The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Chambray Chore Jacket is a Refined Take on Rugged Workwear

Best spring chore coats for men.

In my experience, some of the most fascinating menswear and the best style essentials for men sit at the intersection of two different points of view. Refined tailoring always has a place in a guy’s wardrobe, as does durable workwear — and when the two meet, as they only tend to do when an expert dreams up and designs the perfect pieces — the results are undeniably cool, classic-yet-modern, and nearly essential in your wardrobe. In fact, it’s kind of like the menswear so often on display from Alabama’s own Billy Reid.

Think of it this way: While you might rely on a trucker jacket or a canvas chore coat for handling spring cleaning, what about when you want a dash of that same style, yet with a touch more refinement? A chore coat you can, dare I say, dress up ever so slightly? That’s where Billy Reid delivers the goods with the new Billy Reid Chambray Chore Jacket, the designer’s expert take on a traditional workwear silhouette.

This classic-with-a-twist type of piece is part of the new Billy Reid Spring Collection, which boasts breezy textures, easygoing elegance and a healthy dose of the classics (like Oxford shirting, super-soft cotton polos and expertly cut chinos). The Billy Reid Chambray Chore Jacket gets a little more down and dirty, but only slightly — it’s the type of chore coat you can dress up. And the specs perfectly meet the moment if you want a lightweight chore coat that’s airy and at the same time durable.

The tightly woven blend of cotton and linen boasts texture and softness, a perfect happy medium compared to thicker cotton canvas chore coats. As the company says, the Billy Reid Chambray Chore Jacket is “ready for the warm weather,” even matching up with its own set of chambray cotton-linen pants for a more polished look.

Classic chore coat touches are front and center, including a foldover collar with zig-zag undercollar detailing, plus three patch pockets for your everyday carry. In terms of style points, the charcoal color is a change of pace from typical indigo or even olive or tan chore jackets.

Again, it’s never bad to have a dash of variety in your wardrobe, particularly when it comes to pairing the rugged-yet-refined Billy Reid Chambray Chore Jacket with blue jeans, olive chinos or black denim (it can do all of that, and then some). Billy Reid’s custom inner stripe lining and inner pocket button detailing are also masterful touches, as is contrast sleeve lining.

With the handsome, ever-versatile design of the Billy Reid Chambray Chore Jacket, the designer has once again struck the right balance between the rugged and the refined — would you expect anything less from a menswear master?

The Thursday Buy: This Todd Snyder Western Shirt is an Elevated Take on a Stylish Classic

Best Western shirts for men.

The idea behind building a wardrobe full of versatile men’s style essentials is a constant pursuit, is it not? I’ve found, in my experience, that having your building blocks in place — pieces you can wear every single day, in various combinations — makes it a lot easier to adapt to selections that are a slight swerve from the norm. Big-time stuff, yes?

Luckily for all of us here at this Brooklyn style blog, I’ve found that Todd Snyder takes on both sides of the coin more than stylishly — both the classics and those “slight swerves” from the norm.

Take, for example, one of the best Western shirts for men. It’s a departure from a classic Oxford shirt for men or even a chambray shirt, but when a designer like the award-winning Todd Snyder puts his own spin on it, you can certainly trust that you’re getting the best of the best — in terms of quality, style and versatility. Again, big-time stuff, yes?

And that’s what makes the Todd Snyder + Hamilton Twill Western Shirt an outstanding wardrobe addition: It takes the familiar, like that of a rugged Western shirt, then gives it a refined spin by way of both one of the country’s best menswear designers (Todd Snyder) and the longtime maker of some of the best dress shirts for men (that’d be Hamilton, a longtime favorite of the Iowa-born designer).

Details both classic and modern are accounted for when it comes to the Todd Snyder + Hamilton Twill Western Shirt, including USA-made, 100 percent cotton twill construction in a rich, wear-with-nearly-anything shade of olive. It also features snap buttons and back yoke detailing, like you’d find on other options when it comes to the best Western shirts for guys, yet the Todd Snyder + Hamilton Twill Western Shirt is updated with crisp dress shirt cuffs.

