July 1, 2021June 9, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Wear This Lightweight Bespoke Post Shirt All Summer Long

Alright, folks. You know the drill. It’s a hot one out there. Like, ridiculously hot, and as we head into the Fourth of July and the rest of summer, you need one of the best men’s shirts. To be more specific, you need this breezy and lightweight linen shirt from Bespoke Post. If you’ve read the blog over the years, you know that Bespoke Post makes some of the best men’s style essentials for any time of year at all, but that rings particularly true when you consider the in-house Bespoke Post brand Line Of Trade. We have Line Of Trade to thank for the Zephyr Linen Shirt, one of the best lightweight shirts to wear when it’s simply too hot to wear much of anything else.

Thankfully, the team at Line Of Trade has come up with one heck of a warm-weather solution in the Zephyr Linen Shirt, and it’s here not a moment too soon as we power through hot summer days and nights. With more polish than a T-shirt and just a bit more buttoned-up versatility than a polo (wear this Zephyr Linen Shirt under a blazer to the office), it’s a winner all the way through.

SHOP: The Zephyr Linen Shirt from Bespoke Post

It’s helpfully available in six cool, breezy and fun patterns, but it’s the lightweight fabric that makes this a surefire bet for that overheated summer BBQ or patio happy hour hang. Heck, as fun as those outings can be, you still need one of the best shirts for men to clean things up with some polish in mind. Again, that’s where the Line Of Trade Zephyr Linen Shirt enters the fray (and your wardrobe, for that matter).

Made with a cotton-linen blend, the good folks at Bespoke Post have really thrown everything they’ve got at this shirt. It features mother-of-pearl buttons and neat pattern options like a fittingly summer-inspired Indigo Stripe, but it’s that crucial, breezy fabric blend that really gets me. Oh, and it goes without saying (nearly) that the price on the Line Of Trade Zephyr Linen Shirt is something else: It retails for $60 at Bespoke Post. That’s a deal so essential that you’d almost have to be crazy not to stock up on multiple colorways of the Line Of Trade Zephyr Linen Shirt. You can then wear that shirt with linen trousers, with light wash denim or with canvas shorts from Buck Mason, all without missing a beat this season. Lightweight, stylish relief is in sight: Stock up accordingly with your new favorite shirt top of mind.

SHOP: The Zephyr Linen Shirt from Bespoke Post

June 3, 2021May 20, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Buck Mason Carry-On Suit is the Best Suit for Summer

Before you know it, it’ll be time to hit the road (hopefully, with a stylish leather bag packed up) for your first summer wedding, that all-important celebration that marks a return to normalcy this year. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though: You need one of the best summer suits for the occasion, and that’s where the Buck Mason Carry-On Jacket ($150) and Buck Mason Carry-On Pants ($125) come into play. Think of it like one of the best suits for men, the kind you would have worn pre-pandemic, but with some crucial differences that make it a stylish casual suit all the same. It’s also fitting that the all-American style purveyors at Buck Mason make this suit, because they also excel at complementary casual menswear essentials, from the best denim shirt to the best T-shirts for men.

The Buck Mason Carry-On Suit is, after all, designed to ease you back into wearing tailoring once more, built with super-lightweight, soft cotton for a laidback fit and feel. In short, the Buck Mason Carry-On Suit is the best suit for a summer wedding in these more casual times. Don’t believe me? Keep scrolling, and just know that I’ve been putting my own Buck Mason summer suit to the test in the heat of Brooklyn as of late (thank you to the brand for sending!).

SHOP: The Buck Mason Carry-On Suit

The specs on the Buck Mason Carry-On Suit plainly put it squarely at the top of the heap as far as casual summer suits are concerned. For starters, both the Buck Mason Carry-On Jacket and Buck Mason Carry-On Pants are made from a perfect, summer-weight stretch cotton, much closer to shirting fabric than your typical suit. Both the jacket and pants, in that regard, are also unlined, meaning the suit will move with you and won’t trap excess heat during that outdoor summer wedding reception. The Buck Mason Carry-On Pants are cut with a straight, tapered fit, one that leaves some room up top and tapers slightly below the knee (compare ’em to the fit of the Buck Mason Standard Jeans).

