August 20, 2020July 22, 2020 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Taylor Stitch Chinos Are Your New Favorite Pants

The best pants for men? Check. The best men’s chinos? Also, check.

My friends, you best continue to acquaint yourself with Taylor Stitch. Specifically, the San Francisco retailer’s chinos, which are, simply put, your new favorite pair of pants (and some of the best chinos for men, to boot). These are a pair of chinos I first reviewed back in 2015, if you can believe it, and it’s no exaggeration to say Taylor Stitch chinos have only gotten better and at the same time … maintained the same incredible quality and rigorous standards. Is that an exaggeration? Not even close — wait ’til you see all the stops they’ve pulled out for the latest iteration, from versatile design to quality construction (including organic cotton). In fact, you can get these organic cotton chinos in a plethora of colors via the Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection, from the timeless British Khaki to the neutral Ash to crisp Navy and of course, an even cooler shade of Olive. Details like soft brushed fabric, custom brass hardware and interior vintage map pocket detailing make these some of the coolest men’s pants, period.

And the fits? Absolutely excellent, from the roomier-but-still-tailored Democratic Chinos (slightly tapered below the knee and roomier through the thigh) to the slim-but-not-too-tight Slim Chinos. Seriously, these are a truly revelatory pair of stylish men’s chinos that every guy needs to own. That’s certainly going out on a limb, but I promise, it’s not too much (if you’ve tried the brand out, you know). And if you haven’t? Take a shot with the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Chinos just once, and you just might want to fill your closet with a pair in every color. It seems pretty fitting they come from the stellar Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection — they’re as crucial to have in your wardrobe for early fall (and beyond) as anything else you can dream up.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Chinos

August 17, 2016August 21, 2016 by Beau H.

Rolling the dice: Heading West for Liberty Fairs Las Vegas

Editor’s note: To recap the last time I hit the road, click here.

A hot and sunny business trip to Las Vegas. Ivy Blazer by Grayers. Pocket square by J. Crew. Denim Shirt by JackThreads. Slim Stone Chinos by Taylor Stitch. Chukkas by Timberland. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder.

Out of all the things that excite me about New York City and the chance to work in the menswear industry, there are certain parts of the job that just can’t be beat. Although I certainly hope to do a lot more, I’m pretty thankful and lucky right now that I get the chance to travel for my day job, and blog about that travel, at the same time. Such was the case these past four days , as I headed west to Liberty Fairs in Las Vegas; it’s a twice-yearly men’s fashion trade show that makes stops in NYC and Las Vegas, showcasing what’s new and next in the industry. That means everyone from fashion magazine editors to publishers, bloggers and sales representatives are gathered under one massive roof to scope out seasonal trends, post relentlessly on Instagram and of course, do business — everything from socks to shoes to outerwear is on display by brand. It’s a busy, hectic time, which didn’t leave much opportunity to sight-see. Although I experienced a bit of the bustle during New York Fashion Week: Men’s, hitting the road to travel and check out Liberty Fairs in a city like Las Vegas was another animal entirely. As always, that’s why I hauled my favorite #menswear essentials with me.

Travel essentials fit for Vegas. Voyager Waxed Weekender by Owen & Fred. T-shirt by Public Rec Apparel. Capital Shorts by OLIVERS Apparel. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Sunglasses by Steven Alan Optical. Belt by J. Crew. Lanyard by Tanner Goods.

As I’ve been on the road a lot lately, my durable, rugged Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender has gotten a lot of work — and for good reason. If you don’t have a stylish weekender bag, and you’ve instead been relying on an old suitcase or a gym bag, making the switch is a mighty good investment. Unlike a recent trip to Michigan for a bachelor party, Las Vegas presented quite the different set of challenges — that would be the extreme heat, of course. Standard, sweat-wicking materials just wouldn’t do, though. With style in mind, I was happy to test out a new T-shirt from Public Rec Apparel. Known for its All Day Every Day Pant, the brand recently launched a super-soft, super-comfortable and super-durable T-shirt. The tee is made with a remarkable sweat-wicking fabric blend in a silhouette that still looks smart on its own or under a blazer — you can’t say that about your standard gym wear. And that tee was complemented nicely another staple that merges athletic performance materials with a tailored silhouette. Yes, the OLIVERS Apparel Capital Short was just the right pair to wear from New York and right into the Vegas heat — the shorts feature a nylon-spandex blend & four-way stretch, yet fit and looks like a pair of slim chino shorts. Those two pieces kept me comfortable, which was crucial for a long travel day.

