Tag / summer style essentials

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Get Ready for the Weekend with This Todd Snyder Utility Shirt

A rock-solid shirt from an award-winning menswear designer.

Now, Memorial Day weekend is nearly here, so let’s dive right in with what could become one of your new favorite summer shirts, shall we? This is our second See Now, Buy Now feature in two days, and I assure you: It’s a good one. Todd Snyder, the lauded NYC menswear designer and a longtime friend of the blog, is once again here to upgrade your seasonal wardobe with one of summer’s best shirts, so you’d do well to hop on this style before the season kicks off in earnest. Even if that shirt isn’t up your alley, you should certainly consider shopping the Todd Snyder sale that’s running this weekend for Memorial Day (up to 30 percent off!). Back to business, though.
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If your neck of the woods is anything like mine, you know that times are quite different out there — to say the least. But for relaxing summer days at home or on a socially distanced coffee run or on the lake (again, stay socially distanced), you need a Todd Snyder shirt to get you from point A to point B. The very definition of casual luxury, the Todd Snyder Utility Shirt manages to be both rugged and refined — would you expect anything else from a menswear designer who just knows what guys want (and need)? Certainly not. This rugged utility shirt is going to be an easy go-to to throw on with everything from slim light wash denim to chino shorts — starting this weekend. What makes it so essential? I’m glad you asked.

SHOP: The Todd Snyder Utility Shirt 

Also available in a cool, essential Slate colorway.

When it comes to Memorial Day weekend style essentials, you’ve got plenty to worry about (even if your plans are different this year) — you should have the best cuts of meat to grill, some cold beer, and again … a stylish summer shirt. Crucially, this classic short-sleeve shirt checks all the right boxes, starting with the use of 100 percent Italian cotton (Albiate), to be specific), not to mention the sort of functionality you get from two front-patch pockets. Consider the Todd Snyder Utility Shirt a breezy top layer to throw on over a classic white tee or pair on its own — in any of the three colorways. Then, add slim navy chino shorts and your favorite canvas sneakers, or else step into laidback olive chinos and add casual suede chukka boots. Either look works for hours hanging out at home, playing tunes on that stylish Bluetooth speaker and hanging with the family. Whatever you end up doing this weekend (or on future summer weekends), I’d say it’ll be made better by the Todd Snyder Utility Shirt. Cheers, my friends.

SHOP: The Todd Snyder Utility Shirt 

by Beau H.

The List: Get Ready for Summer with All the Best New Menswear

An essential white tee to head into Memorial Day weekend.

Right, then: We’re just a few days away from the first unofficial weekend of summer,  Memorial Day weekend. Things are surely going to look a little different this year than in years past — there’s no travel, no major BBQ’s, no huge outdoor concerts, for one. And yet, as has been the theme in past weeks on the blog, you still need to ensure you’re well-stocked with summer style essentials aplenty. Today’s edition of The List has you more than covered, with staple pieces like the best men’s T-shirt for summer, the coolest summer shorts, and of course, classic summer sneakers. Start with the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee below (perhaps the best white T-shirt for guys), then find the rest of your new favorite summer gear picks below. Heck, some of these summer style staples are so great, you might recognize them from other editions of The List — and that’s totally OK in my book. More importantly, have fun, stay safe, and perhaps crack a cold beer in the safety of your own home or backyard to celebrate.

Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee — $35

A crisp and classic white T-shirt — an all-American style staple.

Yes indeed, we’ve talked about this stylish summer T-shirt a great deal on the blog in the past few weeks, but with good reason. From the quality construction to the spot-on fit (in my experience), the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee is one of the best men’s tees to buy right now, possibly in more than one color for standout  Memorial Day weekend style at home. Heck, you can never go wrong with a classic white T-shirt.

GREATS Royale Ripstop — $159

Dependable, stylish, highly durable men’s sneakers from GREATS.

Hey, hanging at home still requires some of the best men’s sneakers — especially the downright useful, functional and stylish GREATS Royale Ripstop. Throw them on with your Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee  and some stylish casual shorts, then crack a cold beer and fire up the grill.
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 — $1,395

An incredibly unstoppable dress watch.

Talk about a stylish, investment-worthy watch to wear this coming long weekend and then the rest of summer (and long, long after that). Ever so slightly dressy, sleek and yet rugged at the same time, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 is like a wearable work of art, 100 percent Swiss-made and featuring 1,000 meters of water resistance. You might not need that kind of functionality, but it’s still a seriously cool timepiece for your wrist.
Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts — $58

Super stylish, easy-to-wear shorts from Huckberry & Flint and Tinder.

Make no mistake, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill chino shorts. The Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts, as we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, are some of the best men’s shorts for summer, and ideal to wear with, say, your Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee  and the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 — but I’d wager you had that idea in mind already.
Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Western Shirt in Natural Herringbone — $98

A stylish short-sleeve shirt that’s plenty ready for Memorial Day weekend (and beyond).

My friends at Taylor Stitch have done it again. The legendary San Francisco menswear brand took its classic Western shirt and turned it into one of the best short-sleeve shirts for summer, complete with an iconic design and the perfect cut for summer. Wear it all weekend — and on your next conference call.
Billykirk Standard Issue No. 540 East West Tote — $145

An essential part of your everydary carry for the holiday weekend.

