April 10, 2021March 15, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket

Simple on the surface, but highly functional and ready for spring elsewhere.

If you’re not familiar with the pleasingly rugged, classic outerwear, shirting and gear from Line of Trade at Bespoke Post, it’s high time indeed that you got very, very familiar. They consistently make, among other categories, some of the best jackets for men in any season, and that holds true with the Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket. As ever, Bespoke Post assuredly knows what it’s doing with this in-house brand, and the result is one of the best spring rain jackets you’re going to layer up with for the weeks ahead — in short, don’t delay! But let’s get into what makes it so special, shall we? Allow me to tell you why this is one heck of a must-buy rain jacket for men. First off, you can get this jacket as a standalone style favorite, or you can pick up the Bespoke Post Downpour Box, one of the latest and greatest monthly subscription boxes from the NYC-based retailer (one of my favorite online retailers, I should add). So it’s got both affordability and ease of access going for it, and that’s not to be overlooked these days. Naturally, the Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket also checks all the right boxes in terms of style and utility (more on both in a moment).

SHOP: The Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket

Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket reviews

Classic, crisp and functional — everything you could ask for in the best men’s spring rain jacket, right?

It’s got all the specs you could ever ask for in your new favorite rain jacket, including the fact that it’s lightweight and yet durable, so it’ll protect you from rain on the go without weighing you down. The Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket features a cotton shell with a DWR, or durable water repellent, coating for maximum water resistance. The fact that it’s built with three layers of fabric and a 5K waterproof rating is also critical. In short, it packs in a lot of functionality (including taped seams to keep water out) into a subtle and stylish package. The storm flap front closure also manages to keep water out, and the duckbill hood is a very nice touch in the midst of the worst spring rains possible. When you want a jacket for a downright steal ($45 via the Bespoke Post Downpour Box or just $100 on its own), it’s very clear that you want the Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket.

April 3, 2021March 13, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Kitsap Work Shirt

The durable overshirt you need for plenty of spring layering.

If you’re in need of, let’s say, the perfect work shirt for spring, or quite literally one of the best men’s overshirts for spring and well beyond, then today is your lucky day. That’s because the Filson Kitsap Work Shirt checks all the proper boxes that you need, and then some. It’s exactly what you’d expect in a rugged workshirt from Filson, and that says a lot coming from a heritage outfitter with more than a century of making the best menswear on the market. Did I mention it’s also new for this season? Because it is, and it’s highly covetable. Mark my words, any time you get the chance to check out the best new men’s gear at Filson, you should assuredly take that chance, and quickly, at that. It’s not the first time you’ve seen it mentioned on the blog (check it out in a previous Friday Read), and it won’t be the last.

Consider it the answer to your search for a durable workshirt you can wear to take on any spring excursions or spring cleaning, and that’s an understatement. It all comes down to the tough-yet-lightweight fabric blend, for starters. The Filson Kitsap Work Shirt is made with a breathable pre-washed cotton that should function nicely as a top layer over a thermal shirt or your favorite Filson T-shirt, but you should also be able to throw it on as a standalone spring shirt, too.

SHOP: The Filson Kitsap Work Shirt

Your new go-to spring shirt, no questions asked.

It’s exactly the kind of versatility and quality that Filson has perfected over the years, with the toughness to stand up to early morning projects in the yard and the style to take on leisurely weekend afternoon strolls in equal measure. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the Filson Kitsap Work Shirt comes in two cool color options (my favorite is the Dark Charcoal Jasper), so you can pair it with, say, Filson indigo denim for all-day style. The two front flap pockets on this stylish overshirt provide critical room for your everyday carry essentials, which you can also stock up on at Filson (but I bet you knew that already!).

The fact that the Filson Kitsap Work Shirt is made with pre-washed fabric is also crucial. That should limit break-in time, and it’ll feel breezy and comfortable right out of the box. To me, this shirt screams expert casual style for spring and summer days aplenty, no matter how often you wear it for, y’know, actual work. I’ll be wearing best men’s overshirts for spring around the borough for seasonal beers and park strolls, and I hope you’ve got the same ideas in mind. Cheers to the season, folks!