And the Buck Mason Carry-On Jacket is as casual and cool as can be, made from that same lightweight fabric and featuring patch pockets for a relaxed-yet-tailored blend. It’s made with three buttons, but the jackets rolls to show two (they call this “three-roll-two” in the biz. The point is, it’s one of the best summer blazers in its own right (especially in the khaki-like Sandstone color), whether worn atop a tee or with a crisp Buck Mason Oxford shirt.

The combo also delivers plenty of crucial, lightweight bang for your buck. Heck, $275 is a great price for both items when you consider that you can mix and match both pieces with other Buck Mason staples, including pairing the jacket with a Buck Mason tee and jeans, or teaming the Buck Mason Carry-On Pants with a Buck Mason buttondown shirt. If you ask me, the Buck Mason Carry-On Suit is the best suit to wear this summer, no matter where the season takes you. Good luck out there, folks.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Carry-On Suit

May 27, 2021May 12, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Duke Cannon’s Cold Shower Bundle Is Your Summer Grooming Go-To

For as many summer style essentials as you think you’ve taken care of at the moment, there are plenty of men’s grooming essentials that need to be on your summer shopping list, too. Allow me to reintroduce Duke Cannon, Minnesota-based makers of some of the best men’s grooming products, period. You might recognize the brand from my guide to the Duke Cannon Classic Man Kit, packed with four of the best men’s grooming staples, but let’s take a look at a crucial summer pick-up you won’t be able to live without: The Duke Cannon Cold Shower Bundle has a whole host of the best men’s grooming products for summer, especially as the thermostat climbs (and climbs, and climbs).

Staying cool and dry while looking and feeling your best is as important as shopping for, say, your new favorite denim shirt for summer — think of it like a new take on “look good, feel good.” And luckily for us all, Duke Cannon is one of the best grooming brands for men when it comes to helping guys through tricky, hot summer days. Yes indeed, the Duke Cannon Cold Shower Bundle is the new summer grooming essential you didn’t know you needed… yet.

SHOP: The Duke Cannon Cold Shower Bundle

Helpfully, the essential Duke Cannon Cold Shower Bundle is packed with proper picks for guys who tend to run hot (and dealing with NYC summers, as I’ve been these past years, is really no joke). This summer grooming bundle really has it all, including Cold Shower Scrub, with a cooling effect, and the super-effective and well-made Dry Ice Cooling Antiperspirant + Deodorant. Duke Cannon has thought of everything single thing in this handy bundle, including the excellent Cold Shower Cooling Field Towels — face and body wipes to cool you down on the go. It gets even better, though — and I really do mean that.

The Duke Cannon Cold Shower Bundle is on sale right now for $39.50, a nice little discount from its regular $46 price tag. So, that’s four summer grooming essentials for under $40. If I were you, I’d seriously consider hopping on this deal ASAP. Consider it but one addition to your grooming rotation — or rather, four very effective additions to your grooming rotation. Your summer just got a whole lot more cooling and refreshing, and I really do mean that.

SHOP: The Duke Cannon Cold Shower Bundle

May 20, 2021May 8, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Billy Reid Pensacola Polo is the Casual Summer Shirt to Buy Now

Picture this: Your weekend dawns, some (safe) outdoor plans are finally on the horizon and, well, you feel like you’ve got nothing to wear. A T-shirt might be too casual, a dress shirt is too stuffy, but here’s the catch: One of the best men’s polos truly hits the sweet spot, and that’s why we’re here today. The brand to shop for the best polo for men does it even better than you might expect, too. And if you’ve read the blog as of late, you know this to be true: Alabama-based Billy Reid delivers, and that’s certainly the case with the standout Billy Reid Pensacola Polo. Of course, that’s not all one of the country’s best menswear brands can do.