Maybe it feels silly to be adding to your everyday carry essentials right now — but trust me, it’s not. Gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, even a modified one, calls for loading up supplies in a rugged tote bag, then grilling, drinking, fire-starting, journal-ing … accordingly. The Billykirk Standard Issue Tote is one of the best ways to carry gear right this instant.
Garrett Leight Kinney 49 Sunglasses — $360 

Add these sunglasses to your list of Memorial Day essentials.

Bold-yet-classic, investment-worthy sunglasses made for plenty of (modified) summer weekends? Yes indeed, that’s what you’re getting with the Garrett Leight Kinney 49 Sunglasses, easily some of the coolest sunglasses for men this author has seen.
Grayers Japanese Selvedge Trucker Jacket — $195 

A classically cool denim jacket for summer from Grayers.

Grayers has summer style essentials aplenty (including, crucially for these times, face masks if needed), but it’s the classic menswear that I’ve got my eye on this season. There will come a time this Memorial Day weekend (and surely beyond that) where you’ll need a stylish summer jacket. And my friends: This Japanese selvedge trucker jacket is precisely the incredibly cool jacket for summer you need right now.
Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt — $89

The perfect summer shirt? You be the judge.

Because it might not be quite warm enough to wear just, say, the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee, you’ll want a stylish long-sleeve shirt to throw on over it. Try out the excellent Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt if you’re not quite feeling up to picking up a  Japanese selvedge trucker jacket yet. Trust me: It’s one of the best long-sleeve shirts for the season.
Santa Rosa Tahoma Moccasins — $223.98

Rugged-yet-easygoing leather moc chukka boots for the holiday weekend.

You’ve surely seen these classic leather moccasins on the blog before, and they could just be the perfect casual shoes to wear for a holiday weekend. Laidback enough to tromp through the yard, durable enough to fix up a bonfire, stylish enough to wear while kicked back, ice-cold lager in hand. They’re easily some of the coolest leather boots for summer — yes, summer.
Mott and Bow Slim Wooster Jeans — $118

The best men’s blue jeans to wear for summer, guaranteed.

Hey, maybe you’re more of a stylish blue jeans-type guy (or maybe it’s a bit too breezy for shorts where you are), but either way, Mott and Bow has you covered. They make some of the best men’s jeans for darn near any season, Memorial Day weekend included, and you can rock them with everything from the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee (I sure do love that thing) to a stylish summer polo.
Huckberry Pullover — $88

The essential hooded sweatshirt you need for summer.

With casual style and standout good looks in mind, Huckberry has gone and made one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts on the market — featuring their own branding and everything. The Huckberry Pullover is, quite simply, the perfect hooded sweatshirt to wear to a bonfire — or whatever late-night stargazing or beer drinking you’re planning on.
Solo Stove Bonfire Portable Firepit — $299.98 

A really neat backyard essential for any summer night (especially Memorial Day weekend).

Speaking of what to wear to a bonfire, well, if you need to get a little creative with how you’re setting up your bonfire, look no further than the Solo Stove Bonfire Portable Firepit, one of the Memorial Day weekend essentials you might have first overlooked.
Levi’s Made & Crafted Short-Sleeve Camp Collar Shirt — $128

A classic men’s shirt you’ll want to wear all weekend.

The camp collar shirt really is a retro menswear essential, a piece worn by easygoing dads and grandfathers on vacations dating back decades — and now, Levi’s Made & Crafted has come up with a modern, stylish camp collar shirt to wear when manning the grill or kicked back sipping on a Bloody Mary.
Billykirk x Cooper & Thief Bartender Bag — $250

Gear up and get to work on your next cocktail with Billykirk x Cooper & Thief.

All of this tme outdoors is going to call for the right drink to go along with it, yes? And the best way to mix up a cocktail for the long weekend? With essential bar tools from the Billykirk x Cooper & Thief Bartender Bag (wine sold separately). You’ll have everything you need to make your favorite cocktail — and a stylish leather bag in which to keep track of all the best gear for your home bar.

Add an instant kick to your morning with this easy-to-use ultra coffee.

Looking at all of this gear and all of the potential for adventures at home (or in a park, or out on the trails) is enough to make anyone crave coffee, right? What if you’ve got to get out the door in a hurry, though? That’s where Jot Ultra Coffee comes into play. Add just a “jot” (a tablespoon!) of this ultra coffee to varying amounts of water to get espresso, cappucino, an Americano … you name it, Jot can do it. The results are excellent — full-bodied and flavorful, just like you’d want, and the process is so easy (I should know — it’s helping fuel this blog post!).
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That’ll do it for today’s summer-centric roundup of the best men’s gear, and to be more specific, the best men’s gear for Memorial Day weekend (and beyond). So, what’ll it be? Will you go classic and pick up one of the best white T-shirts on the market to wear for supremely cool casual style? Buck Mason has you sorted. Will you go with the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts and pair them with either a stylish short-sleeve shirt from Taylor Stitch or something more casual, like the inimitable Huckberry Pullover? Maybe you’ve got your eye on some of the best men’s sneakers, naturally paired with some of the the best men’s jeans. Whatever your combo, I hope you find the above list helpful. To see what I’m wearing this weekend, head to my Instagram — and as always, feel free to get in touch with me on Twitter. Thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

#OOTD: My Guide to Wearing a Chambray Shirt This Month — Or All Year

As you’ll see below, there might never be a bad time to wear a chambray shirt like the one we’re about to discuss today. We’ve mentioned it time and time again on the blog, but the best men’s chambray shirt (and there’s a difference between good and great), is a true four-season essential, as wearable now as it will be come September, October, November … you get the picture. But sometimes, getting through the seasonal doldrums that we find ourselves in right now isn’t as daunting as it might seem at first. In fact, it’s sometimes about taking tried-and-true men’s style essentials and having some fun with them. In the case of the classic chambray shirt on display today in our #OOTD series, that means it’s being worn with equally classic style picks that fit in regardless of season (yes, even in the sweltering August heat). Witness, for instance, the stylish slim chinos and the classic chukka boots in this ensemble, not to mention the positively rugged, investment-level watch — all worn with ease and casual cool for a look that’s as ready for happy hour as it is for a Casual Friday. Throw in accessories like a slim leather wallet, and you could even wear this look out on a date. See, the doldrums of summer aren’t a time to throw away style principles — stick to yours, wear this classic chambray shirt, and get ready for what lies ahead.

