Tag / summer style essentials

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Try Out This Way to Wear a Camp Collar Shirt for Summer

We’ve talked through plenty of different ways here on the blog in recent weeks and months about how to get dressed for spring and summer. Namely, about how to do things like wear your favorite shirt or stock up on gear to wear to work from home, and that trend is continuing to pick up steam. So far, the summer is shaping up to be mighty different than the one we all had in mind, I would imagine, but that’s no excuse for shelving your summer style essentials. Instead, let’s look to one of the best short-sleeve shirts out there — and a unique way to wear it, no less. The camp collar shirt is a classic men’s style piece that’s seen a comeback in recent years, as designers have looked to the ’50s and ’60s (hello, Mad Men!) for retro style cues, and that’s never really faded — in fact, it’s only picked up, as you’ll see by the stylish camp collar shirt we’ve got in today’s #OOTD.

Crucially, the camp collar shirt is a change of pace from your summer polo or traditional short-sleeve buttondown, all owing to the open collar and the boxier, straight-fit cut. That means it’s one of the best short-sleeve shirts for throwing on at a (modified) family BBQ or for lounging around the house (both of which are liable to happen plenty these days!). Plus, putting on a cool summer shirt just seems to pair better with a lovely summer cocktail than the same tee or henley you’ve been wearing all day (guilty as charged!). In this instance, it gets paired up with pieces you’d expect but might not have previously considered — stylish summer shorts actually take a bit of a back seat here for classic summer pants, and we’re switching out canvas sneakers for ever-so-cool leather loafers. It’s all geared toward adding a bit of refinement and classic style to your life at home. Check out the full look  below, then be sure to get in touch on Twitter to tell me how you’re styling it.

  • The Shirt: Mollusk Aloha Shirt, $88 — When trying out something new like a camp collar shirt, it’s perhaps best not to invest too much. That’s where the ever-stylish Mollusk Aloha Shirt (certainly, one of the best shirts under $100) comes into play.
  • The Pants: Buck Mason Slub Twill Officer Pants, $135 — That’s right, we’re trading in stylish summer shorts for something a bit more refined for cocktail hour, and these Buck Mason twill pants are just the ticket. Lightweight, breathable and ideal to wear now & then into fall and winter. The best men’s pants? Very nearly.
  • The Loafers: Yuketen Bit Loafers, $288.98 — We’re also swapping out summer sneakers for something with a touch more refinement, and these stylish leather loafers are easy to wear … and easy to look great in while kicked back Consider them some of the coolest summer shoes — and the most unique.
  • The Watch: About Vintage 1926 At’sea Watch, $375 — You better believe this stylish dive watch is back today on the blog, and in a big way. It’s rugged, it’s versatile, it’s dressy-yet-casual … it could be the perfect watch for summer.
  • The Belt: Billykirk No. 354 Braided Leather Belt, $99 — This might seem like a strange time to invest in one of the best leather belts, but when you want a major change of pace from your joggers or casual drawstring shorts (again, guilty as charged), it helps to have the best men’s accessories on hand. This rugged leather belt is one of ’em.
  • The Sunglasses: Pacifico Optical Buckler Sunglasses, $195 — Spending hours in the sun on your patio requires stylish sunglasses (and the best sunscreen, to be sure), so look great in the seasonal heat wearing these Pacifico Optical sunglasses.
  • The Essential Summer Beer: New Belgium Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza, Price Varies — To me, there’s nothing more enjoyable for summer than kicking back, cold beer in hand and my favorite summer tunes playing. The light, refreshing New Belgium Mural does a wonderful job at blending flavors like watermelon and lime into a low-ABV drinking experience. Cheers, folks.
  • The Audio Experience: Gingko HiFi Square Speaker, $99 — As I mentioned before, what pairs better with a great summer beer than one of the best wireless speakers with which to enjoy your favorite summer songs? Not much, folks — not much at all.

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If at first you feel intimidated by the prospect of switching up your summer wardrobe and swapping your favorite tee for the camp collar shirt shown above, that’s completely understandable. In these largely casual times we now live in, even something as laidback and breezy as the Mollusk Aloha Shirt can raise eyebrows. But the dividends that come from switching things up and getting dressed for an at-home date night or family dinner? Now, those are pretty cool — and heck, you can keep this outfit handy for when it’s finally time to return to a (somewhat) normal life. The right men’s style essentials help amp things up a notch, including the best men’s pants for summer, plus some seriously stylish, classic leather loafers. Those two moves are a nice change of pace that fit right in alongside a stylish dive watch for instantly rugged-yet-versatile style you can rock all day. But as you well know, no stylish summer ensemble is complete without equally stylish sunglasses for long days in the sun, so prepare accordingly.
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Accessorize the right way with one of the best leather belts, and don’t forget to tune up with one of the best wireless speakers (and of course, an ice-cold summer beer from New Belgium). Taken all at once, I’d say your next summer evening at home just got way more stylish. What say you? Again, let me know on Twitter or Instagram how you’re dressing for summer. Thanks for reading!

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Patnoflex Leather Loafers

The perfect leather loafers for summer are here.

If you swing by the blog regularly, you’re probably on the hunt for the best leather loafers for summer and beyond, not to mention the best men’s slip-on shoes. What’s more, you’ve probably heard the Astorflex name. This Italian-made footwear brand (as sold by Huckberry) makes everything from rugged leather boots to stylish camp shoes without missing a beat. You can — and should — add your new favorite pair of leather loafers to that running list, and the even better news is that they’re here just in time for summer. The Astoflex Patnoflex takes the traditional loafer silhouette and brings it forward into the modern age, and if you’ve been looking for a stylish pair of shoes to wear at home (aside from canvas sneakers) during these quarantine times, you’re absolutely in luck.

