Tag / spring style essentials

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Aether Apparel Half-Zip Sweatshirt is an Effortlessly Cool Spring Layer

There’s a right way and a wrong way to layer up for spring with the best spring style essentials, believe it or not. Or at least, that’s the case on this Brooklyn style blog, where I’m all about versatility in design, the right balance between performance fabrics and everyday style, and a dash of the unexpected. Take Los Angeles-based performance menswear brand Aether Apparel and the new Aether Apparel Spring 2025 Collection.

Learn more now at Aether Apparel

The company rests at the intersection of gear you can wear out of the city — on a day hike, a long flight or somewhere in between — and gear that looks crisp and stylish getting from point A to point B. Add in a dash of the unexpected, as with the Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt, and now, we’re getting somewhere, so to speak.

If ever you’ve been hesitant about wearing a zip pullover or sweatshirt someplace other than the golf course, now’s the time to put those thoughts to the side — a new way to layer for spring weekends and casual days on Zoom calls at home just arrived.

It’s got more going for it than your traditional sporty crewneck, starting with the fact that it’s made from organic French Terry cotton. The half-zip design also swerves from the quarter-zip design’s traditional look, and the overall appeal of this casually cool layering piece sits somewhere between a traditional crewneck sweatshirt (in material) and the OG quarter zip.

Taken all at once, the Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt checks every one of the boxes we talked about earlier, all while doing so in slightly unexpected fashion — you might even say the quarter-zip sweatshirt or pullover is back in a whole new way.

The design should prove thermal in nature, ideal for brisk spring mornings and cool summer nights in the field (in fact, Aether Apparel says your new favorite zip sweatshirt is “an uncompromising exercise in versatile comfort and warmth” — how’s that for performance?).

The Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt is even built with underarm eyelets for increased ventilation: While this zip sweatshirt might not quite be one to wear on long runs, it can certainly tackle day hikes and other, more leisurely weekend pursuits.

Even the notched offset chest pocket is a visual touch that shows that a serious level of design and thought went into the Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt. On the style front, rib cuffs give this a sweatshirt-like fit and feel (it’s right in the name, after all), and three crisp, neutral color options deliver easygoing style potential — that goes for everything from olive-hued joggers to faded light wash jeans as a leisurely weekend look. Don’t hesitate to layer up the Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt for work or play — it’ll assuredly deliver.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Taylor Stitch Denim Jacket is a Modern Spin on a Classic for Spring Men’s Style

Best denim jackets for men.

There’s not much more essential to your menswear rotation in the blustery yet sunny, anything-goes summer months than a durable piece of outerwear, at least in my experience. One of the best denim jackets for men in particular bridges the gap between winter and the fresh climes of spring with ease, offering enough weight to feel substantial on cool mornings, yet enough versatility to deliver leisurely style the rest of the time.

It’s as functional as it is fashionable, and if you’ve kept up with this Brooklyn men’s style blog over the years, you know that the good folks at Taylor Stitch deliver a prime example of one of the best denim jackets for men, period.

Learn more and shop spring style at Taylor Stitch

That lineage carries on handsomely into the year 2025 as we look out for the best spring men’s style essentials, and in my experience, the Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket meets the moment — and then some, no doubt about it.

The highly durable, utterly classic Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket has been a favorite from the San Francisco brand for years, featuring timeless touches that take on a modern air when done by the famed menswear brand (one of the best online menswear shops around, in my humble opinion). The Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket checks all the right boxes, starting with the use of a tough yet supple 14oz. 100% organic cotton selvedge denim — the kind that breaks in and molds to your body with each and every wear.

The 100% organic cotton selvedge denim build gives it a substantial feel and a rich dark wash that contrasts handsomely and stylishly with its zig-zag reinforcement stitching on the front placket and under collar — both fashionable touches that lend it a handcrafted appeal. For good measure, the rugged Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket features rounded chest pockets that lend a further air of eye-catching style (and utility for your everyday carry, as one pocket features a sleek pen sleeve).