Be it the iconic Billy Reid Denim Shirt (it’s been a staple of the brand since the early 2000s) or any number of the best men’s style essentials from Billy Reid — trust me, I have plenty of favorites — this is one designer that delivers season after season. But back to what makes the stellar Billy Reid Pensacola Polo such a crucial seasonal pick-up. For starters, it’s the perfect blend of premium style and affordability; even when not on sale, you can get this stylish polo for under $100. I’d call that a bingo, folks. It gets better, so keep scrolling.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Pensacola Polo

The Billy Reid Pensacola Polo is the sort of polo that defies convention. It’s not stuffy or too heavy, thanks to the 100 percent Peruvian cotton blend. That makes it super soft and breathable compared to thicker pique polos. The fabric is also garment-dyed for extra softness and comfort right out of the box. In short, your new favorite polo is going to feel as easygoing as your favorite T-shirt (also from Billy Reid, in an ideal world!).

Even the details are on-point, including chest pocket stitching that plays off the brand’s signature ribbon stripe. Better still, the cut is fitted but not overly tight, resulting in one of the best polos for men across the board, the kind that looks great on any guy. Take your pick from five richly crafted colors, then mix and match the Billy Reid Pensacola Polo to your heart’s content with light wash denim and canvas sneakers, or else chino shorts and leather loafers. That’s truly the tip of the menswear iceberg, and it’s worth keeping in mind you can find one of the best polos out there for only $88 at Billy Reid (that’s a downright steal in my mind).

SHOP: The Billy Reid Pensacola Polo

April 29, 2021February 21, 2023 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Western Rise Is Making the Best Short-Sleeve Shirt on the Market

Look toward the great outdoors this coming spring and the wild West to find the best men’s short-sleeve shirt for spring and summer today, my friends. It’s coming at you courtesy of Western Rise, based in Colorado and makers of gear that perfectly blends performance and style with ease. The shirt in question today is the Western Rise AirLight Short-Sleeve Buttondown, easily one of the best shirts for men when the thermostat climbs and yet you’ve still got to look polished. It’s all in keeping with that crucial blend of innovative fabrics and classic silhouettes, as best seen in other Western Rise staples, like the best men’s shirt jacket or the best long-sleeve shirt for outdoor adventures. The list goes on, of course, but the Western Rise AirLight Short-Sleeve Buttondown is here just in time for a new season of fun in the sun.

It’s the perfect kind of shirt for the demands of these days, which could encompass anything from weekend errands or day trips to working on your patio on a Friday to dashing out for an outdoor beer when the day is done. Through it all the Western Rise AirLight Short-Sleeve Buttondown is going to perfectly blend great looks with comfortable, breezy fabric (and that’s an understatement).

The key is the AirLight cloth, which starts with texturized SUPPLEX® nylon and incorporates a post-consumer recycled polyester to really drive home the warm-weather nature of the Western Rise AirLight Short-Sleeve Buttondown. It’s then woven into a lightweight weave that breathes easily and dries quickly. Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, it’s finished off with a light water-repellent finish to handle spring mists and, well, light rain.

If it wasn’t clear right away that this is one of the best short-sleeve shirts for men, hopefully, you’re coming around now. To top things off, it also features a UPF50 finish, ideal for wearing (along with sunscreen!) on spring and summer hikes and park strolls. I’d also strongly urge you to wear it with some of the best men’s pants for summer, also from Western Rise (see, there’s that blend of technical functionality and style again!).

I personally love the Light Blue color — a key component of the style points this shirt has going for it — but it’s also available in a crisp Fog and a clean, classic Black colorway. Of course, the Western Rise AirLight Short-Sleeve Buttondown has the small details taken care of accordingly, too — that means you’re also getting a hidden buttondown collar and a handy chest pocket. Take it from a guy who’s tested his out frequently even just this month — it’s going to become your new favorite spring and summer shirt. Who can say no to that, ehh?