Now, here’s the thing: If ever you’ve tried out a pair of sustainably made Astorflex chukka boots, you know that this family-owned brand is, as Huckberry says, one of the best-kept secrets around when it comes to stylish men’s footwear. The beauty of the Astoflex Patnoflex starts with, as one would expect, the use of soft European leather that’s only going to get better with time. The Nubuck option is shown at the top of the page, and seems to be a great bet to wear with everything from your favorite chinos to stylish five-pocket pants.

SHOP: The Astoflex Patnoflex 

Also available in rich Tan Leather, tnese are the best slip-ons to buy for summer.

What makes these sleek leather loafers so wearable with everything from tan chinos shorts to tailored navy chinos and a white polo? Well, the answer lies in silhouette itself — the design is sharp and ever-so-slightly dressy, and not as thick as traditional leather penny loafer (although you should ideally have a pair of those, as well!). The Astoflex Patnoflex also features a leather sole for the ultimate in quiet luxury — and yet, you might be surprised to find out that some of the best men’s loafers retail for just $175 at Huckberry. That’s simply an excellent deal on a stylish pair of slip-on shoes you can wear all summer, whether you’re grilling out or kicking back. It’s also nice to have these leather loafers on hand when you want to slide into something more comfortable — for instance, step out of your rugged Astorflex chukka boots into these. The comfort and styling potential is also nearly limitless when you’ve got some of the best men’s loafers in your rotation. Try these out with olive chinos and a grey polo, keep them handy alongside navy chino shorts and a crisp white pocket tee … just add a cold beer or a cup of tasty cold brew coffee, then set out on your summer day.

SHOP: The Astoflex Patnoflex 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Weekender Bags, The Best Father’s Day Gifts & Ways to Give Back

Rugged-yet-comfortable suede boots to power through the rest of summer.

Before we get further into it, thank you for stopping by the blog during such a difficult, challenging time for so many of us. I hope the blog can provide you some solace and enjoyment, however brief. Folks, let’s lace up our summer boots and head into the weekend. To be more specific: Might I recommend the pleasingly rugged pair of boots from HELM Boots as shown above? Yes, you can assuredly still rock suede lace-up boots this summer, so go for it. The HELM Boots Hollis Tan Boots, done up in rich suede, are about as cool as it gets for the season. What to wear them with? Well, that’s where our Friday Read is going to fill in the blanks for you today. For starters, maybe your dad would like some stylish summer boots for Father’s Day, ehh?

Moving on: We’ll cover a bit of everything on the blog, Father’s Day gifts included, along with the best gear to wear with your new favorite boots. We’ll also look at ways to give back across the country during these trying times. After all, we could all use a bit of a momentary break from the news, yes? I hope you’re able to find that break, wherever you might be. Hot weather is really roling into Brooklyn in earnest, so in addition to my usual weekend pursuits (the best coffee and vinyl I can get my hands on), I’ll also be scoping out a great summer beer to enjoy. Heck, you might want to check out my list of the best summer beers for GearMoose, on that note. I think delicious beer, great coffee, great music — and yes, great menswear — can provide just a bit of the respite we need these days, so I thank you for reading. Carry on below, my friends.

  • If you weren’t hip to it by now, Father’s Day 2020 is quickly approaching. To make matters easier on you, I rounded up the best Father’s Day gifts right here on the blog via this post (many of them are from the Huckberry Father’s Day Shop).
  • The ongoing protests in this country have pushed many Americans (myself included) to look for ways to give back right now. That being said, Esquire — ever-stylish and on the cutting edge — put together a great guide on how to give back. Read it, consider it & perhaps donate, if able.
  • Back to fashion, if only for a moment — the right summer #OOTD is a tricky proposition. But as we mentioned above, you can still wear your favorite boots this season, and my guide on how to wear chukka boots could be particularly helpful. Be sure to check out and let me know your thoughts.
  • The headline mentioned that we’d run through the best gear for summer, and with that being said, well, here we are — head to a recent edition of my ongoing series The List, celebrating the best men’s style essentials to buy right now, for a full look. You’ll find stylish selvedge denim from Taylor Stitch, a classic short-sleeve shirt from Huckberry and cool-as-heck summer sneakers from GREATS. Cheers, my friends.
  • One last piece of gear before we head into the weekend — OK, more than one. I rounded up the best weekender bags for GearMoose, in the spirit of (eventually) being able to travel again — particularly closer to home. Whenever you can eventually get upstate or to your lake or waterfront getaway, make sure you’ve got one of the best weekender bags for men — my list can assuredly help. And one last note: You might want to check out a rugged duffel bag from Billykirk via this blog post.

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Last but not least, I think it’s time to point you in the right direction when it comes to one of the best layers for summer — to be more specific, the Levi’s Light Wash Trucker Jacket (as seen here on the blog) is the kind of rugged denim jacket you need now. Wear it over your favorite T-shirt with slim chinos, or team it with a classic slub polo and grey chino shorts — you really can’t go wrong. With that, I’ll leave you to the rest of your summer weekend. Stay safe, stay strong — and thanks for reading!

-Beau


by Beau H.

The List: Stock Up for Summer and Father’s Day with all the Best New Men’s Gear

Walking into summer in style — and with Father’s Day on the way.

Once again my friends, join me for another edition of The List. Today, as always this season, we’re looking at the best new gear to buy for summer (and to be more specific, some of the best gifts to buy for Father’s Day — there’s still time!). The thermostat continues to climb, and strange times continue to swirl around us — so stay healthy and safe, first of all. And consider ways to improve your at-home style in the meantime, too. That’s why we’re here, after all. We’ll get things going with a pick from Todd Snyder as seen above, and we’ll keep it rolling with new men’s style essentials from there. Oh, and another thing — if you’re searching for a last-minute Father’s Day gift, you just might find what you need below, as great gifts for your dad abound.  Note that to get gear picks from the Huckberry Father’s Day Shop, you need to order by the 11th — but that shouldn’t stop you from browsing after that time, either. To let me know what you think of this week’s picks, feel free to reach out on Twitter. Cheers!