Tack buttons provide a strong finish and even further reinforced durability, while the exterior of the hand pockets boast the brand’s custom SF map detailing. Nearly every detail, and then some, is carefully and thoughtfully considered when it comes to the expertly cut Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket, which also features the company’s helpful chest sizing system.

For a sturdy, stylish denim jacket for men that only gets better with age, the Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket is a prime spring menswear move, right this very instant.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This On-Sale Flint and Tinder Jacket is Perfectly Rugged for Spring Weather

Flint and Tinder waxed jacket review.

There’s a happy medium to strike as you sort through your array of men’s style essentials, especially for spring: Blustery weather can strike at any moment, and proper preparation (and style) calls for building an outfit with a rugged performance jacket in mind. There’s also a line to walk between performance (the kind of jacket you’d wear to go hiking or camping), and more casual everyday style (the kind of jacket you’d wear with crisp jeans and chukka boots).

My friends at Huckberry — and your friends at Huckberry, of course — have a way in terms of finding the expert middle ground between toughness, form and function, and it’s all on display rather handsomely with the new, on-sale Flint and Tinder York Quilted Jacket (we’re talking about the Tuesday Steal, after all).

Shop spring style and gear at Huckberry

The Flint and Tinder York Quilted Jacket carries on the brand’s penchant for sturdy, strong yet supple waxed jackets, each more carefully crafted than the last. This particular option (marked down below $180 from nearly $300) turns the typical Flint and Tinder formula — classic trucker jackets and field jackets — on its head by opting instead for a streamlined puffer jacket design.

The same trademark weatherproof treatment remains top of mind, as Huckberry worked with famed British producer Halley Stevenson on a custom Halley Stevensons Dry Finish Waxed Cotton Canvas fabric in a tough 8.6 oz weight. That means the Flint and Tinder York Quilted Jacket is a touch heavier than the 7oz. waxed sailcloth of the iconic Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket, which just so happens to be another fine spring wardrobe addition.

And while the body of this jacket is lined with 100 percent nylon for strength and an easy-on, easy-off touch, recycled polyester and PrimaLoft fill out key stress points (like the collar) for additional warmth without a ton of weight.

The hard-wearing Flint and Tinder York Quilted Jacket even comes in Huckberry’s signature Field Tan color, or a versatile shade of Dark Olive. Sizes are going quickly now that it’s prime time to rock this casually cool, functionally minded take on the puffer jacket. Think of it like your old-school quilted puffer, yet amped up with the sort of style and utility only Huckberry can provide. You can’t go wrong with spring savings and style on the Flint and Tinder York Quilted Jacket, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Ranger Station Leather & Pine Cologne Is a Perfect Spring Fragrance Upgrade

Best spring cologne for men.

We talk often on this Brooklyn style blog about doing things with intention, like taking good care to find the right spring style essentials (and the right essentials in any season), be it your choice of rugged leather boots, expertly crafted denim or a proper selection of seasonal outerwear.

But what about your grooming rotation? While we love brands like Taylor Stitch and Buck Mason on the blog, the proper grooming and fragrance certainly shouldn’t be overlooked.

It’s a bit more tricky to nail down, but no less important when it comes to, again intentional style and even personal expression. And yes, my friends, that’s where a company like Ranger Station comes into play.

Learn more now at Ranger Station

Perhaps you’ve stumbled upon Ranger Station in its Nashville home — a place where the great outdoors meets a sense of adventure and rough-and-tumble good times. Ranger Station embodies that ethos with a sense of old-world cool and a modern edge — its fragrances and candles are some of my personal favorites, with scents that are rich, rugged, masculine and yet refined and versatile, all at once. The company offers up collections that run the gamut from light and airy to intoxicatingly rich, and its products come in everything from spray cologne to candles.

Suffice to say, Ranger Station has serious chops, including collaborations with musicians like Waylon Jennings and Noah Kahan: High-voltage fragrance with a tasteful flair to it.