A Monday of meetings and menswear. Pocket Tee by Steven Alan. 505C Jeans by Levi’s. Ivy Blazer by Grayers. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Chukkas by Timberland. Striped socks via the latest SprezzaBox. Notebook by Word Notebooks.

With my accommodations all set and a busy slate of trade show appointments locked in, it was time to hit the ground running on Monday. Throughout the course of a busy two days, it was excellent to be able to catch up with some great blogger friends like Leo of Levitate Style and Danielle of She’s A Gent. The duo was among a group participating in The Studios at Liberty Fairs, a partnership giving creatives the chance to create content — everything from photos to videos, portraits and social media posts — with brands and fellow influencers across three very busy days at the trade show. So given the need to look camera-ready, I tried to rise to the occasion while fighting the heat. A soft Steven Alan pocket tee was just the ticket in that regard — especially when paired with my Grayers Ivy Blazer, a casual linen-cotton jacket with unique patch-button pockets and a casual feel. If you’re looking for a way to dress down your summer blazer, you can’t go wrong with a garment-dyed tee. The combo helped me move in style around the trade show, as did a pair of sharp-yet-edgy Levi’s 505C Jeans, made with a hint of stretch and featuring a faded grey-black wash. They’re a slightly cooler take (figuratively and literally) on heavy dark denim and a blazer, particularly when moving around a lot. I finished off the combination with a pair of rugged Timberland leather chukka boots and my ever-dependable Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, a frequent travel companion and just one of a few stunning watches from the Timex x Todd Snyder partnership.

With Day 1 in the books, it was a quick turnaround for another busy day at Sands Expo at The Venetian scoping out the bustling (and hustling) crowd of #menswear aficionados. Throughout the day, I checked out the wares on display from perennial Style Guide favorites like Red Wing Heritage and (potential) soon-to-be favorites like Hudson Shoes. It was a great mix of brands, including everyone from accessories companies like Herschel Supply Co. to sock brands like Happy Socks. All the while, I again took on the day — and the heat — in style. I stuck with some of my favorite style essentials, like my JackThreads Denim Shirt (a very wearable shirt no matter the season). I complemented that with my Taylor Stitch Slim Stone Chinos — they’re unbeatable for the price and quality. And when you’ve got versatile staples like those two pieces, stylish Steven Alan sunglasses and sturdy leather chukka boots are a nice finishing touch (the pair seen here is from Timberland — you can snag a similar style from Thursday Boots for a nice value). On the accessories front, my ever-reliable Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch was the perfect timepiece for the occasion — it goes with just about everything thanks to the crisp retro dial and grey NATO strap. For being on time to various meetings and catching up with friends (all on the job), it helped keep me in line. That outfit combination worked well for the evening, too — it’s not every day you get the chance to attend a party thrown by the Hearst and Esquire teams (yes, that Esquire). Luckily, my smart-casual combination was able to take me from a day on the trade show floor to enjoying some delicious cocktails without missing a beat (that’s what we’re all about here at The Style Guide).

A comfortable, casual and crisp travel outfit. Polo by Life/After/Denim. Warren Denim by Mott & Bow. Chariot Runner Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Steno Book by Field Notes Brand. Mailbag by Satchel & Page.

Sadly, my time at Liberty Fairs came to an end all too quickly — today called for a flight back to NYC. For one last push through the heat of Vegas, I grabbed the aptly named Marco Polo from Life/After/Denim. It blends a modern fit with a garment-washed look and feel, plus an open collar (one featuring no buttons). The overall effect is breezy and casual, but it’s one that still looks put-together for a cross-country flight when teamed with the ever-stylish Slim Warren Denim from Mott & Bow. For only about $20 more than what the brand normally charges, you’re getting a well-fitting pair of Italian-made denim — they were the perfect complement to my lightweight Brooks Heritage Chariot Runners in color and silhouette. Throughout the day, kept track of my flight time with my Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono and chronicled my adventures with my handy Word Notebooks Adventure Log — both of which you should bring along for a weekend getaway.

