The Thursday Buy: This Rugged Buck Mason Crew is the Perfect Layer to End Summer

Best lightweight sweater for men.

There’s going to come a time in your search for men’s style essentials where you need a piece or two that the line between “too much” and “just right.” Allow me to explain, folks.

In the same way that you need a lightweight blazer and lightweight men’s jeans for summer, rather than something cut for fall or winter, a transitional T-shirt to carry you from late summer into early fall can prove quite handy in a multitude of situations — even more than you might think, in fact.

And this, my friends, is where Buck Mason comes into play with the Buck Mason Field-Spec Rugby Crew. If you follow along with the blog, you know it’s easier than ever to find what you’re looking for at the rugged, all-American retailer, and the ante is upped even further.

You see, the Buck Mason Field-Spec Rugby Crew is neither as lightweight as the brand’s perfectly breezy, expertly crafted USA-made tees, nor is it as heavy as some Buck Mason sweaters for the fall and winter months — in short, it’s the perfect T-shirt to close out summer and look towards fall.

And as its name would imply, the Buck Mason Field-Spec Rugby Crew is a rough-and-tumble piece you can wear casually (beneath a chambray shirt or your favorite zip hoodie at a late summer bonfire) or for pursuits far afield (layered over a waxed jacket on a camping trip). It’s made from a cotton jersey fabric that’s twice as heavy as Buck Mason T-shirts, so it should drape nicely and layer easily.

Note that the Buck Mason Field-Spec Rugby Crew also features a side-split hem and reinforced stitching at the elbows, not unlike some traditional rugby polo shirts (minus the somewhat dressier collar).

And the Buck Mason Field-Spec Rugby Crew features a tailored fit with room to move (likely similar to other Buck Mason tees, in my experience). It’s the kind of rugged layer every guy can use, particularly if you want a stylish tee to wear with jeans, yet not one that’s as light as the option you’d reach for in the high heat of summer.

You see? The Buck Mason Field-Spec Rugby Crew is neither too heavy nor too light: It’s just right, and in my experience, that’s what your wardrobe needs now. Go to it, my friends.

The Thursday Buy: These Black Twill Jeans from Buck Mason Are a New Modern Classic

Best black jeans for men.

When I build out my own menswear wardrobe, as I often say, I tend to look for menswear essentials I can wear consistently, season after season and year after year. That means looking towards a brand like Buck Mason, one I’ve loved for years and one that specializes in a bit of everything, from the best pocket tee to rugged denim shirting and of course, the stylish black jeans you see at the top of the page.

And to me, the new Buck Mason Roper Twill Jeans are already a modern classic, despite the fact that they just popped up in the Buck Mason New Arrivals section. How about that, ehh? If you’ve tried Buck Mason men’s jeans, you know that they offer fits like Maverick (a slimmer cut) and the Ford cut (the cut you’ll find on your new favorite pair of black jeans here).

That fit is crucial, as they’ve already nailed the rest of the details: A timeless five-pocket design, a tapered leg and a straight fit through the hip. Of course, things only get better from there.

Best men's black jeans to wear now.

The key with this pair of jeans also lies in the fabric itself: Unlike other jeans, which feature either 100 percent cotton or cotton blended with elastane, the Buck Mason Roper Twill Jeans feature a nicely designed 9.5oz cotton and rayon twill blend for a super-soft finish.

In fact, rayon is the same fabric traditionally used in soft, breezy Hawaiian shirts, so the Buck Mason Roper Twill Jeans should move easily and feel super-comfortable all day long.

Plus, the Buck Mason Roper Twill Jeans have been garment-washed for additional softness, yet they’ll still retain the stylish edge of classic black jeans. And naturally, they pair well with a wide array of all-American styles from the rest of the Buck Mason line. Buy ’em now to wear with a short-sleeve henley, then keep ’em close at hand to style with a classic flannel shirt come fall. Buck Mason always comes through, folks.