SHOP: The Filson Kitsap Work Shirt

March 27, 2021March 1, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Charles Twill Chinos

Pick a color, any color, when it comes to the best men’s chinos for spring and beyond.

What’s a new season if not the ideal time to check out new men’s style essentials from a favorite, tried-and-true brand? That’s the main reason we’re here with today’s Style Pick of the Week, as we look at what makes the Mott and Bow Charles Twill Chinos (otherwise known as the Mott and Bow Everywhere Chinos) some of the best chinos for men this spring. But Mott and Bow, you say? Don’t they specialize in men’s denim?

Well, they sure do, but since I first reviewed the brand in 2015 (throwback!), they’ve expanded into men’s T-shirts, stylish sweatshirts, durable men’s shirts and of course, the Mott and Bow Everywhere Chinos. The DNA of these stylish men’s chinos has a lot in common with Mott and Bow’s classic dark denim, from the agreeable fit and pricing to the top-notch materials used. A quick note about price: They retail for $99 at Mott and Bow, a downright steal given what they’re selling. After all, it’s not too big a leap from men’s denim to men’s chinos, is it? And my guess is, you could use your share of both as we head into spring in earnest. So, that’s where the Mott and Bow Charles Twill Chinos enter the equation (and your wardrobe).

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Charles Twill Chinos

Slim chinos in an essential color, made with all the right detailing.

As you’ve come to expect from a brand that already makes your favorite pair of denim, the Mott and Bow Charles Twill Chinos have plenty going for them as far as fabrication and construction are concerned. The midweight cotton-blend fabric (featuring a touch of elastane for stretch) should prove comfortable and easy to wear for hours at a time, ideal if you’re looking for the best pair of pants to wear at home (and on the road). The fact that these classic men’s chinos aren’t paper-thin also makes them an ideal pair of spring pants — wear them with rugged pull-on rain boots and your favorite rain jacket to combat breezy days as you run errands or dine outdoors this season.

The Slim fit mimics that of Mott and Bow denim, which means the Mott and Bow Charles Twill Chinos are crisp enough to wear to the office (preferably with a casual men’s cotton shirt) when the time comes. And if you’d rather just wear these chinos with a Mott and Bow T-shirt for hanging out on the weekend, well, you’re in luck — they can do that without missing a beat. You should expect a lot from the Mott and Bow Charles Twill Chinos because you’re absolutely getting a lot in return.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Charles Twill Chinos

March 20, 2021February 26, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Ace Hooded Sweatshirt

One of the best hoodies for men to wear right now, and the rest of the season.

In recent weeks, we’ve really done a number here in our Style Pick of the Week series as far as the best outerwear and gear for spring is concerned. And because we’re still in the thick of it — spring weather, blustery days and plenty of pandemic time at home — we’re going to keep a similar theme rolling with one of the best hooded sweatshirts for men. Or perhaps, the very best hoodie for men. How about it, ehh? And the culprit, of course, is a familiar one if you read the blog: Mack Weldon, longtime favorites of The Style Guide when it comes to weekend-ready basics (check out this 2016 post for reference!) and plenty more.

And the Mack Weldon Ace Hooded Sweatshirt, a fan favorite, sure does have plenty going for it as far as the best hoodie for weekend style is concerned. We’ll get into it here shortly, but at first glance, it’s made with the quality and care you’d expect from Mack Weldon, especially for the price (it’s $88 at Mack Weldon). The micro-sanded French Terry cotton, infused with a nice amount of stretch elastane fabric, is what really sets it apart as far as the best men’s hoodies are concerned. If you thought that was the only thing that made it great, well, keep on scrolling to find out even more.

