Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Jeans – A New Take on a Classic

Best corduroy pants for men.

This time of year, as we barrel into the depths of fall, I’d say it’s time to rethink what you thought you knew about certain men’s style classics. Take the corduroy pant: Perhaps it makes you think of Sunday school, or of garish 1970s editions of corduroy pants.

Now, throw all that out the window, so to speak, because the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants are here to shake up a classic in a fresh, modern, rugged way. Of course, they fit right in with other tried-and-true, all-American favorites from the Los Angeles-by-way-of-the-Midwest brand (including one of the best chore coats and one of the best men’s flannel shirts).

There’s something familiar and yet different about these stylish men’s corduroy pants, and it starts with the construction and some very carefully made design choices from the iconic retailer.

For starters, these handsome corduroy pants are modeled after the Buck Mason Ford Standard Jeans, rather than based on dressy corduroy trousers with side hip slant pockets. That means the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants boast a rugged, casually cool five-pocket design, plus a mid-rise and a fit that tapers below the knee.

Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants review.

The Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants also come in a selection of colors that challenge the notion of what corduroy pants can be — just witness the rich Inkwell color above, not unlike a pair of the best black jeans for men.

Rivets at stress points give the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants a further touch of durability not normally found in the best men’s dress pants, while these trousers are also garment-washed for a lived-in look and feel right out of the box.

Best corduroy pants for men.

The Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants are crafted from 10oz. 14-wale corduroy, which is neither too narrow nor too wide — these pants act like durable jeans, but can be dressed up in business casual fashion like a pair of the best men’s corduroy pants. They can also be dressed down, rest assured — a Buck Mason men’s henley or flannel shirt would seem to be a worthy pairing.

And because of their corduroy construction, the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants can pull double-duty with refined leather dress boots or with broken-in leather chukka boots or even high-top sneakers. Just when you thought a classic was set in stone, Buck Mason comes along to shake things up in pleasing fashion this season.

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots – A Superb Fall Style Move

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots review.

It can be difficult, as we discuss often, to improve upon a classic like a pair of the best boots for men — and in my experience, the famed Wolverine 1000 Mile lineup of boots certainly fits the bill in that regard. I’ve been wearing Wolverine 1000 Mile men’s boots for more than a decade now — dating back to my college days in Michigan — and the Western Michigan brand still delivers in matters of quality, craftsmanship and superb style.

That also holds true with the new Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots, a standout fall style move that manages to improve upon a classic in a major way. Granted, the Wolverine 1000 Mile lineup of boots is already plenty tough to beat, with hard-wearing construction, classic good looks and some of the finest bootmaking processes stitched into every pair.

And yet, the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots amp things up in a few key ways — all the better to lace up a pair with your favorite selvedge jeans or canvas work pants as you take on a fall weekend cabin getaway (to name but one seasonal pursuit). The Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots feature resoleable Goodyear welt construction for long-lasting quality and durability, and that construction is accented by a rugged, treaded Vibram outsole.

Wolverine 1000 Mile men's boots review.

The Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots are also built with truly exceptional Horween leather from Chicago, and then handcrafted with plenty of care. It’s a difference you can feel in every pair of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots, at least in my experience with the brand.

And these boots, although they rest on a different outsole, still share the same pedigree and toughness that’s made the 1000 Mile line a favorite since 1914 — yes, 1914! That’s a long legacy of delivering some of the best men’s boots, my friends.

With Wolverine, and with the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots — which should age handsomely and patina nicely with every wear — you can be absolutely sure you’re investing in quality, versatility and timeless appeal. ‘Tis the season to find your new favorite boots.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt – A New Fall Style Staple

Flint and Tinder men's shirt review.

In my humble opinion, the best menswear staples are sometimes the ones you don’t have to think too hard about — the kind of pieces that look great just about anywhere, while serving as a versatile wardrobe backbone. And one of the best men’s shirts qualifies, especially if it hails from the new Flint and Tinder Fall Collection as designed, stocked and sold by my friends at Huckberry.

