March 17, 2022March 6, 2022 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Buck Mason Western Denim Shirt is a New Spring Style Essential

Stocking your wardrobe for spring is all about finding the right ingredients, so to speak: Useful pieces that come in handy in situations both casually rugged and slightly more polished. That’s why the Buck Mason Western Denim Shirt is so handy and even downright essential as you consider the proper ingredients that go into making one of the best men’s shirts for spring. Plenty of Buck Mason reviews will tell you that the all-American brand doesn’t cut any corners in matters of style and functionality. That’s the case whether the brand is delivering one of the warmest thermal henleys for the colder months or, in the case of the Buck Mason Western Denim Shirt, crafting a go-anywhere piece you can wear on its own or as a shirt jacket. Call it the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, because again, Buck Mason doesn’t cut any corners.

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A denim shirt, much like the workwear roots of the cotton chambray shirt, is well-suited for moving from the depths of winter into spring as you stow away your trusty flannel shirt and search for something a bit more lightweight – and perhaps easier to layer over one of your favorite T-shirts. The Buck Mason Western Denim Shirt knocks things out of the park when it comes to its design, using a not-too-bulky, not-too-light 6.75 oz. indigo yarn-dyed cotton twill.

In addition to the layering-friendly fabric build, the Buck Mason Western Denim Shirt gets plenty of other crucial details right, too. Note the classic pearl snap buttons, a hallmark of any great Western shirt, plus the three-button snap cuffs so you can customize the fit of the sleeves – either rolled or worn fully buttoned. The Western details are on point with the Buck Mason Western Denim Shirt, to say the least — right on down to the gold contrast stitching and Western-style snap chest pockets. The back yoke adds another layer of durability, not to mention on-trend Western detailing, too. And of course, the garment-washed denim fabric on the Buck Mason Western Denim Shirt gives it an extremely comfortable, lived-in feel right out of the box.

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It’s easily wearable atop a breezy cotton Buck Mason henley, and that entire combination works well when worn with all manner of spring style essentials, be it lightweight stretch chinos or edgy Buck Mason black denim for a fresh take on double denim. The Buck Mason Western Denim Shirt is a change of pace from the ordinary, especially from more polished spring shirts like a soft-washed Oxford shirt. Given the fact that Buck Mason has come through with a highly durable, classic design, it’s a worthwhile addition to your seasonal wardrobe.

March 5, 2022February 20, 2022 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Surplus Waffle Henley – The Rugged Spring Layer You Need Now

Cruise through the pages of The Style Guide any day of the week, and you just might find me singing the praises of a rugged menswear must-have: One of the best men’s henleys is the right layer to take you from the depths of winter into spring, starting right now. A rugged thermal henley can work wonders in plenty of different ways in your wardrobe, be it as a base layer with a tough waxed trucker jacket and the best leather boots, or worn on its own with dark indigo jeans as temperatures (slowly) rise. That’s what we’ve got on our hands today with the Flint and Tinder Surplus Long-Sleeve Henley, another A-plus menswear staple to carry you from early March into spring, properly outfitted.

Shop the best henleys at Huckberry

It’s part of a crop of the best spring style essentials new into the well-stocked digital confines of San Francisco-based Huckberry, and your next spring look is going to better for it when you snag the Flint and Tinder Surplus Long-Sleeve Henley. The Surplus Collection from F&T blends hard-wearing materials like Cordura nylon with cotton for stretch, durability and comfort, and it all comes together in this fittingly military-inspired henley. Note the custom F&T buttons, matching the shade of the henley for a low-key, functional finish. Of course, that’s not all you’ll find with one of the best henleys for men.

The mini waffle texture on the Flint and Tinder Surplus Long-Sleeve Henley adds interlocking, insulating warmth without adding bulk, and it still moves with you (not against you) thanks to the interwoven Cordura and cotton fabric blend. Colors like Twill, Olive and classic Black drive home the utilitarian nature of the Flint and Tinder Surplus Long-Sleeve Henley — this is a henley meant for work and action, as well as lounging around the house with your favorite pair of weekend joggers. Huckberry notes this fabric is comfortable enough to sleep in (especially useful if you’re hitting the road this spring to a cabin or campsite), but it’s handy enough to layer up with atop your favorite flannel shirt when you step outside your lodgings.

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Like most other Huckberry gear picks, the Flint and Tinder Surplus Long-Sleeve Henley is priced right for the quality and utility — it’ll run you $68 at Huckberry. That’s certainly more than a bargain henley or a standard cotton undershirt, but this Huckberry henley has more substantial fabric and wearability than something on the cheaper side of the equation. A contrast placket and stitching really lends itself to the military surplus inspiration behind the rugged and durable Flint and Tinder Surplus Long-Sleeve Henley, which is never a bad thing to have in your wardrobe. Before you throw on your trusty spring chore coat or denim jacket, make sure the Flint and Tinder Surplus Long-Sleeve Henley is your base layer of choice.