The Thursday Buy: This Buck Mason Chambray Shirt is an All-Season Style Classic

Best chambray shirt for men.

If your wardrobe looks anything like mine, perhaps it’s stocked with a healthy dose of menswear classics, pieces you can turn towards day in and day out. For me, that means — at least on the shirting front — more than one of the best chambray shirts for men.

I wear mine to my favorite breweries in Brooklyn, I style it with dark denim for a high-low look, and I’ve found that the Buck Mason Chambray One-Pocket Shirt just gets the job done. Let’s take a closer look at this style classic from one of the best online menswear shops, shall we?

The rugged, textured yet fairly lightweight fabric works well as a shirt on its own, it adds visual appeal to one of the best men’s henleys, and it can be worn plenty of different ways in these increasingly casual times.

The best men’s chambray shirts tend to look great on every guy, and that’s where the Buck Mason Chambray One-Pocket Shirt can add some all-season appeal to your wardrobe (especially as we roll through the end of summer into early fall).

Buck Mason chambray shirt revi

The great thing about the Buck Mason Chambray One-Pocket Shirt lies in its details and its versatility. The 4.8oz. indigo chambray fabric looks and feels like you’ve had it for years, and should prove soft and wearable right out of the box (and your new favorite chambray shirt should certainly get better with age, too).

And about that versatility: It surely lives up to the hype, at least in my experience. You can wear it like a shirt jacket over your favorite pocket tee, you can roll up the sleeves and style it with Buck Mason chinos, and you can even team it up with a lightweight Buck Mason blazer for a casually rugged yet polished office look.

The pocket and button-down collar also help to give it a similar aesthetic feel as one of the best Oxford shirts, and that’s the sort of wearability I can get behind. Are you considering adding this timeless, easy-to-style chambray shirt to your wardrobe? Drop me a line in the comments if so! Stay stylish out there, folks.

The Thursday Buy: This Rugged American Giant Chore Jacket Is Ideal for Breezy Summer Nights

Best chore jacket for men.

My friends, sometimes, there’s no getting around it: Even on the hottest summer days, you still might find yourself in need of, say, one of the best chore jackets as the sun goes down.

Be it an evening bonfire, a sunset beach walk or a camping trek up into the mountains, you’d be surprised at how handy a rugged chore jacket can be, particularly one that’s made in America (and made the right way, at that). And that, folks, is where American Giant — one of the best made-in-America style brands, assuredly, factors into the equation with one of the best chore jackets for men.

Hopefully, you recognize American Giant from making one of the best zip hoodies out there, and the brand has also successfully tried its hand at stylish T-shirts, durable work pants and even some of the best blue jeans. Of course, they do it all right here in the U.S. of A., and the American Giant Roughneck Chore Jacket looks to carry on that legacy in handsome, rugged and durable fashion.

American Giant chore jacket.

The American Giant Roughneck Chore Jacket takes its cues from the Roughneck line of pants from the brand, and it’s crafted from a 9.5oz. cotton-canvas and spandex blend in El Paso, Texas. That means it’s got some stretch and supple movement to it, but it’s still comfortable enough to wear over a classic American Giant T-shirt on cool summer and early fall nights.

The American Giant Roughneck Chore Jacket is also garment-dyed for added softness, and finished with timeless chore coat touches via three patch pockets to handle your everyday carry essentials. And to suit plenty of stylish combinations, this chore jacket comes in three versatile, rich colors (the Deep Olive shade very well might be my favorite).

Mercer Apricot 3

And true to form, American Giant has priced your new favorite chore jacket at a very agreeable $198. What’s not to love about that? If you end up adding the American Giant Roughneck Chore Jacket to your rotation, let me know in the comments below. Now, let’s layer up and get out there the rest of this summer.

The Thursday Buy: The Billy Reid Indigo Western Shirt is a Rugged, Refined Summer Classic

Billy Reid Western Shirt.

