The Friday Read: The AC/DC PWR UP Tour, the Best Spring Weekend Menswear & Tampa Bay Craft Beer

AC/DC PWR UP Tour.

It’s not every day that a blog post via my Brooklyn style blog leads off with a reference to AC/DC — nor an AC/DC show on the horizon, right?? The Aussie rockers were my first favorite band years ago growing up in Michigan — where I’ve spent much of the past week reconnecting with family and friends (and attending my high school class reunion!). Yes, if you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll have seen all of that fun — and Michigan craft beer — and more.

I’ve come a long way since those days ridin’ down the highway back in Michigan jamming out to those legendary rockers, but my latest excursion south to Florida brings the promise of another show by an iconic band, this time in Tampa Bay.

If you’ve followed along with the blog over the years, especially as I’ve talked about live music adventures in Brooklyn and even how to dress for a rock concert, plus how to dress in rock n’roll style, my tastes have certainly changed, but the band still holds a very, very special place in my heart. In fact, this will remarkably be my fourth time (dating back to 2008!) seeing Acca Dacca. How about that!?

And that all means that, thanks to a timely Christmas gift from my mom… my dad and I get to see these giants of rock n’roll this very weekend in Tampa Bay! It’s a departure from the norm (although “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” still holds a prime placement on my Spotify!), but so great and a positively exciting return to my roots, in a way, all the same.

Again, long before I started this Brooklyn style blog and later had the chance to travel to the French Riviera, cover the finest spirits in the world and write all about my favorite menswear, well, there was AC/DC.

And as a wise author once wrote in Esquire years ago, a band like AC/DC will never die — the world will always need a band like AC/DC. Lofty praise considering most of my coverage skews towards the best new gear and watches, yes? But again, perspective is important, as is the chance to just plain old rock out.

If you happen to have any recommendations for Tampa — perhaps some of the best Tampa Bay craft beer via Cigar City? — then those selections truly are welcomed (and you can let me know via Instagram!).

As for my wardrobe in the Florida heat, I look forward to wearing a new duo of menswear from Taylor Stitch (canvas fatigue-inspired shorts and a simple black T-shirt from Taylor Stitch, namely). Just like the straightforward, high-voltage rock music of AC/DC, sometimes, keeping things simple is best — and pays the most dividends in terms of consistency over time, ehh?

For now, keep your eyes peeled here for a duo of weekend style blog posts as I boogie my way across Florida and make my way back home early next week to Brooklyn — there’s nothing like a return to form via an iconic rock band though, is there?

I look forward to getting down to some good old-fashioned rock n’roll this weekend, just like the old days — thanks for reading, thank you for following along, and remember: Rock n’roll ain’t noise pollution, folks. Cheers!

The Tuesday Steal: Take 40% Off The Perfect Bomber Jacket for Spring From Taylor Stitch

There are jackets that fall squarely in the performance category, there are jackets that are more stylish than truly functional, and then, there’s the rare jacket that manages to toe the line nicely in both respects. Finding one of the best jackets for men this spring that’s on sale ups the ante even further, and so it goes with the Taylor Stitch Last Call section and the performance-minded yet sleek, sharp Taylor Stitch Ember Jacket.

It falls squarely in the realm of a highly reliable, streamlined bomber jacket — not quite a puffer jacket in a technical material with a flashy color, not quite a windbreaker you’d wear on a morning jog, but certainly ready for the worst weather spring has to offer.

For good measure, the Taylor Stitch Ember Jacket happens to be on sale in a range of sizes (a whopping 40 percent off, in fact), but why is it worth adding one of the best bomber jackets for spring — an underrated one, no less — to your rotation? Stick with me on this one, my friends.

Taylor Stitch men's jacket review.

It’s as if the San Francisco-based brand made the Taylor Stitch Ember Jacket specifically with the city’s temperamental weather in mind: Sunny and breezy one second, blustery and foggy the very next. The Taylor Stitch Ember Jacket starts with a recycled nylon exterior finished off with a DWR finish to repel wind and rain, and it’s then reinforced with organic cotton and nylon at the yokes and collar — this gives it a one-two punch in terms of both style and utility.

The collar is even lined with tricot for comfort when flipped up against the cold, and the vertical quilting of the durable yet lightweight Taylor Stitch Ember Jacket is filled with 120 grams of insulation (comfortable enough to wear over a T-shirt or henley, far lighter than your traditional winter puffer jacket or parka).

