January 7, 2017January 4, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket

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.

Right down to the smallest details — Taylor Stitch gets it right, again.

Happy Saturday, folks — and if it’s Saturday, it’s that time. Yes, it’s everyone’s favorite recurring menswear series, the Style Pick of the Week. We’ve introduced you over the past few weeks to all kinds of winter style essentials, from a durable and unique American-made moleskin shirt to a slim leather wallet to a great pair of rugged leather boots for winter. Now, what’s the one thing that’s going to tie together all those everyday pieces? A beautiful, durable and beastly coat like *cue fireworks* the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket. Bingo. Available in a quickly dwindling size run via the Taylor Stitch Web site, the great news is that you can get the uniquely tailored and rugged Maritime Submariner Jacket right now, this very instant, via Huckberry. It’s worth doing — trust me. Made from a positively tough and hefty 19oz. Italian boiled lambswool, this jacket is impeccably tailored and comes with the bells and whistles you need this winter. That starts with the maritime-inspired anchor buttons — no loose threads in sight — and carries through to the welted handwarmer pockets and hip patch flap pockets for handling your daily haul (maybe the Taylor Stitch Minimalist Collection, come to think of it?). Oh, and the fit and style points? Nearly off the charts.

Welted handwarmer pockets and patch flap pockets translate to functionality, top-notch construction and great style.

With a trim silhouette and sharp Ash Donegal Lamsbwool fabric, it’s the perfect classy-but-casual weekend — and weekday — jacket. It’s made for slipping over a classic Oxford shirt alongside garment-dyed chinos for your 9-to-5 grind, and it’s built to withstand a weekend’s worth of outdoor adventures atop inky blue selvedge denim and a trusty pair of (can you guess?) … your favorite brown leather boots. And if you happen to be able to style it with something as essential as the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, you’ll be set for nearly any situation — Sunday brunch, a weekend coffee date … you name it, this jacket works in cozy, durable and handsome winter style. It’s almost as coveted by this menswear blogger as the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket — at this rate, you might end up with a whole closet full of Taylor Stitch gear. Not that that would be a bad thing at all, of course.

Get the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket via Huckberry while it lasts.

December 26, 2016December 26, 2016 by Beau H.

Fort Myers Festivities: Celebrating a Florida Christmas

Dressed for Christmas the Florida way. Printed shirt by Quiksilver. Chambray shorts by Canvas by Lands’ End. Ripper Sneakers by Reef. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason. Glasses by Frameri.

When the holiday season hits, I tend to think back to Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons spent in Michigan — who doesn’t love traditions of years gone by? With those memories in mind, it’s been a fun process the past three years to start new traditions in my parents’ adopted home of Fort Myers, and I always welcome the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City for a warm and sunny Florida vacation. I traveled to Fort Myers last Christmas, and I get back every few months — including a recent visit for Thanksgiving — but it never gets old spending time in the sand and sun (especially when the alternative is dealing with a polar vortex in New York City). Yes, the holiday season in Florida is always a treat, an adventure and a bit of a sight to behold — palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights looks a bit different. But it was great to be with family and friends, and I brought along as much stylish travel gear as I could pack.

Gear fit for Florida and NYC. Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Kinzie Jeans by Mugsy Jeans. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Wallet by Brothers Leather.

Surviving a frigid day in New York City and capping that off with a flight to breezy Florida is no joke, so I wore gear that could stand up to both challenges (the rest, I packed in my trusty, durable Owen & Fred weekender bag — but you knew that, right?). Of course, my packing list looked a lot different than my winter weekend in Baltimore, but I stuck with the ever-versatile Taylor Stitch Jack in Indigo Star Shirt,for starters. It’s as reliable and well-fitting of a casual shirt you can buy, and it provided a nice bit of contrast to my light wash Kinzie Jeans — they’re the perfect travel denim from Mugsy Jeans.

For the day in NYC, I layered up with the heritage-inspired, ultra-comfortable Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, and accented the sporty sweatshirt with my comfortable and casual Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers. They proved easy to slip on and off at the airport, and I’d wager they’ll work just as well for you the next time you travel. On the accessories front, I found my simple, effective (and unfortunately sold out!) Timex for J. Crew watch provided easygoing-yet-crisp travel style. And throughout my trip, I loved throwing on my vintage-inspired Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, a one-of-a-kind grey cotton flannel baseball cap with a navy felt “H” — for Huckberry, of course. So, that gear helped me make it to Florida in style — and it’s a good thing, as we had lots in store for Christmas weekend.

