The Friday Read: New HELM Sneakers, A New Watch from UNCRATE & The Best Fall Jacket

HELM Cole Sneakers

Rugged, hiking boot-inspired sneakers that’ll offer plenty of fall wearability.

Thank you, my friends, for joining us for another edition of The Friday Read, where we’re starting things off with the right *step* for the weekend. I’m talking, naturally, about the excellent, brand-new HELM Boots Cole Sneakers as seen above. That’s right — the makers of some of your favorite boots (as covered here on the blog!) are launching the brand’s first pair of sneakers, and it’s fitting that they’re a nice hybrid between sneakers and boots. I love the HELM Cole Sneakers in rich wheat leather, and I dig the hiking-style speed lacing and the versatile high-top construction. The best new sneakers for fall? Very possibly. Remember, you can get $50 off your first order at HELM, plus free shipping. So, that’s my recommended footwear pick for many a weekend ahead. Onward to the rest of the weekend. And yes, another reminder to check out my Tuesday-and-Saturday newsletter if you just can’t get enough of what we’ve got going on here. The Style Guide In Brief won’t let you down. 

Frank And Oak

As for me, I’m still enjoying a bit of R&R (call it a working vacation) visiting my parents in Florida — talk about a much-needed break. We’ve been able to hit the beach for some socially distanced sunshine, we’ve made plenty of trips to support local craft brewery Point Ybel Brewing (get the Kitten’s Paw, a light and refreshing hoppy pils!) and I’ve been able to work on features for the likes of Maxim.com (including a piece on the best leather sneakers) and GearMoose, naturally. I’ll be headed back to New York in the coming days, but have really loved being able to rest and relax down here. Hopefully, your weekend is filled with plenty of menswear, plenty of time to kick back, and perhaps some listening to the new album by The Killers. Cheers to the weekend, my friends.

Introducing MW07 PLUS True Wireless Earphones in Black Pearl

An iconic, one-of-a-kind watch – without a doubt.

The Gibson Jacket in Charcoal Birdseye Wool | Taylor Stitch…

Pre-order this classic wool jacket in advance of fall right now.

  • I’ve got a bit more of an affordable deal for you now these days — for a limited time only, the outstanding Taylor Stitch Gibson Jacket (a combination travel jacket and blazer and perhaps the best fall jacket) is available for a discount via the Taylor Stitch Workshop, so you best get on it. What’s more, you can read my full Taylor Stitch review over at GearMoose.
Topo Designs Summer Sale

Yes, it’s true — you can, and should, head over to Topo Designs to shop this standout sale. 

  • Ready to look towards the trail and the weekend? You best gear up over at Topo Designs, and more specifically, with the Topo Designs Summer Sale, featuring plenty of top picks for on and off the trail. To make it easy on you, I’d recommend you get the rugged Topo Designs Field Plaid Shirt or the Field Pants, quite possibly some of the best men’s field pants around.
  • Speaking of new gear, what could be a better way to close out summer and welcome fall than with a versatile men’s watch from Shinola? Check out my full rundown on the Shinola Duck Watch for Maxim, and then get ready to get out on the water to end summer.

Folks, that’ll do it for today’s Friday Read. I’ve got one more shopping recommendation for you, though. If you missed last Saturday’s Style Pick of the Week, now’s the chance to redeem yourself. I wrote all about the excellent Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt, so you would do very well to read my Taylor Stitch review before you power through the day. Enjoy the weekend, my friends. Cheers!

See Now, Buy Now: Lace Up These Rugged Taylor Stitch Boots Heading into Fall

The Moto Boot in Golden Brown Waxed Suede | Taylor Stitch…

Some of the coolest, best men’s boots for early fall — made with uncompromising quality in mind, at that.