Could you go so far as to wear the Todd Snyder + Hamilton Twill Western Shirt underneath a soft-shouldered Italian blazer from the legendary designer? You certainly could, but your new favorite Western shirt might be just as at home with black denim and tan leather boots (among other combinations).

Take a swing at something a bit different from the norm, and be sure to thank me later (ha, kidding!). Cheers to the unexpected, my friends.

The Thursday Buy: Buck Mason’s Newest Pair of Japanese Denim are a Worthy Wardrobe Addition

Best light wash jeans for men to buy this spring.

There are certain markers of quality in the world of men’s style essentials, if you ask me, certain things that simply read as a great sign when it comes to building out your wardrobe the finest, most stylish way possible.

A lofty goal that might be, but brands like Buck Mason — in my experience with the Los Angeles-based company — are making it easier than ever to find truly high-quality staples with a twist, like a fresh pair of some of the best blue jeans for men.

One sign and one surefire way to know you’re getting some of the most high-quality jeans on the market? Look to where the fabric is sourced and then perfected — in this case, Buck Mason is now making Japanese denim with the utmost attention to detail and quality.

It’s part of a series of new fits, fabric and washes from the Americana-inspired brand as we climb out of winter and head into very (very) early spring, but it’s never too early to consider adding some of the best light wash jeans for men into your rotation, particularly when it comes to the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans.

Buck Mason men's jeans review.

The new Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans might actually prove familiar if you’re a fan of the brand, like me — the fit plays off Buck Mason’s Ford denim fit, which features a timeless mid-rise, a straight-tapered cut through the thigh, and a slightly tapered leg. These fall somewhere between a pair of Lev’s 514 and a pair of the slim Levi’s 511 — much closer to the Levi’s 514, in fact, and they work quite well on my 6’2″ frame (follow me on Instagram for more style tips on fits and ensembles, my friends!).

In addition to the standout, just-right fit of the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans, the 14oz. Kaihara Japanese milled-denim fabric features stretch, slight texture and a garment-washed finish for a perfectly comfortable, vintage-inspired fit and feel right out of the box.

The fact that the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans pack all this into one nicely sized pair of jeans for less than $250 is impressive, at least in my experience scouring the market for the best jeans for men.

The even better news is that, thanks to the reliable fit of the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jeans, you can pair them with everything from spring rain boots or rugged moc toe work boots to classic canvas sneakers in seasons ahead. Of course, easygoing Buck Mason men’s T-shirts and henleys should prove wise companions in terms of casual style, too.

When it comes to men’s denim and wardrobe upgrades for spring, keep some tried-and-true markers of quality in mind — like the fact that your friends at Buck Mason now sell superb Japanese denim.

The Thursday Buy: This Flint and Tinder Waxed Jacket is an On-Sale Style Steal at Huckberry

When the going gets tough, when frigid winter weather rolls into town, the truly tough wear Huckberry gear and menswear. At least, that’s what I tend to say, and tend to reach for in my personal wardrobe, and perhaps you’re of the same opinion. That’s what makes it so much fun — yes, fun! — to shop for staple selections like one of the best waxed jackets for men.

And when that particular selection happens to be on sale via the Huckberry Winter Sale right now, that’s all the better, is it not? Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket falls right in line with the San Francisco and Austin-based company’s ethos of rugged Americana and adventure gear.

Even better still is the fact that right now, it’s marked down to below $200. Yes, that’s right: One of the best jackets for men, period, is $200 off — and in a range of sizes and classic colors, like the handsome Charcoal option shown above.

In matters of durability, toughness and style, the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket checks all he proper boxes, as one would expect from the famed retailer’s Flint and Tinder line. The Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket is made in the USA, lending it an extra level of care and attention to detail, while the 10oz. waxed canvas exterior is sturdy, tough and made to get better with age.

Flint and Tinder review.

The Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket also boasts an ultra-warm flannel lining, while the jacket itself also features 4oz. of insulation for added warmth. It’s a tough-as-nails jacket fit for work or play, from brisk mornings in the fields to nights at the dive bar.

