear the Beckett Simonon Lopez Boots well into spring, particularly when paired up with seasonally friendly, lightweight, light wash denim. How will you rock your new favorite pair of boots?

See Now, Buy Now: This Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cable Sweater is an Affordable Wardrobe Update

We’re still deep in the throes of winter, a detail you surely haven’t missed if you’ve stepped outside your front door any day in the past few weeks. Perhaps at this point, you’re searching for updates to your sweater rotation, and it might be high time for an affordable refresh with one of the best winter sweaters for men.

And perhaps, it might be time to take the plunge with a buzzed-about brand you haven’t yet tried: Meet Quince, makers of highly affordable cashmere sweaters and perhaps best known for its line of Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweaters, among others. Let’s say we take a look at what could be your new favorite sweater, shall we?

The brand has something for just about everyone (including a line of home goods and basics, right down to socks, plus pages of accessories aplenty to pore through). There are also more Quince men’s sweaters out there than you can shake a stick at, including a range of shawl cardigans, quarter-zip sweaters, polo sweaters, classic cardigans and of course, the famed line of Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweaters.

And as you can see here, the brand also does a standout job at visually interesting, modern takes on the classics, like the trusty cable-knit crewneck sweater. In recent weeks in fact, I’ve had the chance to try out the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cable Crew, a more elevated take on, say, the traditional fisherman sweater (and yes, Quince also makes fisherman-style sweaters). Right off the bat, the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cable Crew is a major winner in terms of affordability, especially concerning what traditional designers might dream up.

Of course, 100 percent Mongolian cashmere makes up its ultra-soft construction, billed by the do-it-all brand as “a lightweight yet exceptionally warm sweater that delivers natural breathability and a luxuriously soft hand-feel against the skin.” In frigid temperatures across NYC, that certainly holds true (when layered beneath a trusty peacoat, of course).

The Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cable Crew also comes in highly stylish, easily wearable colors, including shades of beige, tan, grey and navy — and at their current price tag, you very well might want to pick up more than one iteration of the handsome Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cable Crew.

Whether paired up with crisp dark indigo blue jeans or elevated with wool trousers or corduroy pants, there’s a refined, appealing nature to the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cable Crew in its many colors — you just might find yourself wanting to see what all the fuss is about, and that’s a highly recommended move in my book. Good luck out there, my friends, and stay stylish.

See Now, Buy Now: The Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt is as Classic As It Gets For Proper Winter Style

When winter weather does its absolute worst, when it seems like there’s no relief in sight, it’s like we’ve talked about here on this menswear blog: The best defense is a good offense, or in this case, the best winter style essentials from brands you can count on should help you deftly fight the cold in proper style.

And when it comes to the rugged, Americana-inspired style purveyors at Line of Trade, the Bespoke Post-owned and inspired brand assuredly delivers in every stitch (at least, in my experience!). Let me put it this way: If you want the right mix of rugged appeal, winter performance, style points and good looks in spades, this is one brand to shop — over and over again, at that.

In fact, there are certain winter style essentials from the brand that are a cut above the rest, even in a crowded market where the quality of winter gear from heritage-minded brands seems to get better with each passing season. And on that note, meet – or re-meet – the Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt, a durable and rugged style staple with old-school appeal in every thread.

The Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt is quite simply a do-it-all, goes-with-almost-anything casual shirt with style points aplenty to spare. Crafted from a ultra-soft yet sturdy 100 percent cotton flannel fabric, the company itself says “Line of Trade custom-designed the Summit Plaid Flannel Shirt’s exclusive patterns for a lineup of flannels that’s a touch above ordinary – and unlike none other.” Of course, that’s high praise, but in my experience wearing the handsome Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt, the brand lives up to its billing — and then some.

Featuring an array of rich plaid patterns and retro-minded colors, the Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt truly feels timeless, whether worn with stretch cotton chinos, corduroy trousers or classic dark blue jeans.

Complete with crisp finishing touches like a left chest patch pocket and mitered double-button cuffs, this hard-working yet stylish flannel shirt deserves its place in your rotation — in at least one color, if not multiple given the highly affordable $75 price tag. Winter has indeed met its match, at least as far as the best men’s flannel shirts are concerned, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: These Proof Rover Work Pants from Huckberry are Ready for Winter’s Worst

Best work pants for men.

If your neck of the woods looks anything like mine these days, I’m willing to bet you’re dealing with your fair share of frigid wind, deep snow and foul conditions aplenty. And yet, the work doesn’t stop, be it your winter to-do list or the ever-mounting need to shovel snow, dig yourself out and perhaps get back to the office.

For whatever’s in your way and whatever happens to be on your to-do list, the best workwear can handle it all — and then some. The best work pants for men, while not traditional snow pants you’d wear on a mountain, are more than equipped to take on the task at hand, especially if the sturdy work pants for men are the Proof Rover Double Knee Work Pants, which blend form and function in a reliably rugged way from the good folks at Huckberry. Better still is the fact that you can save 15 percent on your purchase of two pairs — but let’s dive into why you’d want to do that, shall we?

There’s always much to love in the way of durable winter gear, performance-minded menswear and tough-as-nails supplies in the digital shelves at Huckberry, and the road-ready Proof Rover Double Knee Work Pants should more than pass muster. Proof delivers adventure-minded performance menswear under the Huckberry umbrella, from its famed 72-Hour Merino T-Shirts (truly worn for three days of hard-working off-grid excursions) to the fan-favorite Proof Rover Pants, which my Proof reviews have covered here on this Brooklyn style blog.

Best work pants for men.

The hard-working Proof Rover Double Knee Work Pants share much of the same DNA as the flagship Proof Rover Pants, starting with their fabrication. Your new favorite winter pants feature a tough-as-can-be cotton-blend, recycled poly fabric construction that regulates your temperature, boasts just enough useful stretch and wicks away moisture at the same time. Talk about a laundry list of features designed to move with you and make tackling your to-do list all that much easier.

Lest we forget, the Proof Rover Double Knee Work Pants feature reinforced construction at key stress points through the thigh and knee, plus riveted pockets for an ultra-sturdy finish. In my experience wearing the Proof Rover Pants, the pigment-dye finish makes these rugged work pants for men surprisingly sturdy and yet supple out of the box, all the better to mold to your body over time.

Of course, whether layered up with a thermal henley and a wool-lined waxed trucker jacket or styled with a burly crewneck sweater and a barn coat, the dependable Proof Rover Double Knee Work Pants should move easily with you, thanks to the gusseted crotch. Huckberry even built out the forward-thinking Proof Rover Double Knee Work Pants with a back waistband pocket for your everyday carry.

Rounding things out is the fact that some of the best men’s work pants come in three proprietary Huckberry fits, including an Athletic Tapered fit (my personal favorite) and a crisp Slim fit — not to fear though, as the reliable Proof Rover Double Knee Work Pants should still readily team with pull-on work boots or Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots. Don’t delay snapping up your new go-to work pants — they can handle winter’s worst, and then some.