Mixing and matching classic picks with an essential chambray shirt.

  • The Chambray Shirt: Proof Strong Shirt, $128 — The best men’s chambray shirt? The chambray shirt to rule them all? I’ll leave that to you to decide, but there’s a good chance that … yes, yes it is.
  • The Classic Chinos: Wellen Easy Chinos, $88 — Keep things casual yet surprisingly polished with these stylish slim chinos, made sustainably in a classic color.
  • The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots, $165 — There’s absolutely never a bad time to wear classic chukka boots, even in the middle of August — trust me on that. Astorflex gets ’em right.
  • The Watch: Lum-Tec M84 Automatic Watch, $1,095 — I’m admittedly not a huge watch snob, but there’s no question the Lum-Tec M84 Automatic (while pricey!) might just be one of the best men’s watches we’ve featured on this site. That’s it!
  • The Belt: Macondo Belts Inca Belt, $105 — Granted, you might not think of a stylish leather belt as a place to stand out in terms of pattern and design — change that with this number from Macondo Belts.
  • The Everyday Carry Essential: Tanner Goods Journeyman Wallet, $65 — Be it on the go to the office or to an evening dinner, a slim leather wallet carries only what you need.
  • The Daily Cologne: Ranger Station Birch Bark Cologne, $69 — This cologne from Ranger Station is pleasing, crisp & not too heavy for daily wear.
  • The Grooming Essential: Jack Henry Face Toner, $24 — I can’t recommend this lightweight, refreshing, functional toner from Jack Henry enough after using it every day for weeks. It’s a men’s grooming essential you need ASAP.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, sometimes, the best men’s chambray shirt is all you need to build a great outfit (or at least, the foundation of a great outfit). And it gets even better and even more seasonally friendly when you throw on easygoing Wellen chinos (it’s right in the name, after all!), plus classic chukka boots — granted, these are picks that work any time of the year, but they’ll do more than fine in August as we look toward (gasp) Labor Day. The right accessories elevate the chambray shirt from good to great, as well. Take the Lum-Tec M84 Automatic, a beast of a watch that’ll stand out stylishly as you roll up the sleeves on this shirt.

Couple that with the equally eyecatching stylish leather belt on display here, and this #OOTD is ready to be worn the office, shirt tucked in (or untucked — do as you please, of course). For keeping thing streamlined and smooth, grab your slim leather wallet from Tanner Goods — it’ll fit nicely in the front pocket of your chinos, and it’ll age the more you use it. All those little details stand out quite easily, too, including what should be a fantastic Ranger Station cologne (making this ensemble ready for date night). And in the way of a men’s grooming essential you shouldn’t go without, I’m a big fan of Jack Henry’s Face Toner (a  great outfit is nothing without a little T.L.C for your face, ehh?). Are you sold on the utility and versatility of the chambray shirt? You should be. Have questions? Drop me a line on Twitter. Cheers!


by Beau H.

The List: Shop My Favorite Menswear Picks for August Right Now

An all-season shirt that’s particularly well-suited to close out summer.

If you check out the digital pages of this site on the regular, you’re well-acquainted with The List, my ongoing rundown of the best new men’s style essentials, often with a seasonal tilt. But some pieces, like the Proof Strong Shirt —  deserve to be worn in multiple seasons, the dead of summer included. We’re right on the verge of August, and summer is absolutely going strong, so the below crucial menswear picks offer up versatility, rugged functionality and a bit more summer adventure for the taking. Shop on.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!
Proof Strong Shirt — $128

The classic chambray shirt you can wear from now until the end of the year.

Now, we’ve talked in the past on the blog about the Proof Strong Shirt, one of the best chambray shirts out there — easily. It’s an all-season classic, especially as we move through August into (gasp) fall.

Beckett Simonon Yates Oxford Brogues — $199

Sleek, stylish and custom-made — Beckett Simonon gets it right.

Looking for the best pair of dress shoes to wear to that last summer wedding? You’ve found them courtesy of Beckett Simonon. Wearable with everything from a khaki cotton suit to chambray trousers and a navy blazer (or dark denim and a white Oxford at the office).

SYMBOL Audio Dovetail Record Crate — $225

A handsome way to store your favorite records.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’re aware that I’m a huge fan of live music — and that I’ve got a slowly growing record collection. Although I’ve got the Tanner Goods Record Rack myself, I’d recommend you pick up this surprisingly stylish record crate for your collection.

Lum-Tec M82 Automatic Watch — $1,095

A beastly watch to wear as you close out summer. Perfectly rugged.

From stylish dress shoes to an investment-level watch? Yes, absolutely — Lum-Tec makes some of the best men’s watches on the market, and this timepiece is built to last all through August and well into fall.

Gramicci Shell Packable Shorts — $78

The durable, packable shorts for the end of summer.