Simplicity certainly makes the difference, and what might look subtle on the surface can actually end up being a heroic, useful style move — like the Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt, for one. It’s today’s Style Pick for a reason, with plentiful wearability and some small yet much-appreciated features that elevate it from the typical buttondown shirt.

Best men's buttondown shirts for fall.

The Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt checks off all the proper boxes when it comes to an everyday buttondown: It boasts classic Oxford shirt construction, right down to the buttondown collar and chest pocket. Those details mean you can wear it untucked with mid-wash blue jeans or tucked in alongside, say, the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants and your favorite pair of leather boots at the office.

But your new favorite buttondown shirt also has some points of distinction going for it, starting with the use of hearty Donegal fabric with a textured look and feel. That fabric also gives the Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt more wearability in the colder months of fall and winter — your average linen buttondown shirt for summer, this is not.

It’s even reinforced with elbow patches for a workwear-inspired touch, and a bi-swing fit in the back provides greater ease of movement, whether at the drafting table or the coffee shop. Available in four crisp, stylish Donegal fabric colors, the handsome Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt is ready to step in at a moment’s notice this fall, whether worn on its own or layered underneath one of the best fall cardigans.

That’s how I’d wear it, and if you feel the same, drop me a line in the comments below. Happy shopping and we’ll See You Out There, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots – A New Must-Have Pair of Boots for Fall

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots review.

Whenever I come across a standout pair of rugged leather boots, I tend to pay close attention — and few pairs of boots catch my eye quite like those that hail from Michigan’s own Wolverine, a famed work boot company with a penchant for performance, durability and handsome appeal.

Yes indeed, they make some of the best boots for men on the market, and the new Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots live up to that pedigree quite nicely. These stylish wedge sole men’s boots mark the fourth collaboration between the iconic bourbon company and the famed bootmaker, and they’ve got all the hallmarks of your new favorite pair of boots.

Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle boots.

As the company notes, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots were “inspired by the rich caramel and wood notes of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year,” with rugged good looks and style points to match.

This particular pair builds off the famed 1000 Mile silhouette, and uses luxe leather in a distinctly bourbon-esque shade. Of course, the brand notes that they’ll “develop a patina and a
unique character with time,” and that makes them more than worth the surprisingly agreeable $249 price tag.

A hand-numbered, woven label on the tongue sets apart each pair of the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots, which are also finished off with vintage-inspired hardware and contrast stitching for plenty of style points.

As with other pairs of my favorite Wolverine leather boots, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots team stylishly with your go-to, expertly faded blue jeans or with tobacco-hued stretch chinos, for instance.

And just like legendary Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots are built to stand the test of time — do yourself a favor and join me in securing your set of these must-have men’s boots for fall, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Leather Rancher Jacket – Back & Better than Ever

Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Leather Jacket.

Some menswear collaborations, even some of the best menswear partnerships, are so rare that they tend to flash in the pan and never return, arriving for one season and then being whisked away on the wind.

That might seem like hyperbole when it comes to the best menswear essentials, especially ones sold by Bespoke Post, but sometimes, it just so happens to be true — and yet, that’s not the case with the return of the Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket. It takes inspiration from 1930s service jackets, and only gets better from there.

As you might recall, Schott and Bespoke Post teamed up last year on the perfect jacket for fall, and a new edition of one of the best leather jackets for men returns just in time for “shoulder season.” The Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket hits the mark perfectly in terms of an heirloom leather jacket for men, to say the very least.

And as you might expect, it was made specifically for the acclaimed retailer (also a purveyor of some of the best subscription boxes for men, as you know if you read this Brooklyn style blog).

The Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket is American-made from rich roughout leather, the kind with standout texture and durability — a hallmark for decades with Schott, which routinely makes some of the best moto jackets on the market. Antique copper hardware adorns this handsome jacket, which also boasts a chest zipper pocket and handy side hip pockets to store everyday carry essentials aplenty.

The rugged Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket, at least in this year’s new release, boasts a durable contrasting leather collar and a rich, hard-wearing construction, the kind that should feel relatively supple out of the box while breaking in wonderfully over time.

