Tag / the thursday buy

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Organic Cotton Henley is a Perfectly Breezy Spring Layer

Billy Reid Organic Cotton Henley

Even when shopping around for some of the most rugged style essentials, be it a waxed trucker jacket, a great pair of durable stylish blue jeans or yes, one of the best men’s henleys, I tend to look for quality picks from brands I can trust — spending to invest a bit always pays off.

And yes, even the more seemingly casual picks in your wardrobe (again, like one of the best men’s henleys) can be made with next-level quality and consideration, as with the Billy Reid Organic Cotton Henley.

Best long-sleeve henley for men.

Part of the always stylish Billy Reid New Arrivals section, the Billy Reid Organic Cotton Henley makes you rethink what a henley can be, from its construction and fabrication to its materials and even its sense of style.

And for spring days that might start sunny but can quickly turn breezy, a helpful layer like the Billy Reid Organic Cotton Henley — whether paired with a classic zip hoodie or your favorite denim jacket — is a must-have. Organic pima cotton makes the difference, providing some subtle depth and texture for what Billy Reid calls an “elevated” take on a classic. And yes, the iconic menswear brand is absolutely correct about that.

Billy Reid Organic Cotton Henley review.

Think of the Billy Reid Organic Cotton Henley as a style splurge that pays dividends — it’s a henley you can even dress up with a lightweight blazer and tobacco chinos, for instance. And note that your new favorite henley also features a four-button placket for a slightly more refined look and feel than other henleys you might rock as a base layer in workwear situations.

Shop menswear essentials and more at Billy Reid

Plus, this stylish men’s henley comes in rich colors like Olive, and even boasts finishing touches like smoke mother-of-pearl buttons and an eye-catching clamshell neckline. When you’re on the hunt for a perfectly constructed, expertly casual and stylish layer for easygoing days, you’ll assuredly want to layer up with the Billy Reid Organic Cotton Henley — trust me on that, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Flint and Tinder Sweater Polo is a Retro Style Classic Made Modern

Best sweater polos for men.

Most of the time, I find that the best menswear essentials draw something from both the past and the present, giving them a feel that’s both classic and yet current. That’s the case for pieces like one of the best Oxford shirts or a pair of the best blue jeans, for instance — both of which can be found at Huckberry, the key target of today’s style (and stylish) post.

Learn more now and shop at Huckberry

Take the Flint and Tinder Cotton Linen Sweater Polo shown above. First and foremost, it’s a hybrid style: The classic short-sleeve build and three-button placket of your favorite polo, merged with the heavier fabric and cut of a stylish sweater. And as luck would have it, the best sweater polos draw a little something from both the past and the present.

The style on which the Flint and Tinder Cotton Linen Sweater Polo is based was popular in the 1950s and ’60s — the Mad Men era of style, you might call it — but it’s just as fresh, current and crisp today. And it’s a new entry into the Flint and Tinder lineup, the in-house brand at Huckberry that makes some of the most rugged gear for guys — including one of the best American-made T-shirts on the market.

That being said, this handsome sweater polo is a more refined style move for when you want to go a bit more classy and cleaned-up — be that at the office with stretch chinos, heading to an easygoing weekend BBQ or perhaps enjoying a rooftop cocktail date night.

The Flint and Tinder Cotton Linen Sweater Polo boasts a breathable weave and a touch of stretch at points needed for mobility, like the cuffs and bottom hem. It’s also garment-washed for added softness out of the box, and the design of this elegant sweater-polo allows you to unbutton multiple buttons or even rock the polo itself buttoned all the way to the top (what would Don Draper do?).

Shop men’s polos and more at Huckberry

It’s a change of pace from your rotation of the best polos for men, but not in a bad way — merely in a way that’s both retro and current, throwback and fresh. Consider it an ideal spring style move from your friends at Huckberry.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Billy Reid Pensacola Polo is a Spring Style Classic

Billy Reid Pensacola Polo review.

The best menswear brands have a way of taking the seemingly simple and turning it into something even better, even if it’s an already well-established style classic. In this case, that would be the ever-versatile, slightly preppy men’s polo.

Once a staple of tennis courts and still a pillar of sporty style, the silhouette takes on a bit of a laidback-yet-polished air in the hands of one of the country’s best menswear designers, the one and only Billy Reid.