Speaking of durable outdoor gear and the best men’s watches, allow me to introduce you to some of the best men’s shorts on the market, a field-ready pair you should have no problem wearing to a brewery or out on a day hike.

SeaVees Mariner Oxford — $117.98

Extremely dependable SeaVees sneakers, as one would expect.

If you check out the blog regularly (which you should!), then you know about the SeaVees Mariner Boots — but what about the classic men’s sneakers from the same brand that share the same heritage? That’s the SeaVees Mariner Oxford for you.

Wellen Printed Short-Sleeve Shirt — $68

A printed shirt that’s surprisingly subtle? Sign me up.

Wondering what sort of shirt you can wear with your classic men’s sneakers? Answer: This stylish printed shirt from Wellen, an easygoing end-of-summer staple.

Native North Japanese Tencel Pants — $130.98

The durable, mobile pants you won’t want to change out of.

Summer is all about staying breezy and cool, even as we move through August — these slim summer pants are the right way to go about it.

Peak Design Travel Backpack — $220 

The best everyday backpack to bring with you … everywhere?

There are your normal, everyday backpacks, and then there’s the Peak Design Travel Backpack, very likely one of the best backpacks you’re apt to find on this site (and elsewhere). Carry it on your next summer adventure, and then on into the next season.

Upstate Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set — Starting at $258

The best linen sheets you can buy? You decide.

If you just can’t escape the summer heat or if you sleep hot, then there’s no time like the present to get some of the best new linen sheets from Upstate. Stylish, well-made and guaranteed to help you sleep cooler.

BioLite Fire Pit + Solar Cover Bundle — $219.98

Two handy pieces of gear to pack up on your next camping trip.

Let’s step away again from the menswear space and check out the best outdoor gear you need for that summer or early fall camping getaway — BioLite delivers two camping essentials in affordably priced package.

Quoddy Tender Boat Shoes — $269

The leather boat shoes you didn’t know you needed.

Thought the time had passed to shop around for stylish boat shoes? Think again. There’s still ample opportunity to wear these surprisingly rugged boat shoes from Quoddy.

Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley — $38

A rugged short-sleeve henley to wear anytime, anywhere.

A classic short-sleeve henley is the go-to essential you can wear underneath anything (try a denim jacket or a cotton blazer), and it also works darn fine all on its own. As always, Flint and Tinder nails it.

STANCE No-Show Socks — Starting at $10

Well-designed no-show socks for summer’s final month.

Affordably priced, high-quality no-show socks can be somewhat tough to find — but that’s not the case anymore with STANCE. They offer a range of options and colors, plus no-slip functionality and sleek design.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

That’ll do it for today’s edition of The List, packed with all the best men’s style gear you can shake a stick at. Which of the above picks tops your own personal list? I think it’s hard to top durable sneakers like the SeaVees Mariner Oxford, and it’s also hard to pass up an investment-level watch from the likes of Lum-Tec. That’s my take, at least.  Happy shopping!

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This Gear to Your Next Summer Bonfire

I’ve talked on the blog before about how to dress for a summer bonfire — and namely, how summer bonfires remind me of the lovely, warm nights back in my home state of Michigan. I don’t often get to go to many bonfires now that I live in NYC, but if I did … this is the gear I would wear, starting with a stylish lightweight jacket for taking on summer breezes. Heck, these are the summer style essentials I’d recommend you wear as well, including a stylish short-sleeve shirt and more gear picks that toe the line between casual & rugged, just as ready for a day on the boardwalk as a beach bonfire later. Dressing for a bonfire, although seemingly casual, doesn’t mean you throw on athletic logo shorts & a baggy T-shirt and call it a day — at least, not to me. No sir, grab some classic SeaVees sneakers, throw on a vintage-inspired cap, load up a craft beer growler, and take in a lovely evening around the fire. If you’re surrounded by a multitude of family and friends? All the better. We’re running out of chances to enjoy summer, so it’s best you do it in style. And y’know what’s even better? This is the type of #OOTD you can wear all day long, and into the night. Sounds great to me. Enjoy!

The right mix of casual and rugged for a summer evening bonfire.

  • The Lightweight Jacket: Relwen Covert CPO, $148.98 — This stylish lightweight jacket is a heck of a deal when on sale, and it’s the perfect summer jacket for a breezy night around the fire.
  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt, $98 — This is the first of two Taylor Stitch picks gracing this outfit — a stylish short-sleeve shirt is an easygoing summer style essential, especially for a day at the beach & a bonfire.
  • The Shorts: Taylor Stitch Trail Shorts, $88 — While you still can, wear stylish shorts, especially this utility-minded pair from Taylor Stitch. These are some of the best men’s shorts for the rest of summer.
  • The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneakers in Chambray, $88 — For just a shade under $90, get the classic sneakers that are simply perfect to wear to a bonfire — durable, comfortable & made with that iconic SeaVees quality.
  • The Watch: Komrade White Pointer Watch, $808.98 — For a day on the water or the trail, or an evening when you’re called into firewood duty, wear a durable dive watch — sure, Komrade makes an investment-level watch … but it’s worth it.
  • The Everyday Carry Essential: Filson Ranger Backpack, $225 — Whether you’ve packed up this rugged Filson backpack as part of a day hike or a beach trip, it’s the everyday carry essential to haul, well, everything you need (bug spray not included).
  • The Hat: Faherty Brand Sunset Patch Cord Hat, $38 — Throw on a classic ballcap from Faherty Brand to top off this outfit — it’s got just enough rugged style for an evening bonfire.
  • The Craft Beer Must-Have: OtterBox Elevation 64 Tumbler, $56 — If you show up to the bonfire with some delicious craft beer, that’s great. If it’s being transported in this OtterBox tumbler with enough to share? Even better.