April 22, 2021March 27, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Mack Weldon Pima Tee is the Best Men’s T-Shirt for Spring

Your new go-to spring T-shirt, easily.

We’re back again with another essential Thursday Buy, and in the spirit of spring, let’s talk about one of the best men’s T-shirts for the season. It comes from a brand you know and love, too. Mack Weldon really does make some of the best gear and menswear for guys, and that’s not just hyperbole (head here to read about the brand’s much-loved hooded sweatshirt). There’s a very good chance that when you start to try out the brand’s basics, you won’t want to wear anything else — even if that’s just cashmere crew socks, for example. And if you’ve tried Mack Weldon underwear, you also know this is the case. But we’re really here to talk about one of the best men’s T-shirts for spring, summer and beyond. It’s your lucky day if you’ve been shopping around for the perfect men’s T-shirt, to put it simply.

The Mack Weldon Pima Cotton T-Shirt packs in plenty of bang for your buck (it’ll run you $32 at Mack Weldon), and it’s assuredly worth the price. Heck, it’s so well-made, you might want to get more than one. Another positive here: Remember, you can get free shipping to the U.S. and Canada on orders of $50 or more at this link. Not a bad deal as far as your new favorite T-shirt is concerned, ehh? Not bad at all.

SHOP: The Mack Weldon Pima Cotton T-Shirt

One of the best T-shirts for men, available in a wide array of cool colors.

Consider your search for the best new T-shirt for men to be at an end, in short, because the Mack Weldon Pima Cotton T-Shirt is going to be your new go-to. In addition to the ridiculously soft pima cotton construction, it’s got a durable collar that won’t lose its shape (the brand calls this its Recovery Collar). That’s great news indeed, because you’re going to find yourself wearing this essential T-shirt with everything from your favorite light wash denim for spring to cotton chino shorts and canvas sneakers. It’s an ideal T-shirt to layer under a rugged cotton chambray shirt or a denim jacket, too. And on its own, even with slim olive chinos (in the case of the Sand Heather T-Shirt shown above), it simply looks great (thanks to the tailored fit and the array of versatile color options).

It’s even better that the Mack Weldon Pima Cotton T-Shirt comes in so many colors — 15, to be exact! — because you’re going to find yourself wanting to stock up ASAP. Remember, it’s also to your benefit to spend more, thanks to free shipping to the U.S. and Canada on orders of $50 or more. That’s really just the tip of the iceberg, because this T-shirt is going to become a new favorite, and quickly. If you end up checking it out, be sure to let me know on Twitter.

SHOP: The Mack Weldon Pima Cotton T-Shirt

April 8, 2021March 10, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Classic Leather Chukka Boots from Veldskoen Are a Spring Must-Have

Some of the coolest chukka boots for men you can step into right now.

You don’t need me to tell you that having the best shoes for spring on your feet is a necessity, right? Long gone are the days of lacing up your winter snow boots or clunky work boots — opt for some of the best chukka boots instead, as you welcome the slow-but-sure return of sunshine, breezy days, outdoor patio beers and more. Are we on the same page today? Good, great, grand. And in today’s Thursday Buy, do I have just the pick for you: The Veldskoen Chukka Boots are well-made, affordably priced, expertly crafted and ideal for spring days and nights. Just as you need a pair of casual retro sneakers for spring and summer days aplenty, the right pair of classic leather chukka boots for men can indeed go a very long way.

Think of the Veldskoen Chukka Boots as an alternative boot option to Clarks, a nice change of pace if you want something new (yet made with heritage quality in mind). And if you’re not familiar with South Africa’s Veldskoen, now is the perfect time to get acquainted. Veldskoen makes its boots using old-school methods and ethical materials, to go along with sustainable sourcing and a close means of production with workers who are paid a fair wage. They’re hand-cut and handsewn, and the end result (especially when it comes to the understated, practical and stylish Veldskoen Chukka Boots) is nothing less than your new favorite pair of spring boots.