Billy Reid Pensacola Polo.

It seems like we were just talking about a way to get a great deal on winter style picks via the Billy Reid End of Season Sale, but consider this a breezy way to move into a new season. In this case, the Billy Reid Pensacola Polo, a staple of the Alabama-based designer’s menswear line, takes on a new and improved look and feel for a new season.

Garment-dyed organic cotton delivers a soft, smooth handfeel for comfort right out of the box, while the fabric itself stays soft and breathable on spring and summer days.

Plus, the Billy Reid Pensacola Polo comes in a range of fresh, new and stylish colors for the season, including a bright Tropical Blue that would wear especially well with natural-hued jeans or stretch tan chinos. Other details, like a contrasting herringbone twill placket elevate the polo even further, blending the refinement of a sporty, four-button polo with the soft appeal of a breezy T-shirt.

Shop the best spring menswear at Billy Reid

Signature details like Billy Reid’s signature herringbone twill stripe finish off the bottom hem with a subtly stylish touch. And the Billy Reid Pensacola Polo should also offer a trim, flattering fit — all the better for wearing on its own with chino shorts and linen trousers.

Best of all, your new favorite polo is well-reviewed and surely a Billy Reid fan favorite. The next time the occasion calls for the comfort of an easygoing T-shirt with the polish of a polo shirt, meet the moment with Billy Reid.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Le Alfre Flannel Shirt is a Refined Take on a Classic

Best flannel shirt for men.

At least in my neck of the woods (the frigid winter confines of Brooklyn, that is), I value reliability, warmth, comfort and style — especially when it comes to the best flannel shirts on the market. But in the doldrums of winter, it can prove tricky, at times, mix up your style rotation consistently.

And yet all the while, you still want to retain that critical balance of warmth, style, comfort… you name it. And that’s where Le Alfre arrives to save the day in matters of menswear.

Shop men’s shirts now at Le Alfre

The young New York City brand already makes one of the best Oxford shirts on the market, using high-quality fabric and production via a family-owned factory in Portugal, one that makes some of the finest shirts on the planet. And the Le Alfre Blackwatch Flannel builds on that pedigree in a distinct way, one that’s a nice change of pace from other classic flannel shirts on the market.

Le Alfre men's shirts.

Le Alfre took the classic “banker’s shirt,” with a contrasting collar and cuffs, and put a fun, fresh spin on the look — turning it from a dress shirt into one you can even rock untucked with chinos or perhaps with a rugged shawl cardigan. And the Le Alfre Blackwatch Flannel fits the bill nicely in terms of eye-catching style. It comes from the company’s partners at Portugal’s oldest shirting mill, and it’s handmade by the country’s oldest shirtmaker, and things only get better from there.

Learn more now at Le Alfre

The Le Alfre Blackwatch Flannel boasts a lightweight, super-soft handfeel that should prove comfortable on its own, yet well-suited to layering over one of the best men’s henleys, for instance. And because the style is modeled after timeless Oxford shirts, it’s got a more refined look and feel than flannel workshirts, for instance.

Taken altogether, it’s an updated take on the flannel shirt that works as well with dark blue jeans as with your favorite chinos. And for winter style with variety in mind, you can’t quite top the Le Alfre Blackwatch Flannel, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Filson Foul Weather Jacket Is Ready for Anything This Season

Filson men's jackets.

A brand like Filson just gets it, so to speak — they know how to build some of the toughest gear on the planet, with roots that date back a century and a knowledge of rugged durability. They’ve outfitted explorers and prospectors, and they now stock a full lineup of men’s style essentials built for just about anything these days.

Learn more now at Filson

Filson men’s jackets are surely no different, especially when it comes down to the Filson Foul Weather Jacket. The key is the exterior in terms of toughness, which is built from the company’s famed oil finish Shelter Cloth.

That means it can stand up to wind, rain, snow and just about anything else you throw at it. Plus, the Filson Foul Weather Jacket is lined in the outfitter’s soft-yet-durable Cover Cloth fabric, and it only gets better from there.

You see, the iconic heritage outfitter thought of just about everything, using a seamless shoulder design for maximum ease of movement and even more room for layering without overdoing it. And the Filson Foul Weather Jacket has historical roots, too: The brand based it on an archival rain coat style, then updated it with those modern bells and whistles.