Looking out on a lovely day at Cayo Costa. Brando T-Shirt by Barking Irons. Swim Trunks by JackThreads. Gratton Sneakers by Fronteer. Expedition watch by Timex. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches.

Getting some quality time out and about on the Florida water was in order for an early Friday boat excursion through the waterways of Fort Myers, from Cayo Costa State Park to Cabbage Key — both scenic islands with ample beach space. I stuck with a combination of gear both new and old, starting with my durable-as-heck FRONTEER Super Gratton high-top sneakers. I wore them on my last Florida trip and found they provided comfort and serious durability. A breathable, vintage-inspired Barking Irons Brando G.I. T-Shirt, courtesy of the New York-based design and apparel company, helped me stay cool on the water. Inspired by infantry T-shirts from the Vietnam era, the little details — like the scalloped hem and raised sleeves — make it a great pick-up. Of course, my JackThreads Swim Trunks were just as needed for the day, with their trim fit and neutral navy color. And my crisp, classic Timex Expedition field watch on a tough black NATO strap held up more than fine, as did my MVMT Watches Runaway Aviators and my stylish — yet adventure-ready — Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

With a day of exploration behind us and Christmas Eve ahead, it was time to look to the weekend. I did so with a mix of pieces both tropical-inspired — like my Quiksilver Sunset Tunnels Shirt — and my Canvas by Lands’ End shorts. Those pieces worked easily for a nice Christmas Eve dinner and some much-needed time in the sun. It felt slightly odd to not be bundled up on Christmas Eve as in past years, but some subtly stylish, comfortable black canvas Reef Ripper Sneakers helped me navigate the day in style, as did my Jack Mason Nautical 3-Hand Watch on a warm weather-friendly blue perlon strap. The watch, like the black canvas sneakers, proved just as stylish for exploring sunny Fort Myers as it did for grabbing a few brews and enjoy my family’s traditions — a classic Christmas Eve film and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Doesn’t get much better, ehh?

An amazing Christmas featuring some great men’s style essentials (of course. Vintage-style cotton sweater by Hillflint. Book by Esquire. Chocolate by Toblerone.

With a delicious Christmas Eve dinner complete, I went to bed with visions of my #menswear wish list dancing in my head (indulge me, will you?). I hope you were able to come through with key shopping pick-ups of your own, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what Santa left me under the tree this year. I was really lucky to get an amazing vintage Michigan State sweater from Hillflint — it’s a super-premium cotton knit piece that I’ll look forward to wearing on Saturday fall trips back to East Lansing and chilly weekends in NYC alike. I’m also looking forward to breaking out an amazingly high-quality Todd Snyder White Label dress shirt for New Year’s Eve, and I’ll be reminding myself of proper dress etiquette with Esquire’s “New Rules for Men,” a fun, informative and quick-hitting feature from the fantastic pages of the essential Hearst publication. I also snagged a great Ticketmaster gift card from Santa — so you can expect more live music and menswear in the coming year on the blog! Needless to say, I’m definitely a fan of the Christmas season, and I’m very thankful for such a great day!

Comfortable, crisp style essentials. Chambray shirt by Old Navy. Alpha Stretch Khakis by Dockers. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather.

Given the need to put together a stylish New Year’s Eve outfit — not to mention those crucial menswear resolutions — I’m sure plenty of this gear will more than come in handy in the weeks ahead. Even moreso than those stellar gifts, it was a day that made me feel very lucky and grateful to spend it with my amazing family — that’s my true takeaway from this Florida trip (and of course, the added #menswear goodies will make it a bit hard to pack up for my flight home). So with an overstuffed duffel bag packed for later this week, I reached for sharp essentials for another day today in Florida, starting with a classic Old Navy chambray shirt — casual but still crisp. And my Flint and Tinder Pocket T-Shirt proved a comfortable base layer. Because great style doesn’t stop with your top half, I reached for my slim-fitting, easily wearable Dockers Alpha Stretch Khakis and my Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers. When the occasion calls for simple style, I’d wager you’ll do just fine with similarly versatile, do-everything pieces like a classic chambray shirt and chinos.