And at the splurge-worthy price of $825, it’s a safe bet that you’ll want to get plenty of wear out of your new favorite leather jacket — particularly atop fall style classics like a rugged henley and expertly faded blue jeans.

It’s hard to find one iteration of an iconic leather jacket in a special collaborative build, much less a second edition, but the Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket lives up to its billing and then some — find your size while it’s still around, and then proceed to wear it in casually rugged fashion as often as yo ucan.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots – A Perfect Pair of Early Fall Boots for Men

Best suede Chelsea boots for men.

When an already-great silhouette gets top-tier treatment from one of the country’s best designers, great things are bound to happen when it comes to your wardrobe of fall menswear essentials. That’s certainly the case, at least in my experience, with the Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots, which build off the award-winning designer’s Nomad Chukka Boots.

Those chukka boots are already some of the best men’s boots out there, and the Nomad line just got even better, if you ask me. All of the hallmarks of classic men’s Chelsea boots are present, including elastic side panels and a streamlined toe shape that makes it both refined and yet pleasingly casual.

Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots.

Would you expect anything less from a designer known as much for expertly faded denim as for luxe suiting? The Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots are the best of both worlds, using a handsome suede upper atop a more casual crepe rubber outsole for a high-low balance.

Those details make your new favorite Chelsea boots as wearable with Todd Snyder selvedge denim as with olive chinos, a navy blazer and a chambray shirt (to name but one reliable everyday pairing).

And the details are also accounted for accordingly when it comes to the Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots, including Todd Snyder branded back pull tabs. As the company itself notes, “it’s hard to think of a shoe more versatile than the Chelsea boot,” and that also holds true given the duo of versatile color options in which you can snag these highly wearable fall boots for men.

Take the Snuff or Dark Brown version of the best Chelsea boots for a spin with everything from dark blue jeans to burgundy corduroys as temperatures plummet, and feel free to mix and match the Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots with staples like a rugged henley or a more crisp chambray shirt.

For now, a wide range of sizes are available, and at $398, the Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots are a fall footwear investment worth making ASAP — at least, I think so. Step on into ’em and we’ll see you out there.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder American-Made Heavyweight Pocket Tee – Your New Favorite T-Shirt

Flint and Tinder men's T-shirt review.

In my experience, it’s hard to go wrong with just about any set of menswear essentials from the good folks at Huckberry. The famed retailer has a knack for getting the job done, especially in terms of style classics like one of the best T-shirts for men. That holds true as we roll into early fall, and that makes the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Pocket Tee a new style classic for your seasonal layering (and solo style!) needs.

Made from a durable heavyweight cotton, this rugged T-shirt gets all the details right, and it’s particularly well-suited to pair up with the famed Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket as fall weather creeps in, slowly but surely. The Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Pocket Tee features a rugged build and a garment-dyed finish, all the better to wear alongside a pair of expertly faded blue jeans or Flint and Tinder’s essential 365 Pants.

The ribbed collar of the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Pocket Tee holds its shape over time, while the USA-made construction of your new favorite T-shirt should round out your casual wardrobe nicely. In my experience, Huckberry’s quality stands the test of time, and that makes this tee worth the higher price tag compared to other men’s T-shirts.

Take your pick from more than 9 colorways of the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Pocket Tee, and then style it as you please: Underneath a denim shirt, beneath a Flint and Tinder trucker jacket or all on its own. That’s the kind of quality menswear I can appreciate, and I hope you feel the same way.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Waffle Knit Henley – The Right Way to Layer for Early Fall

Best henley for men.

It seems as though it was only yesterday we were talking about the best summer style essentials here on this menswear blog, but it’s never too soon to start dreaming of crisp weather, leaves underfoot and of course, a wardrobe packed with the best fall style essentials.

I like to build my fall wardrobe from the ground up, so to speak — tough leather boots, a great pair of jeans and often, a trusty base layer like one of the best henleys for men. And in this day and age, it’s tough to get much, well, tougher and more stylish than Filson and the Filson Waffle Knit Henley.