Best men's jackets to buy at Filson.

A snap-close storm flap and oversized removable hood deliver ideal protection, as does a collar latch, sure to come in handy on especially brisk days. Snap-tab sleeve cuffs offer an even further customizable fit and weather-ready protection, and it certainly seems to be the case that the Filson Foul Weather Jacket covers every possible situation and environment. If that sounds like a trusty winter jacket you should keep on hand, do yourself a favor and invest accordingly this winter.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Bespoke Post Flannel Shirt is An Everyday Winter Must-Have

Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt review.

Perhaps through reading this blog and building your perfect wardrobe of menswear essentials, you’re well-acquainted with the reliable power of style classics. Be it the blue jean, one of my favorite henleys or the right pair of rugged leather boots, these are picks that I turn to on the daily, and perhaps you, like me, love it when you find a style that checks all the right boxes.

Take one of the top flannel shirts for men, for instance. The market is crowded with options these days from heritage-minded brands, especially in iconic plaid patterns aplenty, but what about when you want to hit those classic menswear notes in a way that’s a bit more fresh?

Best men's winter flannel shirts.

Still with me here? I’m talking about a streamlined, soft-as-can-be, stylish flannel shirt like the Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt from my friends at Bespoke Post.

What sets this shirt apart from the best men’s flannel shirts on the market? It comes in two distinct, solid colors with pleasing texture (a Grey Heather and a Sand Heather option), giving it a bit more versatility than a plaid flannel shirt, for instance (although Bespoke Post does a standout job of selling those, too). When you want an elevated flannel shirt, the Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt is a prime move in my book.

Learn more now and shop at Bespoke Post

The Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt, like other items from Bespoke Post’s in-house Line of Trade brand, is also very fairly priced at below $70. In fact, that’s an understatement, as this shirt is a downright steal for its super-soft contrast weave cotton fabric.

It also forgoes the buttondown collar of some other more casual flannel shirts, meaning this option would fit right in beneath a handsome blazer at the office. That’s only the beginning, because this shirt also works especially well with other classics in rugged fashion (like a pair of blue jeans or the aforementioned henley). For a timeless flannel shirt that checks all the right boxes in a new-yet-classic way, head on over to Bespoke Post, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Layer Up for Winter with Buck Mason’s Classic Pima Curved Hem Henley

At times, I’m all about keeping my wardrobe of menswear essentials simple and straightforward — leaning on classics that have rugged, versatile appeal, like one of the best men’s henleys. Especially on frigid winter days, a soft henley can prove a comforting base layer, a reliable style move underneath a rugged waxed jacket or a shawl cardigan, or a cozy piece of loungewear. Yes, one of the best henleys for men can do all of this at once, and that’s where Buck Mason comes into play. Surely, you know this brand well from the blog, but a refresher never hurt anyone, right?

Learn more now at Buck Mason

The Los Angeles-based brand has done quite the business when it comes to perfecting the rugged classic, especially the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley. It’s ultra-soft, it features a classic extended placket, it comes in a wide range of dusty, versatile and neutral colors, and it’s just flattering as can be. As simple as today’s post might be, and as seemingly simple as a henley might be, it’s a wardrobe essential I can’t recommend highly enough. A reminder is always a good idea, no? We’ll see you out there, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Todd Snyder Lambswool Sweater Is a Rugged and Refined Winter Classic

Todd Snyder men's sweaters.

Most of the time, my favorite men’s style essentials are the pieces that evoke utterly classic, timeless style — the sort of items your father or grandfather might have counted on and worn reliably, be it a stylish pair of jeans, a rugged waxed trucker jacket or the cozy men’s winter sweater from Todd Snyder shown above. Some things never really go out of style, and that includes a thick-knit sweater you can wear consistently on brisk winter days.

And this Todd Snyder sweater is a gem of an offering, with a classically rugged cable knit design that calls to mind old-school fisherman sweaters and frigid winter mornings in front of the fire. The Todd Snyder Lambswool Cable Crewneck (available in a rich Cream color, a sleek black or a crisp Navy option) gets the details right, boasting a classic fit you can layer over your favorite Oxford shirt alongside faded blue jeans or burgundy corduroy pants in equal measure.

