Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts – A Perfect Pair for the Summer Months

When a company that specializes in one menswear essential — say, making some of the best jeans for men — dives into another category entirely, the results are usually worth checking out, at least in my experience. That certainly has held true over the years when it comes to New York City’s Mott and Bow, a brand that’s been on my radar for about a decade now — namely, for making some of the best men’s denim.

Learn more and shop now at Mott and Bow

And yet, as we roll into summer, it’s worth noting that once again, the brand that makes your favorite jeans is stepping into another category in time for the cooler months: The Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts are here in a wide array of colors and a near-perfect design for months of wear.

The upstart company also has a knack for other seasonal staples, like one of the best men’s overshirts, along with, of course, some of the best lightweight jeans for summer. But when the thermostat rises too high even for light wash denim, something much cooler and more breezy is needed — whether the occasion is a rooftop shindig, a brewery beer session or a backyard BBQ, my friends.

Mott and Bow men's shorts review.

The Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts join other summer-friendly wares from the retailer, including buttery-soft T-shirts and polished polos, and in my experience, the same details that make the brand’s denim so great for the price certainly hold true when it comes to the best shorts for summer.

The Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts feature a blend of 98 percent cotton and 2 percent spandex, with a stretch factor of a whopping 25 percent — that means these shorts really move with you, and they could even be ideal for a day on the links.

They’re also built with an agreeable 8-inch inseam and come in a wide range of sizes for every body type. The brand notes they can even be cuffed for a shorter fit, while crisp details like side slant pockets give them the ability to be dressed up with a knit polo or dressed down with a pocket tee. There are also back flap pockets to hold your everyday carry on or off the links — or anywhere else summer takes you, in fact.

Shop summer shorts and more from Mott and Bow

The handsome, well-made Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts retail for a very agreeable $99, but you can bundle multiple pairs and save — they could become your new go-to shorts multiple days a week, based on the colors you select.

The Mott and Bow Stretch Chino Shorts deliver maximum flexibility, versatility and comfort in one package — a wise choice when the weather calls for something more lightweight than denim. You know where to go to find some of the best men’s shorts for summer, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Deck Shorts – The Most Versatile Men’s Shorts for Summer

Buck Mason Deck Shorts review.

You never quite know what spring and the start of summer will throw your way, do you? From coastal excursions to riverside camping trips, day hikes, even jaunts across town to check out that new brewery or distillery… it all requires the best gear for men, a delicate balance between versatility, style and comfort.

A delicate balance, of course, that brands like Buck Mason tend to walk in fine fashion as far as the best menswear essentials for guys are concerned. That holds true all the live long day — or rather, all year round — with Buck Mason’s expertly curated and crafted lineup of Americana essentials, from perfect Oxford shirting to rugged chambray workshirts, soft-shouldered blazers, perfectly faded denim and sun-faded tees.

Shop summer style essentials at Buck Mason

It’s lofty praise, but it seems no matter what you’re in the market for these days — even leather loafers, as Buck Mason just released with classic footwear masters G.H. Bass — the brand can deliver.

And when it comes to more adventurous pursuits — say, the type of pursuit that might see you go from the trail to the stream and back into town — Buck Mason also has you covered. That’s why we’re here today, after all: To talk about some of the best shorts for men, a list that now includes the Buck Mason Deck Shorts.

Best summer shorts for men.

Cut with the classic look of a chino short (and this time featuring a flattering and modern 6-inch inseam), the Buck Mason Deck Shorts are billed by the company as “hybrid, do-it-all shorts” that fit the bill for adventures aplenty. The four-way cotton-poly stretch fabric blend is crucial for lightweight comfort and quick-drying capability, and it’s a good thing, since the Buck Mason Deck Shorts are finished with a DWR coating.

Meanwhile, an elastic drawcord waist stretches and moves with you from trail to stream, while the zip fly and button waist closure are exactly what you’d find on a pair of the best chino shorts for men. The fabric of the exceptional Buck Mason Deck Shorts — at least in my experience –happens to be garment-washed for a super-soft finish.

Shop the Buck Mason Deck Shorts now

In matters of style points, the 6-inch inseam hits nicely above the knee on my 6’2″ frame, while the range of earthen colors falls right in line with Buck Mason’s fresh, modern color scheme (a mood board for all seasons, in my estimation). If I were you, I’d style them freely with everything from a knit polo to a pocket tee or a rugged short-sleeve henley.