It’s nearly the end of August, it’s almost Labor Day … that means, as much as you might not believe it, it’s time to start gearing up for fall, and it’s an even better time to get some of the best boots for men via one of your favorite brands. That is to say, I hope the all-American style gurus at San Francisco-based Taylor Stitch are one of your favorite brands, and if not, picking up the Taylor Stitch Moto Boots is as good a chance as any to get properly acquainted. I’ve certainly been a longtime fan of the brand, from its stylish indigo jeans and expertly cut polos to, naturally, the best Oxford shirt. And on the footwear front, Taylor Stitch has done as great a job as any brand out there at making high-quality, craftsmanship-focused footwear to pair with its full line of menswear (including the tough boots seen at the top of the page). The specs are one-of-a-kind, as is the construction and design process — let’s dive on in.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Moto Boots in Golden Brown Waxed Suede

Pin on His Closet

Lace up these absurdly tough men’s boots, then get yourself ready for fall.

It all starts with a team of artisans in León, Mexico, a locale renowned for its footwear factories and high-quality footwear. In that regard, the Taylor Stitch Moto Boots start with tough waxed suede designed to fight the elements and age nicely the more you wear ’em. The Vibram mini-lug sole provides traction and toughness, while a natural leather midsole and storm welt offer up sturdy toughness, too.

Once you’ve stepped into these stylish leather boots, you’re looking at a leather-lined insole for comfort, and antique brass hardware for a tough, laced-up finish. The moto boot profile means these are going to wear nicely with slim Taylor Stitch chinos, rugged denim or tough chore pants in equal measure. Up top, these rugged leather boots team nicely with your favorite style essentials, from a classic Taylor Stitch Oxford shirt to one of the brand’s rugged henleys — or really, anything else you can dream up (you can be sure they’ll wear nicely with an indigo denim Western shirt, among other picks, for example). To get into the spirit of early fall, you need the best boots on the market — start here, and your ensembles are only bound to get better as the season rolls on.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Moto Boots in Golden Brown Waxed Suede

The List: Get Ready for Early Fall with The Best New Men’s Style Shopping Picks

Is it hard to believe we’re starting to prepare in earnest for early fall  with both the best new men’s gear and with today’s edition of The List? We’ll be celebrating the best of the best new men’s gear from brands you know and love, as always, but with a bit of a different focus. As opposed to covering summer style essentials, we’re going a bit heavier and leaning into all the rugged men’s gear you can use starting now, and then on into the months ahead.

On the docket? Only the best fall style picks from brands you know and love, starting with the Proof Strong Shirt as seen above, and carrying right on through to picks from Filson, Todd Snyder, Buck Mason and more. Read on and gear up, my friends.

Proof Strong Shirt — $128

A durable, classic chambray shirt made from performance fabric.

Every guy, yourself included, needs one of the best chambray shirts in his closet this fall. This one happens to be made from a Japanese CORDURA chambray fabric that blends comfort and performance. It’s one of the best shirts for men right now, easily.

Todd Snyder Indigo Slub Jersey Long-Sleeve Pocket T-shirt — $78

The coolest long-sleeve tee on the market.

There’s a reason Todd Snyder keeps popping up on the blog, and it’s because he makes some of the best American menswear (and the best T-shirts) around. This indigo T-shirt is the perfect fall base layer.
Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots — $329
Product image for Copper Rough And Tough

Getting the best men’s boots is as easy as picking up these.

This certainly won’t be the last time you read about Red Wing boots on the blog this fall. These rugged leather boots are iconic, classic and so easy to wear.
American Trench Mil-Spec Sport Socks — $42.50 (4-Pack)
Mil-Spec Sport Socks with Silver – American Trench

You can’t go wrong with some of the best men’s socks on the market — period.

American Trench socks are, for me, the stuff of legend. They’re the exceedingly rare pair of American-made socks, as the name would imply, and they go great with your favorite leather boots. I also love the Mil-Spec Sport Socks in particular — a perfect everyday sock.
Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Roped Indigo — $125
The Jack in Roped Indigo - Classic Men's Clothing | TS…

Another stylish, rugged men’s shirt from Taylor Stitch.