Helpfully, you can layer the Taylor Stitch Ember Jacket over a straightforward tee or over, say, a cotton crewneck sweater in the spring months, or even in colder weather far afield. You can even customize the fit of this streamlined bomber jacket, thanks to the two-way front zipper design.

And as with all things Taylor Stitch, at least in my experience, the helpful details — like side-entry zip chest pockets and slant hand hip pockets — are accounted for, and then some. A reliable, stylish bomber jacket made from recycled materials, all offered up at an on-sale steal? Sounds to me like the Taylor Stitch Ember Jacket could be your new favorite spring jacket, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: This Taylor Stitch Denim Jacket is a Modern Spin on a Classic for Spring Men’s Style

Best denim jackets for men.

There’s not much more essential to your menswear rotation in the blustery yet sunny, anything-goes summer months than a durable piece of outerwear, at least in my experience. One of the best denim jackets for men in particular bridges the gap between winter and the fresh climes of spring with ease, offering enough weight to feel substantial on cool mornings, yet enough versatility to deliver leisurely style the rest of the time.

It’s as functional as it is fashionable, and if you’ve kept up with this Brooklyn men’s style blog over the years, you know that the good folks at Taylor Stitch deliver a prime example of one of the best denim jackets for men, period.

That lineage carries on handsomely into the year 2025 as we look out for the best spring men’s style essentials, and in my experience, the Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket meets the moment — and then some, no doubt about it.

The highly durable, utterly classic Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket has been a favorite from the San Francisco brand for years, featuring timeless touches that take on a modern air when done by the famed menswear brand (one of the best online menswear shops around, in my humble opinion). The Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket checks all the right boxes, starting with the use of a tough yet supple 14oz. 100% organic cotton selvedge denim — the kind that breaks in and molds to your body with each and every wear.

The 100% organic cotton selvedge denim build gives it a substantial feel and a rich dark wash that contrasts handsomely and stylishly with its zig-zag reinforcement stitching on the front placket and under collar — both fashionable touches that lend it a handcrafted appeal. For good measure, the rugged Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket features rounded chest pockets that lend a further air of eye-catching style (and utility for your everyday carry, as one pocket features a sleek pen sleeve).

Tack buttons provide a strong finish and even further reinforced durability, while the exterior of the hand pockets boast the brand’s custom SF map detailing. Nearly every detail, and then some, is carefully and thoughtfully considered when it comes to the expertly cut Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket, which also features the company’s helpful chest sizing system.

For a sturdy, stylish denim jacket for men that only gets better with age, the Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket is a prime spring menswear move, right this very instant.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket Is Back for Spring and Better than Ever

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket review.

Although the menswear pantheon is packed with instantly recognizable classics (like the denim trucker jacket, the blue jean or one of the best men’s henleys), there are pieces that fly under the radar ever-so-slightly, yet still deserve their place in the sun (and their place in your rotation of men’s style essentials).

The classic chore coat very well might be one of them, with a silhouette modeled after French work jackets and still used to great effect today in matters of style and utility: The Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket definitely meets the mark in this regard, and it’s back and better than ever for spring.

The Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is a staple piece for the San Francisco brand, which has long been a favorite of this Brooklyn style blog — and which just so happens to make gear perfectly suited for the climes of San Francisco and for spring menswear transitions. The humble yet hard-working chore jacket certainly qualifies among the best men’s style for spring, and again, the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is a prime example of the style done right.

It starts with 100 percent organic cotton herringbone, which in this case is pigment-dyed before being hand-sanded and garment-washed for softness and yet a sturdy weave right out of the box. That also gives the handsome Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket a vintage-minded look, one that only gets better over time. It doesn’t hurt that the rich blue herringbone of the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket calls to mind the originators of the style, French work jackets often made from indigo-dyed cotton.

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket review.

You’ll find the hard-wearing yet stylish Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket features plenty of timeless chore coat touches, including a top-entry chest pocket with space for your pen (note that Taylor Stitch also sells accessories!). The laundry list of features also includes hip patch pockets with both side and top entry capability, again crucial for your everyday carry essentials from Taylor Stitch.

Ring-back buttons are a durable, distinctive touch that should prove eye-catching as well as durable, at least when the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is worn unbuttoned (perhaps over a breezy organic cotton T-shirt).