March 2, 2022February 21, 2023 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Western Rise X Cotton Button Down is the Best Men’s Shirt for Early Spring

Does it feel weird to already be thinking about and talking about one of the best men’s shirts for spring? It’s at least a little strange, seeing as you yourself might still be layered up with, say, one of the best cardigans for men, but we’ll get through it together — and it’s never too early to think about new style staples for a new season.

That’s especially the case with Western Rise, the Colorado-based purveyors of performance menswear and makers of layers like one of the most rugged shirt jackets you can buy, not to mention the best stretch pants for men. This is where the Western Rise X Cotton Button Down is going to help you bridge the gap between late winter and early spring, with all the comfort, style and performance you need for the office, weekend getaways and plenty more. The specs on the Western Rise X Cotton Button Down are really what sets it apart from the pack, and in an essential way, no less.

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For starters, it harnesses the right blend of performance and style that you can wear from one season into the next, crucially. In the case of the Western Rise X Cotton Button Down, that means proprietary 4-way stretch Nylon 66 fabric, which also happens to resist stains and wick away moisture. In that sense, it’s truly a day-to-night shirt, with style points to prove it.

The Western Rise X Cotton Button Down certainly isn’t your classic Oxford shirt, which can sometimes be hard to wear and rather stuffy — it’s a modern take on an iconic look, and it never hurts to have one of the best shirts for men at your disposal. This shirt is also odor-resistant and made for repeated wear, be it at the office with a stretch wool sportcoat and your favorite chinos, or worn casually, untucked, with a pair of rugged leather boots and classic blue jeans for men. And although the Western Rise X Cotton Button Down looks like your casual, everyday shirt, it’s got other features that make it truly versatile from day to night.

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Notably, the Western Rise X Cotton Button Down is available in crisp, easy-to-style colors like Fog and Cloud, with neat features like hidden buttons at the collar for a clean finish. It’s also heavier than an Oxford shirt, yet still durable and plenty breathable — you won’t need to wear an undershirt with this style. You can comfortably rock it with one of the best waxed trucker jackets or a spring-ready field jacket with ease.

And again, it’s more than suited for repeated wear — at this rate, the Western Rise X Cotton Button Down is more than worth the purchase price of $118, as many Western Rise reviews note. Take advantage of this early spring style move while it’s still around — you won’t regret it.

April 20, 2021April 20, 2021 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear an Oxford Shirt for Spring — A Helpful Guide

If there’s one style staple I keep returning to over the years, it’s the humble Oxford shirt. Or rather, the ever-versatile Oxford shirt, with the sort of styling potential that runs counter to its humble nature. It’s a stone-cold menswear classic, the kind that gets better with age. And in these casual times, best represented by work Zoom calls day in and day out, you need menswear that can handle the demands of the work day and the demands of the spring season in equal measure. We’ve talked about how to wear a T-shirt for spring, but let’s ramp things up now for good measure. So, enter the Oxford shirt, along with other comfortable and go-anywhere menswear essentials. In fact, today’s Oxford shirt comes from a brand that knows a thing or two about making ’em, and that’d be Alex Mill. Based in NYC, they make quite the versatile shirt for warm weather days ahead, as you’ll soon find out.

How about that, ehh? It’s the right way to get ready for spring, and in these times, that means you’re looking at more road trips, more time spent outdoors and all the fun (and style) that goes with it. Are you hoping to find your new favorite Oxford shirt? That’s what I thought — let’s make it happen.

The Oxford Shirt: Alex Mill Shirt in Garment-Dyed Oxford, $95 — A garment-dyed Oxford shirt is the casual staple you need for Zoom calls and road trips alike. This one is breezy and effortless, and one of the best men’s shirts to wear this year.
The T-shirt: Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee, $35 — As ever, this Buck Mason T-shirt is a stone-cold classic, and your new favorite tee for spring layering (and beyond).
The Jeans: Edwin Maddox Slim Jeans, $168 — The only way to go with this #OOTD is with a pair of the best light wash jeans for spring and summer. That’s casual style to a T.
The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Seachange Sneakers, $80 — Sustainable sneakers are the name of the game with the SeaVees Legend, benefitting conservation org Seachange (and looking mighty stylish in the process).
The Watch: Marathon MSAR Arctic Strap Watch, $700 — This rugged dive watch on a rubber strap is ready for anything you throw at it this season.
The Hat: Howler Brothers Cottonmouth Snapback Hat, $30 — Have a bit of rugged fun with this #OOTD featuring an eye-catching hat for outdoor excursions and nights around the campfire (ditch the hat at the office, though).
The Sunglasses: Garrett Leight California Optics Hampton X, $395 — Now, these stylish casual sunglasses are an investment, but they’ll pay off in spades as you wear them all spring and summer long.
The Everyday Carry: Mission Workshop 500D Drift Tote, $265 — Here’s the best everyday carry bag to take on all your spring and summer excursions (even if that just means summer BBQs or brewery visits).