If you peruse the pages of this site, you know San Francisco-based Taylor Stitch, and more specifically, the classic, easy-to-wear Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt. This classic men’s shirt gets an update via rich indigo fabric. Layer it over your Todd Snyder tee if you feel so inclined.
Huron Big Three Kit — $38
No matter the time of year, you’ve got to have the best men’s grooming essentials in your medicine cabinet. That’s where Huron, a recently launched men’s grooming brand out of NYC, comes into play. They focus on clean formulas and high-quality ingredients, and they’re also a rare American-made grooming brand. Add in cool packaging designs, revitalizing grooming kits designed to soften and clean your skin, and a cruelty-free approach, and you’ve got one of the best grooming brands for men out there.
Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket — $240 
If you’ve read the blog over the years, you know and love the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket. It’s durable, it’s rugged, it’s a modern classic for the modern man, and now this Flint and Tinder waxed jacket comes in eight colors.
Richer Poorer Terry Trousers — $78
Richer Poorer Terry Trousers

Cut like dress pants, but with the feel of sweatpants.

Richer Poorer is a recent addition to the Huckberry lineup, one worth checking out. They make some of the best basics for men, including these casual hybrid trousers to wear as you work from home on breezy fall days (we’re going to be doing this for a while, trust me).
Matador SEG42 One Bag Travel Duffel — $190

The perfect getaway bag for your next weekend adventure this early fall.

For getting out of town on a socially distanced trip, the best everyday carry gear is the right way to go (literally). This durable travel duffel has plenty of space for all your necessities to spend time in the great outdoors, yet is compact enough to go anywhere.
Buck Mason Brushed Loopback Hooded Sweatshirt — $85
Buck Mason Faded Black Brushed Loopback Hooded Sweatshirt

This is the cozy, casual sweatshirt for late summer and early fall.

Close out summer under the stars and on cool mornings this early fall with one of the best men’s hoodies via Buck Mason. It really is as simple as that, my friends.
MWC G10 Military Watch — $79.16
MWC G10 Military Watch - Olive

One of the toughest watches for fall adventures.

As we head into early fall, you need one of the best men’s watches on your wrist. If that rugged watch so happens to be a military-inspired timepiece with tough specs to match, that’s all the better. Snag it via Cool Material now.
Filson Canvas Work Shirt — $145

Layer up for fall with this tough Filson workshirt.

Speaking of rugged men’s gear for early fall, well, have I got just the thing for you. Filson has long made the best workshirts for men, and this hard-wearing canvas offering is no different. Throw it on alongside a military-inspired timepiece and Red Wing boots
5.11 Tactical Edge Chinos — $59.99

Dependable chinos to take you from point A to point B (and beyond) this fall.

For those among us who value performance-ready functionality and on-the-go durability — especially when it comes to the best men’s chinos — there’s 5.11 Tactical. These rugged chinos blend comfortable, movement-minded fabric with versatile, all-day styling potential — that makes them some of the best men’s pants.
Mission Workshop 500D Drift Tote — $235
Mission Workshop 500D Drift Tote - 28L | Huckberry

A dependable everyday bag that pulls no punches.

Talk about one of the best everyday bags, right? Mission Workshop gets it right with this rugged hybrid tote bag designed to hold 28 liters of gear & EDC essentials.
Proof 72-Hour Merino Long-Sleeve Henley — $98
Shell out a bit of extra cash for one of the best henleys for men, a fall adventure-minded performance henley made with merino fabric in a variety of cool colors.
Bespoke Post Scout Box — $45 (When You Sign Up for Bespoke Post)
For years, we’ve talked about Bespoke Post Boxes here on the blog (as in this post!). It’s a monthy subscription box service that offers your pick of tons of different types of men’s gear, new each month. Among archival Bespoke Post Boxes, the Bespoke Post Scout Box features all the EDC essentials you need for fall, from a durable flask to a handsome leather wallet.
Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless Headphones — $199 
Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless Headphones

An undeniably cool pair of sytlish Bluetooth headphones.

As I’ve spent plenty of time lately over the past few months working from home (as we all have!), I’ve been on the hunt for some of the best wireless headphones — and not just any old pair, either. Stylish wireless headphones made from premium materials are the only way to go for me, and I couldn’t be happier to have had the chance to test out the stunning Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless Headphones.
Designed in New York City, these are some of the coolest headphones I’ve ever seen, with crystal-clear sound, too. You’ll see plenty of them on the blog in the future.
Jack Black Age Defying Booster Pack — $68
Jack Black Age-Defying Booster Pack™

A trio of easy-to-use grooming essentials to keep your skin fresh this fall.