And when the weather truly calls for it, your new favorite casual spring jacket can be worn over a cotton sweater on especially breezy days (and yes, your friends at Taylor Stitch also happen to sell those). If your mission this spring is finding a dependable, stylish chore jacket for a sense of effortless cool on pleasant yet brisk spring days, consider the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket your new go-to.

See Now, Buy Now: The New Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Washed Indigo Updates a Classic Men’s Shirt

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt review.

In terms of menswear essentials, there are a few tried-and-true, certified classic staples that belong in a man’s wardrobe: Pieces like the blue jean and the rugged henley, of course, but more polished selections like one of the best Oxford shirts for men (as seen above, of course).

Not quite as polished as a dress shirt but more cleaned up than a denim shirt, there are more than a few brands making modern updates to this iconic silhouette, and naturally, that includes my friends at Taylor Stitch.

The Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt is a prime example of a casual-yet-versatile shirt for men done right, and it’s long been a staple in my own menswear wardrobe.

With details like the brand’s expertly rolled collar, a chest pocket that stays true to classic Oxford shirt designs, and the perfect length to be worn tucked in with Taylor Stitch chinos or untucked with dark blue denim, it hits all the right notes.

That’s high praise, to be sure, but it gets even better: Taylor Stitch was founded in San Francisco about 15 years ago with an obsessive focus on the best shirts for men, so it only makes sense that the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt is a winning style as far as the best Oxford shirts for guys.

And yet, the brand just doubled down with the latest iteration of the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt — now, it comes in a handsome and ever so slightly rugged 6.5-oz. 100% organic cotton, washed indigo Oxford variety for a change of pace from the norm.

As the company says, its indigo yarns will “fade beautifully over time,” a touch I appreciate in shirting, knitwear and more. And as with past examples of the style, this version of the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt comes in helpful, expertly fitted chest sizing — in my experience, a size 44 works wonders for my build. If you feel the same way, or if you’re simply looking for a slight style swerve from the norm in terms of a newfound update to a classic, then the latest and greatest Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt could be just what the (style) doctor ordered.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Chore Pants – Winter’s Perfect Workhorse Pant

Best work pants for men.

Winter weather assuredly doesn’t take any days off, and neither should your wardrobe — right? That’s long been the idea behind the seasonal collections dreamed up by Taylor Stitch, a brand that uses its San Francisco roots, plus a hefty dose of Americana influence, to craft hard-wearing, hard-working selections in any season — particularly winter, and particularly when it comes to the best work pants for men.

In fact, the Taylor Stitch Chore Pants check every box if you’ve been scouring the market for a refreshed, stylish, modern yet sturdy pair of men’s work pants (or casually rugged everyday pants, if that’s your jam).

While Taylor Stitch chinos are famously sturdy yet supple, polished and as ready for the office as they are for a round of speakeasy cocktails, the Taylor Stitch Chore Pants are seemingly crafted with the elements in mind, and with the specs and hardware to match.

Taylor Stitch men's pants.

The key with your new favorite work pants? Highly durable 100% organic cotton canvas in a 12.5oz. weight — heavy enough for the dead of winter, spry enough for spring and perfectly suited for fall, of course. The Taylor Stitch Chore Pants are also built with easy-to-move features, like a stonewashed finish for added flexibility and softness, plus angled hip pockets for quick access and storage of your everyday carry essentials.

Taylor Stitch Chore Pants.

Double-knee reinforced construction further bolsters the toughness of the Taylor Stitch Chore Pants, which also feature half-lined back patch pockets for secure storage of — once again — your everyday carry must-haves. And the fact that your new favorite chore pants are available in a range of dusty, earthy colors might just take the cake, at least in my experience writing Taylor Stitch reviews.

Best of all is the fact that the Taylor Stitch Chore Pants can get down and dirty when the job requires it, no doubt. And yet, they also happen to be a tough-as-nails yet stylish replacement for jeans as you visit your favorite distillery or grab a cold one at your favorite dive bar.

Add a henley or a denim shirt, top things off with a trusty sherpa-lined denim jacket, and consider the strong-as-can-be Taylor Stitch Chore Pants a new companion in matters of style, toughness and the daily grind — just act quickly, as sizes are on the move from one of the best online menswear shops out there. Cheers, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is Rugged Menswear Perfection This Winter (and Beyond)

If the start of your 2025 has meant getting down to business and getting back to work — in matters of menswear essentials and of course, when it comes to actual work — then you’ve come to the right place. From casually rugged style situations to Work-From-Home days, time spent in the yard and time spent in the road, I can think of no better shirt to wear than the aptly named Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt.