As great of a time as it was in Las Vegas, it was even better to reconnect with great friends and fellow bloggers — plus, some terrific brands you’ll (hopefully) see a lot more of here and on my Instagram in the coming months. Forging partnerships and featuring great brands and products is terrific, but meeting great people in a like-minded environment is even better. Even though it’s been a heck of a busy week so far — and it’s only Wednesday (!) — my travels aren’t quite done yet. We’re looking at one day back in NYC before I hit the road on Friday to head back to my hometown of Mason, Michigan for my great friend Andy’s wedding. Seeing my friends for his bachelor weekend in Grand Rapids was an absolute blast just a few weeks ago, so this upcoming trip is bound to be just as incredible (even if it’ll be powered by lots and lots of coffee). If you’ve got menswear musings or questions on what to wear for your next Las Vegas trip, shoot me a tweet on Twitter or follow along on the daily via Instagram.

Look for the Friday Read and Style Pick later this week, and swing back through the blog on Monday for yet another Michigan trip recap — stay stylish!

-Beau

June 7, 2016June 9, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style A Henley for Summer

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

To me, there isn’t a style of shirt (without a collar, that is), that’s more versatile or rugged than a great short-sleeve henley. Although expressions of style and masculinity are changing all the time, there’s no doubt that a stylish henley is a still a reliable go-to if you want to upgrade your game and look a little tougher and stronger — or simply better in general — and that’s certainly true for the below tips on how to style a henley for summer. That goes for long-sleeve henleys with a vintage look, and it goes for fashionable short-sleeve henleys fit for fighting the warm weather. The button placket on well-made henleys adds some nice visual interest to looks both casual and a bit crisper, and in the right fit and color (like the slim-fitting indigo henley) below, you can wear the piece on its own with slim chino shorts or layered up under an unconstructed blazer for unique high-low style that can go to the office on a casual day and out on a date thereafter (I bet you’ll look better than the fella in the ill-fitting suit — trust me). It can be a bit of a process to switch from a plain white tee to a knit with more texture, color and visual details (even if it is just a simple button placket). But those added small details make it a worthy style upgrade — especially when you ditch the long sleeves in favor of a piece that’s just as trim-fitting, yet a heck of a lot more ready for the warm weather. Invest in one that’s well-crafted and you can rock it under a spring jacket, beneath a fall blazer or as a complement to a warm shawl cardigan in winter. For now though, focus on great chinos, solid suede boots and other accessories just begging to be worn on a warm summer’s day. Chime in on the #OOTD discussion at our very own Style Guide Facebook page, and we’ll see you out shopping.

Pair a short-sleeve henley with staples you might already have in your closet, like stone chinos and suede chukka boots.

The Henley: Jason Scott Banks Short-Sleeve Henley in Indigo — $96: Nearly $100 is a certainly a steep price to pay, but that price gets you exceptional quality, terrific Peruvian fabric and finishing touches like antique metal buttons on the placket.

The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Light Stone — $98: Taylor Stitch chinos have been a Style Guide favorite for some time now, and the reliably ideal fit and excellent fabric quality and color make these a fine match for that indigo henley.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Boot — $149: Just as with those Taylor Stitch chinos, the Scout Boot from Team Thursday has received positive reviews in this neck of the woods, for comfort and quality as much as looks. This rich Honey Suede pair really does have it all.

The Socks: American Trench Edo Collection Socks — $19.50: Nearly $20 for a pair of socks? You’re darn right, and they’re some of the best (if not the best) ones you can rock that are made in America at family mills. Plus, the color pops just the right amount against the faded indigo henley.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-Striped Webbing Belt — $14.50: Again, it’s a little counterintuitive that a belt would cost less than socks, but this piece is a bargain number that can be styled into several looks (see my Instagram for more examples, will ya?)

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Jack Sunglasses in Silver Navy — $98: As first seen on this site’s roundup of the best men’s sunglasses for summer, this pair of aviators is simple yet sleek and stylish (not to mention pretty cost-effective).

The Trunks: Tommy John Second Skin Titanium Trunk — $32: More than $30 sure is a heck of a lot to pay for underwear, but with what Tommy John can deliver in terms of quality, it’s worth it. The Dark Titanium color shown here has sold fast, but check out their other colorways here.