Let’s keep the good times rolling with the best men’s grooming essentials from Jack Black. The Age Defying Booster Pack adds nothing but quality to your daily routine.
Mott and Bow Connor Heavy Cable Crew — $225
What we haven’t talked about today is one of the best fall sweaters for men, but this rugged cable crewneck sweater from the makers of your favorite jeans is here to change all of that.
Myles Apparel Tour Pants in Sage — $118
If you want the best pants for men for any season (starting in late summer and heading into fall), you’re going to want to check out the Myles Apparel Tour Pants. Made with hard-wearing woven stretch twill fabric, these rugged men’s pants are cut to move with you and feature a water-repellent finish, plus stain and wrinkle-resistant capability. Plus, you can use the code MYLES10 to get 10 percent off your first purchase. 
FRYE Bowery Light Lace-Up Boots — $298
FRYE Bowery Light Boots

You might not find a better pair of leather boots out there.

The best way to continue to get ready for fall? With lightweight leather boots that deliver plenty of durability and classic style.
United By Blue Soft SoftHemp Denim Workshirt — $60
Men's River Denim Work Shirt | United By Blue

A rugged workshirt for men made from sustainable fabric.

Another essential layer you need for fall — a rugged denim workshirt for early fall from the sustainably minded United By Blue team. Just add your Flint and Tinder waxed jacket  and call it good for a day of yard work or adventures.
Ibex 24-Hour Long-Sleeve Crew — $98
Reap the benefits of a stylish merino T-shirt, one that’s sweat-wicking and anti-microbial, as the perfect base layer for early fall and beyond. Ibex does it right.
That’s going to do it for today’s list of the best new men’s gear. Do you have a favorite, one that you’re going to instantly add to your shopping cart? For me, it’s always a tough  call, but you can’t go wrong with, say, the Myles Apparel Tour Pants if you want rugged style and comfort on the trail or the road this fall. It’s also tough to pass up one of the best workshirts for men from Filson — maybe pair the two together? Of course, you know not to sleep on the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt or the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket. Either way, whichever picks you go with, feel free to let me know on Twitter. As always, cheers to you!

HELM Boots- $50 Off Your First Purchase

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt

Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt

One of two stylish chambray shirts from the Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection.

If you follow the blog regularly — and I sure hope you do — you’ll know that we’ve been talking this month about Taylor Stitch, and the Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection. More to the point, we’ve been talking about the kind of pieces from the standout San Francisco retailer that just work, regardless of the season. That’s no more true than right now, with the Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt — as we move through August into September and beyond, you need one of the best chambray shirts in your rotation, and you need to be shopping the Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection.

Ladies and gentlemen, this rugged chambray shirt just so happens to be even better than you might expect, for one. It’s a workhorse daily shirt for day-to-night wear. Whether you pick it up in Blue Everyday Chambray or Charcoal Everyday Chambray, I think you’ll quickly find you’ll have plenty of ways to wear it right off the bat (yes, even during these socially distanced times). Bonfires, beach visits, day trips and to-go beer runs … this is the chambray shirt you need. We’ll get into more of that in a second, though — you don’t get one of the most versatile men’s shirts without first making it to exacting standards. That’s what the brand has done with the Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt, and a fine job they’ve done indeed.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt

Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt - Charcoal | Garmentory

You can’t go wrong with either Blue or Charcoal when it comes to this classic chambray shirt from Taylor Stitch.

This classic chambray shirt checks all the right boxes when it comes to durable construction and design, from the use of organic cotton chambray to the tailored fit and higher armhole. The higher armhole gives you a cleaner look while still allowing you to rock this chambray shirt on its own or layered up atop, say, a Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee. Double-needle construction and bar-tacked finishing at stress points both ensure this rugged shirt won’t give out on you, even as you traverse the great outdoors this fall.