Plus, as our friends at Huckberry note, this jacket features a “re-waxable exterior for a lifetime of water-resistance.” How’s that for a jacket you can depend on for seasons to come? If I were you, I’d scoop up the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Quilted Ranch Jacket as soon as possible.

The Thursday Buy: These Sperry x Huckberry Chukka Boots are A Rugged Update to a Classic

Huckberry x Sperry chukka boots.

If you thought it was nearly impossible to improve upon the best men’s style classics, think again. The humble chukka boot has a storied heritage all its own, as does American footwear maker Sperry, innovators of styles like the boat shoe and of course, the Sperry AO Chukka. So, what does one get Huckberry and Sperry team up on a refresh to an iconic fan favorite?

Well, the answer is pretty clear right up front with the new Sperry x Huckberry AO Chukka Boots, a meeting of the minds that blends history, rugged appeal and a few fresh, revamped touches in one stylish pair of men’s boots.

Huckberry, everyone’s favorite adventure-and-Americana retailer, with a healthy respect for timeless styles (like Sperry boat shoes), says that the AO Chukka goes one step further in terms of style, sensibility and even performance.

Sperry x Huckberry boat shoes.

In fact, one of the best online retailers for men says that the Sperry x Huckberry AO Chukka Boots take “everything you know and love about a boat shoe—like the hardwearing, water-resistant leather uppers and ultimate-gripping outsoles—and combines it with the easy styling of a chukka.”

Sperry chukka boots for men.

That’s not a bad look for your footwear rotation this season and well beyond, right? No doubt about it. The handsome Sperry x Huckberry AO Chukka Boots get plenty of things right when it comes to the details and their design, including collaborative detailing inside the heel and on the tongue.

There’s a laundry list of features to love, including rich full-grain leather throughout — the kind that’ll develop a handsome patina over time — as well as the use of traction-friendly Razor-Cut Wave-Siping technology for grip on slick streets in winter, spring and, well, just about any season. Of course, rawhide laces and contrast stitching throughout, just like you’d find on classic moccasins, drive home the craftsmanship and timeless appeal of the new Sperry x Huckberry AO Chukka Boots.

What’s even better still is the fact that they’re up for grabs for under $200, and there are plenty of sizes to be had when it comes to your new favorite chukka boots. A meeting of the minds that bridges the gap between the old and the new, done by one of your favorite retailers? Sounds like your next footwear purchase has arrived, my friends.

The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Shawl Cardigan is a Fresh Twist on a Menswear Staple

If there’s one thing to carry through from 2024 into 2025 in terms of menswear essentials, it’s got to be a sense of respecting menswear classics while bending the rules ever-so-slightly in tasteful fashion. That might seem like a tall task, but when Billy Reid steps up to the plate, the Alabama-based designer’s wares tend to shake things up in pleasing fashion.

That certainly goes for one of the best cardigans shown above, of course, but one with a noticeable twist. Just as the famed brand takes staples like a shirt jacket and crosses it with a puffer jacket for rugged appeal (resulting in one of the best shackets for men) the designer is an expert at elevating everyday staples into more refined territory, like a classic cardigan given an eye-catching double-breasted design.

Best cardigans for men.

Thus, the Billy Reid French Terry Shawl Cardigan puts a surprising, tasteful twist on a classic, upgrading your rotation of the best winter sweaters for men in the process.

And while the Billy Reid French Terry Shawl Cardigan isn’t quite as versatile as your trusted V-neck or cashmere crewneck sweater to wear at the office, it’s just as visually appealing and ready for a day of meetings or a crisp night out at a moody speakeasy. Not a bad amount of range for one cardigan, right?

And as with all things Billy Reid, the design and fabrication of the Billy Reid French Terry Shawl Cardigan truly place it a cut above the rest, at least in my experience. The flattering shawl collar gets an upgrade in a small-yet-refined way with a suede loop closure at the top button — the details truly do make the difference when it comes to one of the best men’s cardigans.