SHOP: The Veldskoen Chukka Boots

Durable, classic, cool and sustainable — that’s Veldskoen for you.

You could make the case that every guy needs a pair of the best leather chukka boots, especially a pair that’s more comfortable to wear than your standard leather lace-up boots and somewhat dressier than your go-to canvas sneakers. The Veldskoen Chukka Boots toe that line quite nicely, literally, and the fact that they’re durable and won’t give out on you after a few wears is a major bonus (to say the least!).

The recyclable rubber compound sole gives you both cushioning and all-day comfort, and the memory foam insole is designed to mold to your foot over time (my own pair is certainly doing this after wearing ’em this season). They’re timeless and understated, ready to be worn with your favorite pair of tan chinos and a rugged henley — you can find both at the Shop By The Style Guide — or else with easygoing light wash jeans and a classic pocket T-shirt. With Veldskoen Chukka Boots, the styling potential is endless, and the timeless looks are nearly guaranteed. Happy spring, my friends.

SHOP: The Veldskoen Chukka Boots

April 1, 2021March 9, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket is the Toughest Spring Jacket on the Market

An unstoppable spring workwear jacket, no matter where the season takes you.

What if I told you there was a simple way to ensure you always had one of the best men’s jackets for spring at your disposal? A way to keep that jacket close at hand in your rotation constantly? It all starts with buying one of the best men’s jackets for spring, and to do that, you need to heed my advice first: The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket is the answer to the above queries, and one of the toughest men’s jackets for spring, at that. You’ll find it in the Filson New Arrivals section, always a harbinger of quality seasonal gear offerings.

It was designed with the open road and with spring adventure in mind (it’s the best jacket to wear while riding a motorcycle, if that’s your thing), but it also functions handily day-to-day. That’s because it’s got all the same remarkable qualities in a Filson work jacket from the brand’s main line, with the added flair of the fact that it comes from the new Filson Alcan workwear line. Why fix what’s not broken? Well, think of it as Filson taking what was already next-level and making it even better. The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket will run you $450 at Filson, but as with any gear picks from the lauded Pacific Northwest heritage retailer, it’s worth the investment.

SHOP: The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket

A seemingly simple silhouette blended with tough materials and top-notch construction.

The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket, although subtly designed and not too flashy on the surface, makes up for that with tough-as-nails materials and design. It starts with a waxed cotton exterior build using waxed cotton from British Millerain, the sort of material found in jackets by the likes of Taylor Stitch and more. The reinforced exterior is further bolstered with a quilted design and Cordura ballistic nylon reinforcements at key stress points (in this case, the shoulders and arms). The rib knit collar and cuffs also provide some added protection from the elements in a classic bomber-style cut. And the drop-tail hem, with a longer back cut, is also ideal for the open road. How does that sound for your new favorite jacket for spring, ehh?

These design touches come together seamlessly to make one of the most rugged men’s jackets you’re apt to find these days, and the PrimaLoft insulation provides warmth on chilly, blustery spring hikes or early morning strolls alike. And if you just want a cool, rugged men’s jacket to wear as you grab an outdoor beer? The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket is your go-to menswear move, folks.

SHOP: The Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket

March 25, 2021May 3, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Flint and Tinder Selvage Shirt is Your Go-To Spring Shirt

Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect's Shirt

The kind of essential everyday shirt you can wear for just about anything.

If you recently started another day standing in front of your closet, wondering in vain about what shirt to wear for the day’s activities — be it (masked) grocery shopping, (masked) brewery to-go beers or another Zoom call, have I got the shirt for you. Meet the Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect Shirt, one of the best men’s shirts for spring, and the sort of shirt you can wear no matter how much or how little design work you do. It comes to you courtesy of Huckberry and the famed, much-loved line of Flint and Tinder style essentials, which includes everything from a waxed shirt jacket to the best everyday gear (across several categories). But back to the Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect Shirt, which is the kind of grab-and-go shirt your spring wardrobe could use.