Todd Snyder Short-Sleeve Camp Collar Shirt — $158

One heck of a breezy and laidback summer shirt from Todd Snyder.

As promised, here’s that Todd Snyder pick mentioned above. This is one of the coolest shirts for summer, and a reliable way to switch things up from your traditional polo or your favorite T-shirt. If you haven’t yet tried out a camp collar shirt, hot summer days are the prime opportunity to give the style a shot — or encourage your father to do the same.

Astorflex Wakeflex Leather Slip-on Shoes — $165

The coolest shoes to wear for many a summer occasion.

To complete the true summer style pairing, find the right pair of shoes to go along with your Todd Snyder camp collar shirt. To be more specific, pick up a pair of the rugged, casual-yet-versatile Astorflex Wakeflex, a casual update of the brand’s stylish leather loafers. Pick up a pair for your pops, as well??

Buck Mason Broken Twill Shorts — $85

Classic men’s shorts from an all-American retailer.

Finding the best pair of shorts for summer is an oft-elusive search — after all, the best men’s shorts need the right fit, the right fabric and the right design (sorry guys, no cargo shorts here). Thankfully, the Buck Mason Broken Twill Shorts check all the right boxes in that regard.

Shinola Daily Wear Watch — $395

Is this your dad’s new favorite watch? Yes indeed, very likely.

Speaking of Father’s Day gifts, well, Bespoke Post is here with an excellent, well-curated selection of gifts for the stylish dad. High up on that list? The Shinola Daily Wear Watch, easily one of the best everyday watches for guys (maybe grab one for yourself if you’re feeling envious??).

Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Poplin Shirt — $98

A seriously cool summer shirt you or your dad can wear all season.

Speaking of gifts for dad, well, this stylish summer shirt could just become … your dad’s new favorite shirt. It’s lightweight, it’s breezy, it’s easy to wear tucked in or untucked with slim light wash denim … what could be better than that?

Billykirk No. 398 Bifold Wallet in Brown — $115

One of the best leather wallets to buy for your dad right now.

That old leather wallet your dad’s had for years deserves a serious upgrade. Get your dad one of the best leather wallets on the market via Billykirk, and maybe consider upgrading your leather wallet, too.

Barebones All-In-One Cast Iron Grill — $140

The best grill for summer, and for those who love the outdoors.

Let’s keep it rolling with the best gifts for dad, shall we? If your dad is an outdoorsman, or simply enjoys firing up the grill every now and again (or every night), this all-in-one cast iron grill could come in mighty handy.

Grayers Bayswater CPO Shirt Jacket — $125

A classic shirt jacket is the perfect summer layer (and a great Father’s Day gift).

For chilly evenings manning the grill and hanging out by the fire, your dad needs a stylish shirt jacket (as do you). This durable shirt jacket from Grayers fits the  bill quite nicely, don’t you think?

Todd Snyder Knit Traveler Suit — $596

A stylish, comfortable, supremely cooll suit from one of America’s best menswear designers.

Hear me out: Perhaps your dad is a fan of classic-yet-modern tailoring, and heck, perhaps he has to wear suits a ton. If you know his measurements and want to go all-out, pick up one of the best summer suits right now from Todd Snyder. This is even a suit you can wear for travel — or even more crucially, at home when required. There’ll come a time when tailoring returns, and this is the right way to prepare. And if you yourself just need a stylish new suit? There you go.

Taylor Stitch Trail Shorts in Rust Cord — $88

Rugged, dependable, cool-as-heck shorts from Taylor Stitch.

We’ll go from talking about one of the best suits for men to something decidedly more casual — the best new shorts for summer. As to be expected, Taylor Stitch has made these retro trail shorts the right way, in a seriously cool Rust Cord fabric. Perfect to pair with your favorite summer sneakers.

Timex Q Timex Watch — $180

Dad’s new favorite watch? Very probable.

If you don’t quite have Shinola-levels of cash to drop on your father this year, go instead for this affordable watch for Father’s Day — a stone-cold classic from Timex, fresh from the brand’s extensive archives. We’ve recommended it before here on the blog, but it’s worth calling out again. He’ll want to wear it all the time (preferably with his Flint and Tinder Poplin Shirt, yes?).

GREATS Court High Sneakers — $209

Iconic high-top sneakers for you or dad this season.

Can you wear high-top sneakers for summer, even when it’s hot out? I think so, yes — just pair them with lightweight chinos and a breezy slub tee, for starters. Oh, and encourage your dad to do the same when you buy these stylish sneakers for him (wink, wink).

GORUCK x Huckberry GR1 “Slick” 21-Liter Bag — $295

The rugged backpack your outdoor excursions need.

The good folks at Huckberry and GORUCK have teamed up one of the toughest backpacks you’re apt to find. If you or your dad values time spent outdoors, might as well gear up with one of the best backpacks for this season (and the next … and the next … and the next!).

Fisher + Baker Radium Shirt — $138

A sharp short-sleeve shirt that just so happens to be a stylish Father’s Day gift.

Let’s talk about a classic summer shirt you can wear with, say, some retro trail shorts. Now that you’ve got that scenario in mind, imagine all the ways in which you can rock this stylish short-sleeve shirt (made from breathable hemp and organic cotton) from Fisher + Baker. It could be one of the best short-sleeve shirts for summer … but you’ll have to try it to find out.

Mott and Bow Oliver Slim Jeans — $118

The coolest jeans to pick up for yourself and your dad this season.

Perhaps you (or your dad) could use some of the best new denim out there. For upgrading your jeans in a hurry in terms of fit and fabric, go with Mott and Bow, longtime favorites on the blog. The best jeans to buy for your dad? Well, I certainly think so.