If you ask me, I’d say this ensemble is casual, cool and ready for just about anything, and it all starts from the ground up with the right accessories, like the best everyday carry bag — but we all know the real star of this look. It’s got to be your new favorite Oxford shirt, the kind you can wear on the aforementioned Zoom call and then out to safely grab patio drinks thereafter. When you team it with other classics, like a Buck Mason T-shirt and the best light wash jeans for spring, you’ve just nailed casual style that works at home, at a BBQ or even at the office on a particularly laidback day.

You’ve got to be prepared for anything nowadays, and items like a rugged dive watch are going to drive home the casual yet do-anything nature of this look. Add in the sustainable the SeaVees Legend for some laidback comfort, accent it with an eye-catching hat for outdoor hangs, and then get a proper pair of stylish casual sunglasses to wrap things up in style. If you’re not able to make this #OOTD work for you, you’re just not doing it right — except now, after reading this post, you’re all set for a stylish-as-heck spring and summer.

March 29, 2021March 25, 2021 by Beau H.

The List: Shop the Best Men’s Style Essentials for Spring From Billy Reid

The man himself, Mr. Billy Reid — stay tuned for the best menswear of the season from this iconic brand.

My friends, here we are again with another rundown of the best men’s spring style essentials to start a new week. We’ve covered all manner of brands in recent weeks, from the best gear at Aether Apparel to more rugged offerings like Filson spring menswear. It’s now time to step up to the plate and truly get acquainted with one of the best menswear brands out there as far as the refined side of things is concerned. That’s right: It’s time to shop Billy Reid menswear, and your closet is going to thank you. The Alabama-based designer has been making classic style picks for more than two decades out of Florence, Alabama, with a focus on gear that’s at once rugged and yet refined, and seriously covetable (witness the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, for starters). While these pieces are investment-level, they’re going to pay off in spades. Start your shopping here.

The Best New Menswear for Spring from Billy Reid

Billy Reid Barracuda Jacket — $350

A classic men’s jacket for spring, made the way only Billy Reid can make it.

If there’s one thing Billy Reid knows how to do well — and there are actually several — it’s making some of the best men’s outerwear in classic silhouettes with modern fabrics. This is one of the best jackets for spring in that regard.

Billy Reid Pensacola Polo — $88

This timeless polo is going to be a new spring and summer style essential.

The great thing about Billy Reid, again, is how the designer takes longstanding style staples and makes them entirely his own. This classic men’s polo is a great example of that.

Billy Reid Pima Cotton Chino Shorts — $145

Some of the coolest men’s shorts for spring, no doubt about it.

You want to invest in the best in all areas of your wardrobe, right? Well, these stylish chino shorts from a famed designer, and in a neat shade of blue, are the way to go.

Billy Reid Slim Jeans in Stone Wash — $115

A pair of on-sale men’s denim from Billy Reid? Not bad at all, folks.

Pick up a pair of the best men’s jeans on sale for a nice price from this lauded designer, and then proceed to wear ’em all spring and summer. You really can’t go wrong here.

Billy Reid Bond Peacoat — $695

The iconic peacoat as worn in James Bond, named for Reid’s NYC store on Bond Street, in fact.

Now, it wouldn’t be a guide to the best menswear at Billy Reid without including this famed number, James Bond’s peacoat from Skyfall. It’s sadly out of stock at the moment, but keep an eye out for the next drop, because it pays off to be prepared in advance.

Billy Reid Denim Shirt — $198

Quite possibly your new favorite denim shirt (or your new favorite spring shirt, period), easily.

This certainly won’t be the last time you read about Billy Reid’s denim shirt here on the blog. This rugged denim shirt is one of my favorites, and an everyday spring and summer must-have.

Billy Reid Mini-Waffle Henley — $125

A rugged henley for transitional spring layering.

In these transitional times, every guy needs one of the best men’s henleys. It helps if it’s a rugged men’s henley from your new favorite menswear designer, right?

Billy Reid 5-Pocket Pants — $178

Durable, classic and cool pants for the spring season.

Searching for some of the best men’s pants for spring? You’ve found ’em — these five-pocket pants blend the cool of jeans with the styling potential of chinos, at the office or on the road.

Billy Reid Stripe Terry Crew — $150

A classic striped crewneck you’ll find yourself wearing all the time.

Billy Reid uses some of the finest cotton around to craft this essential, casual, versatile spring sweater, the kind to wear out for weekend coffee or your next Zoom meeting.

Billy Reid Garment-Dyed Archie Jacket — $598

Your new favorite blazer for spring and summer.

You’re going to have to look sharp for that summer wedding, and what better way to do it than with one of the best blazers for men, ehh? Well-done by Billy Reid on this investment-level blazer.

Billy Reid Tech Sleeve — $375

The coolest way to carry your tech gear? Quite possibly.

See, the Billy Reid way doesn’t just apply to menswear. It also applies to handsome and well-crafted everyday accessories, like this cool-as-can-be leather tech sleeve.