To hear the company tell it, Ranger Station delivers “premium, made in USA fragrances and candles inspired by the great outdoors that will create a fresh, clean, and sustainable experience for your environment.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, but it can be a lofty prospect to add a cologne to your rotation (or to select one as a starting point). The brand is bold and fun, however, making it worth your time to take a closer look, I’d say.

Choosing a scent to add to your rotation is a personal process, one that should consider how and where you’ll be wearing your new favorite cologne, and even the outfits you’ll be using that Ranger Station fragrance to complement. And for my money’s worth, there’s nothing quite like the crisp yet rich Ranger Station Leather & Pine Fragrance.

In fact, there’s an entire collection dedicated to the rich, versatile Ranger Station Leather & Pine Fragrance, from candles to room spray to the cologne that’s going to add a spritz of outdoorsy scent to your next #OOTD.

Shop fragrance and more at Ranger Station

Amber, leather and sandalwood come together handsomely in this fragrance, one of my personal favorites — while it’s a worthwhile pairing alongside more casually rugged outfits, like a henley, trucker jacket and black jeans, I find the Ranger Station Leather & Pine Fragrance can be used to add some appeal to business casual situations (think of pairing cologne with a look like you’d think of pairing shoes with an ensemble, in a way). However you chose to make your foray into the world of spring fragrance, you might have just found the perfect scent — and the perfect company — to take the leap.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Flint and Tinder Western Shirt Puts a Modern Spin on a Rugged Classic

Best Western shirts for men.

As you build out your spring style rotation and look to bolster your wardrobe with stylish menswear aplenty, perhaps you find yourself exploring a mix of both old and new styles, picks that seem familiar but also feel fresh. While the denim shirt is a tried-and-true style classic, all things Western are having a serious moment right now (thank you, Yellowstone!).

So while a stylish denim shirt seems familiar, picking up a new twist on the style — one of the best Western shirts for men from the good folks at Huckberry — seems to be a wise move heading into the breezy climes of spring, does it not?

It feels classic yet contemporary, and the latest and greatest edition of the Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt certainly checks the right boxes in terms of durability, rugged appeal, crisp style and even versatility. Let’s take a closer look at perhaps your new favorite shirt, shall we?

Shop men’s shirts and more at Huckberry

Part of a refreshed rotation of stylish men’s shirts at Huckberry for spring, this on-trend take on the Western shirt still keeps the classic details front and center, despite its more eye-catching pattern.

With strong USA-made construction featuring 8oz. 100 percent cotton – light enough to wear on its own on hot days, sturdy enough to wear over a T-shirt or henley when it’s more breezy – I’d say the Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt is about as versatile as it gets in terms of casual shirting. In fact, you can even style this handsome Western shirt in slightly elevated fashion, as Huckberry showcases by teaming it with a Western-style blazer.

And recall what we said about those classic touches being front and center: The Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt boasts burnt cow bone button snaps, plus two angled chest pockets in timeless Western shirt fashion.

Shop the best gear for spring at Huckberry

Huckberry notes this shirt features durable stitching for good measure, and it comes in the company’s standard range of sizes — nicely tailored, but not overly tight nor too relaxed. When it comes to a slight style swerve from the norm, this tasteful Western shirt could be just what the (style) doctor ordered — and that’s a winner in my book for expert spring men’s fashion, folks.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket Is Back for Spring and Better than Ever

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket review.

Although the menswear pantheon is packed with instantly recognizable classics (like the denim trucker jacket, the blue jean or one of the best men’s henleys), there are pieces that fly under the radar ever-so-slightly, yet still deserve their place in the sun (and their place in your rotation of men’s style essentials).

The classic chore coat very well might be one of them, with a silhouette modeled after French work jackets and still used to great effect today in matters of style and utility: The Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket definitely meets the mark in this regard, and it’s back and better than ever for spring.