The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chronograph — $158: Timex and Red Wing really have thrown everything they’ve got at this standout watch, with a strap crafted from rugged Red Wing boot leather and a sturdy, classic-looking dial that’s super-functional and ready for just about anything (including NYC style adventures).

Sure, chinos and a henley might seem like a simple outfit combination at first glance, but it’s the upgraded, slimmer fits, richer colors and better quality that make this look acceptable for everything from grabbing beers at the bar to leaving early on a casual Friday (perhaps with a light grey blazer, if I do say so myself). And the other pieces in this ensemble, from a warm-weather friendly cotton belt to suede chukkas, can work in multiple seasons. Finally, there’s truly no bad time for a durable leather watch or a subtle-yet-stylish socks or crisp sunglasses. Making these pieces work in your favor by adding a lightweight sweater or swapping in a stainless steel dive watch is definitely going to pay style dvidends. Do we read each other loud and clear? Yes? Excellent.

‘Til next time!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

March 5, 2016March 3, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Light Stone

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

The perfect way to step into spring and summer — with a crisp chino from Taylor Stitch.

With last week’s Style Pick of the Week, we covered a lightweight, casual layer — all in the name of moving a little toward spring. This week’s Style Pick continues to move things in that same direction, bit by bit. The fine folks at Taylor Stitch are a Style Guide favorite for an untold number of reasons. From its ridiculously high-quality and versatile Standard Issue Slim Chino to its drool-worthy Moto Jacket and quick-selling pieces like its Blackwatch Yosemite Shirt, the brand does things the right way. That means plenty of heritage styling inspiration (plus modern fits), and tough construction that just won’t quit. That also means that some of its pieces are rightfully a bit pricey. But as far as spring style at a nice pricepoint goes, you just can’t beat the Slim Chino in Light Stone. It’s up for pre-funding right now on the Taylor Stitch Web site, so they’re set to ship in mid-May. However, I’d highly suggest you get on ’em now — namely because they’re available for $78 versus the full price of $98. Toss in a 20 percent discount for first-time email subscribers, and you’re looking at just over $60 for a highly versatile pair of chinos. If you’re intimidated by that color? Fear not — it’s still plenty versatile.

This offering represents a brand-new color for Taylor Stitch — plenty wearable and warm weather-ready.

Made from a 9.5oz. brushed Spanish twill in Spain and cut slim (although the more forgiving Democratic fit is also available), you should approach these chinos as you might a darker shade of khaki. That is to say, they can be mixed in with brown suede chukkas, a denim jacket and a chambray shirt for easygoing, spring-centric casual style. And that lighter color is also going to work nicely with shades of blue — everything from a heather navy polo to a cashmere sweater for when it’s abit chillier. They can even ground a grey shawl-collar cardigan in the early fall, so they’re worth the investment. Don’t underestimate the power of pants this color to be worn in a more continental fashion, either — look to James Bond for an example. The smaller details are on-point, too — note the brand’s signature printed San Francisco map pocket liner on the interior of the pants. The inseam is cut long for some of us (36 inches, to be exact) so they might require some tailoring. But for the starter-level price of just under $80, they’re a great deal from a brand that knows how to deliver the goods, seemingly no matter the product. The most difficult part is going to be waiting until May for them to ship. Good things really do take time.

Would you pre-fund these Taylor Stitch chinos? How would you style them for spring and summer?

August 19, 2015August 19, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Slim Chino

Pairing the Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Slim Chino with transitional travel gear. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Vintage wool baseball cap by Goorin Brothers. Chukka boots by Timberland.

Pairing the Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Slim Chino with transitional travel gear in Italy. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Vintage wool baseball cap by Goorin Brothers. Chukka boots by Timberland. Glasses by Warby Parker

There’s really no underestimating the power of a great basic in a guy’s wardrobe, whether it’s a pair of dark denim or a crisp Oxford cloth buttondown or a sturdy pair of boots. The khaki chino occupies that same space – it’s the ideal balance between dressy and casual, especially in the manner that current brands have been making them. That typically means a slimmer fit and the lack of pleats that characterized a lot of khakis in days past.