Soft French Terry cotton should prove easy to layer over a mid-weight flannel shirt, a stretch dress shirt or a thermal henley for rugged-yet-refined appeal. Distinctive hip patch pockets get a classic Billy Reid finishing touch, and the overall effect of the handsome (whether in colors like Oak Brown or Carbon Blue) is one of elegance yet laidback style in spades — it sounds to me like your new favorite cardigan might have just hit the scene, folks.

The Thursday Buy: Start the New Year Off Right With the New Wellen WellKnit Sweats from Huckberry

Best sweatpants for men in 2025.

For as much fun as it can be to look back on a holiday season filled with joy — and Christmas cookies, and whiskey, and craft beer — at some point, a guy’s got to get back to work and the right daily style essentials can help. That process includes the real work of your daily grind, and ideally, even the real work of a wellness routine, however that shakes out for you.

And a must-have in any sort of wellness routine — or a travel wardrobe, or for a weekend coffee run? A pair of the best sweatpants for men, something that the good folks at Wellen and Huckberry seem to have excelled at crafting for the new year (and beyond).

In fact, the entire Wellen WellKnit line takes things to another level in terms of performance, sustainability and even a dash of minimal style. All are valuable to have close at hand as you plot your next road trip, your next morning yoga session, your next park stroll or your next weekend coffee outing (again, I’m something of a coffee fiend, and I trust the best loungewear to get me from point A to point B in style).

If any or all of the above pursuits sound like you, then you’d do well to scope out the entire Wellen WellKnit line, particularly the ultra-soft, ultra-stretchy and performance-minded Wellen WellKnit Joggers.

The use of four-way stretch, proprietary fabric — complete with a tapered fit for streamlined performance — makes these the ideal men’s jogger pants for weekend outings, morning training sessions and just about anything you can dream up (yes, lounging very much included). Plus, hidden features like side hip pockets — complete with inner stash pockets for 2-in-1 functionality — make the Wellen WellKnit Joggers a prime purchase in any one of four neutral, versatile colors.

To ramp up your storage to the next level, a back zip pocket provides even more space for daily carry essentials. From the ultra-soft fabric to the next-level tapered fit and a slew of performance features (including moisture-wicking, anti-odor fabrication), you could easily say the Wellen WellKnit Joggers are the best men’s sweatpants to buy in the new year.

The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Shirt Jacket is a Tough Yet Refined Outer Layer for Winter

I don’t know about you, but the best menswear essentials in my rotation tend to strike the right balance between refined and rugged, with historical and functional roots as well as modern-day good looks. It sounds like a high bar to clear, but that’s where designers like Billy Reid enter the equation.

The Alabama-based designer has a healthy respect for utilitarian classics, like the seafaring peacoat — the same peacoat worn by James Bond, mind you — as well as the denim shirt and the henley.

Reid makes all manner of refined menswear, mind you, but there are times where Billy Reid style staples veer ever so slightly from the norm — like the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket, a tough piece as fit for the field as it is for a round of beers at your local watering hole.

In every single stitch and every single detail, the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket is a step up from your typical puffer jacket and even some of the best shirt jackets on the market. For one thing, baffle fabric (a nylon -spandex blend for comfort and stretch) gives this hard-wearing shacket a water-resistant finish, while channel weaving gives it more durability and a more streamlined look than traditional puffer jackets.

Plus, the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket comes in a signature Billy’s Brown color — a perfectly versatile shade meant to be styled with shades of olive, indigo, black, charcoal and even darker shades of brown.

Best waxed shirt jacket for men.

Like signature Billy Reid denim shirts and outerwear, antique brass snaps finish off the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket in rugged fashion, whether layered over a simple off-white tee or paired with a thermal henley on chilly winter days.

Make note of carefully crafted details like a matchbox pocket, along with its flattering slim-straight fit — layer with care, wear the Billy Reid Baffle Shirt Jacket as often as possible, and use it when you want a more casually rugged outer layer than your traditional peacoat, for instance. Billy Reid is on a mission to take over your wardrobe, and it looks like the brand is certainly succeeding.

The Thursday Buy: These Flint and Tinder Terry Sweatpants are your Holiday Loungewear Solution

Flint and Tinder sweatpants review.