If you haven’t yet tried a Taylor Stitch chambray shirt, or you’re familiar with brands like J. Crew and its lauded chambray shirt, this is one heck of a change of pace — it’s a step up in rugged quality and dependability, for starters. Better still? You can wear your new favorite shirt with slim Taylor Stitch chinos or the brand’s selvedge denim with ease. How great is that? If you end up giving the Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt a try, be sure to give me a shout on Twitter. Happy shopping out there, folks. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt

 

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

Taylor Stitch chinos review

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

 

The Thursday Buy: This Taylor Stitch Oxford Shirt is a Daily Wardrobe Essential

Right off the bat, you’ve got to hand it to Taylor Stitch — this lauded brand, a longtime favorite of the blog, continues to one-up itself. In addition to the excellent Taylor Stitch Workshop, where stylish guys (such as yourself) get the chance to pre-fund rugged outerwear, next-level shirting, durable leather boots and the best chinos on the market, the brand is also now making it even easier to shop them right away. That’s because the Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection rounds up everything you could need from the brand — including the best Oxford shirt — in one handy, easy-to-shop offering. If you were unsure of shopping  Taylor Stitch, the Essentials Collection might be as great place to start as any, given that you can get selvedge denim, classic tees & of course, the Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt seen here. It’s an iconic piece you need in your wardrobe — keep scrolling to find out why.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt

It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic men’s shirt, from an agreeable tailored fit (Taylor Stitch shirts come in chest sizing), plus the right build and design. That means the collar on this classic Oxford shirt has a pleasant roll and shape, and it looks great tucked in or worn on its own with selvedge denim or Taylor Stitch chinos (naturally). You can also roll those sleeves up, or pair up the Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt with a navy cotton blazer when the occasion calls for you to go slightly dressier (say, for a Zoom call).

A stylish Oxford shirt is kind of like the amped-up equivalent of your go-to T-shirt — when you want to look great without going over-the-top, you can readily turn toward the Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt (yes, even with chino shorts and classic canvas sneakers, as I’ve been wearing mine). Heck, pair it up with nearly any other piece in the Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection, and you’ve got yourself a go-anywhere outfit for these socially distanced times. Try it out & let me know what you think.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt

The Sunday Sale: Save 20 Percent on this Taylor Stitch Leather Jacket for Fall

Taylor Stitch Cuyama Jacket

Pre-fund this leather jacket right now — it’s some of the best outerwear on the market.

It’s here, it’s official, and you need it in your shopping cart: The Taylor Stitch Cuyama Jacket is perhaps the best leather jacket of the moment, done up in rich Cognac leather akin to a delicious spirit for your bar cart. Right now, you can get $200 off this standout men’s leather jacket when you pre-fund it — how’s that for a Sunday Sale? We just talked yesterday about the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee — one of the best T-shirts out there — but it’s time to turn back towards one of our favorite menswear brands for today’s offering. Taylor Stitch certainly has plenty of experience in the leather jacket game (see the Moto Jacket), but the Cuyama Jacket is even better. The silhouette itself is based on a secondhand shop find, and the brand has brought it into the modern age with a timeless reboot. But — and this is crucial — you can only get this deal through the Taylor Stitch Workshop for a limited time. 

SHOP: Get 20 Percent Off the Taylor Stitch Cuyama Jacket 

In fact, that’s what allows the brand to offer up great pricing. Pre-fund the Taylor Stitch Cuyama Jacket early and knock 20 percent off the eventual retail price — easy as that. It’s an incredibly rugged leather jacket you’ll have for years, featuring buttery-soft Cognac cowhide leather designed to age remarkably. Cotton twill lining rounds out the body of the jacket, while corduroy cuff and collar detailing adds some old-school appeal. Natural dark horn corozo buttons drive home refinement and attention to detail, while “cellar door” side pockets provide space for your everyday carry essentials. Like a glass of fine Cognac, this leather jacket is going to perform even better when aged over time. That’s the way it should be, after all.

SHOP: Get 20 Percent Off the Taylor Stitch Cuyama Jacket 

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee

A seriously cool, essential tee for all your summer style needs.