And if you’ve paid any attention to the rise in American-made goods these past few years in the #menswear world, you might’ve heard the name Taylor Stitch. The brand takes a two-pronged approach to distributing its clothing, using a mixture of customer-funded campaigns (similar to Gustin’s approach) and stocking year-round essentials one can pick up at any time. Its Standard Issue Slim Chino (newly restocked in sizes 28 to 36!) is one of those essentials, and for great reason.

Another way to style these chinos, also from my travels to Italy and Greece. Corona not included. White sneakers by GREATS Brand.

Although the pant comes in Olive and Navy as well, the Khaki Slim Chino is as close to a perfect pair of pants as you can get. For those times when dark denim might not work, this pair acts as an ideal dressier stand-in – especially with a classic, unconstructed navy blazer as seen here. The great folks at the brand worked with me on a review of the chinos for GearHungry earlier this spring, and I’ve had the chance to test them out all through the summer – including on a lengthy trip to Greece.

While one could argue that a khaki chino is only part of a rotation of pants – and thus you could afford to skimp a little – this pair from Taylor Stitch makes the exact opposite case. That is, it’s so versatile and you should (presumably) get so much wear out of it that it absolutely pays to divvy up a little cash up front.

Namely, the fabric on these chinos is something else. It’s a soft, custom cotton blend chino that’s brushed for softness – something you can tell right out of the box. There’s no absurd stiffness to these, making them easy to wear right away. While some definitely prefer a heavier chino fabric (and some brands, like Gustin, make a living doing that), having a pair that feels broken-in is a big benefit.

But, that broken-in feel doesn’t mean you’re getting a pair of sunfaded chinos that have also proven popular across the past few seasons. In fact, the color on these is even throughout – and has remained that way despite washing throughout the summer. And if anything, the fabric has gotten softer over time – making them even easier to wear. Note that the fabric certainly isn’t your average, flimsy-feeling pair from a cheaper retailer –- but it’s also not a true lightweight chino a la Bonobos.

Regardless, the versatility and durability is a huge selling point and makes it easier to wear them more frequently. Thankfully, these don’t need to be treated like raw denim, unwashed for months at a time.

Yet another situation in which these chinos do well — business casual. Blazer by J. Crew. Heather Herringbone Shirt by Combat Gent. Pindot tie by Express. Loafers by G.H. Bass Horween leather watch strap by Form-Function-Form and Ameritus Sport watch by Timex. Belt by Target Merona.

And that’s lent itself to some nice outfit combinations across the summer. I’ve paired them with everything from a heathered burgundy pocket tee and navy sneakers (a favorite combo) to a blazer and chukka boots. Throwing them together with a slim chambray shirt and brown leather loafers has also worked well for dressier situations.

The fit on these is also to be commended. If you’re unsure of trying out the brand, it’s worth nothing that these fit remarkably similar to any other mainstream (and arguably lower-quality) pair from one of an industry big shot. (looking at you J. Crew). So the fit is trim to be sure, but offers more give through the thigh than one might expect. It’s perhaps closest to a Levi’s 513, but the brand also offers a Democratic fit that’s slightly looser but still tailored.

Crucially, the waist band fits comfortably on a size 34×32 – it doesn’t bunch when worn with a belt, something that can occasionally be a problem. Watch out if you happen to be more vertically challenged though – the chinos arrive out of the box with a 36-inch inseam, meaning that I’ve chosen to cuff and roll them (as you can see in these photos). You could also take them to a tailor to have them hemmed if you know a particularly good one.

A closer look at the vintage map detailing and sturdy hardware that help set these chinos apart.

As to be expected with a pair of American-made chinos, the detailing is superb. Sturdy bar tack stitches hold the pockets in place on the interior of the chinos, while the front copper button is reinforced, too. Those who appreciate good design should also enjoy the vintage San Francisco maps printed on the interior of the pockets, and the tag noting it’s American-made is always nice to see.

With a pair of pants like these, it’s not a stretch to say you could put together five different outfits, each with a completely different vibe (that might sound familiar to those of you who read my Effortless Gent series!). From rugged long-sleeve henleys and cardigans in the winter to white sneakers and a simple T-shirt in the summer, this really is a four-season pair of pants (the fabric certainly lends itself to that). So the next time you look to buy a pair of chinos, look West – and get out that credit card.
Do you own a pair of Taylor Stitch chinos? Or will you soon? How would you style these?

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