Learn more now at Taylor Stitch

The Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is a staple piece for the San Francisco brand, which has long been a favorite of this Brooklyn style blog — and which just so happens to make gear perfectly suited for the climes of San Francisco and for spring menswear transitions. The humble yet hard-working chore jacket certainly qualifies among the best men’s style for spring, and again, the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is a prime example of the style done right.

It starts with 100 percent organic cotton herringbone, which in this case is pigment-dyed before being hand-sanded and garment-washed for softness and yet a sturdy weave right out of the box. That also gives the handsome Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket a vintage-minded look, one that only gets better over time. It doesn’t hurt that the rich blue herringbone of the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket calls to mind the originators of the style, French work jackets often made from indigo-dyed cotton.

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket review.

You’ll find the hard-wearing yet stylish Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket features plenty of timeless chore coat touches, including a top-entry chest pocket with space for your pen (note that Taylor Stitch also sells accessories!). The laundry list of features also includes hip patch pockets with both side and top entry capability, again crucial for your everyday carry essentials from Taylor Stitch.

Ring-back buttons are a durable, distinctive touch that should prove eye-catching as well as durable, at least when the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is worn unbuttoned (perhaps over a breezy organic cotton T-shirt).

And when the weather truly calls for it, your new favorite casual spring jacket can be worn over a cotton sweater on especially breezy days (and yes, your friends at Taylor Stitch also happen to sell those). If your mission this spring is finding a dependable, stylish chore jacket for a sense of effortless cool on pleasant yet brisk spring days, consider the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket your new go-to.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Line of Trade Utility Shirt is an On-Sale Spring Workwear Steal from Bespoke Post

Spring weather brings with it the return of breezy, sunny days — ideal for breaking out some of your favorite menswear essentials, of course — but the season isn’t without its style challenges, including the need to gear up for all manner of rough-and-tumble work, spring cleaning and yes, the occasional adventure. You can readily turn to the folks at Bespoke Post for each and every single one of those situations, and then some — the same can be said for the brand the company helped start, Line of Trade.

Learn more now at Bespoke Post

While Line of Trade is now its own fully shoppable brand stocked with Americana classics like chambray shirts, canvas work pants and one of the best shawl cardigans, the great news is, you can still score discounts on Line of Trade menswear at Bespoke Post, which is why we find ourselves looking at one of the best workshirts for men at the top of the page, the Line of Trade Mason Utility Shirt.

For each of those pursuits mentioned above — from spring adventures to crisp spring outdoor imbibing (Happy Bell’s Oberon Week, my friends!), this durable workshirt rises to the challenge in matters of style and utility.

That’s an ideal thing indeed, because I’d wager you can get plenty of versatile wear out of the Line of Trade Mason Utility Shirt, all the while resting easy as your new favorite workshirt is marked down about 35 percent.

The Line of Trade Mason Utility Shirt is a near-perfect way to bridge the gap from your rotation of winter-ready flannel shirts to much lighter summer shirts in blends like cotton and linen — in fact, this shirt is made from a top-woven shuttle cloth that’s densely fabricated, yet still able to layer comfortably over a pocket T-shirt and beneath your favorite waxed jacket.

All the classic workshirt touches can be found in the Line of Trade Mason Utility Shirt, including buttoned chest pockets for your everyday carry. The two-piece collar is a handcrafted design touch, while the square back yoke offers ease of movement in tight spots.

Contrast stitching and reinforced pockets meet the moment in matters of form and function, while the Line of Trade Mason Utility Shirt just so happens to come in a handsome, neutral shade of olive you can style with everything from dark tan canvas work pants to light wash or dark blue denim, or even black jeans alongside burnished Chelsea boots at a dive bar (post-rock show, of course).

Yes indeed, the durably crafted, rugged Line of Trade Mason Utility Shirt checks the proper boxes when it comes to spring style essentials and the right mix of utility and great looks. Don’t forget about that discount opportunity either, my friends. Cheers to early spring!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason Cotton Crew is the Perfect Transitional Sweater for Spring

Best spring sweaters for men.