If you’ve kept up with this blog and Taylor Stitch reviews over the years, you’ll note that the San Francisco brand excels at making the kind of shirting (and knitwear, and chinos, and accessories) that keeps stylish guys (like yourself) coming back for more. That same focus holds true for the latest addition to the brand’s roster of workwear-inspired shirting, and the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt plays its part well, and then some.

For starters, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is built with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from one of the best workshirts for men, including expertly cut-and-sewn flap patch chest pockets for your everyday carry essentials.

Beyond that, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt makes use of a sturdy, elements-ready wool and cotton canvas blend that should take on brisk temperatures quite nicely indeed, at least in my experience with Taylor Stitch men’s shirts.

Best overshirts for men.

There’s a heft and a weight to Taylor Stitch men’s shirting, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt very much included. The brand notes the Indigo yarns seen here will develop their own look and patina over time, never a bad thing to have when it comes to your go-to everyday workshirt. And the medium-weight build of the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt should make it a reliable layer over everything from a cotton Taylor Stitch henley this winter to a breezy graphic T-shirt come spring days and cooler summer nights.

Yes, that’s right: In my experience, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is a sturdy, strong and bold-looking workshirt with multi-season chops, and the brand’s signature California collar should frame your face nicely in matters of style.

Of course, like all stylish Taylor Stitch men’s shirts, it comes in exact chest sizing for a fit that’s neither too tailored nor too sloppy. What’s not to love about that?

Of course, the strong and workday-ready Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt also comes in fabrics like a rich deep Navy Corduroy, as well as shades like a versatile off-white shade of Ash, but any way you take your new go-to overshirt, it’s a winner from sunrise to sunset. With the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt, everything from Zoom calls to dive bar jaunts now seems even more stylish, functional and hey, even fun. Cheers to that, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt is a Modern Winter Menswear Favorite

Best flannel shirts for men.

In my experience, there might not be a brand that makes a better, more stylish shirt for men than Taylor Stitch. A bold way to kick off today’s post (and a new, shortened) holiday week? Perhaps, but if ever you’ve tried on or tried out the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt, then you’re aware that it’s a heavy hitter, even among the best flannel shirts for men.

You might call the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt an instant classic, but it’s been a personal favorite of mine in its many iterations over the years, the latest and greatest very much included. All the hallmarks of one of the best winter shirts for men are present, including soft-yet-sturdy organic cotton twill construction with a garment-washed finish.

That makes the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt as comfortable as any shirt in your rotation, particularly if you frequently love to wear, say, one of the best men’s flannel shirts in the colder months (guilty as charged).

The rich Olive Plaid version of this winter’s take on the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt is especially eye-catching, and a nice change of pace for your own shirting wardrobe aside from white Oxford shirts and even indigo denim shirts (again, guilty as charged).

The brand’s signature California collar frames the face nicely and even gives the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt some dressy appeal — at least, beneath a navy blazer with dark blue jeans for a business-casual sort of look.

U-shaped chest pockets give this shirt a sort of overshirt or shirt jacket-type of appeal, although the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt — available in useful chest sizing — is as wearable tucked in with a shawl collar cardigan as it is untucked alongside your favorite pair of black jeans.

For winter-ready versatility and style in spades, opt for a perfectly fitted edition of the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt, then be surprised (or rather, not surprised!) at how much wear you get out of it this season (and beyond).

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Western Shirt Jacket – A Casually Cool, Rugged Shacket

Cutting corners isn’t necessarily an option as you seek to build out your rotation of cozy, reliable winter style picks. That holds true in mostly any season, but especially if rugged men’s style essentials are the name of the game.

We’re talking brands you can trust, brands that take the ordinary and make it all that much more special, well, those are the best menswear brands to know, in my experience. And that, of course, leads us to the fine folks at Taylor Stitch, once again.

I’ve been a fan of the brand for close to a decade now, from its buttery-soft yet tough flannel shirts to its expertly cut chinos, and you can now count the Taylor Stitch Western Shirt Jacket as yet another favorite for your rotation (and mine).

Best Western shirts for men.

