Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

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.

Learn more and shop now at Buck Mason

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.

by Beau H.

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).

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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.

Learn more now and shop at Mack Weldon

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.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Randolph Sportsman Vintage American Sunglasses – A Classic Menswear Accessory

If you, like me, are constantly scouring the menswear market for the ultimate in classic men’s style essentials, there are a few that are nearly indispensable to a guy’s summer wardrobe. There’s the T-shirt, the blue jean, the timeless canvas sneaker (especially in the summer months), and in the world of menswear accessories, there are the always-classic aviator sunglasses you’ve been coveting (or perhaps wearing for years).

There’s a new (old) master of the style on the market, one that’s more than worthy of your consideration: Randolph Engineering blends throwback craftsmanship with styles that toe the line between classic and modern, best seen in handsome picks like the Randolph Sportsman Vintage American Sunglasses.

Learn more now at Randolph Engineering

The style builds off the brand’s penchant for making some of the very best USA-made sunglasses, a noble pursuit that stretches back five decades for the Massachusetts company. They’re also based on the brand’s Concorde style, a classic aviator style that’s now been amped up with a brow bar (matched by skull temple tips).

The Randolph Sportsman Vintage American Sunglasses are bold and yet versatile, a perfect match for everything from a summer T-shirt and classic blue jeans to chino shorts and a henley. Oh, and yes, in my opinion, the Randolph Sportsman Vintage American Sunglasses can even pair up handsomely with your favorite summer suit.

These elegant, classically cool shades are also plenty functional, especially the polarized and anti-reflective lenses. And with 200-plus steps of careful craftsmanship, the Randolph Sportsman Vintage American Sunglasses are worth the higher price tag.

Shop stylish men’s sunglasses at Randolph Engineering

In fact, I’d go so far as to say these stylish vintage men’s sunglasses are almost heirloom-worthy, and a surefire upgrade over other shades on a lower budget. If you’re ready to make the leap and upgrade your wardrobe with the ultimate in classic looks, embrace the potential of the Randolph Sportsman Vintage American Sunglasses.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Tropical Trap Blazer – A Surefire Way to Beat the Heat

There’s one thing that should be top of mind as you fill out your wardrobe of summer style essentials in the dog days of summer: Beating the heat in style. That goes for tailored affairs as well as casual style situations, and that’s where one of the best lightweight blazers for men (today’s Style Pick, as luck would have it) comes in mighty handy.

In my experience, there’s hardly a better place to shop for fashionable, functional solutions to casually cool style than Huckberry, and that holds true (to say the least) with the Relwen Tropical Trap Blazer.

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It hails from the acclaimed Ohio brand’s rotation of classically inspired pieces, the kind that — like your new favorite blazer — are inspired by old-school looks, then updated with modern fabric. When it comes to the Relwen Tropical Trap Blazer, that inspiration comes from sporting coats worn out in the field, hence useful details like a button throat latch, patch pockets and a four-button design.

Best lightweight blazer for men.

The Relwen Tropical Trap Blazer, even more crucially, boasts some of the most lightweight fabric offered by the brand (in this case, that’s a blend of 80 percent linen and 20 percent cotton). It’s also lined in cotton for added structure, although this lightweight blazer should still prove plenty comfortable and wearable in the heat.

Relwen men's blazer review.

That goes for wearing it atop your favorite T-shirt, dressing it down with one of the best henleys for men or dressing it up with a classic Oxford shirt and stylish stretch chinos (don’t forget Huckberry’s leather loafers) for a crisp, cool look that can go from the office to happy hour without missing a beat.

Particularly in a classic navy color, the Relwen Tropical Trap Blazer can do just about anything style-wise, and that’s versatility that I can certainly appreciate.

Oh, and last but very certainly not least: The Relwen Tropical Trap Blazer is available now on sale (it’s $253, marked down from $298) via the Huckberry Annual Summer Sale. Strike while the iron is hot to score one of the best men’s lightweight blazers, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt – Summer’s Perfect Adventure Shirt

Filson Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt review.

There comes a point in the summer season when a man’s wardrobe of summer style essentials should be as easily accessible and as thoughtfully curated as possible.

These are times when you needn’t worry too much about what to wear next, because you’ve already acquired the best lightweight long-sleeve shirt, the best pair of breezy pants, the perfect pair of swim trunks and so on. And for all those times, I trust a brand like legendary Pacific Northwest heritage outfitter Filson.

Learn more now at Filson

The famed company delivers on all fronts, whether you seek one of the best short-sleeve henleys or one of the best travel bags, and then some. Of course, the Filson Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt is the latest and greatest entry into your menswear rotation, with a longstanding heritage of quality, comfort and versatile appeal.