If the above #OOTD is any indication, then the bar has been raised when it comes to dressing for a summer bonfire, starting with the perfect summer jacket to help you fight an unexpectedly chilly summer night. It’s the kind of piece that pairs ably with a stylish short-sleeve shirt from one of my favorite brands (that’s Taylor Stitch, folks), and the combo gets even better when teamed up with stylish utility shorts from the same brand. They’re functional enough for a day getting around town, and they’re laidback enough to enjoy some cold beers from an OtterBox tumbler, right? This outfit gets even more bonfire-ready when you look at what’s on your: perfectly casual, classic sneakers in a summer-friendly chambray fabric. Leave the heavy leather boots at home for this venture, folks. One thing you shouldn’t leave at home? A durable dive watch you can wear all day — even to snag some extra firewood. Top everything off, literally, with a classic ballcap from Faherty Brand, and be sure to haul along your gear with a rugged Filson backpack for whatever the day has in store. Do you think this #OOTD is missing anything? Be sure to hop over to Twitter to let me know. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The List: Buy This Week’s 10 Best New Menswear and Gear Picks for Summer

Roll up those sleeves and get to work this season with Taylor Stitch.

If you keep up with our ongoing series The List, covering the very best new menswear and gear on the market, you’ll probably recognize the brand at the top of the list — that’s right, it’s Taylor Stitch. We’re making the case today that a brand like Taylor Stitch can be worn all through the rest of summer, especially when accessorized appropriately. On that note, check out my full suite of picks below — thanks for reading, and enjoy summer!

Taylor Stitch Western Shirt — $125

A new take on the Western shirt from your favorite menswear brand.

As we said above, this stylish Western shirt will still work for summer. In fact, it’s hard to go wrong with nearly anything from Taylor Stitch, especially a rugged Western shirt that’s also surprisingly lightweight. Wear this with black jeans and your favorite leather boots to grab a cold one at a rock concert.

Roark Revival Porter Pants — $60

The breezy, cool pants to take you through summer.

See, we told you when it comes to accessorizing a stylish Western shirt, it’s all about finding seasonally ready components to match it up with — like these slim summer pants from Roark Revival, perfectly breezy and ready for travel or a summer happy hour.

Karl Strauss Boat Shoes Hazy IPA — Price Varies

A bright and sunny IPA with a friendly name and cool can design.

I have good news and I have bad news: The good news, first, is that this hazy IPA nails everything you’d want from the Hazy IPA “trend” (if you can call it that). It’s imminently crushable, with a summer-friendly name and a cool can design. However, it’s only available in California within the brewery’s distribution footprint. If you have a trip planned out there soon, look for it! Speaking of boat shoes …

Yuketen Ox Mocs — $300

The casual, dependable summer moccasins to wear any time happy hour rolls around.

OK, while these aren’t technically classic boat shoes, the Yuketen Ox Mocs are perfect for easygoing summer style, and quite possibly the perfect pair of summer footwear to slip into as you sip on the Boat Shoes IPA.

Luminox Xcor Aerospace Pilot Professional Watch — $1,520

An investment-level watch that’s both incredibly expensive and incredibly worth the coin.

OK, is this tough Luminox timepiece truly the definition of an investment-level watch? Yes. Absolutely — but will you ever need to buy another rugged field watch again? No, sir.

Armor-Lux Breton Long-Sleeve Tee — $70

The breezy, casual, cool shirt to wear on a chilly summer night.

We’ve talked in the past about Armor-Lux and the brand’s certified iconic shirts — like the Armor-Lux Breton Long-Sleeve Tee, in fact. Wear this with tan chinos to a breezy beach bonfire.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack (30 Liters) — $290

Make waves and carry all your gear at once with this outstanding backpack from Peak Design.

You need a dependable everyday backpack for summer adventures — specifically, you need the Peak Design Everyday Backpack, a highly rated and much-loved bag for your next getaway.

Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka — $230 

Dependable chukka boots to wear even when it’s hot out.

You’ve probably noticed the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka pop up before on previous editions of The List, but we’re including it this time around because it’s among the best chukka boots for summer — lightweight, rugged & wearable with chinos or jeans.

Lisboa Francisco Brushed Oxford — $118

A new summer shirt that’s destined to become a go-to.

There are going to be times where you want to switch things up from the rugged Western shirt we talked about earlier — and for all those times when you want to keep it casual with light wash denim and perhaps some of the best chukka boots for summer, you need to reach for the Lisboa Francisco Oxford.

Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Tee — $35

A dependable, rugged and classic men’s tee for summer.

There comes a time in every guy’s life when he just wants to wear a classic men’s T-shirt and maybe some slim chino shorts — for all those times, there’s the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Tee.