There’s a difficult line to walk, at times, as far as transitional spring style is concerned — brisk breezes and blustery weather await, but it’s not quite cold enough for a heavyweight, burly parka. Layering is still of the essence as you consider the best men’s style essentials — but again, you can’t go too heavy or too lightweight, and that concerns everything from your T-shirt to your outerwear of choice.

What’s a well-dressed fella to do? Easy: Look to a tried-and-true, classic-meets-modern brand like Buck Mason, which will reliably sort out your next spring #OOTD, particularly when it comes to a mid-layer like a classic cotton sweater.

Learn more now at Buck Mason

The right cotton sweater is almost like a secret weapon in more seasons — and in more ways — than one. It’s not as stuffy as wool, it’s easy to layer atop both buttondown shirting and knitwear, and it gives off a sense of rugged, reliable cool. How can one sweater manage to do all of that at once? Easy: It’s the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew, my friends. The key is the textured ribbed jersey cotton fabric — neither woven too tightly nor too loosely.

It also forgoes traditional, thick cable-knit detailing, and the cotton itself has been yarn-dyed — each of these details makes the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew the perfect mid-weight sweater, technical jargon aside. In fact, Buck Mason goes so far as to say the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew is “ideal for year-round wear,” which is never a bad thing to have in your wardrobe.

Learn more now at Buck Mason

In matters of style as well as layering performance, that’s perhaps also the reason why this handsome sweater comes in a range of effortlessly cool colors, from Tundra to Navy, Black, Faded Indigo and Golden Olive.

Each cover the spectrum from darker, slightly more formal colors to pleasingly earthy shades ideal for wearing with expertly faded denim. The Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew leans more rugged — look to layer it underneath a waxed trucker jacket or a field coat — and it can add a sense of dashing, old-world style to seasonal chinos and leather chukka boots.

It should also prove roomy enough to layer over an Oxford or chambray shirt, along with Buck Mason T-shirts and henleys aplenty. With rugged good looks, a picture-perfect crewneck design and the ideal fabric weight, your new favorite spring sweater just might be the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew — a host of new seasonal looks awaits!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Marine Layer Shorts are a Spring & Summer Classic

Best summer shorts for men.

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.

Shop new spring arrivals at Huckberry

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.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Filson Frontier Henley Is A Rugged Warm-Weather Staple

Best short-sleeve henley for men.

When the going gets tough, the tough get Filson. Or at least, that’s what I like to say in terms of spring style essentials aplenty, and that holds true as we take a look at one of the best men’s henleys today on your favorite Brooklyn style blog.

Filson, in my experience, is a brand you can trust to cover just about any category, be it one of the best lightweight buttondown shirts, a full lineup of hard-wearing Filson waxed jackets or even stylish indigo denim that gets better with age. And what wears well with all of those rugged men’s style essentials?

Shop spring style at Filson

One of the best short-sleeve henleys, of course. A durable, hard-working layer fit for styling on its own, beneath a trucker jacket or underneath a Filson long-sleeve shirt? Sign me up. And the Filson Frontier Henley T-Shirt more than holds its own, with the specs and durable construction to match.

Best henley T-shirt for men.

The use of 6.5oz. jersey knit cotton gives this stylish henley T-shirt some texture and a substantial look and feel, never a bad thing if you want either a base layer or a versatile shirt to rock on its own. You’ll also find that the Filson Frontier Henley T-Shirt boasts a rib-knit collar that’ll hold its shape over time, all the while standing up to layering beneath a Filson twill shirt or field jacket.

And whether in Heather Grey or classic Black, I certainly appreciate touches like a Filson logo at the placket. Button up that three-button placket or unbutton it as you wish — the Filson Frontier Henley T-Shirt can stand up to denim shirting, breezy spring shirt jackets or simply your favorite pair of dark tan chinos and high-top canvas sneakers. Again, when the going gets tough, the tough wear something like the Filson Frontier Henley T-Shirt.