In the chaos of the holiday season — travel, gift wrapping, holiday hosting, holiday baking, last-minute shopping — shouldn’t some things be simple? Some things, like stepping into a pair of the best men’s sweatpants, yes, should certainly be simple.

And for rare moments of relaxation and casual days at home, the Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Sweatpants are making their case as a newfound holiday essential. Of course, they come from my good friends at Huckberry, and they’ve arrived not a moment too soon for some crucial holiday time kicking back — classic movies on TV and egg nog (or a nice dram of whiskey, or both) close at hand.

Granted, holiday hosting (as well as venturing out to a holiday party) requires something with more polish, more style and a bit more refinement, agreed? But for plenty of downtime in between — if you’re lucky, that is — I’d wager a pair of the best sweatpants for men can pull their weight, and then some.

The Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Sweatpants are made the classic way, with a midweight French Terry cotton getting some extra softness via garment-dying — that makes ’em feel like these are the sweats you’ve worn for years, with the comfort to match.
A ribbed drawstring waistband and cuffs provide a secure, customizable fit — if your holiday celebrations tend to lean more casual at times, then you’ll very well want to wear your new favorite sweatpants in front of a roaring fire after a packed holiday meal.

Like all things Huckberry, the Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Sweatpants come in a range of versatile colors, and they feature side slant pockets and a useful back pocket (stow your bottle opener in one of ’em as you crack open a holiday beer). They’re certainly not the fanciest pants in your style rotation, but that’s not a bad thing.

Best sweatpants from Huckberry.

Think of the Flint and Tinder Midweight Terry Sweatpants as a worthwhile casual style upgrade that you can feel good about wearing (and feel good while wearing, if the weather outside is frightful). Team them with wool slipper-boots from Huckberry, for instance, and settle in for “A Christmas Story,” or “Christmas Vacation,” or “Elf,” or, well… you get the drift, and you know the sweatpants you’ll be wearing this holiday season.

The Thursday Buy: This Schott Plaid Flannel Shirt is an All-Time Classic for the Holidays (and Beyond)

Here at your favorite Brooklyn style blog, we talk often about brands you can trust, brands you can rely on to craft some of the best men’s style essentials in virtually any situation. And at a time when the chaos of the holiday season reaches a fever pitch, shouldn’t it be dressing simply and stylishly that helps you cut through the clutter?

It might seem like a tall task, but for affairs both casually stylish and rugged, one of the best flannel shirts for men — one sold by Huckberry, no less — seems to fit the bill quite nicely.

And back to brands you can trust and rely on: Today’s featured pick comes from legendary outerwear purveyors Schott NYC, a company that continues to blend rugged moto heritage with a classic outlook, resulting in tasteful selections like the Schott Cotton Plaid Flannel Shirt.

Just your average flannel shirt, this is decidedly not — as with all things Schott, like one of the best leather moto jackets on the market (a personal favorite and an icon in its own right, at least in my experience).

Best flannel shirts for men.

It’s part of a selection of gifts from Huckberry that run the gamut, especially when it comes to buying gifts for guys who are impossible to shop for (I myself feel this way about my own taste!).

And yet, the Schott Cotton Plaid Flannel Shirt veers just slightly from the norm in terms of the best men’s flannel shirts, with details like an eye-catching plaid color scheme in a distinct combo, plus more classic flannel shirt touches, like front button chest pockets.

Schott NYC men's plaid flannel shirt review.

The Schott Cotton Plaid Flannel Shirt is modeled after iconic flannel shirts from decades past, with the sort of wear-with-anything adaptability that should pair nicely with everything from a Schott moto jacket to a more casual winter wool blazer in a solid color.

That sort of versatility makes the Schott Cotton Plaid Flannel Shirt a wise move for the guy who loves flannel shirts, rugged outdoor gear and timeless style — it’s an investment in the best, one that the well-rounded man will certainly appreciate it.

And if it tickles your fancy, then the Schott Cotton Plaid Flannel Shirt should likely become a part of your own holiday menswear wardrobe, too. Good luck out there this season, my friends.