When you feel like you’ve exhausted all your Zoom call-worthy shirts, this one is here to save the day. Huckberry says it’s built more like a workwear piece than a classic Oxford shirt, which is good news for more than just Zoom calls. Throw on this selvage buttondown shirt at a moment’s notice to shape up for your next meeting, and assuredly keep it handy for weekend yard work (yes, it can pull double-duty).

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect Shirt

Selvage detailing showcases how well this shirt is made by the Huckberry team. Cheers to that.

Now, it wouldn’t be one of the best shirts for men if it didn’t provide a hearty dose of versatility, right? It’s the Japanese slub selvage denim fabric in a cool shade of Marled Charcoal that gives this shirt its neutral, crisp edge (literally and figuratively). It’s as easily wearable with dark denim as it is with tan chinos or olive canvas workwear pants. The rest is really up to you, because you can layer the Flint and Tinder Selvage Architect Shirt atop a white T-shirt for easygoing spring style, and you can throw it on over a thermal shirt for an unexpectedly chilly morning. Oh, and you can also wear it all on its own, fresh coffee in hand as you kick back this season.

Footwear options aplenty are going to shine through with this rugged workwear shirt, from classic chukka boots to canvas high-top sneakers. It’s truly a mix-and-match shirt that provides you with bountiful styling options, all the better to switch up your spring wardrobe when you feel like it needs some switching up. And because this is Huckberry we’re talking about here, this shirt is priced reasonably ($128 from Flint and Tinder) — if you ask me, it’s yours for the taking. Happy (early) spring, folks.

March 11, 2021February 22, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Rugged Leather Boots from TAFT Are the Best Men’s Boots for Spring

A pair of rugged and durable, yet lightweight, boots to carry you through spring from Taft.

Now that we’ve hit March, perhaps you’re under the impression that your rugged leather boots can be stowed away. To that, I say, well, not so fast. The best men’s boots on the market can be worn in at least three seasons, spring very much included, and that’s why we’re here to talk about the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, some of the coolest boots for men that I’ve seen (and wear-tested!) in some time. Now, these aren’t the TAFT Dragon Boots we talked about earlier this season on the blog in the Sunday Sale — these are an upgraded (and pricier) version. Not familiar with TAFT? It’s your lucky day, because they’ve got just about everything you need in a footwear brand, with a focus on dress boots at agreeable prices (given the fact that you can wear these boots pretty much anywhere, that is). Oh, and the fact that this particular pair is waterproof and ready for spring rain? That’s all the better.

TAFT men’s boots are designed in the States and crafted with care in Spain and Portugal. Both countries are a footwear hotbed these days, and that attention to detail pays off, at least in my experience with the TAFT Dragon Boots. They’re made from rugged suede leather that doesn’t scuff or break down too easily at all — and if your boots do get a bit scuffed up, isn’t that all the better? Keep in mind that TAFT also makes handsome wingtip dress boots & other silhouettes that wear more easily with, say, a tailored suit, but the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0 are the perfect blend of rugged and refined.

SHOP: The TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0

Details really make the difference when it comes to rugged TAFT men’s boots, ehh?

As I always say, it’s the little things that separate the best boots for men from, well, cheaper pairs, and as you might expect, TAFT has a lot going for ’em. When it comes to the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, they’re made from waxed Commander Suede that, once again, is waterproof and ideal for seasonal storms. The Dragon sole, featuring a fairly slim profile and yet crucial studded treads for added grip, is also ideal when it comes to all-day comfort (trust me, I’ve worn mine for hours all around Brooklyn).

Plus, the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, especially in a cool and classic Rust shade of tough leather, are perfect for pairing with your favorite spring style essentials. Those style essentials should include, say, light wash denim and a rugged short-sleeve henley (for starters). But you can also wear them with a khaki cotton suit and a denim dress shirt for a nice mix of dressy, high-low spring style, and that’s what makes them some of the best spring boots for men right now. Step into them and see for yourself.