Billy Reid Snap Front Workshirt — $191.28

Get this tough-yet-stylish workshirt from Billy Reid.

For the dad who values rugged style, there’s hardly a better gift than something masterful from Billy Reid. In this case, a tough workshirt with some serious styling potential is just the ticket. It’s the perfect workshirt to wear atop a classic white tee — just add your favorite denim.

JACHS NY Rust Plaid Shirt — $99

A breezy and cool shirt for summer.

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that this casual and breezy shirt from JACHS NY was made for summer. It’s the perfect gift for the laidback, stylish dad.

Whiskey: A Tasting Course Book — $25

A great gift for the dad who enjoys a nice pour of whiskey every now and again.

The  best gift for the dad who loves whiskey? Well, in addition to the best whiskey accessories or a bottle of the good stuff, it might work out nicely to snag this whiskey tasting book from the ever-so-cool Bespoke Post Father’s Day Shop.

Now, that’s going to do it for today’s guide to the best new men’s gear. Did you find what you were looking for? More importantly, are you leaving here today with one of the best gifts for Father’s Day? I sure hope so. I  know we covered a lot of ground, from the best gift for the dad who loves whiskey to stylish picks like retro trail shorts from Taylor Stitch, a standout all-in-one cast iron grill, a seriously cool camp collar shirt from Todd Snyder … it can be tough to narrow it all down! My favorite, though? I’m biased, but I’ve got my eyes on the Shinola Daily Wear Watch myself. To let me know how your shopping is going, or to connect on the daily, follow me on Twitter. Thanks for reading, stay safe & enjoy the rest of your week!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Freemans Sporting Club Shirt is the Coolest Summer Shirt

Potentially the perfect summer shirt — try it and see for yourself.

Think of the summer shirts you enjoy wearing the most — what do they have in common? Breezy fabric, a classic-but-not-baggy fit, the kind of effortless cool that makes you feel like a movie star? If you checked off any of the above boxes (and even if you didn’t!), I’ve got one of the best shirts for summer up for the taking today. Part of the See Now, Buy Now series has been shining the spotlight on summer style essentials that’ll work year after year, long past just this season. The Freemans Sporting Club Rust Stripe Shirt certainly fits the bill in that regard. As sold by Huckberry, you can be well sure it’s worth the investment. Not familiar with Freemans Sporting Club? Keep reading —  that’s why we’re here, after all.

This NYC-based menswear brand has carved out a niche all its own in the city (and at shops in locales like Tokyo), crafting a standout line of (frequently) USA-made style staples. We’re talking cool corduroy suiting, Western shirts and luxurious jackets, to name but a few. They also stock and sell everything to go along with those picks, including rugged Viberg boots. The shop is sharply designed, and it’s right next door to the outstanding Freemans Restaurant, as it were (waiting for when I can return to both!). Yes, Freemans Sporting Club knows what guys want. But back to why this piece is one of summer’s best shirts for men.

SHOP: The Freemans Sporting Club Rust Stripe Shirt

Difference-making details, as always, from Freemans Sporting Club.

It’s a rare USA-made shirt, and it features an excellent 82 percent cotton-18 percent silk fabric blend. That means this stylish summer shirt is going to wear light and breezy alongiside your favorite chinos, slim light wash denim or tailored shorts. The rust stripes are a suitably bright touch of color for summer, but this isn’t a garish shirt by any means. True to the type of work that Freemans Sporting Club does, it’ll wear reliably underneath an unstructured navy cotton blazer or atop a classic white T-shirt for casual summer style. Is there a cooler, breezier, more stylish summer shirt than this one? That’s for you to decide.

SHOP: The Freemans Sporting Club Rust Stripe Shirt

Shop Western Rise Today!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans

Stepping out in cool-as-can-be summer style with Taylor Stitch.

Before we dive into today’s post, thank you for stopping by the blog during these challenging times. If you’ve ever cruised through the digital pages of this site, then you well and truly know how much your Brooklyn-based author loves what the great team across the way at San Francisco’s Taylor Stitch is doing. They’ve been a consistent, longtime favorite of this blog when it comes to producing men’s style essentials — the right way — for any season, including summer style gear. And here’s the kicker: Right now during these difficult and unquestionably times — when small businesses can use our help more than ever — you can get 20 percent off your first order of all Taylor Stitch gear. Which brings me to my main point: The Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans, as seen at the top of the page, are some of the best men’s jeans to buy now, then wear all summer (and fall, and winter). Rest assured, we’ll get into the indigo dye later on, but you should know that when Taylor Stitch sets out to produce something, they do so with the mindset that it should be a piece you can have in your wardrobe for years to come. This leads us to the excellently curated Taylor Stitch Staff Essentials Collection, naturally. You could readily put together a cool outfit for summer using only picks from that collection (including a classic T-shirt and rugged leather boots), but let’s focus on the Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans for just one second, shall we? It might seem pretty odd to be talking about indigo denim while we’re in the throes of summer, but rest assured, the TS gang does things differently.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans

The customary San Fran map pocket detailing and durable copper hardware from Taylor Stitch.

These slim blue jeans are exquisitely crafted, made with a fit that rivals that of the excellent Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos (and if you’ve tried a pair, you know they really are exceptional). The Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans are crucially made with a blend of hemp and organic cotton for sustainability and a lighter weight than jeans made from, say, pure Japanese selvedge. A button fly and rivets made from tough YKK copper shanks only add to the durability of these surprisingly rugged blue jeans — yet, it’s that critical  fabric  blend that makes these a pair of blue jeans you can wear during summer.