So, what’s on the docket for the rest of the week? Definitely some rest, some reflection before 2017 and yes, plenty of planning for a stylish New Year’s Eve in New York City. You can stay tuned for business as usual tomorrow, starting with a winter style #OOTD, and continuing right on through to what to wear to ring in the new year via Wednesday’s style suggestion. Oh, and if you didn’t enter last week’s men’s lifestyle giveaway, do so before the 28th to win a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card and get a jump on those fitness goals. At any rate, thanks so much for reading along — I hope you’ve had a stellar holiday season, and I hope you’re ready for lots more menswear on The Style Guide. Thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

December 17, 2016December 8, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket

A one-of-a-kind jacket from a one-of-a-kind brand.

Here at your trusty neighborhood Style Guide, we love ourselves a dash of rugged, tough and versatile menswear. It’s handy to be able to dress in business casual style — and it’s even better to look great for your holiday party — but there are definitely times where you want to step out in something a little more functional and perhaps … heritage-inspired? The fine folks at Taylor Stitch get lots of love on this blog because, well, they simply don’t seem to strike out when it comes to the gear that you — and me — know and love and wear … a lot. They really check a lot of boxes when it comes to essential pieces like the Everyday Chambray Shirt, and dressier fare like the sharp, versatile Telegraph Suit — and if you need another sturdy, durable-as-heck and ultra-reliable piece of outerwear to add to your rotation? That’s what’s on the agenda today. Yes sir, the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket is a piece of work, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s workwear-inspired and calls to mind the kind of jacket your grandfather might have worn (or still wears). Made with a tightly spun cotton canvas that’s impregnated with a natural wax, it’s the perfect alternative for those situations when you need something a bit more functional and longer in cut than, say, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket. It’s cut to hit below the hip, and features three front button pockets for functionality you can’t beat — and yes, one of the pockets on the Rover Jacket can even hold your iPhone 6. Oh, and in the style department, this jacket is an A-plus, surefire winner.

Small, considered details — right down to the leather pull tab on the zipper.

The Field Tan Waxed Canvas is handsome and unique, a worthy complement to inky blue slim dark denim and even a pair of cognac leather boots. In fact, the Rover Jacket is also the perfect jacket to toss on over a slim grey crewneck sweater and navy chinos for a more a laidback — yet functional-as-heck — ensemble for your commute and a casual work day. Of course, it’ll ensure that when you do dress up a bit — think pairing a blue chambray shirt with a navy knit tie — you’ll stay warm and dry. The water-repellent, wind-repellent functionality means the Rover Jacket is heck of a piece to wear in nearly any condition — yes, even as you dress for the first snowfall. Since it’s fully in stock via the great folks at Huckberry, I’d recommend you snag the Rover Jacket as quickly as you can. For under $300, you get the kind of stylish looks and durable toughness that only Taylor Stitch can provide — seriously, if you don’t own any of the brand’s gear … take the plunge. It nearly goes without mentioning that the moleskin lining throughout various portions of the jacket– also wind-repellent — will keep you warm and comfortable whether your weekend pursuits involve chopping wood or fighting crowds for some last-minute Christmas shopping. Wearing this thing to shop? For sure. Heck he Rover Jacket is so stellar, stylish and functional, you’ll wear it everywhere — even to the mall.

Get the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket in time for Christmas via Huckberry.

Happy shopping, good luck out there and stay stylish!

-Beau

September 3, 2016September 2, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt

A rugged, Portuguese-made shirt from a brand that consistently delivers on style essentials.

There are brands that almost make it ridiculously easy to get all your shopping done in one place — if you read The Style Guide, you know that Taylor Stitch is definitely one such brand. It seems that just about anything you need on the #menswear front can be fulfilled by the brand — that goes for things like essential chambray shirting, classic men’s chinos made from durable fabric, and a drool-worthy leather jacket or two, and it’s particularly evident during times best suited to rugged gear (like fall). If you thought you couldn’t possibly need another reason to shop at Taylor Stitch, think again. In this instance, gentlemen (and ladies), the Crater Shirt is that very reason — and it’s a heck of a good one. It’s available for pre-order right now on the brand’s Web site for the very reasonable price of $98 — that means you should hop on ordering one just as soon as you can. Clearly, fans of the brand got the memo — the Navy & Charcoal Plaid version seen here has been funded to the tune 146 percent. Now, what are you getting for that price? Starting with the brushed Portuguese flannel and rolling through to small details like the flap chest pocket and Japanese Urea cat’s eye buttons, a heck of a shirt is what you’re getting. It plays right into the brand’s focus on producing timeless pieces that quickly turn into hard-wearing wardrobe staples. If you’ve checked out something as seemingly straightforward as the brand’s Brushed White Oxford, then you know that sentiment to be true. No matter the style, you’re getting the best they’ve got to offer. With the Crater Shirt, that means you’re also getting to pick between two color choices practically made for late fall, early winter and beyond.