And at $98, your new favorite summer shorts are fairly priced and an agreeable purchase if you’d like to snag more than one pair. With these handsome, modern shorts, you’re getting the total package — from sunrise to sunset and beyond.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Oris Divers Date Watch – A Seriously Rugged Watch for Outdoor Adventures This Summer

In my book, the best gear for men from head to toe exudes rugged toughness, style and versatility, from your choice of chambray shirt to your selection of dark blue denim, brown leather boots and of course, the watch you wear on your wrist.

In the smartphone age, wearing one of the best men’s watches is a more deliberate style move, an investment in something that can elevate any look — and provide critical functionality in places your smartphone can’t. The Oris Divers Date Watch shown above, as sold by my good friends at Huckberry, certainly delivers in that regard.

Shop men’s watches and more at Huckberry

And while I love, say, Shinola men’s watches — as you might have seen in Shinola reviews on this very blog — the very best everyday carry gear for men also requires a deeper look, another point of view:

There are options aplenty out there when it comes to the best dive watches for men, like the handsome Oris Divers Date Watch shown above. Yessir, it’s a certified winner in matters of both looks and performance, with the specs to prove it.

For the unfamiliar, Oris is a somewhat overlooked heritage watch brand deeply rooted in the art and science of the best dive watches for men. The Oris Divers Date Watch speaks to that legacy quite handily, and stylishly, at that. In fact, Oris released its first-ever dive watch back in 1965, and this durable and subtly fashionable diver nods to those roots in the best way possible.

Best dive watches for men.

You see, the Oris Divers Date Watch gets distinctly 1960s touches like compressed bezel numerals and a monochromatic color scheme not unlike much more expensive dive watches (looking at you, Rolex).

Sized in relatively throwback fashion at 39mm in terms of dial size, a Swiss-made 733-1 automatic mechanical movement powers this watch with a 41-hour power reserve (designed to keep the watch ticking and on track even if you don’t wear it for a period of time).

Its rugged yet slightly dressy stainless steel build is accented by 200 meters of real-world water resistance, meaning you can easily wear this watch into the water and its depths without missing a beat. Of course, the timepiece also comes with a sporty black rubber strap for even more variety and versatility.

Yet, the classic profile of the tough-as-nails Oris Divers Date Watch also lends itself to styling in luxurious fashion with a knit polo, stretch chinos and brown leather loafers. Take my word from it: If Huckberry approves of its performance, then a timepiece like the sturdy Oris Divers Date Watch belongs in your wrist game rotation ASAP this summer.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts – Your New Favorite Summer Shorts

Best summer shorts for men.

The intersection of comfort and style can be a tricky balance to strike, but I’ve found that, in my experience, the good folks at Huckberry do quite a bit that goes a long way, especially when it comes to the famed Americana retailer’s Flint and Tinder lineup of menswear.

And comfort plus style is certainly the name of the game when it comes to the best men’s shorts to wear all spring and summer long — take the Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts as shown above, in fact. The Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts carry on the legacy of the 365 lineup of versatile-as-can-be, comfortable-as-can-be men’s style essentials from the in-house brand — its 365 fabric is ultra-soft, smooth and made to move, using 98 percent cotton and just a hint of stretch.

Throw in the fact that the Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts feature a true drawstring waist for stretch and movement, and you just might have found the most comfortable shorts on the market this spring summer.

Like other pairs of the best shorts men, they feature an agreeable 7-inch inseam that should work nicely on most builds, and classic side-slant pockets give the Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts a touch of dressy appeal — dressy enough to wear with leather loafers and your favorite polo or patterned buttondown shirt, that is.

Learn more and shop Flint and Tinder at Huckberry

In my experience, the build of the Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts should prove effortlessly cool and comfortable, from BBQs to weekend brunch, rooftop happy hours and coastal getaways aplenty — that’s how shorts should be worn after all, isn’t it? The Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts also come in a selection of neutral, easy-to-style colors, not unlike the endlessly wearable Flint and Tinder 365 Pants.

Although subtle and laidback on the surface, the versatility of these handsome chino shorts is nearly unmatched — try a pair on for size (at least one pair, that is!), and let me know in the comments if you’ve found your new favorite shorts this season. Cheers to style, comfort and the season ahead, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Nudie Jeans Light Wash Vintage Denim Jacket – An Easygoing Spring Jacket Made for Right Now

Best light wash denim jacket for men.