One of the things I love the most about the menswear world is seeing how brands put a new spin on their own time-honored favorites. And for my money’s worth (and in my own experience wearing the brand!), American menswear stalwart Billy Reid‘s namesake brand does as stellar a job at this as anyone.

This holds especially true for subtle, straightforward picks like one of the best men’s T-shirts, and it holds true for styles that are a bit trickier to perfect, like a stylish buttondown shirt. Make no mistake, it’s hard to improve upon a modern classic like the Billy Reid Western Shirt, which has been in the company’s rotation (and Billy’s personal wardrobe) for more than two decades.

And yet, one glance at the Billy Reid Indigo Western Shirt tells you all you need to know: The award-winning brand has indeed managed to improve upon a classic, and that’s just terrific news for your summer wardrobe.

Best denim shirt for men.

This exceedingly handsome shirt is part of the new Billy Reid Indigo Capsule, which harnesses the magic of indigo dye and turns it into a stylish offering of T-shirts, ultra-soft sweaters, buttondown shirting and more. The Billy Reid Indigo Western Shirt is a standout of the entire capsule, with a deep indigo color, contrast plaid stitching and genuine dark horn buttons.

Best indigo denim shirt for men.

It should come as no surprise that Billy gets all of these details correct, and throws in a few more for good measure. The flap chest pockets boast a unique spade shape, and heirloom ribbon detailing is a subtle touch beneath the bottom shirt placket. Of course, the Billy Reid Indigo Western Shirt is a winner every single step of the way.

Part tailored jacket, part sweater, all versatility.

Take heed, though. All of this ultra-premium construction comes at a price, and Billy Reid is offering up this long-lasting shirt for $228 right now online. If you ask me though, most anything from Billy Reid is worth investing in, so shop accordingly this week. Thanks for reading, my friends!

The Thursday Buy: These Taylor Stitch Loafers are a Refined Summer Classic for Tailored Style

Best loafers for men to buy now.

My friends, one glance at your calendar (and thermostat) tells you all you need to know: We’ve still got plenty of summer left, and you’ve likely got plenty of tailored summer stops on your to-do list. How to beat the heat in style? With the best menswear essentials from one of your favorite men’s style brands, like Taylor Stitch. Sounds like a wise move to me, and I hope you agree.

I’m more than willing to bet that you know the brand quite well from reading the pages of this blog, be it the brand’s stylish summer shorts or breezy summer shirts. Let’s start today’s post from the ground up though, quite literally. Let’s look at the San Francisco brand’s collection of the best shoes for men, which normally leans heavily into rugged vibes via the best boots for fall or winter.

Instead, let’s take a look at the Taylor Stitch Loafers, which are refined enough for a summer wedding, versatile enough to wear to the office, and well-crafted enough to take it all in stride.

Best summer loafers for men.

Modeled after classic penny loafers and yet streamlined ever so slightly in terms of the last and the toe shape, the Taylor Stitch Loafers, these loafers (made in a D width — take note!) are made with plenty of helpful details for all sorts of situations.

Start with the fact that the Taylor Stitch Loafers feature weatherproof suede: I’d still advise treating them with suede protector, but they should prove more durable than other suede loafers.

Of course, the clean profile of the Taylor Stitch Loafers makes them dressy enough to wear with linen trousers or a Taylor Stitch summer suit, but the Vibram mini-lug sole is also more grippy and durable than a pair of classic, dressy suede loafers. See, Taylor Stitch has nearly thought of everything.

For good measure, you can rest easy knowing these loafers are crafted with care in world footwear hub Leon, Mexico — that’s the same place where plenty of brands make dependable shoes and boots, so the Taylor Stitch Loafers also have that going for them.

They’re pricier than a pair of loafers from a discount retailer (the Taylor Stitch Loafers retail for $298), but given the care and consideration built into every pair, this is one summer footwear purchase you can feel great about making. Get out there in style the rest of this season, my friends.

The Thursday Buy: These Lightweight Free Fly Breeze Shorts are a Casual Summer Style Move

Best casual summer shorts for men.