As the headline says, it might be summer’s perfect adventure shirt, at least in my experience with Filson’s rugged menswear. Durable 6 oz. 100 percent cotton twill makes the difference, giving this shirt both hard-wearing appeal — for camping, for fly fishing, for hiking and as an extra layer atop your favorite T-shirt around a smoky summer bonfire.

Best summer shirt for men.

Plus, the Filson Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt gets the details right, like two button-front chest pockets for everyday carry essentials. It also boasts a relaxed fit for layering, be that atop a short-sleeve T-shirt, your favorite long-sleeve henley or even a breezy linen shirt — it’s both a shirt and a jacket in that regard.

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And since it hails from Filson, you can rest easy knowing that the Filson Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt is hard-working, extremely well-made and available in a stylish array of plaid patterns and rich colors. The Filson Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt very nearly checks all the boxes when it comes to one of the best men’s shirts for summer, and that makes it a winner in my book (and in your wardrobe).

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Outerknown Hightide Pullover Hoodie – The Best Hoodie for Cool Summer Nights

Outerknown menswear review.

It seems that lately here on the blog, we’ve been talking about pieces you can really use to upgrade a menswear look in terms of both form and function — like one of the best hoodies for summer, for instance.

Sure, during the day, you’re likely sporting something like one of the best T-shirts for men and versatile chino shorts, but when temperatures drop, what sort of piece do you add to your #OOTD?

Best hooded sweatshirt for men.

The answer is simple, and yes, the answer is one of the best men’s hoodies as shown above. And my friends, a company like Outerknown is going to sort you out in fine form when it comes to sustainable, cozy style. You already know the brand (founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater) for crafting one of the best polos for men, not to mention crisply cut, stylish chino shorts — and now, the Outerknown Hightide Pullover Hoodie enters the fray.

Learn more now at Outerknown

This cozy, comfortable hoodie is made from 54 percent organic cotton for an eco-friendly touch, as you’ve come to expect from Outerknown, and the rest comes from recycled polyester for added softness and stretch.

Of course, the Outerknown Hightide Pullover Hoodie boasts an almost towel-like construction for incredible comfort day in and day out, and a brushed interior layers easily over tees, henleys and polo shirts. The hood itself is also two layers for warmth, while the style itself should stand up to plenty of repeat wear.

The next time you find yourself searching for a summer-friendly layer to top off an ensemble, this classically cool hoodie should do the trick — thank Outerknown and Kelly Slater for that one, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots – The Best Boots for Summer

When I set my mind to tracking down summer style essentials, I tend to look for the unexpected. That holds true especially in the men’s footwear department: While a great pair of stylish canvas sneakers is a true essential, it pays off to have a few additional arrows in the quiver, so to speak, like a pair of the best boots for men. And in my experience, if you can find those boots from one of your favorite designers, that’s all the better — try my friends at Billy Reid, for instance.

Learn more and shop now at Billy Reid

Yes, even in the heat of summer, rugged-yet-lightweight leather boots can more than pass muster, whether paired up with your favorite set of lightweight stretch chinos or some classic light wash jeans. And for both of those wearing occasions, and then some, you deserve to step into the best: Take the newly restocked, utterly classic Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots.

Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots review.

They were introduced by the award-winning Southern menswear designer last year, and they’re back in a big way — although sizes are going quickly, they’re a handsome addition to any wardrobe that bridges the gap between rugged and refined.

In fact, my Billy Reid reviews have covered these stylish men’s chukka boots in the past, and they’re here just in time to shake things up with, say, a khaki summer suit or some fresh linen trousers.

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As with other Billy Reid menswear selections, from linen shirting to the peacoat worn by James Bond, proper specs and craftsmanship make all the difference. Built on a streamlined Italian last from light brown Kudu leather and made to develop a handsome patina over time, the Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots bring back an archival style that was a favorite of the designer decades ago.

Details like a burnished toe cap and subtle waxed laces elevate these versatile, of-the-moment chukka boots even further — keep on dreaming up ways to wear the Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots, because they’ll prove worthy of every penny in terms of an investment.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Linen Polo – The Right Mix of Polish and Comfort

Best polo shirts for men.

There’s a pressing question likely on your mind, at least right now: How to wear some of the best men’s style essentials while staying cool in the heat? It can be a difficult task, especially if the occasion calls for men’s style that’s a bit more polished and crisp than casual. Say, instead of a backyard BBQ, where an American-made T-shirt might suffice, you’re looking at refined rooftop drinks.

And in that instance, reach for one of the best polos for men — a polo designed to keep you cool while looking great. My friends, that polo hails from Todd Snyder, and it’s a new summer wardrobe essential for men.

Learn more now at Todd Snyder

The Todd Snyder Linen Polo (available in three crisp, neutral colors, including Coconut and Blacktop) seems simple enough on the surface, with a dressy four-button placket and Snyder’s customary tailored but not overly tight fit.

