Tag / style pick of the week

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.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Silver Long-Sleeve Henley – A Modern Update to a Classic

Best henleys for men.

It can be a tricky proposition to try to update a timeless silhouette for the modern era, especially when it comes to something like one of the best henleys for men. The staple piece has been around for decades, and is as much a fixture in the best casual style for men as just about anything else — some weeks, I wear a henley nearly every day, in fact.

And in my experience, when it comes to adding a modern twist to a classic, the good folks at performance-meets-style brand Mack Weldon have the right idea — and then some. That approach holds true for something like the Mack Weldon AIRKNIT Polo, which puts a breezy spin on the preppy polo, as well as the Mack Weldon Silver Long-Sleeve Henley, which packs plenty of useful technical specs into a tried-and-true, ever-so-slightly rugged look. Let’s dive on in, shall we?

Learn more now at Mack Weldon

With the Mack Weldon Silver Long-Sleeve Henley, the basic building blocks of one of the best henleys for men remain steadfast, including a three-button placket and helpful ribbed cuffs at the wrist for a better fit. The range of color options, including shades of heathered charcoal, navy and burgundy, are also quite classic and useful for your own wardrobe of men’s style must-haves.

But look closely (or rather, try one on for yourself), and it’s the blend of cotton, lycra (for stretch and rebound) and the brand’s proprietary Ionic+ fabric infusion that elevates it to another plane as far as the best henleys for men are concerned. The use of Ionic+ specifically gives the shirt anti-odor properties, something I appreciate as I travel for hours on end in my many freelance writing pursuits.

Best long-sleeve henleys for men.

That makes the Mack Weldon Silver Long-Sleeve Henley a surefire upgrade even over henleys made a more old-school way — say, with thick cotton or a thermal weave. Yes indeed, there’s a time and a place for each of those options in your rotation, but the Mack Weldon Silver Long-Sleeve Henley goes the extra mile in terms of comfort and fabrication.

Complete with a flattering slim fit in a range of color options, the Mack Weldon Silver Long-Sleeve Henley looks as at home with dark blue or black jeans as it does with a pair of stretch Mack Weldon chinos and, say, a shawl cardigan from another trusted brand (hello, Buck Mason!). When the time comes to reach for a flattering modern update to a classic, reach for this new Mack Weldon henley, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt – A Reliable Winter Weekend Layer

A man can never have enough sturdy, dependable menswear at his disposal, especially for frigid winter days and nights, and that’s where I find Filson gear and menswear continues to come in mighty handy, season after season, year after year.

The legendary Pacific Northwest heritage brand has been a foundational part of my wardrobe for years now, making some of the best waxed outerwear, thermals, denim and yes, one of the best shirt jackets for men.

As temperatures continue to plummet, and as I continue to put gear to the test for this Brooklyn style blog, I continually reach for Filson — perhaps you’re in the same boat? And with the drop of the new Filson Spring 2025 Collection, it’s time once again to see what’s in store from this legendary company.

Learn more now and shop at Filson

The new Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt isn’t quite all that new, in fact — or rather, it’s an update in term of color and fabrication to the iconic Filson line of Jac-Shirts, which are burly, thick and utterly incredible in terms of winter warmth, at least in my experience. As Filson tells it, the Jac-Shirt “has provided versatile warmth for nearly five decades,” and it’s a sentiment I agree with wholeheartedly.

Filson Jac-Shirt.

This edition of the Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt is made from a warm wool blend for stretch and the right amount of insulation.

And in matters of style points, it’s the Blue Heather variation of this particular Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt that puts it a cut above the rest — that shade of blue almost gives it a ruggedly casual appeal, if you’re looking for something to layer over a white Oxford shirt with tobacco-hued chinos, for instance. But of course, the Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt is at its best when paired with a thermal henley and canvas work pants on exceptionally brisk mornings.

The straight hem offers slightly more coverage than a traditional shirt, while front-button flap pockets offer crucial everyday carry storage space. And since this is Filson we’re talking about here, know that the brand delivers plenty of sizes and a limited lifetime guarantee on the Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt.