I don’t know about you, but in my experience, it can be helpful to think of your rotation of men’s style essentials as sort of a toolbox: Selections that fit certain situations with a mix of functionality and plain old great looks in mind, particularly in your outerwear rotation during the breezy days of spring. It’s even better if some pieces come in especially handy in certain seasons — take the utility of a lightweight yet durable, casually cool denim jacket, like the one shown above from our friends at Nudie Jeans.

Brands like Levi’s made some of the first widely available denim trucker jackets, focused on road-ready features like a helpful foldover collar, front button chest pockets and reinforced stitching throughout. This stylish denim jacket from Nudie Jeans uses many of those same design cues — never a bad option to have in your outerwear rotation.

And the good news is, that same style can prove mighty useful in modern times, just with a bit of a twist from some equally modern brands — Nudie Jeans comes to mind, and Nudie Jeans just so happens to be making one of the best denim jackets for men.

There’s a tricky balance to shopping for a denim jacket, especially as you try to scope out one of the best light wash denim jackets — too far in one direction, and you veer into ’80s acid wash denim territory, for instance. When in doubt, strike an easily wearable middle ground, just as you would with denim on your lower half.

Find the best denim for men at Nudie Jeans

And yet, this Nudie Jeans Denim Jacket in Desert strikes a tasteful, stylish and effortlessly cool middle ground: A perfect way to try out a high-quality denim jacket if you’ve haven’t given the style a shot in the past.

This particular version uses 100 percent organic cotton denim, and better still is the fact that it’s the rare USA-made denim jacket — hence the higher price tag, but one that will assuredly prove worth it in the long run, whether styled with a short-sleeve henley and black jeans or as a casual addition to shorts and a pocket tee.

In the case of this Nudie Jeans Denim Jacket in Desert, bright washed broken twill denim makes the difference, giving it some depth that keeps it — again — from veering too far into acid wash denim territory. With classic design touches, a pleasingly vibrant shade of light wash denim for spring, and richly crafted USA-made construction, your new favorite denim jacket checks all the proper boxes.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat – A Spring-Ready Update to a Classic

Billy Reid Bond Peacoat review.

Even the most timeless, utterly classic silhouettes in the menswear lexicon can use a refresh through a new lens from time to time, like one of the best peacoats for men. That ethos carries through to your spring outerwear rotation, particularly as blustery and brisk weather rips through town.

And thus, we find ourselves diving into an update to a hallowed silhouette in the modern style pantheon, a new twist on the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat. You might recall from past Billy Reid reviews on this blog that the trusty Billy Reid Bond Peacoat is a best-selling favorite from the brand, plus the style worn by James Bond in 2012 epic “Skyfall,” among other notable appearances (007 himself, Daniel Craig, is even a noted fan in real life of the hard-wearing yet elegant peacoat).

So, the style is a certified classic, but how can it get even better? It comes down to a few custom, sturdy updates, my friends.

Learn more now at Billy Reid

Yes indeed, in my experience, the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat continues to get better year after year, boasting a laundry list of expertly designed and carefully crafted touches that can only come from the mind of famed menswear designer Billy Reid.

BIlly Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat.

That means this trusted style now comes in a suitably spring-ready, seriously inspired fabric developed with blustery seasonal weather in mind — yes, the Billy Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat now comes in a fabrication custom developed by the legendary Halley Stevensons.

The waxed cotton design repels wind and rain, all the while retaining the crisp, useful design hallmarks of the original Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, like a tasteful leather under-collar detail, a cotton-linen lining for a dash of warmth and comfort, and dark horn buttons.

The jacket is certified weather-ready and should even develop its own patina over time, adding a touch of character to a refined peacoat style you can dress up or dress down alongside a host of Billy Reid menswear (an Oxford shirt and tan chinos come to mind, for starters). Reliable peacoat hallmarks, like double-breasted construction and peak lapels, make the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat in its new waxed iteration a certified, functional yet stylish stunner — one you can be proud to wear this spring (and in the years ahead).

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Leather Boots – Durable Adventure Boots for Spring (And Beyond)

There’s a sort of spring cleaning “style to-do” list of sorts when it comes to revamping and refreshing your wardrobe for the season at hand, starting from the ground up (at least, in my experience).