As we move into August, one thing is pretty clear to me — if you don’t yet have one of the best men’s T-shirts, it’s time you snagged one ASAP from the good folks at Taylor Stitch, especially from the Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection. Whether you pick up the one-of-a-kind Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee in the excellent Dusty Clay color as seen above, or go with a classic white tee, it’s hard to misstep — very, very difficult to misstep, as it were. Naturally, this exceptionally stylish T-shirt fits right in with the Taylor Stitch Essentials Collection, and it’s available with just enough time left in the summer to get some good wear out of it (although who said you can’t wear your new favorite tee all year long, ehh?) What makes this T-shirt so different? As ever, it starts with the small stuff — or in this case, the not-so-small stuff. You see, Taylor Stitch continues to go the extra mile when it comes to being sustainable and stylish, so they’re making one of the best T-shirts for men using a unique blend of upcycled cotton and recycled polyester in a heavier 8oz. fabric construction. That makes it the type of tee you can wear on your own or layered accordingly beneath a rugged denim jacket or a chambray shirt — that’s just to start, though.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee

The Natural color makes this Taylor Stitch tee one of the coolest T-shirts for men.

The Dusty Clay or Natural colorways are your author’s favorites when it comes to the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee — either could be worn easily with faded light wash denim and your favorite chukka boots, or else with slim tan chinos and white canvas sneakers. This is the kind of cool T-shirt you really can throw on and forget about (aside from when you get compliments on it, of course). The fully-taped shoulder seams offer durable construction and long-lasting wearability, whether you chose to rock the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee for back patio beers or an upstate bonfire (or both!). The well-made pocket adds a bit of visual interest and some space for any smaller EDC essentials (heck, use it to carry a titanium pen as you work on your next workshop project). When the weather starts to get chilly this summer, or when you need to layer up with a rugged flannel shirt come fall and winter, this is quite simply one of the best T-shirts you can buy. Check it out for yourself and let me know your thoughts on Twitter.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee

The List: Power Through July (And Beyond) With the Best New Menswear

All smiles because you just bought one of the best shirts for summer … or you will have, at least.

The time has come to keep gearing up for summer, seeing as the Fourth of July is on the way. As a matter of fact, perhaps you’ll find some Fourth of July style essentials below — and essential men’s gear for beyond this (socially distanced) holiday, as well. We’ll talk about one of summer’s best shirts right off the bat, and we’ll keep things rolling with new menswear from Todd Snyder, some of the best men’s shoes and plenty more. To check out past editions of The List, head here. Thanks for reading!

Taylor Stitch California Shirt in Navy Plaid — $125

The perfect summer shirt in a cool fabric and pattern from Taylor Stitch.

The time has come to snap up one of the best shirts for summer — if you haven’t already, that is. Taylor Stitch excels at making shirting with a just-right fit (thanks to the chest sizing system they use), along with a breezy cotton-linen fabric blend in the case of this rugged-yet-versatile Taylor Stitch California Shirt.

Todd Snyder Slim-Fit Tab Front Stretch Chinos — $118

Slim chinos from one of the best men’s style brands around.

The ideal pairing with your Taylor Stitch California Shirt for perfect summer style? Why, it’s assuredly got to be some of the best men’s chinos for the season from top menswear designer Todd Snyder.

SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-ons in Pavement Suede — $98

Stylish, laidback summer slip-ons for everyday wear.

It’s summer, it’s hot out and you need some of the best men’s slip-ons to keep cool in style this season. Start with the well-made and affordably priced SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-ons, folks, then rock them with some of the best men’s chinos.

Buck Mason Draped Twill Short-Sleeve One-Pocket Shirt — $85

A cool-as-can-be short-sleeve shirt from one of your favorite brands.

For long summer days and nights aplenty — even if you’re just working from home and then catching some rays on your patio — a stylish short-sleeve shirt like this rugged-yet-cool number from Buck Mason goes a long way.

Billykirk No. 404 Memo Holder — $115

A durable way to organize your EDC and take down good notes on the fly.

For jotting down notes and keeping your to-do list top of mind, you need the right everyday carry essentials, like this easy-to-carry and stylish leather memo holder from my good friends at Billykirk. You might be surprised at how often you use it.

Forty Five Supima Crew Tee — $32

A classic tee inspired by classic vinyl.

Forty Five is the latest in-house launch from the good folks at Huckberry, and as you might have read about, they’re focused on one thing — making the best men’s T-shirt. So named for 45RPM vinyl, which revolutionized music by featuring one hit single, this American-made T-shirt is as stylish as it gets. Maybe pick up one in every color?