Billy Reid Silk Herringbone Pocket Square — $68

The coolest pocket square to accent your summer suit? Very nearly, folks.

Remember that classic men’s blazer we talked about earlier? When the time does come to start dressing up again, this refined pocket square is an ideal accessory.

Trust me, folks. I know how hard it can be to shop a brand as well-made and well-stocked as Billy Reid, because the possibilities are endless and the menswear is iconic all the way throughout. What’s your favorite pick from Billy Reid these days? Is it the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, or something more unexpected like a pair of the best men’s pants for spring? If you ask me, I can’t get enough of Billy Reid’s denim shirt, although it’s always a tough call. Be sure to let me know your favorites on Twitter. Happy shopping!

March 23, 2021June 27, 2021 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear A Trucker Jacket This Spring, the Best Way

Stepping into a new season, be it spring or summer, should be as fun as it is functional and durable, especially when the ever-shifting confines of spring can present everything from sunny, breezy days in the park to blustery, chilly days on the road or the trail (or at the outdoor backyard bar). Preparation is key, and that’s precisely why you’re going to love this take on how to wear a classic suede trucker jacket. Leave it up to today’s #OOTD to dress for spring in rugged, durable, classic style — to say the very least.

In fact, this ensemble covers everything you could ask for in a seasonal look, from top-to-bottom (that even includes the best men’s everyday bag, one built with serious style from Billykirk). Of course, pieces like a rugged men’s henley are still crucial as we move from one season into the next (remember what I said about needing to be ready for anything). A pair of the best leather boots for men will provide on-the-go style and durability when you need it the most, and accessories like one of the best leather watches for men are also top of mind in any season (spring very much included). For now, keep scrolling to check out the rest of this #OOTD, then head to my Instagram to see how I’m dressing this season. Cheers, my friends!

A mix of rugged durability and classic style — you really can’t go wrong.

The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Golden Bear Suede Trucker, $998 — Listen, there are coats you can wear every single day, and coats you save for special occasions. This classic suede trucker jacket is both, so make it worth your while and break it out a lot.
The Classic Shirt: Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt, $135 — There’s never a bad season to wear the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt, an outdoor staple you can wear for more leisurely pursuits through breezy spring weather without missing a beat.
The Henley: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley, $59 via UNCRATE — Score a great deal on this rugged men’s henley, the perfect spring base layer, at UNCRATE now.
The Pants: Proof Rover Pants, $98 — Are the Proof Rover Pants your new favorite pants? They very well could be, blending the style points of jeans with the toughness of work pants for anything spring throws your way.
The Boots: Eddie Bauer K-6 Boots, $150 — Get a standout deal on some of the best leather boots for men this season, the kind you can wear in any casual spring style scenario, outdoor dining or day hikes included. Indeed, the Eddie Bauer K-6 Boots are a stone-cold classic.
The Hat: Melin Thermal A-Game Hat, $69 — When you want to throw on a stylish ballcap that’s going to look cooler than an athletic cap, while also keeping you warm against breezy spring winds, this Melin thermal ballcap is the one you want.
The Watch: Timex Navi XL Automatic Leather Strap Watch, $259 — The good folks at Timex make some of the best leather watches for men, as they have for years, and the Timex Navi XL Automatic is no different.
The Everyday Carry: Billykirk No. 478 Small-Batch Carryall, $550 — No matter what your spring agenda entails (even if that just means an outdoor brunch and loading up this rugged carryall with some to-go beers), Billykirk has you covered with the best men’s everyday bag on the market.

The beauty of this #OOTD is that it’s got plenty of parts working in harmony to provide maximum durability and classic looks, all at once. Take the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt, a rugged overshirt that you can wear on its, atop your rugged men’s henley, if you so desired. Yet here, it gets an even further shot in the arm, thanks to the crucial, classic suede trucker jacket. It’s the perfect balance of rugged and refined, something that’s also exemplified by the Proof Rover Pants, which wear like tough work pants but look like sleek black jeans, in a way.

Talk about day-to-night style, the kind that only gets better when you consider the trail-to-town utility of the Eddie Bauer K-6 Boots, which are going to look right at home alongside the rugged Timex Navi XL Leather Watch — which itself is dressy enough in its own way. The real capper here are two stylish, cool accessories to literally top things off. Your Melin thermal ballcap wears quite well when you want casual, warm style for chilly spring days, while the rugged carryall from Billykirk delivers EDC performance in the clutch. You’ve just found your new favorite look for spring, folks.

March 12, 2021March 3, 2021 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Clarks Combi Desert Boots, New Olivers Apparel Pants & New Todd Snyder Denim

Clarks Desert Boots in a spring-friendly color, available at UNCRATE right now.