For as fast as the summer seems to be flying by, perhaps you’ve still got your eye on a few classic, casual summer style essentials. Or rather, versatile summer style essentials — like a pair of active shorts you can wear for both laidback days around town and active pursuits in the field, from day hikes to camping trips and everything in between.

That’s where the Free Fly Breeze Shorts, part of the Free Fly Breeze Collection, offer up maximum dependability, performance and laidback style. Available in inseam lengths of 6, 7 and 8 inches, these shorts check all the right boxes for lazy days by the lake, summer vacations and even casual outings around town.

The fabric is lightweight and breathable, yet packed with UPF50+ protection for all-day reliability, and things only get better from there.

Best active shorts for men to wear now.

The Free Fly Breeze Shorts are built with dependable four-way stretch fabric, which dries quickly and moves with you through rocky terrain or easygoing boardwalk strolls. The elastic drawstring waistband is comfortable and yet provides a customizable, snug fit, while you’ve also got the option to pick up the Free Fly Breeze Shorts with a liner for added support.

Beyond that, they come in sizes ranging from Small to 3XL, and nine colorways offer up something for everyone in terms of style. Better still is the fact that they wear easily and stylishly with something like the rugged, functional Free Fly short-sleeve henley, one of the best henleys for men.

The next time you want shorts that deliver both casual comfort and all-day performance, the Free Fly Breeze Shorts check the proper boxes, and then some.

The Thursday Buy: The Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is a Breezy Summer Style Pick

Best men's short-sleeve shirt for summer.

Is the search for summer menswear essentials ever really complete? At times and in my experience, it feels like it’s a never-ending quest, or at least a fun journey, to find picks that surprise and delight in terms of your wardrobe.

Everyone’s summer menswear favorites tend to look a bit different based on where you live and how your day-to-day shakes out, but it’s the tried-and-true picks that keep us all going, right? I’ve found that whether I’m working from home and wearing a breezy pocket tee, or heading to a rooftop cocktail event, the good folks at Taylor Stitch always tend to come through in the clutch.

Best camp collar shirt for men this season.

Of course, you might prize pieces that are a touch more classic or straightforward, like one of the best men’s polos or a Taylor Stitch Oxford shirt. And yet, your wardrobe should leave a little bit of room for interpretation: That’s where one of the best camp collar shirts is ready to shake up your menswear rotation just ever-so-slightly.

That shirt, my friends, is part of the always-engaging Taylor Stitch New Arrivals section, and the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt offers up retro and modern style in spades. It’s modeled off camp collar shirts of decades gone by, and you’ll notice that the collar lays flat in a more casual fashion, akin to something you might have seen Don Draper wear.

Retro camp collar shirt for men.

Crucially, the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt harnesses that same sense of casually cool style (without some of Don’s more questionable habits), and it’s every bit as well-designed as you’ve come to expect from Taylor Stitch. In my experience with the brand, texture and fabric is really where the San Francisco brand stands out, and the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is no exception.

It’s available in two dusty, pleasingly summer-friendly shades, Orchid and Sand Jacquard, with 100 percent organic cotton washed fabric that should feel remarkably soft on the skin. So, why a camp collar shirt? Well, the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is a touch more easygoing even when compared to a polo (thanks to the lay-flat collar and straight-hem, standard fit), so it’s a nice change of pace on breezy summer evenings.

Best new summer shirt for men.

The shorter hem also makes it easier to wear untucked, although I’ve found that most Taylor Stitch shirts can be worn untucked without missing a beat (including the brand’s stylish Oxford shirts) Even still, the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is another much-needed, laidback style swerve on the hottest summer days.

Plus, the medium weight means you can wear the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt on your own, or you can style it as I would — unbuttoned over a heather grey T-shirt. Effortlessly cool style is the name of the game with the throwback-inspired camp collar shirt, and the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is a worthy example to add to your wardrobe ASAP.