Crucially, the Taylor Stitch Western Shirt Jacket fuses together so many things that Taylor Stitch does well, including its ability to craft expertly cut shirts — and its ability to turn those same shirts into durable, rugged shirt jackets.

Best men's shirt jackets to buy now.

So, with the outdoor-ready Taylor Stitch Western Shirt Jacket, you get both a classically cool Western shirt and the warmth of a toasty shirt jacket, all thanks to the sherpa lining beneath its tastefully faded 100 percent cotton denim exterior.

The effect is both retro and yet of the moment, and details like side slant hip pockets elevate it above a typical Western shirt in terms of utility. Slant snap chest pockets also drive home the timeless Western flair of the aptly named Taylor Stitch Western Shirt Jacket — what’s not to love about that?

At under $200, it’s fairly priced and yet ruggedly luxurious enough to feel like a style splurge, and that’s one more thing to look forward to during the holiday season, isn’t it? If you end up layering up with this handsome Taylor Stitch shacket, let me know in the comments below. Cheers to cozy winter weekend layering, my friends!

The Friday Read: These Are the Best Menswear Sales to Shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Huckberry Black Friday Sale 2024.

My friends, welcome to a special Black Friday edition of the Friday Read here on this Brooklyn style blog, where we tend to cover a bit of everything, from shopping and spirits to, of course, menswear and gear.

And although I wear a great deal many hats when it comes to freelance writing, today, we’re all in on the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals (you can read my writing about the best spirits to drink now over at Maxim, among others — perhaps for something to sip while you shop?). Those deals, naturally, include retailers like Huckberry as seen at the top of the page — read on for more insight there, my friends.

For now, let’s dive in with a very brief overview of these hand-selected Cyber Week menswear deals — while other publications (including my own byline at Maxim.com!) cover sales by the dozen, we’re streamlining things a bit here today and talking about the five best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales to shop now. Get out there, get after it and check back next week to let me know what you scored.

Huckberry: Save More Than 40 Percent

Yes indeed, as promised, Huckberry has a wealth of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals rolling out. Savings abound on waxed jackets, rugged shirting, essential leather boots, stretch chinos and denim, everyday carry gear, home goods and more. If you want it, Huckberry’s got it. Shop here.

Filson: Save As Much as 60 Percent

Once upon a time, the good folks at Filson rarely offered discounts on the best outdoor menswear, much less putting together an entire Filson Black Friday Sale. That’s not the case anymore, as flannel shirts, durable waxed jackets, tough weekender bags, hard-wearing work pants and accessories are all up for grabs at a discount. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on one of the best flannel shirts from Filson, too. Shop here.

Todd Snyder: Take 30 Percent Off Everything (With code: BLACKFRIDAY30)

It can be hard to find high-quality, investment-level menswear — from shirting to suiting — on sale, yet that’s not the case with the refined wares on offer from legendary American designer Todd Snyder. In need of a new sportcoat or a sharp new flannel shirt? Perhaps a stylish pair of jeans or a rugged henley? Shop the Todd Snyder Black Friday Sale for 30 percent off with the code BLACKFRIDAY30. ‘Tis the season. my friends.

Taylor Stitch: Take 20% Off Select Styles Sitewide

The good folks at Taylor Stitch are opening up the warehouse, so to speak, with standout savings on knitwear, sweaters, A-plus shirting, rugged work pants, cozy loungewear and much more — I’d recommend checking out a range of pieces, including the modern classic Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt. 20 percent off won’t stick around forever, so hop to it, my friends. Shop here.

Billy Reid: Save At Least 20 Percent On Refined Menswear

With Billy Reid — makers of the peacoat worn by James Bond, among other staples — the difference truly is in the details, like the designer’s signature ribbon trim finish and richly crafted fabrics. You’ve got your best chance of the year to save on refined, utterly classic menswear with a dash of Americana, but here’s the catch.

You’ll get savings of 20% on orders of more than $400, 30% on orders of $800-plus, and then 40% on orders of more than $1,200. Get that credit card at the ready and stock up on style staples that shouldn’t be missed. Shop here.

My friends, in the interest of letting you get back to your leftovers and turkey sandwiches (and perhaps some shopping, whiskey sipping and afternoon football viewing), that’ll do it for my guide to the best Black Friday deals and steals! Happy shopping, have a great holiday weekend — with two more posts on this blog incoming! — and as ever, we’ll See You Out There. Cheers!