Let’s talk about the indigo dye, too. It’s done twice, making these a richly crafted pair of jeans that are dressier than light wash denim (although you need a pair of each in your wardrobe!). When it comes to styling the Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans, well, that’s up to you. Be careful about excess dye rubbing off, but go forth and wear them with everything from a charcoal Oxford shirt and suede chukka boots to your favorite T-shirt and high-top canvas sneakers. Available at a great price for the moment, you’re going to get outstanding quality and versatility out of these stylish men’s jeans, no questions asked.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Perfect Summer Beer, A New Huckberry T-Shirt & The Best Summer Pants

A new polo that’s anything but stuffy — courtesy of Todd Snyder — for your summer weekend.

Thanks for joining us today on the Friday Read, my friends, where we’re rounding up the best men’s style reads and picks to send you onward this weekend. But first, I’d like to acknowledge, in some small way, the ongoing events of this week. It’s a scary and troubling time to be an American, so I wish everyone safety and dignity, most importantly. I’d also like to call out some excellent Black-owned businesses to support, as covered by GQ — I stand in solidarity with these businesses and with all Americans fighting injustice.

Now, back to business with a product recommendation: The Todd Snyder Pique Polo as shown above is one of the coolest polos I’ve seen in some time, available in a breathable fabric and crucial summer colorways — it’s nothing like the stuffy polos of years past. Plus, the added benefit of wearing one of the best men’s polos on the weekend? It’s a great way to upgrade from your standard T-shirt (even if you happen to be wearing one of your favorite T-shirts). And in times like these, I’m sure we could all use a bit of a change in routine. Although things are slowly but surely getting back to normal, it still feels like (wait for it) … The New Abnormal. However, the blog rolls on, so shop your favorite summer style essentials and check out a few choice reads below in the meantime (heck, I put together a guide to 20 of the best summer style picks, if you need some place to start).

We’ve got plenty more where that came from, too (just keep on scrolling). As for me, I’m going to enjoy some downtime this weekend. It’s a bittersweet Friday, seeing as this time of year normally brings about the joyous celebration of live music that is Governors Ball in New York — I’ve seen my favorite bands and icons alike play there, from Local Natives to Phoenix to Franz Ferdinand and The War On Drugs, to name but a few. This year, stalwart indie rockers Vampire Weekend were set to be a weekend highlight. But alas, time rolls on. I’ll content myself in the meantime with some vinyl on my record player — this weekend’s pick is “The Bones of What You Believe” by CHVRCHES — and plenty of coffee, to go along with a socially distanced walk through Marine Park (that’s as solid as it gets right there!). I’ll also supplement the weekend with cocktails on-the-go from the newly reopened Sycamore. It’s my favorite spot for brews and beverages in the borough, and I’m so happy they’re back up and running. To connect with me, let me know your weekend plans on Twitter — and as ever, stay safe and thanks for reading!

Get all the gifts you need for Father’s Day via Huckberry.

OLIVERS

OK, folks. We’re not quite done with today’s Friday Read. No sir, before I let you take off for the weekend, I’m going to point you toward some of the best shorts to buy for summer via this blog post. Naturally, they’re a durable pair of field shorts from my good friends at Grayers. They’re going to take you from the trail to the grill with ease — or from lunch on your back patio to … summer beers on your back patio. Your call, friends. Either way, I hope they serve you well, and I hope you swing back through for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Until then, stay safe and strong!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Get Ready for Summer with the Best New Menswear to Buy Now

Kicked back and relaxing with the best menswear for summer, no doubt.

Welcome back to another edition of The List. Now that we’ve rounded the corner past Memorial Day and are looking out upon summer (a very different summer than normal, to be sure), maybe you’ve come to realize that, hey, you need some summer style essentials to round out your closet. So it goes — you might find yourself spending more time at home and on your back patio than at breweries and rooftop bars, but the best gear for summer is ready to help you out all the same. Let’s get going with today’s picks.

Wellen Hemp Polo — $58

Just one of the cool color options for the Wellen Hemp Polo.

Yes indeed, here’s the breezy summer polo you need now. The Wellen Hemp Polo is one of the best men’s polos to wear this season, with a laidback sense of style akin to your favorite T-shirt. Throw it on for casual evenings manning the grill at home.

Billykirk No. 521 Leather Tool Bag — $145

The well-made tool bag to haul your favorite gear.

Admittedly, not every summer day is going to call for relaxing from sun-up to sundown. When you need to get to work and haul your everyday carry essentials around the yard or the garage, reach for this rugged tool bag from Billykirk. It’s going to come in handy when you least expect it (or when you most need it).

Faherty Brand Short-Sleeve Playa Shirt — $138

A seriously cool short-sleeve shirt for all your summer BBQ needs.

When the day’s work is done & you want to kick back with your favorite summer beer in hand, throw on this stylish short-sleeve shirt from Faherty Brand. It’s high-quality, it’s eyecatching & the print is as cool as can be.

Buck Mason Deck Shorts — $85

Stylish combination swim trunks and shorts.

Looking for the perfect pair of summer shorts? Of course you are. Buck Mason has you covered when it comes to your new favorite shorts, luckily. We’re talking cotton-nylon deck shorts that double as swim trunks, dry quickly and look great with, say, a stylish short-sleeve shirt.

Fisher + Baker Evans Shirt — $158

A breezy yet performance-minded summer shirt from Fisher + Baker.

Shall we keep it going when it comes to the best summer shirts for men? I think so. Fisher + Baker uses excellent fabric blends (in this case, cotton, lyocell and elastane), plus modern designs to upgrade your summer wardrobe. Case in point, the Fisher + Baker Evans Shirt. Wear it unbuttoned atop a rugged short-sleeve henley for casual summer style.

HELM Boots Zind Natural Boots — $350

Ideal leather boots for summer (seriously).

Hear me out: Perhaps you’re like me, and you love wearing rugged leather boots any chance you get. Yes, even in the summer. Particularly with slim light wash jeans, these HELM Boots Zind Boots just get the job done. And, they’re a stylish pair of leather boots you can keep handy come fall and winter. Purchase from HELM and get $50 off your first purchase and free shipping, too. 