Friday means one thing: Well, OK, a few things. It’s the start of an early spring weekend and the right time to close out the week, look towards some relaxation and of course, knock out some seasonal shopping and reading. In the spirit of quite literally stepping into the weekend, my first pick for you today can be seen above: The Clarks Combi Desert Boots are springtime distilled down into a pair of footwear, with comfort and a spring-friendly construction top of mind. This makes them the perfect pair of spring boots with which to lead off today’s post. Courtesy of UNCRATE’s New Arrivals — always worth keeping an eye on — this pair of Clarks desert boots features a helpful pop of color, a very agreeable price and all the classic Clarks comfort you could ever need. See, aren’t you feeling a bit more into the spirit of spring already?

Suffice to say, I sure do. And I’m feeling ever-so-slightly more optimistic heading into this weekend in particular, as the vaccine rollout kicks into higher gear and some of my favorite NYC beer bars announce their reopening plans with warmer weather on the way. Blustery spring weather is still on the horizon, of course and I’m still catching up from my recent trip to Florida (as seen on my Instagram). That being said, I’m hoping to breeze through my to-do list and get out for a Brooklyn weekend stroll. Speaking of: For your own weekend, consider subscribing to my menswear-music-craft beer newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief. It’s free, it comes out twice a week (including tomorrow!) and it’s a heck of a lot of fun (I think!). In the meantime, here are some other choice shopping picks and reading selections for your weekend. Cheers, friends!

Technical pants that look simply great for early spring and beyond.

It’s only fitting that we dive into today’s Friday Read with an essential pair of men’s pants for early spring, is it not? The good folks at Olivers Apparel (you might recognize them from another Friday Read entry) blend the best of the best as far as technical, performance apparel and style is concerned. That includes the just-launched Olivers Apparel Spring 2021 Collection, and of course, the Olivers Apparel Traverse Pants (as seen above). It’s the stretch canvas, the UPF50+ sun protection and the water-resistant construction that makes them your new favorite pair of spring pants.
Get ready to read and shop for your new favorite watch, ehh? That’s because I wrote about the seriously cool, rugged and adventure-ready Oris Whale Shark Limited-Edition Watch for GearMoose. A durable dive watch that raises awareness of the rare whale shark? How cool is that? Too cool.

A classic-yet-modern take on the Oxford shirt for spring.

Now, I talked about one of the best winter blazers for men from Alex Mill on the blog here not too long ago. But check your calendar, folks. We’re into spring now, so consider Alex Mill menswear an easy go-to right now — particularly the breezy Alex Mill Overdyed Oxford Shirt. It’s one of the best men’s shirts for spring, with all the laidback style potential and casual polish you need for Zoom calls and more.

New denim from Todd Snyder? No problem at all.

In the spirit of a new season, how about you pick up some of the best new men’s denim from a lauded designer? That’s right: You can now head to Todd Snyder to find out about three new denim categories from the acclaimed NYC fashion icon. What’s more, I wrote all about it for Maxim.com — it’s worth your time, trust me.

That’s going to do it for the lion’s share of today’s Friday Read, but I’ll leave you with one more pick heading into the weekend. If you find yourself in need of a new #OOTD for spring weather, my guide on how to wear a field jacket is going to be just the ticket for standout, durable and functional style. If you do check out any of those selections, be sure to let me know on Twitter. Once again: Cheers!

March 2, 2021February 18, 2021 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s How to Wear a Field Jacket for Spring Weather

The right #OOTD for spring is all about how you style transitional gear picks into one cohesive look that’s ready for darn near anything. That’s why we’re here today, after all. It all starts off as you might expect when dealing with spring weather: With one of the best men’s jackets for spring. The Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket manages to be rugged yet modern, with a streamlined fit and some updates that take it above and beyond the ordinary field jacket of days gone by. Just look at the discreet chest zipper pockets, the strategically placed slanted hip pockets, the durable hardware and the organic cotton exterior, complete with a water-resistant finish. Yes indeed, the Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket can do it all. The look gets help along the way from some of the best new jeans from Mott and Bow, plus an Everlane Oxford shirt — two timeless picks that can work from day to night this spring. If you’re heading away on a weekend road trip or enjoying some outdoor beer garden brews or a relaxing coffee — a few of the only pursuits we can take part in these days! — then this ensemble is going to do the hard work for you.

Some of the best spring rain boots also step up to the plate and provide functionality and style in equal measure. But if you really want to stand out subtly and stylishly this season, it’s one of the best men’s spring jackets you’re going to want to grab as you head out the door. Trust me on that one, folks. And to see how I’m dressing for spring, be sure to give me a follow on Instagram. Stay dry, stay stylish! Here’s the full #OOTD.