When you start out a seasonal refresh by looking at your footwear rotation — what to keep from the fall and winter months, what to bring back for spring and what to shelve entirely — perhaps you focus on an assortment of the best men’s boots — guilty as charged. In fact, you’ll often find me wearing a pair of the best leather boots from a company like Wolverine, based in my home state of Michigan and a longtime favorite of mine when it comes to the best boot brands for men.

Learn more now at Wolverine

Its roster includes boots legendary for their toughness, especially the Wolverine 1000 Mile lineup, and that lineup gets even better — with a bit of multi-season functionality in the mix via the Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots. You can certainly head elsewhere here on the blog to read more Wolverine boot reviews, but let’s dive into what makes these similar — and different from! — other classic Wolverine 1000 Mile men’s boots.

Wolverine 1000 Mile boots review.

The Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots retain many of the classic features that make the original Wolverine 1000 Mile men’s boots such a fan favorite and a success, including decades of bootmaking heritage. They’re made based on an archival work boot last pattern, then fashioned with famously tough Horween leather out of Chicago — a true Midwest style collaboration.

These handsome leather boots (available in the rich Brown seen here as well as an edgy Black edition) are then updated with a rugged Vibram outsole featuring thick treads for optimal traction on slick city streets this spring (and beyond, of course).

The Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots are also fashioned with Goodyear welt construction, that way they can be resoled for years of wear — and at the price point (an investment at nearly $400), you’ll want to get as much wear as you can out of the casually rugged yet highly functional Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots.

The western Michigan-based company, also known for its work boots of all shades, shapes and sizes, calls the Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots “ruggedly refined,” and I’d say they’re right on the money. The silhouette is able to be paired seamlessly with indigo jeans, black denim or even olive chinos, then styled classically with a heathered henley and a waxed trucker jacket, to name but one way to get the most out of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots.

With great looks, top-notch construction and a long-lasting build and design, it looks to me like you just might have found your new favorite boots for spring — and beyond.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Triple Aught Design MA-1 Flight Jacket – A Modern Update to a True Icon

Take a spin through the proverbial menswear dictionary, and you’ll find all sorts of all-time classics with functional roots made modern, especially iconic styles first trusted by the military. There’s a perfect blend of form and function in these pieces, including in one of the best bomber jackets for men, as shown above by the open road and adventure gear purveyors at Triple Aught Design.

Learn more now at Triple Aught Design

The Triple Aught Design MA-1 Flight Jacket takes its cues from the legendary style first produced for the military by Alpha Industries. And in my experience, similar to brands like Aether Apparel, the company now retrofits that famed silhouette with its own updates to technical fabric, sleek design improvements and all. The results are impressive, eye-catching and ultra-modern, as are the best spring menswear essentials for your rotation.

And as we’ve talked about here on the blog in other Triple Aught Design reviews, the company seemingly cuts no corners — with the Triple Aught Design MA-1 Flight Jacket, that means a DWR-coated nylon exterior for weather protection and added toughness, for starters. It’s even lined in nylon twill, but it’s the PrimaLoft insulation (which should prove sleek, rather than bulky), and nylon-blend ribbed cuffs that provide a secure fit and classic bomber jacket style.

It’s the sort of piece that manages to cut a sleek, modern look while nodding to heritage styles — not unlike other military outerwear selections, like the field jacket or the CPO jacket. Of course, that versatility and high-performing design means the Triple Aught Design MA-1 Flight Jacket is pricier than average (it retails for $350 at full price), but right now, this durable, tough-as-heck bomber jacket can be yours for 30 percent off.

Best of all is the fact that the handsome, sturdy Triple Aught Design MA-1 Flight Jacket is cut and sewn in the U.S. of A, then finished off with hardware including YKK zippers. Helpfully, your new favorite bomber jacket — always a casually cool style move when paired with a crisp T-shirt and blue jeans — comes in a duo of neutral colors fit to be mixed and matched, including a timeless olive and sharp black.

With technical features aplenty (including a grosgrain front zipper guard and interior zip pockets for your everyday carry), the Triple Aught Design MA-1 Flight Jacket covers all the bases in modern-yet-classic fashion, and then some — add it to your spring outerwear rotation ASAP, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak – An Adventure-Ready Spring Rain Jacket

Best spring rain jackets for men.