Relwen Flyweight Flex Shorts — $158

The coolest shorts to pick up for summer? Very likely indeed.

Here’s the deal: You’re looking for some of the best men’s shorts for summer. The kind you can wear with your American-made T-shirt and SeaVees slip-ons. The Relwen Flyweight Flex Shorts are the pair you need ASAP.

Marathon MSAR Watch — $850

Rugged, tough and ready to go — that’s what this watch brings to the table.

If you’ve visited the blog in recent weeks, you know we’re all about a rugged dive watch for summer (and beyond). Marathon specializes in rough-and-tumble watches that go the distance, and the Marathon MSAR Watch is certainly no exception.

GREATS Royale Nero Sneakers — $179

Surprisingly sleek black leather sneakers from Brooklyn’s GREATS.

The alternative to a pair of the best men’s slip-ons? Why, a set of sleek, stylish black leather sneakers to add a bit of attitude to your summer ensemble. We’ve previously talked about how to wear white leather sneakers, so consider these GREATS Royale sneakers a nice change of pace.

Relwen Finespun Stripe Polo — $98

An utterly classic, breezy polo for the summer months.

Make no mistake, this won’t be the last time we talk about Relwen on the blog today, so get used to it. Here, the rugged men’s gear brand has made one of the best men’s polos for summer, a pleasingly functional, lightweight polo shirt to wear with slim light wash denim. On that note …

Mott and Bow Warren Slim Denim — $128

Slim denim in an essential wash from Mott and Bow.

If you read the blog, you know that the best men’s light wash jeans for summer  are a consistent recommendation by yours truly — and these Mott and Bow jeans, done up in a pleasingly faded wash, are no different.

Danner Caprine Boots — $150

Dependable, lightweight hiking boots for a summer adventure.

We’ve talked before on the blog about the Danner Caprine Boots, and how they just so happen to be some of the best hiking boots for summer — that being said, they’re back on the blog in a big way today. They’re perhaps the best lightweight boots for your next hike, and that’s just a fact.

Faherty Brand Short-Sleeve Heather Henley — $78

A rugged henley you’ll want to wear all summer.

If you don’t yet have one of the best short-sleeve henleys in your summer style rotation, consider this a chance to fix that. Faherty Brand uses high-quality fabric to deliver one of the best henleys for seasonal layering (try it with one of summer’s best shirts for an added bit of visual interest).

King C. Gillette Beard and Face Wash — $12.99 

No better lineup of heritage-quality grooming products on the market right now.

If this brand name looks familiar to you, well, that’s because … it is. But not in the normal way — no sir, King C. Gillette is the recently launched heritage grooming offshot of the historic Gillette line, paying homage to the founder himself. Gillette has focused on innovations in shaving and men’s grooming since, oh, well, about 1904, so why this new launch? Easy. The entire line, which features a whole host of men’s grooming essentials, is meant for the guy who wants to care for his beard and his face with ease, style and heritage quality in mind. They don’t make ’em like they used to … except now, King C. Gillette does.

Outerknown Apex Trunks by Kelly Slater — $145

Tough, hard-wearing swim trunks for summer excursions.

Leave it to Outerknown and surfing legend Kelly Slater to come up with the best men’s swim trunks for all your summer adventures — talk about a guy who knows a thing or two about crafting the best men’s swimwear, ehh??

Mystery Ranch Mission Hybrid — $240

The right bag for rugged summer adventures.

In similar fashion to the functional swim trunks shown above, you assuredly need one of the best men’s shoulder bags to haul your everyday carry this summer and beyond. The Mystery Ranch Mission Hybrid (an exclusive to Huckberry) is the right way to go here.

It’s always tough to pick out a favorite when it comes to the best men’s gear picks, right? What’s going to be on your shopping list now? Will Todd Snyder’s slim-fit chinos make the cut? Are you going to step out in style with an EDC essential like a stylish leather memo holder from Billykirk while rocking a pair of the SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-ons? Heck, maybe you want to go full-on rugged with the Mystery Ranch Mission Hybrid? Either way, feel free to let me know on Twitter what you’re digging this season. Cheers and thanks for reading!

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans

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

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

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans

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

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

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

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Slim Indigo Jeans