The inverse of the option seen at the top of the page -- yet still just as stylish and versatile.

The reverse of the option seen at the top of the page — a Charcoal & Navy Plaid pattern that’s still just as stylish and versatile.

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with either the Navy & Charcoal Plaid seen at the very top of the page, or the Charcoal & Navy Plaid pattern seen above. Still with me? Hopefully. Either way, you’re getting a durable, modern-fitting flannel shirt that’s heavy enough to wear as a shirt-jacket over a long-sleeve merino tee, comfortable enough to wear on its own, and stylish enough to fit in at the office with slim chinos — or atop slim raw denim at your favorite weekend watering hole. By pre-ordering now, you’re setting yourself up for a heck of a stylish November (that’s when the shirt ships out). It’s a hallmark of the brand that the style is still one you could easily wear with a variety of looks — that goes for the snowy depths of January just as much as it does for crisp November days. If it sounds strange to think that far ahead, think of this as a long-term investment that’s well worth your while. Heck, if the Crater Shirt is anything like the brand’s lauded Yosemite Shirt, it’s absolutely a keeper. For all of us fans of Taylor Stitch, that’s excellent news indeed. What are you waiting for? Head to the Taylor Stitch site to pre-order the Crater Shirt now (that’s not a request!).

If you do pre-order it, let me know on Twitter — and stay stylish in the meantime,

-Beau

January 23, 2016July 28, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Long Haul Waxed Canvas Jacket

The Long Haul Field Jacket — another stunning crowdfunded piece up for grabs from Taylor Stitch.

There are some items that you see online and immediately think — or in this case, exclaim aloud — “WHOA,” and certainly one of the best men’s field jackets is good enough to do that. The item that did that for me this week is the crazy-sweet Taylor Stitch jacket you see at the top of the page — and that’s almost not even a good enough adjective to describe it. Yes indeed, the Long Haul Jacket in Field Tan Waxed Canvas is the latest in a growing line of exceptionally stylish and durable-looking product releases from the made-in-America purveyors at California-based Taylor Stitch. If you’re not familiar with the brand, take a moment to acquaint yourself. They stock both a regular rotation of everyday Essentials — things like chambray shirts, Oxfords and their famous Standard Issue Chinos — in addition to the crowdfunding they use to produce products (like the jacket you see here) in small batches. That model is clearly working, as the Long Haul Jacket is a runaway hit to the tune of being more than 350% funded as of press time. They’ve become a Style Guide regular (check out a past Style Pick feature here), and that’s due in large part to the strength and style potential of their product, which is timeless and well-crafted. The Long Haul Jacket would certainly seem to stand up to that test at first glance — and that first glance is a stunner (or is it just me?).

The jacket comes complete with the brand’s signature map lining interior, not to mention a host of other durable design features.

This rather beastly-looking jacket is crafted from 7 oz. Martexin waxed canvas designed to repel water, and comes complete with tonal Brisbane Moss corduroy-lined cuffs and collar for an extra bit of vintage style inspiration. The flap chest pockets and front-welt hand-warmer pockets (along with the silhouette in general) call to mind a classic denim jacket — except a denim jacket won’t pack nearly the punch that this thing will. The copper rivets and buttons look sturdy, an underrated point of emphasis that can make a big difference — don’t want any buttons falling off, eh? So the design features appear at first glance to be exceptionally solid. And of course, the styling potential for this jacket is nearly through the roof. The weight and water-repellent functionality should make it a terrific spring jacket — that’s perfect, given that it should ship in late March after pre-funding and production. And the color and sturdy waxed canvas mean you can wear it into fall with solid layers, too. It’s the perfect jacket to toss on over a grey henley and black denim, and you can mix up your office style by pairing it with a chambray shirt and a navy knit tie. And about that price — for a jacket that you can wear that much, the pre-funding mark of $148 is a downright steal. Get on it, and get excited for spring.

How would you style this field jacket? Do you have any experience with Taylor Stitch?

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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Tag / taylor stitch review

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket

Fort Myers Festivities: Celebrating a Florida Christmas

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Long Haul Waxed Canvas Jacket

The Product Review: Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Slim Chino