Todd Snyder men's polo review.

And yet, it’s the fabric of the Todd Snyder Linen Polo that really makes the difference in terms of comfort, as that 100 percent linen build is highly breathable, soft and breezy.

And here’s the catch (not that there is one, necessarily), but the Todd Snyder team notes that although “it might seem a little decadent to have a polo in linen…once you’ve worn one through the dog days of summer, you’ll be a convert.”

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That sounds like worthwhile, stylish and dressy advice to me, the sort that can come in handy when worn in ways more dressed-up (like with Todd Snyder chinos) or laidback (like with cotton-blend shorts and canvas sneakers). A new way to beat the heat in style just dropped, and it’s high time you added it to your menswear wardrobe.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Warren Jeans – The Perfect Casual Men’s Jeans for Summer

There are certain summer style essentials that are commonplace, true must-haves: The right pair of stretch chino shorts, the proper T-shirt for breezy casual style, and so on. Other pieces, like a pair of the best men’s jeans, can be tougher to wear — and even tougher to phase out of your wardrobe.

Take it from me: I’m a huge fan of wearing the best jeans for men as often as I can, usually with rugged chukka boots or high-top sneakers. And those jeans tend to hail from Mott and Bow, a brand that in my experience, delivers the goods in terms of utility, design and dependability.

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Yet when the high heat of summer is too daunting, I’ve found a helpful solution: Rocking a pair of Mott and Bow men’s jeans — at least, when the temperature is within reason — proves stylish, versatile and yes, a nice move for everyone who simply can’t get enough of the best blue jeans for men.

Mott and Bow men's jeans review.

I’d wager it’s not the first time you’ve come across a Mott and Bow review here on the blog, as I’ve been a longtime fan of the NYC-based denim upstart, which boasts decades of family experience at the top of its business (founder Alejandro Chanin grew up around the industry, after all).

And that means the Mott and Bow Warren Jeans are well-designed, stylish, easily wearable and even lightweight enough to wear in the summer months (again, within reason — proceed accordingly!). Your new favorite blue jeans for men, delivered in a pleasing and summer-friendly medium wash, feature a stretch factor of 18 percent.

That stretch makes ’em easy to wear on the go — with short-sleeve buttondowns, with one of your favorite polos or with a USA-made T-shirt.

Learn more now and shop at Mott & Bow

Note that they feature a mid-weight fabric, so they’ll prove more sturdy than jeans from a fast-fashion retailer — and they’ll prove an apt choice on slightly cooler summer nights, too. With waist sizing up to 40 inches and a reliable slim fit, the Mott and Bow Warren Jeans check all the proper boxes in matters of seasonal style and comfort: Unlock your new go-to pair of blue jeans today, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Oxford – A New Twist on a Classic Men’s Shirt

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt review.

The adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” sometimes doesn’t apply to menswear classics. Or rather, it can be turned on its head every now and again, especially if it’s one of the best online menswear brands — that’d be Taylor Stitch — doing the updating of a tried-and-true favorite. In this case, that favorite is the classic Oxford shirt, and the Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt is a signature attempt at revamping a timeless style.

Editor’s note: Thank you to Taylor Stitch for providing a new Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support The Style Guide!

Learn more and shop Taylor Stitch menswear now

Taylor Stitch, after all, set out to make one of the best men’s shirts on the market well over a decade ago, refining its first shirts in a garage before gradually ramping up production and becoming a true, do-it-all menswear brand.

Best Oxford shirt for men.

And the great news? They’ve still hit the mark in terms of making some of the best men’s shirts even as the brand has grown, using high-quality materials (in this case, a just-right, 6.5oz. organic cotton) and premium touches like tailored, nicely fitting chest sizing.

In my experience, the rich Indigo color shown here — my selection for this men’s shirting review, if you happen to follow me on Instagram — is a knockout, with a deep blue color and a soft, garment-washed fabric for plenty of comfort.

In my experience, Taylor Stitch men’s shirts simply hit the mark, no matter what you’re asking of them. I’ve worn my Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Oxford with dark brown chinos, with contrasting black selvedge denim and with grey jeans — tucked in beneath a cotton blazer or untucked for casually cool style. I’ve found that the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt fits supremely well, with a length that hits just right tucked in or even untucked.

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Quality craftsmanship, including reinforced buttons and soft-yet-durable fabrics, also help make this stylish Oxford shirt a daily workhorse in my wardrobe. And that’s the other thing: My Taylor Stitch review found that the Jack Shirt’s variety and versatility is nearly unmatched.

It comes in a range of colors and fabrications based on the season, this year’s offering included. You’d do very well indeed to pick up what could quickly become your new favorite shirt — take it from me, because in this instance, Taylor Stitch did a stellar job of updating a classic.