SHOP: The Mack Weldon Ace Hoodie

Details that make the difference with Mack Weldon, including soft cotton fabric and a molded zipper.

The Mack Weldon Ace Hooded Sweatshirt is remarkably soft and seriously comfortable to wear for hours on end, whether you’re kicked back on the porch, coffee in hand, or dashing about town. That’s right: This is a stylish hooded sweatshirt you can wear layered underneath, say, a waxed trucker jacket on a breezy spring day for functionality and casual style points aplenty. All that’s missing now is, say a Mack Weldon T-shirt for laidback lounging (and casual style when you do decide to take off this hoodie, of course). Small touches like a molded zipper — for added durability — ensure this classic men’s hoodie can stand up to plenty of repeated wear, and that goes for Netflix binging (Peaky Blinders, anyone??) or spring beer runs.

Of course, when you consider the fact that you can also get a deal on Mack Weldon joggers, you’ve practically got your new casual spring weekend uniform sorted out. It’s also worth noting that the Mack Weldon Ace Hooded Sweatshirt comes in enough colorways to please even the pickiest dresser, from Total Eclipse Blue (my personal favorite) to colors like Dark Forest and even a burgundy “Dark Rum” color. In short: When you want one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts, this is the one to buy — and wear all spring, of course.

SHOP: The Mack Weldon Ace Hoodie

March 13, 2021February 16, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Peter Millar All-Weather Flex Discovery Jacket

Durable, easy to layer and highly useful at fighting spring rain — this is your new go-to spring jacket.

Welcome back to another Style Pick of the Week, where in recent entries, we’ve talked about everything from the best rain jacket for spring to the best technical pants. Well, let me say right off the bat that we’re certainly continuing to get you ready for spring with style and functionality in mind. That’s because the Peter Millar All-Weather Flex Discovery Jacket is here to save the day — and your wardrobe — from spring rain in a way that’s utilitarian, rugged and yet highly versatile. Does that make it one of the best rain jackets for men right now? Let’s say that yes, yes it does. How so? Keep on scrolling. And if you’re not familiar with Peter Millar, it’s your lucky day, because they could just be crafting your new favorite rain jacket (among other menswear pieces every guy should own, of course). Peter Millar, based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, combines classic pieces with modern updates, premium quality and on occasion, technical fabrics.

That means you get highly functional pieces like the Peter Millar All-Weather Flex Discovery Jacket, and you also get plenty pf other menswear staples from the brand, like refined polos, cashmere sweaters, stylish golf gear and more. In fact, Peter Millar was founded on the strength of a single cashmere sweater and has since expanded into women’s, youth and Peter Millar collegiate gear. How’s that for versatility, ehh? The great thing about the go-anywhere Peter Millar All-Weather Flex Discovery Jacket is that it doesn’t feel too stuffy or boring.

SHOP: The Peter Millar All-Weather Flex Discovery Jacket

Pick up this adventure-minded, stylish jacket in a cool olive shade (Terrace) as well, if you so please.

This well-made jacket, available in both Barchetta (deep navy) and Terrace (olive) colorways as shown above, is assuredly one of the best spring rain jackets for men, with good reason. Keep in mind, this jacket features water and wind-resistant stretch fabric, but it’s not going to cause you to overheat (the thermal-regulating membrane construction will see to that). Snap chest and hip pockets provide critical space for your everyday carry essentials, and the fit of this jacket should prove tailored but easy to layer.

The detachable hood provides protection from spring rain and wind at a moment’s notice, although you can also ditch it if you want a more streamlined field jacket look from the Peter Millar All-Weather Flex Discovery Jacket. Throw it on over casual spring style staples like a Peter Millar performance polo or one of the best men’s T-shirts, or toss it on over your favorite Oxford shirt on the go. Classic chinos or dark blue denim are reliable daily options to pair up with the Peter Millar All-Weather Flex Discovery Jacket. Grab this jacket to hit the road, pick up to-go beers or stroll through your favorite park. Anywhere you need to go this season, one of the best men’s spring jackets can take you there.