A sleek-yet-tough field jacket styled for on-the-go versatility this spring.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket in Forest Dry Wax, $238 — The durable water-resistant exterior and the sleek fit (plus the zippered hood) make this a jacket that readily blends form and function. One of the best field jackets around, easily.
The Shirt: Everlane Standard Fit Oxford, $62 — Is there any shirt more wearable for spring than a classic Oxford shirt from a radically transparent brand like Everlane? No sir, there’s not. And it pairs up perfectly with the Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket. Plus, you can get 10 percent off your first order now.
The Spring Denim: Mott and Bow Slim Mercer Jeans in Clay, $118 — While a pair of classic blue jeans won’t let you down, it’s sometimes nice to switch things up a bit. These slim jeans from Mott and Bow are a nice change of pace.
The Rugged Boots: Rhodes Footwear Dolomite Boots, $248 — These tough hiking boots just so happen to have a slim profile to go along with city or adventure-ready performance touches, making ’em some of the best leather boots for men now.
The Socks: Proof 72-Hour Merino Crew Socks, $32 (Two-Pack) — That’s right: For long days on the, you need some of the best merino wool socks for men, and this two-pack delivers.
The Watch: Timex Marlin Automatic Leather Watch, $249 — Timex men’s watches are renowned for their durability and affordability — it doesn’t hurt that the Timex Marlin Leather Watch is retro-inspired, sharp and stylish, too (plus, Timex is offering free ground shipping on all orders).
The Grooming Essentials: Huron Big Three Kit, $38 — Get a trio of the best men’s grooming essentials out there, including face wash and face lotion. Talk about a spring refresh.
The Everyday Cary: DISCOMMON Watch Wallet 2, $210 — Although this everyday carry essential is listed as a watch wallet, it’s actually versatile enough to haul your journal and cash plus cards, in addition to safely storing a timepiece as needed. That makes it one of the best EDC gear picks you can have on your person this spring, I’d wager.

For as much as the devil is in the details, you might say, it’s just as important to get the big-ticket items properly secured to get around in style this season. That’s where one of the best field jackets enters your life and your wardrobe — the Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket is sleek and well-fitting, yet easy to layer. And even more crucially, it’s designed to stand up to spring rain and wind.

That makes it the best men’s spring jacket to wear atop your other versatile seasonal style picks here, including a classic Oxford shirt from the good folks at Everlane (just add a rugged crewneck sweatshirt if you get chilly). A pair of slim jeans from Mott and Bow in an eye-catching shade of blue switch things up from your typical blue jeans, and the entire combination sits stylishly atop the dependable Rhodes Footwear Dolomite Boots. Your ensemble can only go as far as your accessories, so some of the best merino wool socks for men are a wise bet for comfort and performance. Meanwhile, your Timex Marlin Leather Watch can take a bit of a pounding and look great in the process. A trio of the best men’s grooming essentials helps keep your mug in fine form this season, and the innovative DISCOMMON Watch Wallet 2 protects your everyday carry without missing a beat. Feeling great about this ensemble? I know I am — see you out there this season.

May 13, 2020May 13, 2020 by Beau H.

The List: Gear Up For Spring with the Best New Men’s Style Essentials

The best henley to wear all spring? You be the judge of that.

Folks, here we sit at the start of another spring day. As has been the case lately, these are strange and trying times we live in — and once again, a lot of us are changing our routines and spending more time at home to fight this pandemic. That being said, being at home tends to leave one with, well, a lot more opportunity to read, to reflect, to listen to music … and yes, to think about the spring style essentials you want to add to your list. That’s where today’s roundup of the best new men’s gear enters the fold, starting with your new favorite henley as pictured above from Buck Mason. Let me know your favorites on Twitter — let’s get right to it.

Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley — $52

The best henley for spring? It very well could be.

The perfect henley for breezy spring mornings and evenings? Why, it’s the exceptional, super-soft and well-ftting Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley. This rugged henley is available in a wide array of colors, but Steel Blue is especially well-suited to wear with your favorite slim chinos. Kind of like the below …

Grayers Stretch Slim-Fit Chino Pants — $98

The best men’s chinos for spring, very nearly.

Speaking of your favorite slim chinos, well, here we are. Grayers has a knack for making perfectly classic yet modern men’s style essentials, and these slim stretch chino pants are ideal for spring and summer (plus, that British Tan color is as good as it gets).

Armor-Lux Logo Crew — $105

A cool-as-can-be spring sweatshirt.

Mixing up your spring layering calls for thinking outside the box at times — that’s why this stylish logo crewneck is a welcome addition to your rotation of spring sweaters. Armor-Lux makes some of the coolest men’s sweaters to begin with (Breton stripes, anyone?), and this is just the latest and greatest.

SeaVees Legend Sneakers — $80

Newly iconic men’s sneakers to wear all day long.

Right off the bat, it’s crucial that a portion of proceeds from these classic men’s sneakers are going to the Channel Island Marine Wildlife Institute, near SeaVees‘ home in Santa Barbara. And beyond that? Well, the SeaVees Legend Sneakers are easily some of the best sneakers for spring, what with their low profile and classic design. Wear ’em with some of the best men’s jeans and a slub tee for easygoing spring style.

Billykirk Bray Brother Bundle — $513.99

The rugged essentials you need for the perfect everyday carry.