Beyond that, this durable shirt jacket should provide plenty of room to layer over your favorite knitwear essentials — can you ask for much more from one of the best men’s shirt jackets? In my book, the Filson Heathered Wool Jac-Shirt is a certified winter style winner.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Wills Classic Cashmere Sweater at the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale

Best sweaters for men.

At times, the best style essentials for men are ones that are subtly stylish on the surface, yet even more well-made the deeper you dive in. That certainly holds true for menswear wardrobe selections from Huckberry, a longtime favorite retailer of mine (and yours, if you happen to read this Brooklyn style blog on the regular). Take, for instance, the Wills Classic Cashmere Sweater as shown above.

Learn more now at Huckberry

It’s a straightfoward selection that lives up to its name, and then some, using classic cashmere construction for a luxe finish. That is to say, don’t sleep on it, however.

And while its crewneck design is relatively simple, it’s as easily wearable atop a soft cotton long-sleeve tee as it is with a crisp Oxford shirt.

How’s that for versatility and quality? That doesn’t even take into account the range of neutral, easy-to-style colors in which you’ll find the Wills Classic Cashmere Sweater — and the best part is, it’s also a surprisingly affordable style find that offers wearability seven days a week, from the office to happy hour to date night (and beyond).

The Wills Classic Cashmere Sweater is also billed by Huckberry as boasting the “ideal midweight,” the sort of sweater “you can wear…. no matter the weather.” I see this stylish cashmere sweater for men as being an essential selection in situations more dressy — like a date night, perhaps alongside corduroy trousers — or more casual (as with dark blue denim and rugged leather Chelsea boots from a trusted brand like Ariat).

Shop men’s sweaters and more at Huckberry

Better still is the fact that the Wills Classic Cashmere Sweater is on sale right now (marked down below $120) at the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale (more on that on this blog in the days to come).

For now, just know that this sweater is a crisp, essential modern classic that wears well in plenty of style situations — and you’re saving yourself a few bucks in the process as you upgrade your wardrobe, my friends. Cheers to savings and style in spades.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Chore Pants – Winter’s Perfect Workhorse Pant

Best work pants for men.

Winter weather assuredly doesn’t take any days off, and neither should your wardrobe — right? That’s long been the idea behind the seasonal collections dreamed up by Taylor Stitch, a brand that uses its San Francisco roots, plus a hefty dose of Americana influence, to craft hard-wearing, hard-working selections in any season — particularly winter, and particularly when it comes to the best work pants for men.

Shop men’s work pants and more at Taylor Stitch

In fact, the Taylor Stitch Chore Pants check every box if you’ve been scouring the market for a refreshed, stylish, modern yet sturdy pair of men’s work pants (or casually rugged everyday pants, if that’s your jam).

While Taylor Stitch chinos are famously sturdy yet supple, polished and as ready for the office as they are for a round of speakeasy cocktails, the Taylor Stitch Chore Pants are seemingly crafted with the elements in mind, and with the specs and hardware to match.

Taylor Stitch men's pants.

The key with your new favorite work pants? Highly durable 100% organic cotton canvas in a 12.5oz. weight — heavy enough for the dead of winter, spry enough for spring and perfectly suited for fall, of course. The Taylor Stitch Chore Pants are also built with easy-to-move features, like a stonewashed finish for added flexibility and softness, plus angled hip pockets for quick access and storage of your everyday carry essentials.

Taylor Stitch Chore Pants.

Double-knee reinforced construction further bolsters the toughness of the Taylor Stitch Chore Pants, which also feature half-lined back patch pockets for secure storage of — once again — your everyday carry must-haves. And the fact that your new favorite chore pants are available in a range of dusty, earthy colors might just take the cake, at least in my experience writing Taylor Stitch reviews.

Learn more now at Taylor Stitch

Best of all is the fact that the Taylor Stitch Chore Pants can get down and dirty when the job requires it, no doubt. And yet, they also happen to be a tough-as-nails yet stylish replacement for jeans as you visit your favorite distillery or grab a cold one at your favorite dive bar.

Add a henley or a denim shirt, top things off with a trusty sherpa-lined denim jacket, and consider the strong-as-can-be Taylor Stitch Chore Pants a new companion in matters of style, toughness and the daily grind — just act quickly, as sizes are on the move from one of the best online menswear shops out there. Cheers, my friends.