The Best Basics. Summer Ready.We’re ending on a high note today with a classic men’s T-shirt — it’s always tough to narrow down these lists. What’s your favorite selection? For me, I always love a stylish Western shirt from Taylor Stitch, of course. Let me know your favorite pick on Twitter — thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Sunglasses, A Summer Windbreaker & The Best Polo Shirts

Let’s start things off simply today, shall we? As I look back on this past week, I’m both exhausted and also exceptionally grateful — Monday night, I returned from a relatively quick trip to Madrid over a long weekend to check out the Mad Cool Festival and see my favorite band & my heroes, The National. For this being a style blog, they sure do seem to come up quite often, right? But at any rate, I can’t say enough about Madrid (or about the powerful, propulsive, lifechanging music of The National!). Madrid is a city that I’d never dreamed of visiting until recently, but in my mind, following my passion for music is always one of the better reasons to get on a plane and explore (to say the least!). I won’t soon forget the sunlit, cobblestone streets of Madrid, plus prime craft beer spots like Fogg Bar, to go along with the rush of energy I felt arriving at Mad Cool Festival & enjoying a day of stellar live music from the likes of Sharon Van Etten and more. If you get the chance to go, it’s a must! Now, onto the rest of today’s Friday Read.


As it were, I’m excited to have some downtime in Brooklyn, which I’ll spend working on my Instagram (give me a follow!) and taking care of some writing for The Manual. I’ve also got my eye on writing up more content for this here blog, helped along my delicious coffee from Ditmas Park’s own Milk & Honey. With that being said, what are you up to this weekend? Let me know on Twitter, and let’s dig into the rest of the Friday Read. Cheers!

  • If you’re still searching for that perfect pair of summer sunglasses, allow me to direct you toward my own roundup over at The Manual (naturally!) of the best men’s sunglasses for summer. There’s something for everyone at every price point and style type, naturally. And you can also check out my post for this blog on the best sunglasses to buy now, if you happen to be in search of an additional option.
  • Let’s keep things rolling with the best gear for summer, shall we? In this case, I’m going to pass you off to GearMoose, where I wrote about the best polo shirts for men, with a focus on breezy fabric, easygoing style & plenty of functionality in the heat. These ones can’t be beat, in my mind.
  • On the style front, we’ve got even more great men’s gear headed your way — especially if you’re prepping to head out of town on a camping trip or gearing up for an evening bonfire. In that case, the Wellen Wind Shell (as covered in our Style Pick of the Week series) is absolutely the outer layer you need, designed to protect from the elements (be it a windy night or too many mosquitoes).

That’s going to do it for my menswear quick hits this week — if you’d like one last item to read as you close out your work week and head toward happy hour, be sure to check out my roundup of the best new men’s gear to buy for summer. That should sort things out nicely for the weekend. As always, thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The List: Gear Up for the Rest of Summer Right Now with these Men’s Style Essentials

Just one of many essentials you’ll need to enjoy summer — right now.

You see those stylish summer slip-ons from Nisolo pictured above? They’re one of just many keys to unlocking a laidback, easygoing summer (for the rest of the season, that is to say). And there are oftentimes some seriously straightforward ways to make it easier on yourself. That’s where today’s post comes in. You can find some of my favorite gear picks from the Huckberry Summer 2019 Catalog (and plenty more places!) outlined below. Once you dive into these men’s style essentials for the rest of July and August, there’s no telling where you’ll want to go next. Have any thoughts on other must-have men’s gear picks? Let me know on Twitter.

Nisolo Alejandro Woven Slip-ons — $178 

The perfect middle ground between dressy and casual when it comes to summer footwear.

Aren’t these just calling out to be worn on vacation? Now, there’s a major difference between the best pair of slip-ons and your standard, flimsy flip-flops. The Nisolo Alejandro Slip-ons are nothing to slouch at, as easy to wear with slim chinos and a stylish summer polo as they are with chino shorts and your favorite T-shirt.

Faherty Brand Beacon Trunks — $98

The eyecatching summer swim trunks you need in your life (and your wardrobe).

You know Faherty Brand for expertly cut flannel shirts and stylish cardigans, but what about must-have swim trunks for summer? Like the Beacon Trunks? Consider these vacation-ready.

Banks Journal Business and Pleasure Short-Sleeve Shirt — $70

Your new go-to summer shirt? It very well could be.

If ever there was a modern, stylish short-sleeve shirt that looked like it should be worn by James Bond, it might be the Banks Journal Business and Pleasure Shirt. A breezy fabric and a classic fit make this a winner from the Huckberry Summer 2019 Catalog.

DuFrane Barton Springs 656 Diver Watch — $656

An astonishingly durable watch for summer adventures.

Aptly named according to the price, the DuFrane Barton Springs Diver is the must-have watch of summer, made so that it doesn’t miss a beat — it can go from the beach to the boardwalk to the bar with ease, so that means it’s one of the best men’s watches out there right now (seen previously in my guide to what to wear to happy hour).

SLVDR Keck Tee — $50

The perfect summer T-shirt? You be the judge of that, my friend.

The search for one of the best men’s T-shirts remains elusive and challenging — yet, if you want a retro-inspired change of pace, reach for the SLVDR Keck Tee, then wear it with stylish high-top sneakers and stylish slim jeans. Speaking of …

Mott and Bow Slim Mercer Jeans in Olive — $118

A change of pace from the typical — in the best way possible.

If you’re the type who still loves wearing slim jeans in the summer, then just know that not every pair you wear has to go full-on light wash — these Mott and Bow jeans in a handsome shade of olive are simply perfect for all those other times.

Roark Revival Layover Shorts — $65

Functional zippers and comfortable fabric add another dimension to these stylish shorts.

Functional summer shorts are actually out there — if you know where to look. And the travel-ready Roark Revival Layover Shorts are as functional and dependable as it gets. Easily some of the best shorts for summer I’ve tested this year.

Pantropic Tucson Fedora — $134

A breezy summer hat that’s made the right way.