If you follow the blog, perhaps you’re familiar with the expert American-made leather goods purveyors at Billykirk — founded by Chris and Kirk Bray in 1999, the brand is now offering bundles of the best leather goods and accessories, curated by each brother. This bundle features a rugged canvas carryall, a handy cable pouch, and a sleek leather notebook holder — all fine additions to your everyday carry essentials.

HELM Boots Holt Boots in Dark Grey — $350

Rugged, durable, simply unstoppable Chelsea boots from HELM Boots.

To be sure, we’ve talked about the HELM Boots Hollis Boots previously on the blog, but they’re back for another appearance here — and in a standout color, to boot (pun intended). Rugged leather Chelsea boots just make sense for spring, what with their sleek design, dressed-up wearability and durable (yet fairly lightweight) construction. HELM Boots has your back when it comes to the best men’s boots for spring.

Taylor Stitch California Shirt in Navy Jacquard Dot — $108.50

Another classic men’s shirt from Taylor Stitch.

For the foreseeable future, the great folks at Taylor Stitch are giving you 25 percent off the entire site, and that includes the brand’s collection of stylish men’s shirts. My pick? The excellent Taylor Stitch California Shirt in a cool-as-can-be Navy Jacquard Dot pattern. It’s one of the coolest shirts to buy for spring.

Mott and Bow Slim Staple Jeans — $128

Slim stretch jeans to wear with your favorite henley.

Yes, you can still wear your favorite pair of dark denim as temperatures increase — especially if the slim blue jeans in question come from Mott and Bow & are made with plenty of stretch and ease of movement. They’re some of the best men’s jeans, and you won’t want to stop wearing ’em.

Fisher + Baker Passage Jacket — $328

The rugged, functional spring jacket you need right now.

Not familiar with Fisher + Baker? The Minneapolis brand, built on the adage “Timeless, purposeful, functional,” has quietly been making some of the best men’s outerwear for a few years now, including the essential Fisher + Baker Passage Jacket. Wear it atop a rugged henley for expertly functional spring style.

Bear Hybrid Mattress — $1,352

Is a new mattress in your future? Make it this one.

Alright, here’s the deal. Maybe you’ve realized your mattress isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe, unlike days past, you’ll actually be home during the day to receive a new mattress delivery. In that case, why not invest in one of the best mattresses? The Bear Hybrid Mattress, made with plenty of cushioning and five layers of support, is quite simply one of the best mattresses to buy now.

Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer — $198

A durable blazer made for work at home and in the field.

Looking for one of the best men’s blazers for spring? Look no further. Heck, looking for a blazer that’s more rugged than preppy, and made with workwear inspiration in mind? Get the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer — it’s a uniquely rugged blazer crafted more like a chore coat than your typical blazer, which means you can absolutely wear it with, say, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley.

GREATS Royale Sneakers in Blanco — $179

Classic sneakers from Brooklyn’s own GREATS Brand.

It wouldn’t be a roundup of spring style essentials without calling out some of the best men’s sneakers, would it? The GREATS Royale is a near-perfect silhouette, wearable with pieces like a stylish logo crewneck and slim stretch chino pants.

Mollusk Surf Shop Scout Pants — $88

The perfect pants for casual spring style.

Finding the right pair of laidback pants for spring involves a few key considerations, and the Mollusk Surf Shop Scout Pants check all the right boxes in that regard. Comfortable? You bet, thanks to the drawstring waist and lightweight cotton canvas construction. Stylish? Yes, as ready to wear with your favorite Oxford shirt as with a casual pocket tee. Affordable? They’re from Huckberry, so they sure are.

MANTL Daily Routine Set — $65.98

A trio of must-have men’s grooming essentials.

Lest we forget, keeping your skin in shape for spring starts and ends with the best men’s grooming essentials. Including crucial moisturizer and a daily SPF, the MANTL Daily Routine Set (made with sulfate-free ingredients) freshens your face and protects your skin, critical to looking and feeling your best this season.

Flint and Tinder Indigo Check Shirt — $98

A classic indigo shirt that’s going to be a new spring favorite.

It wouldn’t be an edition of The List without Flint and Tinder, right? The Flint and Tinder Indigo Check Shirt, made from breathable organic cotton spun with indigo yarn, is one of the best men’s shirts for spring, the type of rugged everyday shirt you’ll look forward to wearing with slim blue jeans or rugged chore pants in equal measure. Heck, this could be the perfect shirt to throw on as you enjoy some whiskey on your back porch. Did someone say whiskey?

Law’s Whiskey House San Luis Valley Bonded Rye Whiskey — Price Varies

A classic whiskey you’re going to enjoy on breezy spring nights.

Yes indeed, someone did say whiskey. Law’s Whiskey House, out of Denver, takes an exceptional approach to crafting some of the best whiskey this writer has tasted. The San Luis Valley Bonded Rye Whiskey (Colorado’s first whiskey made to federal bonding standards) is an exceptional one to enjoy right now, aged more than six years in charred oak barrels and made with 100 percent San Luis Valley Rye. Talk about attention to detail, am I right? Even better? You can get some Law’s Whiskey delivered to your door!