SHOP: The Peter Millar All-Weather Flex Discovery Jacket

March 6, 2021February 14, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover

A seemingly simple rain jacket that’s ultra-packable and durable all the same.

Thanks for joining us for another Style Pick of the Week, where today, we’ll step into a seriously stylish, durable rain jacket for spring. Not just any rain jacket, of course: One of the best men’s rain jackets is yours for the taking today, and courtesy of Pacific Northwest heritage outfitters Filson, at that. Filson is, naturally, quite the favorite of the blog (check out this piece on the best waxed chore coat, for starters), but you might normally associate ’em with hard-wearing fall and winter gear. If that’s the case, be prepared to learn something new today, because Filson also makes some of the best rain jackets for men. And it’s all the better that you can get the Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover just in time for, well, spring rain.

Let’s not waste another second, shall we? For $225 at Filson — a steal considering how versatile and well-made this stylish rain jacket is — you’re getting a lightweight, packable pullover you can throw on at a moment’s notice on the trail or in town with ease (as you’d expect from Filson). The kicker here has got to be the nylon ripstop fabrication, complete with a printed membrane that acts as a raised layer to repel rain and provide breathability. It sounds technically advanced, because it is, but the result is one of the best rain jackets on the market, thanks to that innovation.

SHOP: The Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover

The attached hood and drawcord hem and cuffs will surely keep spring rain out, ehh?

The remarkable Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover is built with YKK Aquaguard zippers for the kangaroo front pocket, meaning you can store your everyday carry essentials without fear during driving rainstorms. The half-zip front closure comes complete with a microfleece chin guard, which means the technical material of the coat’s interior won’t irritate, well, your chin. And the hood has a structured brim to keep out rain, plus a drawcord for a snug fit. When it’s time to take the jacket off, pack it into the front pocket — bingo!

As you might expect with one of the best rain jackets, every little detail has covered. This is the type of jacket you can throw on when you want to keep dry while wearing your favorite Oxford shirt or a rugged American-made henley. It’s certainly a more casual rain jacket, so waterproof Blundstone boots or other durable rain footwear should be your go-to move on your feet (along with, say, a pair of the best men’s technical pants as your go-to pants). It’s functional and yet overly technical, like a running jacket — the color is a muted Dark Olive, which pairs up with darn near anything you own. From A-to-Z, Filson has you covered with one of the best men’s rain jackets.

SHOP: The Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover

February 27, 2021February 1, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Overland Gabriel Shearling Sheepskin Jacket

Your new favorite winter jacket might just be … this one.

Let me jump right into today’s Style Pick of the Week with some words of wisdom, so to speak: If you’re not familiar with Overland men’s jackets (and more), then your entire winter wardrobe might just be about to change. That’s because Overland is taking things to the next level as far as crafting the best men’s winter jackets is concerned, and that echoes through its entire product line — including the refined-yet-rugged Overland Gabriel Shearling Sheepskin Coat shown above. As we cruise through the end of February, perhaps you’re still shrugging off the impacts of a long-running winter, or battling through yet another snowstorm. And if you want to shake up your outerwear game with both style and function in mind, you can hardly go wrong with one of the best shearling jackets for men. Overland really is one-of-a-kind in that regard, a family-owned company launched in the 1970s in New Mexico that now makes some of the finest men’s jackets (and women’s jackets, and more!) on the planet. Heck, Overland has grown into a company with 16 stores and of course, one heck of a rotation of the best jackets for men, period. But back to the Overland Gabriel Shearling Sheepskin Coat, of course. It’s an updated take on the trucker jacket, fashioned with a super-warm shearling sheepskin interior.

SHOP: The Overland Gabriel Shearling Sheepskin Coat

Classic trucker jacket design meets luxurious shearling sheepskin.