When it comes to navigating the swiftly changing seasons, a dash of preparation goes a long way. That holds true for fighting off brisk fall and winter weather, yet when temperatures climb ever so slightly upwards, the pursuit still doesn’t stop, right?

Blustery spring days bring with ’em rain and wind — and the right outerwear is never more crucial than when your to-do list, your next trip or your daily commute comes beckoning, right? Enter Filson, legendary Pacific Northwest purveyors of some of the best spring rain jackets, period (and plenty more).

Learn more now at Filson

More specifically, the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak might be just what the doctor ordered as you scour the market for one of the best spring jackets around, my friends.

It’s part of the new Filson Spring Collection, a slew of positively tough-as-nails gear selections made to go far afield — fabrics like waxed cotton and sturdy wool take shape across silhouettes ranging from trucker jackets to overshirts and beyond. And yet, it’s the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak that just might have the most chops to take you from coast to coast, far inland and beyond.

The anorak, after all, dates back to Arctic peoples, with roots that trace back to early versions of the parka — and the smock-inspired design is not unlike a much more rain-ready version of your favorite hooded sweatshirt, this time complete with a snap-shut kangaroo pocket.

If you seek more coverage and protection from the elements, a piece like the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak, with slightly more coverage, a helpful hood and durable, lightweight waxed cotton structure, is a useful addition to your spring style rotation (and that’s an understatement).

Available in two crisp, classic colors (Dark Navy and Dark Beige), the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak should boast plenty of water and wind resistance, while its half-front zip collar includes a storm flap for added protection from the elements — the most foul spring weather doesn’t seem to be a match for the Filson Ranger Lightweight Anorak, at least in my experience with Filson outerwear.

Learn more now at Filson

Remarkably, that’s not the only thing this handsome, rugged anorak jacket has going for it — this piece is machine washable, a rarity among waxed cotton outerwear selections. Consider the fact that the drawcord hood also maximizes protection from the elements, and you’ve got a jacket that seems nearly unstoppable in terms of spring hikes, coastal getaways, log cabin weekends and rainy day strolls.

Place your trust in Filson as far as the best spring jackets are concerned, and I’ve got a feeling you’ll be rewarded handsomely.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater – A Classic Winter Weekend Cardigan

Best shawl cardigans for men.

It’s hard not to admire modern brands that have a healthy respect for the classics, brands that know the in’s and out’s of a sturdy flannel shirt, a durable pair of work pants, a hard-working denim overshirt or the cozy, utterly classic nature of one of the best shawl cardigans.

Trusted by icons like Steve McQueen and Daniel Craig over the years — as you’ll well know if you’ve read this Brooklyn style blog for some time — the shawl cardigan lends more depth to the button-front sweater: It’s thick, it’s cozy, it’s just plain… cool. And my friends, the good folks at Line of Trade — as you might recognize from the pages of this Web site — have a new, stylish men’s cardigan worthy of your consideration.

Although they’re a relatively recent entry into the modern menswear canon, Line of Trade fits the bill when it comes to putting its own twist on Americana must-haves — including the fast-selling Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater pictured above.

Find your new favorite sweater ASAP

It’s the kind of sweater practically begging to be worn on brisk winter weekends, on cozy days and nights in front of a fire, or else worn alongside a trusted Oxford shirt as you contemplate what sort of bourbon you’d like in your Old Fashioned. The Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater gets the details right, and then some, from the thick fold-over collar — meant to protect your neck from blustery winter winds — to the textured seed-stitch knit for added warmth and visual appeal.

Check another box for the impressively crafted Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater, because even the faux horn buttons look impressive for a sub-$100 sweater. As the brand (once owned by our friends at Bespoke Post) says, “heritage nautical details combine in a cardigan sweater that yearns for the high seas.”

Especially in a rich shade of olive, it’s an apt pairing with everything from a faded denim shirt and black jeans to a crisp white Oxford shirt and dark, rust-hued chinos.

Best winter cardigans for men.

It’s a vision for the future that’s attractive and geared toward adventure, as many of the best menswear essentials happen to be, and a taste of the good life — in matters of style and ruggedly good looks — can be yours (for an affordable price!) with the Line of Trade Harbor Shawl Sweater.