Don’t start by writing off the fedora just yet — the Pantropic Tuscon Fedora is a stylish summer hat that wouldn’t look out of place with a camp collar shirt and breezy linen pants on your next beach vacation.

Tom Beckbe Bottle Flask — $150

The potentially perfect sipper to bring to your next bonfire.

Is a heritage-quality flask a true must-have part of your everyday carry? Well, that’s debateable. But the Tom Beckbe Bottle Flask could be the perfect companion on a breezy summer evening stroll (beverage of choice not included).

Mott and Bow Classic V-Neck Tee in California Blue — $32

The right V-neck tee to wear on easygoing summer days.

OK, back to menswear. Summer is all about laidback style — and this stylish V-neck T-shirt, again from Mott and Bow, is a lot more well-made than V-neck T-shirts of years gone by (looking at you, American Apparel). Wear it with Mott and Bow jeans, if you feel so inclined.

Taylor Stitch Western Shirt — $125 

A Western shirt unlike any other on the market, and that’s a fact.

Another standout from Taylor Stitch? Assuredly. This classic Western shirt gets a modern upgrade in a lightweight, cotton-hemp blend. Wear it with a pair of the brand’s standout chinos for maximum effect.

Mystery Ranch Mission Wheelie — $345

A tough suitcase that can fit absolutely everything you need (and then some).

So, you’ve got all the stylish summer gear you could ever want … but nothing in which to pack it for your next summer adventure. That changes with the Mystery Ranch Mission Wheelie, one of the toughest, best rolling suitcases for all your essentials.

Shop contemporary and independent label men's and women's fashion at Need Supply Co. Click Here!That’ll turn the page on another edition of The List — are you feeling ready to take on the rest of summer? And which of the above gear picks will you be buying? I’m a big fan of a classic Western shirt from my friends at Taylor Stitch, but I also can’t get enough of the Roark Revival Layover Shorts. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below — and thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The List: Here are the Best Gear Picks for A Mid-Summer Getaway — Guaranteed

The bold-yet-refined shirt you’ll be reaching for all summer long.

Do you ever spot something that just … screams summer? A piece that belongs on your list of summer style essentials, easily? Something like the Portuguese Flannel Vince Shirt as seen above, right? Exactly. That’s where we’ll kick things off today, in fact. We’re also highlighting the rest of the gear you’ll need for a summer getaway, be it a leisurely weekend at the lake, a beer-filled beach stay or an upstate camping trip (or all three in quick succession??). Think of something you’ll need for those trips, and it’s covered in today’s edition of The List. Hope y’all enjoy — now, get out there and explore this summer!

Portuguese Flannel Vince Shirt — $110

The easy, breezy summer shirt you’ll want to wear all season long.

The next time you want to switch things up from a polo shirt or a slub T-shirt, then a stylish camp collar shirt from Portuguese Flannel is absolutely the way to. This classic short-sleeve shirt is retro-inspired & refreshingly modern at the same time.

Taylor Stitch Camp Pants in Tuff Duck — $128

Dependable, rugged pants for summer adventures.

Be it pants to wear for your next breezy morning house project or pants to wear as you sip coffee beside a cool lake, you know Taylor Stitch has you covered. These Camp Pants in Tuff Duck are as good as it gets.

Rise Cold Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee — $34.99 (12-pack)

Your next weekend adventure just got a shot in the arm in the form of delicious coffee.

Let’s talk for a second about the crucial supplies to get you ready to hit the road — namely, some of the best coffee around. Rise Brewing Co. Nitro Cold Brew, available in a handy and absurdly delicious 12-pack that’ll hopefully last you a good while, makes nitro cold brew to rival the best around. You’ll have all the energy you need to pack up & hit the road.

Victory Sportswear Classic Runners — $220

Your new go-to sneakers, assuredly.

Let’s go from rugged chore pants to durable summer sneakers, shall we? These classic runner sneakers are primed to wear with everything from slim chino shorts to light wash jeans and a slub pocket tee — wear ’em for summer travel, too.

Mott and Bow Laight Jean in Medium Blue — $118

A classic pair of denim in a light weight.

There’s never a wrong time to wear slim dark blue denim from Mott and Bow — when you absolutely have to wear jeans in the summer (say, for a business casual meeting?), go with one of my favorite denim brands.

UNIMATIC U3-A Watch — $615

The durable watch you can wear nearly anywhere you please.

If you’re searching for the best everyday watch to pair with a whole slew of vacation-ready outfits, then you’d be hard-pressed to find a better do-it-all watch than the UNIMATIC U3-A Watch. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Stetson Langston Hat — $119

This hat will keep the sun off your face — and it’ll do it in style.

OK, let’s go back to gear for a more rugged outdoor adventure, shall we? The hat you need for your next outdoor trip comes from Stetson — the Langston Hat, to be more specific.

Unmarked Toro Boots — $280

These are the right boots for … whatever you end up needing ’em for.

Let’s stick with the theme of rugged gear for an outdoor adventure, shall we? And you surely don’t need to be rancher to wear these rugged leather boots. The Unmarked Toro Boots should do just fine at your local pub (or your new favorite bar at your vacation getaway), in fact.

Wellen Easy Chinos — $88

Breezy chinos fit for a summer weekend.

Summer adventures aren’t all about running yourself into the ground — take it easy, man! You’re on vacation, and you’re wearing the Wellen Easy Chinos, some of the best men’s chinos you can get your hands on. They’re decidedly laidback thanks to the drawstring waist, and perfect to wear with a stylish hemp polo.