Taylor Stitch Slim Jeans in Green Cast Selvage — $178

Rugged selvage jeans you should buy now — and break in over time.

Bear with me: As we all spend more time indoors, now is actually a perfectly acceptable time to buy a pair of stylish selvedge denim. We’re talking plenty of indoor wear time and break-in time, and of course, Taylor Stitch knows a thing or two about making some of the best men’s jeans. You could also opt to pick up a stylish light wash denim jacket from the TS  brand. Be sure to pair ’em with your HELM Boots Zind Boots.

Super73 Super73-Z1 Lightweight E-Bike — $1,395

Perhaps the coolest way to get around town.

What do stylish selvedge denim and rugged leather boots call to mind? Perhaps hitting the road for a (socially distanced) ride? If that’s the case, you’re in luck — the Super73-Z1 Lightweight E-Bike is a remarkably affordable, efficient and seriously cool electric bike.

SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-On Sneakers — $98

The classic summer slip-ons to wear this instant.

Let’s pivot back to a more commonly seen type of summer footwear — I’m talking, of course, about stylish slip-on sneakers. Not just any slip-on sneakers, though — the SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-Ons deliver plenty of laidback California cool all summer long. Wear ’em with your new favorite summer shorts and a casual summer tee.

Ooni Gas-Fired Pizza Oven — $329

A new and seriously incredible way to make pizza at home.

You’ve got the perfect summer meal in mind, and it involves homemade pizza. But how to make it happen? The Ooni Pizza Oven, which just might be the best pizza oven for your backyard. It’s really that simple. Pick up some hot sauces at Huckberry to add some extra kick.

Grayers Bruce Stretch Dobby Slim-Fit Trousers — $110

Lightweight pants for summer in a cool colorway.

Hey, a guy’s got to put on pants every now and again, right? These stylish slim-fit trousers from Grayers, made in a lightweight and breezy fabric, are perfect to throw on with a classic white T-shirt and those SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-Ons.

Zodiac Watches Grandville Watch — $251.98

A durable, highly affordable dive watch to buy now.

There’s a reason Zodiac Watches keeps popping up on the blog, and it’s because of rugged watches like the Zodiac Watches Grandville Watch. Right now, it’s one of the most affordable watches you can buy, and it pairs easily with anything and everything in your wardrobe (including the Wellen Hemp Polo and your cotton-nylon deck shorts).

Relwen Windsurf Shawl — $125.98

The dependable summer sweatshirt to wear all evening.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to get to a beach or spend time around a bonfire, you’ve certainly noticed it can get a bit breezy. To combat those breezes from day to night in style, reach for the perfect summer sweatshirt — it’s casual, it’s rugged, and the Relwen Windsurf Shawl is as versatile as it gets.

GREATS Royale Knit — $119

Sleek, lightweight knit sneakers to wear this summer.

We talked about stylish slip-on sneakers earlier, so let’s keep it rolling when it comes to the best sneakers for summer, shall we? In this case, of the lace-up variety — the GREATS Royale Knit are a fast-selling pair of sneakers, made in a cool white-and-blue color combo from breathable knit fabric.

Olivers Apparel Convoy Short-Sleeve Henley — $98

A rugged, performance-ready short-sleeve henley for hot summer days.

What goes quite well with some of the best sneakers for summer? Why, a classic short-sleeve henley. In this case, the Olivers Apparel Convoy Short-Sleeve Henley is made with the brand’s breathable 100 percent Merino Active Jersey fabric.

New Belgium Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza — Price Varies 

This could be the perfect summer beer to try now.

One of my favorite pastimes — even in these strange quarantine times — is kicking back with a refreshing summer beer (ideally, wearing a classic short-sleeve henley!). I’ve lately been gravitating toward the crisp, refreshing New Belgium Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza (thanks to the brewery for sending!). What’s the scoop with this excellent line of summer beers? Watermelon, lime, agave and hibiscus come together in a bright and sunny beer (made in collaboration with Mexico’s Cervecería Primus). Drink this all day and keep it handy when you fire up the grill.

WhistlePig Whiskey — Price Varies 

Perhaps the best whiskey for using in a cocktail at the moment.

Now, perhaps you’re more of a whiskey guy. In that case, let me point you toward WhistlePig Whiskey and the WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye Whiskey. It’s an excellent whiskey for using in cocktails, aged for six years and offering nice spice and complexity. Of note earlier this spring, the distillery offered up some seriously rare & very cool Blend Your Own Whiskey kits, a neat way to try your hand at this nuanced form of spirit consumption & production. Doesn’t get much cooler (or more enjoyable!) than that.
Billy Reid Short-Sleeve Camp Shirt — $191.28

A cool, breezy camp-collar shirt for summer.

Let’s close things out today with a look at one of the best men’s short-sleeve shirts for summer. The camp collar shirt is a certified menswear classic, and Southern menswear designer Billy Reid has absolutely delivered one of the best camp-collar shirts your hard-earned money can buy now.
My friends, I know we once again covered an astonishing amount of the best men’s gear for summer, did we not? It’s tough for me to narrow down a favorite from the above picks, but it’s hard to go wrong with, say, a camp collar shirt or a a classic short-sleeve henley — it’s helpful that either would look great with the stylish slip-on sneakers we featured above. Let’s not forget about picks like a stylish pair of leather boots or stylish selvedge denim, either. Heck, I could also see myself living in the Buck Mason Deck Shorts and the Wellen Hemp Polo — how about you? As always, I love hearing from everyone on Twitter, so please reach out anytime. Thanks for reading, stay safe & cheers!
-Beau

 

 

 

by Beau H.

The List: Upgrade Your Summer Wardrobe with the Best Men’s Gear on the Market

The best jacket for a cold summer night? You tell me.