As one might expect, crafting a jacket like the Overland Gabriel Shearling Sheepskin Coat, using that sort of incredibly premium material comes with a price tag ($795 at Overland). However, it’s the sort of investment that’ll pay off in spades. Think of this like a winter upgrade over your traditional jean jacket, with the same serious style points available to you. In my mind, you can wear this rugged trucker jacket just like an indigo denim jacket, starting with slim black jeans and a thermal henley for added winter warmth. You can also layer it over a classic fisherman’s sweater for even more comfort in the cold, while everything from burgundy corduroys to slim blue jeans are up for grabs here. If you want to go ultra-refined, considering pairing it with wool suit trousers and classic moc toe boots for eye-catching winter style. Details like flap chest pockets and slanted hip pockets complete the classic trucker jacket design. This is the sort of jacket you can wear on wintry park strolls or market visits, or to battle the elements as you enjoy an outdoor beer garden brew. When you find one of the best jackets for men, period, you should wear it as often as you can.

SHOP: The Overland Gabriel Shearling Sheepskin Coat

February 20, 2021January 17, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: DISCOMMON Weekender Duffle Bag

DISCOMMON goes above and beyond when it comes to crafting this seriously cool, durable weekender bag.

Thanks for joining us for another Style Pick of the Week, and one that couldn’t have come at a more critical time if you’re looking to upgrade your everyday carry and your rotation of the best men’s gear for winter adventures and well beyond. In this case, it’s the DISCOMMON Weekender Duffle Bag that’s going to amp up your gear rotation in fine form, seeing as it’s one of the best weekender bags for men, period. And whether you use it to (safely) hop on a plane or train, or whether you throw it in the back of your car on a long weekend getaway, it’s one of the best bags for a winter getaway, no questions asked.

Of course, if you’re not familiar with DISCOMMON, now is as crucial a time as any to get up to speed on a brand that’s making the best everyday carry gear and so much more for your daily routine and off-grid excursions. DISCOMMON touts itself as a brand that’s a “cure for the common output,” and one look at pieces like the DISCOMMON Weekender Duffle Bag is enough to turn anyone into a believer. The company’s product design and executive team has root at cool-as-heck companies like Oakley, so you can be sure no corners are cut in making the most rugged gear for guys across multiple categories. But back to this rugged and futuristic-looking weekender bag, right?

SHOP: The DISCOMMON Weekender Duffle Bag

A weekender bag unlike any you’ve ever seen before — yes?

Leave it up to DISCOMMON to come through with one of the best weekender bags for men, built with full-grain grey leather from a family-owned tannery. This makes this bag highly durable and rugged, yet entirely unique, and the innovative build is complemented by touches like the #Dumpslot, a simple yet incredibly handy access pocket for placing valuables in one fell swoop as you roll through airport security. The bag, on that note, should be perfectly sized for air or train travel, too (it runs 20 inches long, 12 inches tall and 10 inches wide).

The DISCOMMON Weekender Duffle Bag really is the ultimate blend of form and function, featuring custom-designed DISCOMMON hardware, a foam-lined laptop pocket and ballistic nylon material on the bottom to aid in hard-wearing toughness. Easy-access zipper pockets are also placed in what you might call an uncommon position (as the brand says, where the hand naturally falls), so that gives the DISCOMMON Weekender Duffle Bag another advantage over traditional bags. Ultimately, if you want to round out your rotation of the best men’s gear for winter, you can’t go wrong with this rugged, innovative weekender bag.

SHOP: The DISCOMMON Weekender Duffle Bag

February 13, 2021January 11, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater

A rugged, classic cardigan the likes of only Taylor Stitch can make.

There comes a day in every season, especially winter, when bone-chilling cold hits you as soon as you wake up. You rush to closet and search for one of the best sweaters for men in these trying times, but you might come up short — that is, until you pick up the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater. It’s the latest and greatest addition to the Taylor Stitch line of sweaters, one that just so happens to be positively packed with the best men’s sweaters for winter and well beyond. But to me, it’s the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater that really takes the cake, what with the use of organic cotton and seed stitch construction to give it some texture and visual interest. It gets plenty better from there, though.