Schatzii Bullet 2.0 Wireless Headphones — $223.98

These are the wireless headphones you didn’t know you needed.

There’s no time quite like a summer getaway to realize you need a new pair of wireless headphones — might as well go for some of the best wireless headphones on the market, ehh? Schatzii gets it right.

Rhythm Vacation Stripe Short-Sleeve Shirt — $68

Another seriously laidback, relaxed camp collar shirt.

Another classic camp collar shirt here to keep your mind squarely in “tropical vacation getaway” mode — it’s at an affordable price, and it’s selling quickly.

Barebones Pulaski Axe — $142

This axe is tough as nails & ready for anything.

We told you that you needed to be prepared for your next outdoor adventure or cabin trip — the Barebones Pulaski Axe could be just what you need, however unexpected.

Mollusk Corduroy Shorts — $70

Just the right shorts for easygoing summer style.

There’s something refreshingly old-school and just plain cool about the Mollusk Corduroy Shorts — in fact, they could be the best shorts to wear on your next vacation (especially when paired up with a  classic camp collar shirt).

Mystery Ranch Mission Rover Backpack — $185

Get geared up for your next off-trail excursion.

Just like that, we’re back to rugged outdoor gear picks — the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover Backpack fits the bill nicely, don’t you agree? Consider it among the best gear for an outdoor adventure.

 

Alright, are you starting to feel that itch to just … get out and go? Upstate, down South, out of the country … you can’t go wrong with any of these summer style essentials in my book. Do you have any opinion on which of these are your favorite? From classic runner sneakers to the Mollusk Corduroy Shorts, I’d say it’s a tough call. Feel free to let me know via Twitter. Thanks for reading, and happy summer!

 

 

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: A New and Improved Way to Wear Shorts This Summer

Do you ever find yourself struggling with how to wear shorts? As in, how to find the right cut, color & fabric, and then wear ’em in a way that’s unique to you … yet still friendly and fashionable (but not too fashionable) for a summer weekend? That’s what we’re here today to discuss, and we’ll start by digging into the stylish shorts from Flint and Tinder that are going to set you apart from the pack. Looking for slim, tailored shorts that hit above the knee is the first critical step, and then finding the right summer men’s style essentials — like a classic navy polo and a pair of the best men’s sneakers on the market right now. It’s not just about grabbing a great pair of shorts, then throwing on whatever is in reach. In fact, each of these picks are just a little more stylish and visually interesting than the gear you might be used to wearing with shorts, and that means you can take this #OOTD a heck of a lot of places. Which is to say: For a relaxing summer day at home or on the road, the Flint and Tinder Weekend Shorts are only the start of a stylish, fun day. BBQs, breweries, summer celebrations aplenty … this is how to wear shorts for all of those occasions.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

The very best way to wear shorts? Well, it’s certainly one way!

  • The Shorts: Flint and Tinder Weekend Shorts, $78 — These stylish shorts from Flint and Tinder live up to their name, easily. They’re laidback and ready for … the weekend.
  • The Polo: Relwen Stripe Slot Pique Polo, $98 — How can you not love Relwen’s take on the classic navy polo? This is a visually interesting change of pace as far as the best men’s polos go, and it pairs perfectly with new & improved shorts.
  • The Classic Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Chambray Sneakers, $88 — When the weather gets nice and breezy, you should turn toward some of the best men’s sneakers on the market, this time in a summer-friendly chambray.
  • The No-Show Socks: Proof 72-Hour Merino No-Show Socks, $29 — Let’s account for all the small details with these stylish no-show socks from Proof, shall we?
  • The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses, $135 — These are no run-of-the-mill sunglasses here, no sir. These are some of the best sunglasses you can reach for this season, blending modern style and old-school cool.
  • The Everyday Bag: WP Standard Canvas Travel Bag, $289 — Be it a trip to the store or a trip to the park, this dependable everyday bag from WP Standard can hold all the gear you need — and then some.
  • The Wallet: Filson Bi-Fold Wallet, $135 — Whether you hit up your favorite BBQ joint or grab a scoop (or four) of ice cream, this Filson wallet is going to carry your cards and cash in style.
  • The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner, $14 — Hey, summer is no time to let your grooming slip — use Duke Cannon essentials, like this great-smelling shampoo & conditioner, to take care of business.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

Before you head to your next BBQ or casual weekend brunch, are you feeling more acquainted with how to wear shorts? Namely, new & improved shorts from a favorite brand like Flint and Tinder? Starting with a foundational item as great as those shorts, what with their weekend-ready vibe (literally!) only sets you off on precisely the right foot. The right supporting cast also makes all the difference, which is why we’re recommending you wear a classic navy polo with just a bit of a twist — the same can be said for those SeaVees sneakers, assuredly some of the best men’s sneakers you can pick up at the moment. Of course, it’s critical that you pair up those sneakers with stylish no-show socks to keep your feet & your sneakers in great shape. And no matter where you go (the beach? a road trip?), a dependable everyday bag from WP Standard is one way to carry your everyday essentials while standing out from the pack. The little details, as ever, also matter — you won’t be leaving behind your Filson wallet anywhere, I can guarantee that. And if you choose to outfit yourself with some of the best sunglasses your money can buy, then your #OOTD gets all the more stylish and summer-ready. But really, things get off on an even better foot when you use a great-smelling shampoo & conditioner, then dress accordingly with stylish shorts. How do you plan to wear this #OOTD? Let me know on Twitter. Thanks for reading!