Does it feel odd that the time is well and truly here to shop for the best summer style essentials (if you haven’t already, that is)? All of this is to say, it’s taken a heck of a long time in our current world to get to what properly feels like summer, and maybe, you’re feeling behind in the game. Not to worry, because today’s edition of The List is covering the best men’s gear for cool evenings and hot days at home and out on the trail (socially distanced, of course). We’ll cover your new favorite summer jacket (hint: It’s at the top of the page), plus the best new sneakers & plenty more.I hope you’re ready, because we’re looking at 20 of the best men’s gear picks to buy now. OK, let’s dive on in.

Flint and Tinder Unlined Waxed Trucker Jacket — $168

An updated take on one of the best trucker jackets around.

Just when you thought the Flint and Tinder Trucker Jacket couldn’t get any better, well, Huckberry went and made this rugged, unlined trucker jacket to wear atop, say, your favorite T-shirt this summer. It’s easily one of summer’s best jackets. Speaking of that tee …

Grayers Micro Stripe Pocket Tee — $38

A breezy, cool pocket tee to wear all summer.

Yes indeed, here’s your new favorite T-shirt. Well, that is to say … it could be. Available in summer-friendly colors like the bright blue seen here, this Grayers T-shirt is practically made for casual weekends aplenty, especially when worn with slim tan chinos and stylish sneakers.

Timex MS1 Maritime Sport Watch — $158

Rugged and dependable as can be from Timex.

When we’re talking casual gear like a stylish T-shirt and an unlined trucker jacket, well, one of the best men’s summer watches has to be part of the conversation too, yes? The Timex MS1 Maritime Sport Watch is easily a standout casual, affordable watch to snag right now.

Duke Cannon Moderately Essential Hygiene Set — $45 

The right men’s grooming essentials for summer — easily.

Believe it or not, for just $45, you’re getting some of the best men’s grooming essentials for any season — not just the start of summer. The Duke Cannon Moderately Essential Hygiene Set is cleverly named, yes, but also features the grooming essentials to buy for summer, including an excellent face wash.

Billykirk No. 486 Schoolboy Satchel — $550

Durable, rugged — and your new favorite bag.

It might seem odd to talk about one of the best messenger bags for men given that a lot of us are sticking at home rather than jaunting to the office, but when that rugged leather messenger bag is made by Billykirk, well, it’s worth talking about. Invest in this handsome leather satchel bag, then get ready to break it in trip after trip.

La Paz Alegra Short-Sleeve Buttondown — $147.98

A classic, cool short-sleeve shirt for summer.

Now that the thermostat’s climbing, you might realize you’re missing something — one of the best short-sleeve shirts for summer, maybe. Head to Huckberry and pick up this classic short-sleeve shirt in a fun pattern ASAP.

HELM Boots Declan Tan Boots — $295

Classic suede chukka boots from Austin’s HELM Boots.

Let’s shift gears for just a second. Perhaps you’re going with a classic short-sleeve shirt  up top, and some faded slim jeans below … and then, you’re putting on these rugged suede chukka  boots from HELM Boots. They’re a lightweight pair of summer boots to wear anywhere your errands take you (beer pick-ups at your favorite brewery, particularly). Yes indeed, HELM Boots makes ’em right.

Taylor Stitch California Shirt in Natural Everyday Chambray — $82.60

Your new favorite summer shirt? Very possibly.

For unstoppable everyday summer style — pun intended — you absolutely should pick up one of the best chambray shirts for men from Taylor Stitch. Reliably made with quality fabric, this Taylor Stitch shirt is one of my favorites (and it’ll be one of yours, too). Plus, you can get 30 percent off at Taylor Stitch right  now, so hop on it. 

Gingko HiFi Speaker — $99

So, you’re kicked back at home relaxing and you want to put on your favorite tunes. How are you listening to, say, Big Thief? You’re doing it with the Gingko HiFi Speaker, one of the best Bluetooth speakers for your home.

Buck Mason Standard Light Wash Jeans — $145

Classic light wash jeans for summer from Buck Mason.

If you’ve never tried out a pair of Buck Mason jeans, now is as good a time as any. As previously seen on the  blog, these slim light wash jeans are casual, easygoing, comfortable … in short, possibly the best jeans for summer. Pair them with rugged suede chukka  boots from HELM Boots.

Raen Optics Bastien Sunglasses — $160

Sharp, vintage-inspired men’s sunglasses are yours for the taking.

There are a couple crucial ways to top off your summer style ensemble — starting with some stylish men’s sunglasses (after you’ve refreshed your mug with the best men’s grooming essentials, that is). For retro-inspired style, the Raen Optics Bastien Sunglasses (as seen previously on the blog) are some of the coolest sunglasses for summer.

GREATS Royale Sneakers — $179

Classically cool, affordable sneakers for summer from GREATS.

Listen, we’ve talked quite a bit on the blog in recent weeks about stylish sneakers for summer, but there’s no dbout that Brooklyn’s GREATS Brand is going to help you a heck of a lot in that regard. The GREATS Royale Sneakers (especially with that cool gum sole) are some of the best sneakers for summer, especially when you pair ’em up with a Taylor Stitch chambray shirt and slim chinos. Speaking of slim chinos …

Fisher + Baker Dalton Pants — $228

Work-from-home style made easy with Fisher + Baker.

Everyone’s work-from-home style has evolved over these past few months, and so should yours — the Fisher + Baker Dalton Pants are a great place to start. These slim navy chinos are made from a temperature-regulating merino wool blend, making ’em some of the best pants for summer (at home, in your backyard … anywhere).

Proof Nomad Shorts — $64

Casual-yet-highly stylish summer shorts.

For all those times when you don’t feel like wearing slim navy chinos, reach for the outstanding Proof Nomad Shorts. They’re truly some of summer’s best shorts for casual style (Hint: It’s the two-way stretch Japanese twill that does it).

Western Rise Limitless Merino Polo Shirt — $99

The best new polo shirt on the market? Possibly?