It’s a rugged layer that’ll come in handy before you know it, whether it’s worn beneath a rugged flannel shirt or alongside your favorite trucker jacket (one from Filson would assuredly come in handy). The Filson Waffle Knit Henley is an icon in the cold-weather rotation from the lauded Pacific Northwest heritage outfitter, made with a blend of Peruvian cotton in a durable waffle-knit weave.

The two-button collar of the Filson Waffle Knit Henley gives you options in terms of customizing your fit, and it doesn’t hurt that the light heather gray color will team with just about anything in your wardrobe (indigo Filson jeans very much included). It’s also the type of staple suitable for work — crisp fall days in the yard — or play, so to speak (tailgate layering, anyone?).

And because it hails from Filson, the Filson Waffle Knit Henley is about as durable as it gets, at least in my experience with the brand. Preparing for fall just got substantially easier, all thanks to a rugged favorite from an iconic brand.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Japanese Chambray Service Shirt – A Stylish, Rugged Icon

Best chambray shirt for men.

I don’t know about you, but in my experience, the best menswear essentials are the ones that truly stand the test of time, all the while providing versatility and modern good looks. It might seem like a high bar to clear, but that’s where Buck Mason enters the fray (and your wardrobe, of course).

And in addition to its lineup of iconic, hard-working pieces like the best American-made T-shirts, stylish men’s chinos and expertly faded denim (to name but a few), the Buck Mason Japanese Chambray Service Shirt simply delivers exceptional style.

Of course, the Buck Mason Japanese Chambray Service Shirt is a staple in my own wardrobe, as chambray shirts have been for years, and this particular number gets all the details right.

Buck Mason chambray shirt.

It’s made in a classic-fit design for layering atop your favorite Buck Mason henley or a sturdy heavyweight tee from the brand, while the light wash 5 oz Japanese indigo yarn-dyed chambray should age nicely and wear crisply in a number of seasons (fall very much included). Two patch-and-flap chest pockets offer utility for your everyday carry, while the handsome Buck Mason Japanese Chambray Service Shirt should very easily get better with age.

That’s the kind of style staple I can see working handsomely any day of the week, and hopefully, you feel the same way — see you out there, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Swim Trunks – An Expertly Crafted Pair for Your Next Getaway

Unfortunately, we’re not quite out of the woods yet as far as the high heat of summer is concerned, and perhaps that means it’s time to evaluate the status of your swimwear. A refresh is never a bad thing to consider, especially if you’ve been hanging onto an older pair of swim trunks that’s been put through the ringer these past few weeks and months.

That’s why I trust Mack Weldon to deliver some of the best of the best when it comes to men’s accessories (and more, of course).

In my experience, the best men’s swim trunks can lend themselves quite handily to a stylish swim, as well as a more comfortable, dare I say better, dip in the pool or ocean. I’m already a major fan of Mack Weldon men’s shirts for their comfort, durability and breathability (plus a dialed-in, yet not overly tight, fit). And luckily for all of us, Mack Weldon swim trunks are a supremely safe, solid bet in terms of performance and beach-ready good looks.

I’ve tried out Mack Weldon swim trunks over the years, and have been impressed by the lightweight, supple yet strong fabric (a four-way stretch blend that’s proprietary to Mack Weldon). The fabric on these Mack Weldon swim trunks dries quickly and doesn’t weigh you down, while the micro-mesh liner is comfortable and supportive, rather than cumbersome.

I’ve also found that these Mack Weldon swim trunks get the fit just right — the 6″ inseam is a touch sporty, with a fit that hugs my legs without proving too tight or constricting. One of my favorite features about Mack Weldon swim trunks, though? The seam-sealed side and back zipper pockets, ideal for holding small everyday carry essentials on the go.

For good measure, my new favorite pair of Mack Weldon swim trunks come in a vibrant range of colors and styles, all the better to suit every sense of taste. And right now, these performance-ready swim trunks are even marked down to just about $61 — that deal is an excellent one given their quality and value. In my opinion, a set of Mack Weldon swim trunks belong in your getaway bag the next time you pack up to catch some surf, sand and sun.