When the going gets tough, when the weather takes a turn for the worse and when your weekend calls for effortlessly cool, rugged style and top-notch layering potential, that’s where the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater comes into play. Perhaps you’ve already added a versatile winter jacket, like the Taylor Stitch Gibson Jacket, into your seasonal rotation, so why not keep the hits rolling with one of the best men’s cardigans out there, ehh? It’s tough to pass up the blend of versatility, performance and classic looks you’re getting here, folks.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater

The timeless shawl construction and rugged good looks are as ideal as it gets for winter layering.

It’s always worth watching when Taylor Stitch puts its collective design prowess towards a new silhouette, and in this case, it’s a rugged shawl cardigan. This classic men’s cardigan, in fact, gives off some very similar style vibes to, say, Daniel Craig’s cardigan in “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” –– that’s style to be emulated right there, is it not? The great thing about the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is that it comes at a price tag that’s more agreeable than you might expect ($168 at Taylor Stitch), and touches like dark horn buttons add durability and a touch of style. Better still is the fact that this sweater can pull double or triple-duty, if you will.

Wear it atop a classic Oxford shirt with tan Taylor Stitch chinos for versatile business casual or “Zoom call” style, or else pair it up with a rugged men’s henley and selvedge denim for laidback weekend outings. If you want to go more casual still, how about you throw the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater on over a favorite garment-dyed T-shirt with some joggers for your morning coffee run? Any way you choose to wear it, the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is an unstoppable winter layering staple, and it’s by far destined to become your new favorite winter sweater.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater

February 6, 2021January 5, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants

Pants that blend the best of both chinos and sweatpants, courtesy of Public Rec Apparel.

You’ve probably noticed by now as we roll into February, but you’re still spending a lot of time at home, and you’re still wearing those old sweatpants. Not any more, though: The Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants are some of the best pants for men at the moment, and they’ve got everything you need to give your sweatpants the boot. It’s with this in mind that I’m recommending today’s Style Pick of the Week. Think of these men’s performance pants as a hybrid pair and a highly versatile pair of men’s pants, at that. You can wear them literally any time at all, whether you feel like leaving the house for a (safe) stroll or if you’re firing up the coffee pot once more.

What makes them so special? I sure am glad you asked. Of course, the brand rightfully says they’re more comfortable than jeans and more stylish than sweatpants, and that’s just what we’re looking for in these quarantine days. In fact, versatility and comfort is something of a specialty of Public Rec Apparel, as you might remember from past blog posts on pieces like the Public Rec Crosstown Bomber. And if you haven’t given the Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants a shot yet, now’s your chance to get some of your new favorite pants onto your legs and into your closet.

SHOP: The Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Pants

An elastic drawstring waistband could make these the most comfortable work pants you own.

As with any great menswear essential, it all comes down to the quality and the specs when you consider the Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants. We said previously that they’re different than sweatpants, and the nylon-spandex blend provides more polish and durability right off the bat. The clean, tailored look of these performance pants for men gives them the classic silhouette of chinos, but with a big secret. Look closely and you’ll spot the elastic waistband, complete with a drawstring. For days in your home office or even a quick day trip, you just can’t beat the comfort of the Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants.

They also feature zipper pockets for small valuables, plus a traditional fly (of the faux variety) — no one will be any the wiser, because they look as stylish as classic chinos. Waist sizes go as high as 44 based on inventory, and you’ve also got nine versatile and crisp colors to shop. That kind of versatility makes these a worthy style option alongside an Oxford shirt for work-from-home days, yet they’ll pull double-duty on the weekend as a pairing with your Public Rec Go-To Tee. Without a doubt, the kicker is the agreeable price tag ($98 at Public Rec Apparel). Check off all the proper boxes and pick up a pair of the Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants as soon as possible.