Your average polo shirt, this is not. Western Rise has come out with a stylish performance polo made from moisture-wicking, anti-microbial fabric — it’s a slim polo shirt you can wear all summer, especially with your faovrite pair of shorts. You’ve never had a polo shirt like this, I’d wager.

Mott and Bow Driggs Classic Crew T-Shirt — $32

The classic T-shirt to wear all summer.

Yes, that’s right. As you very well might know, the brand that makes your favorite jeans also makes one of the best men’s tees to go along with ’em. Simple, effective and stylish, this is a classic summer crewneck.  Heck, buy one in every color.

Nisolo Alejandro Slip-ons — $158

Slip-on shoes that are as good as they get this season.

Want to find the ideal pair of slip-on shoes to wear at home? You’re looking at ’em. The Nisolo Alejandro Slip-ons, made from rich leather, are the best slip-on shoes to wear at home, and out on your back deck, and anywhere else (when the time comes) this summer.

Bellroy Tech Folio — $339

The best way to protect and store your tech essentials, period.

Might as well keep it rolling with at-home essentials, yes? The Bellroy Tech Folio is one of the best ways to organize your home office, made to protect your laptop or tablet and featuring handy storage pockets for your tech essentials.

Ryland Life Voyage Et Cie Highball Candle Cannes Vetiver  — $56

Just what you need to add some ambiance to your home.

We could all use a little more luxury in our life right now, I think — that’s what luxury retailer Ryland Life is focused on bringing to your everyday pursuits and at-home lifestyle, and this Voyage Et Cie candle is as premium an extension of that lifestyle as it gets. Light it, then kick back with a record spinning on your stylish turntable.

Kate’s Real Foods Snack Bites — $19.99

Perfect fuel for summer adventures.

All of this summer-inclined activity calls for the right fuel, does it not? I’ve had the chance to test out the delicious, nutritious and organic Kate’s Real Foods Snack Bites (I love the Peanut Butter and Hemp variety!), and I can’t recommend them enough. Easy to eat on the go, enjoyable to eat at home … a perfect summer snack.

OK, my friends. Phew! We covered a ton — and I mean, a TON — of ground today when it comes to the best summer gear. Be it a new necessity like  slip-on shoes to wear at home, a must-have essential like one of the best Bluetooth speakers for your home or something more classic for summer (your new favorite T-shirt comes to mind), I hope you found something to add to your shopping list. Lest we forget, the basics still matter here, so slim navy chinos and the best men’s grooming essentials are helpful, too. Like what you see? Be sure to let me know on Twitter. Thanks for reading! 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Memorial Day Weekend, The Best Summer Shirt & Craft Beer Delivery

A classic adventure shirt you can wear all through summer, starting today.

Thanks for joining us again for another Friday Read.  We’re on the cusp of Memorial Day weekend, so welcome. Although it looks mighty different than years past, I hope you find ways to celebrate with family and friends (socially distanced, of course). What’s on your plate (besides shopping for summer style essentials)? Maybe you’ll be spending some time outside with family or heading out on a hike? Or perhaps, you’re just focused on making the perfect summer meal and enjoying a classic summer beer? At any rate, I’d bet that the excellent Western Rise Limitless Merino Shirt (as seen above — it’s one of the best shirts for summer I’ve tried) is going to get where you need to go.

When we return from Memorial Day weekend, it also happens to be one of the best shirts to wear to work from home, what with its 4-way stretch and use of merino wool and polyester. A performance Oxford shirt you can wear all day? Sign me up. In fact, there’s a very good chance I’ll be wearing some of my own Western Rise gear to get out and about as much as possible in Brooklyn — the quiet confines of Marine Park near my humble abode sound pretty ideal right now (I’ll be wearing a camo mask from Ball and Buck, as it were). I’ll also be fueling my day with plenty of coffee, and I’m naturally going to make some time to listen to a vinyl record or three (if you happen to be a vinyl guy yourself, you might want to check out one of the best record players). In the meantime, start your weekend right here, right now — today’s Friday Read is packed.

Just one pick from one of the best Memorial Day sales around.

A neat play on the San Fran flag by Anchor Brewing and artist Jeremy Fish.

  • Speaking of San Francisco, lauded & pioneering craft brewer Anchor Brewing is doing plenty to help the local community during these trying times (in addition to brewing some incredibly delicious beer). The brewery partnered with artist Jeremy Fish to refresh the exteriors of boarded up-bars and restaurants across the city with special artwork — putting a modern twist on the SF flag — as part of the Stay Strong SF campaign. Even more critically, every poster has a QR code that directs you to donate to the United States Bartenders Guild.  Even cooler?  The posters are available to download for free at www.AnchorBeerToGo.com — while there, you can also purchase a T-shirt (which will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the USBG). And if you live in the area, you can get your favorite craft beer via curbside pick-up on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Sounds great to me, right? (Speaking of craft beer, shop for your favorite growler while we’re on the subject).

  • Want to shake up your weekend while giving back to a good cause? Check out Schick Xtreme’s Shave The Day mobile video gaming, where you can play as XtremeMan to shave people’s heads (a fitting quarantine haircut!) to earn Bald Bucks — those Bald Bucks are being turned into real dollars that Schick will donate to St. Baldrick’s Foundation (up to $25,000) to assist with fighting childhood cancer. Hey, you’ve got the extra time this weekend, so you might as well turn your energy toward a great cause.

Alright, that’s going to do it for today’s edition of The Friday Read. But one last thing for you — given that it’s a long weekend, with plenty of potential for lots of laidback relaxation, I’m going to point you toward my guide on how to wear a T-shirt this summer. Seriously: A T-shirt is so much more than just a T-shirt when you rock it the right way. OK, folks. That’s all I’ve got today. Have a great and safe long weekend, be sure to check out tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and thanks — as always — for reading.

-Beau