Faherty Brand Cloud Summer Blend Shirt — $148

A classic summer buttondown in a lightweight fabrication.

Let’s go back to stylish men’s shirting for one second, shall we? Faherty Brand has a knack for making expertly laidback men’s style essentials, includinng the easygoing Cloud Summer Blend Shirt. Team it with your favorite slim chinos, then call it a day — spring style is nearly that easy.

Billykirk No. 309 Leather Valet Tray — $40

A surefire way to store your everyday carry.

It’s fitting that we’re closing out this post looking at the best way to store your everyday carry. And in this case, that means we’re talking about a rugged leather valet tray, made the right way by the good folks at Billykirk. Use this to store your favorite watch and other essentials at the end of a long day.

Alright, my friends. We’re through another edition of The List. Did you have a favorite pick from the offerings above? Maybe something on the smaller (but no less essential) end of things, like a a rugged leather valet tray from Billykirk? Perhaps our lead pick, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley tops your own list, as well? I’m partial to picks like HELM’s rugged leather Chelsea boots and the the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer. Whatever ended up in your shopping cart, I hope it serves you well. Feel free to let me know what you scooped up over on Twitter! Thanks for reading — stay safe.

-Beau

May 4, 2020April 28, 2020 by Beau H.

The List: These Are All the Spring Style Essentials to Shop Right Now

Flint and TInder 365 Shorts — $58

Buck Mason Sueded Cotton Polo — $55

GREATS Royale Ripstop — $159

Durable men’s sneakers that look great while staying casually cool.

I mentioned above we’d be talking about some of the best new men’s sneakers, and the GREATS Royale Ripstop fits the bill quite nicely. Made with a ripstop upper featuring reflective accents, you can certainly rock these GREATS sneakers with the best shorts for spring and summer.

Billykirk No. 479 Carryall — $550

Does it seem counterintuitive to buy one of the best travel bags for men right now? Perhaps. But I’m here to tell you that now is in fact the exact best time to buy a rugged duffel bag and start planning your next trip — for when the time comes, that is. And the Billykirk No. 479 Carryall just so happens to be one of the coolest bags I’ve seen in some time.

Martenereo Belgrano Stainless Steel Dive Watch — $299 (Pre-Funding)

An incredibly cool, classic dive watch to fund right now.

Now, we just talked about this incredibly stylish dive watch in my weekly roundup on Friday, but I’m here again to tell you this: The Martenero Belgrano (the first dive watch from the modern, craftsmanship-focused brand) is going to be your new favorite watch (period). Pre-order this rugged dive watch now for one of several great early bird deals on Kickstarter, then get ready to wear it day after day once it ships out in September. It’s also a highly affordable dive watch, and it’s worth your time — pun intended.

Corridor NYC Olive Beach Blanket Jacket — $215

Just because we’re all spending more time at home doesn’t mean you should forget to take care of your spring outewear — Corridor NYC makes it easy on that note. The Olive Beach Blanket Jacket is simply one of the coolest jackets to buy this spring. You can (and should!) rock it atop a garment-dyed Oxford shirt.

Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt — $118

OK, folks — here’s the garment-dyed Oxford shirt I mentioned above. It’s breezy, it’s easy to throw on as you get ready to work from home, and it’s a rare American-made shirt — Huckberry knows how to get the job done.

HELM Boots Hollis Burgundy Boots — $350

Raen Optics Bastien Sunglasses — $160

Belstaff Instructor Jacket — $475Just because spring has sprung and we’ve moved into May doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods yet when it comes to inclement weather. In that regard, Belstaff is making one of the best men’s jackets for spring, a lightweight nylon field jacket you can wear on solitary hikes and global adventures (when the time comes).

Grayers Wainscott Blue Linen-Cotton Shirt — $98

Proof Nomad Pants — $98

Autodromo Monoposto Chronograph — $1,800

Mott and Bow Driggs Long-Sleeve Henley — $47

Billykirk No. 134 Sketchbook Holder — $165

Cuts Clothing Crewneck Curved Hem Tee — $48

If you, like me, are constantly on the hunt for one of the best men’s T-shirts, the kind that’s casual enough to wear on its own and cool enough to wear underneath an unstructured navyblazer. That’s what you’re getting with the exceptional lineup of tees from Cuts Clothing.

OK, my friends. That’s going to do it for today’s edition of The List. Of the above spring style essentials, do you have any favorites? Maybe the exceptional Billykirk No. 479 Carryall has you hankering to hit the road, preferably with a stylish travel jacket like the Olive Beach Blanket Jacket or a rugged Belstaff jacket? Perhaps the GREATS Royale Ripstop are more your style, ideally worn with the excellent Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts and a Buck Mason polo. The choice is yours, but any of these gear picks are going to take your spring wardrobe from good to great. There’s no time to waste. To connect with me on all things #menswear, follow me on Twitter.

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / spring style essentials