The Thursday Buy: The Filson Oil Cloth Tin Duffle Is an Investment-Worthy Summer Getaway Bag

Best duffle bag for men to buy now.

Hitting the road this summer and in search of one of the best duffle bags for men? I know I sure am, and I’d wager you’re not the only one. Before we can both pack up to hit the road, it’s worth taking stock of what exactly you’re bringing with you. Or rather, it’s worth taking stock of the rugged duffle bag you’re packing up.

Fear not: If you’ve not quite got the proper bag to meet the moment, then you’ll like what’s in store today. In my experience, one of the best duffle bags for men can start your trip off on the proper foot even before you hit the road. After all, if the bag you’re hauling doesn’t quite offer enough space or utility, well…that’s just no good, my friends.

Rugged duffle bag for men.

To get a touch more specific: That’s where the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle amps up your everyday carry in a major way. I’ve long been a fan of Filson, the Pacific Northwest heritage outfitter with a penchant for delivering uncompromising, unfailing goods — including luggage like the Filson Large Rugged Duffle.

And if you’ve tried out the brand — as I have over the years — or if you read the blog on the regular, then it should come as no surprise that the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle more than passes muster.

Rugged Filson duffle bag for men.

The specs on the seriously cool, investment-worthy Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle fall right in line with other heritage-quality Filson men’s gear, especially the brand’s durable-as-can-be Tin Cloth waxed canvas. That canvas stands up to wear and tear, bumps and abrasions, weather and more, and it gets better with age each time you pack up to hit the road.

Plus, the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle is accented with iconic Filson touches, including Bridle Leather handles and a shoulder strap that will also break in handsomely over time. Even the brass zipper is rustproof — how’s that for a touch of rugged appeal?

And for good measure, the colorway of this particular Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle is a limited-edition offering. In my experience, limited-edition Filson goods tend not to stick around forever, and that’s reason enough to add another rugged Filson men’s bag to your EDC.

How about it? If you end up packing up the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle to hit the road this summer, let me know in the comments below.

The Thursday Buy: Save 25 Percent On the Classic Shinola Runwell, Now Through May 14th

Best classic leather watch for men.

There are parts of building out your menswear wardrobe that are wildly fun, like developing your personal style wish list, and then there’s the actual execution of the process: If you’ve got your eye on, say, a stylish leather watch or an investment-level everyday carry essential, then those pieces aren’t always easy to pick up on the fly. There’s price, for one, and there’s availability, for another, but what if I told you your favorite watch brand was on a (temporary) mission to change all of that?

The watch brand in question, which I hope you’re familiar with if you read the blog frequently, is Detroit-based Shinola, which actually does so much more than just craft stylish men’s watches nowadays. There are also daily essentials like the Shinola Canfield Messenger Bag, but what we’re here to talk about today belongs on your wrist.

Shinola Runwell watch review.

Naturally, that watch is the Shinola Runwell — actually, the Shinola Runwell 41mm — one of the best men’s watches in terms of versatility and now, value. That’s because the Shinola 10-Year Appreciation Event runs now through May 14th, giving you the rare chance to take 25 percent off sitewide on everything. Yes, everything from the famed watchmaker and fan favorite is up for grabs, but only for a few more days.

Let’s go back briefly to the Shinola Runwell 41mm, the brand’s flagship style. It blends a sort of retro, Art Deco-type quality with the rugged-yet-refined appeal of a contrasting leather strap, and the 41mm case diameter makes it a touch more casual than some of the best men’s dress watches. The Shinola Runwell 41mm comes in a wide array of dial and strap colors (and you can also purchase Shinola watch straps to give your collection even more versatility).

But the best of the bunch, especially if you’ve got a large rotation of brown leather shoes and boots (like me!), might be a tan leather Shinola Runwell with a crisp white or black dial. It already retails for under $600 full price, but the Shinola 10-Year Appreciation Event drops that deal even lower. There’s no time to waste — pun intended. Save 25 percent now through Sunday.