Shop menswear now at Todd Snyder

The 100 percent Lambswool construction should also prove warm and sturdy, minus the itch of other similar fibers. And since it’s Todd Snyder we’re talking about here, you can count on quality for your investment. How’s that for checking all the proper boxes as you search for your new favorite winter sweater? Call it a winner in my book, my friends. Happy winter shopping!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Amp Up Your Winter Outerwear with the Sustainable Outerknown Blanket Trucker Jacket

Outerknown Blanket Trucker review.

It’s one thing to have a wardrobe packed with menswear essentials you can reach for at every turn — lounging at home, hitting the town, dashing out for weekend coffee or heading to the office. It’s another thing entirely to pack that wardrobe with the best sustainable menswear essentials, but my friends, that’s why we’re here today.

The good folks at Outerknown have that noble goal top of mind, and if you’re not familiar with the West Coast brand founded by surfing icon Kelly Slater, then I’d wager that a piece like the Outerknown Blanket Trucker Jacket (prime for winter weather) is an excellent place to start.

Learn more now at Outerknown

It’s not the most iconic piece from the modern brand — that’d be the wear-with-anything cotton twill shirt and overshirt that is the highly versatile Outerknown Blanket Shirt — but consider it another addition to your wardrobe of (repeat after me) sustainable menswear essentials. And rest assured your new favorite trucker jacket shares plenty of that same style, utility and rugged DNA as its more famous predecessor.

Slater founded the brand with an eye toward using better fabrics, producing less waste and producing stylish menswear more efficiently, and that lends itself nicely to pieces like the famed Outerknown Blanket Shirt, among others.

Take the Outerknown Blanket Trucker Jacket: It’s made with a blend of organic and recycled cotton denim across the exterior, which features classic trucker jacket touches like point flap pockets and “V” stitching from pockets to hips. The lining is also made with 100 percent organic cotton, in keeping with its shared DNA from the acclaimed Outerknown Blanket Shirt.

Handwarmer hip pockets make this trucker jacket an easy move on brisk mornings and nights — while you’ll want to keep one of the best men’s parkas handy for much more inclement winter weather, the Outerknown Blanket Trucker Jacket could be a casually rugged go-between with dark brown chinos, tan corduroy pants or olive chinos.

Shop Outerknown menswear now

As the company sagely notes, it’s “tough on the outside, soft on the inside,” and with its style points, the Outerknown Blanket Trucker Jacket could just change the way you think about sustainable menswear this season (and beyond).

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Buck Mason Waxed Canvas Deck Jacket is A Hard-Wearing Winter Style Classic

Buck Mason Waxed Canvas Deck Jacket.

If rugged durability and timeless style is the name of the game, as it tends to be these days, then it’s hard to go wrong with a brand like Buck Mason. If you’ve perused the pages of this blog to find your new favorite blazer or a classic winter peacoat, you assuredly know this to be true, and the all-American brand just keeps upping the ante with each season and new release.

And today’s release in question? The Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas Deck Jacket, an utterly classic piece made with heritage inspiration top of mind.

Learn more now at Buck Mason

Now, the Buck Mason men’s jackets selection runs the gamut from the timeless (like the aforementioned peacoat) to the luxurious (like a luxe wool topcoat), but the Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas Deck Jacket lands somewhere in the middle. It’s more casually rugged than those two jackets, to be sure, and built with just as much utility as you might expect from Buck Mason.

The latest and greatest from Buck Mason draws inspiration from, as you might expect, tried-and-true jackets worn on slippery decks and frigid coastlines, and it’s got plenty going for it. That laundry list of features starts with the use of iconic Halley Stevensons waxed canvas for exceptional durability, and a corduroy collar and cuffs add both a dash of warmth and some nice contrasting style.

Shop outerwear and more at Buck Mason

For ease of slipping the Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas Deck Jacket on and off, its sleeves are lined in Bemberg, so you should have no issue layering it over a Buck Mason henley or a stylish Buck Mason denim shirt. You’ll notice that the storm flap front (atop a zipper front for ease of access) is offset in a nod to vintage deck jackets, allowing for the jacket to be buttoned across the throat in times of extreme weather.

Best waxed canvas jackets for men.

And above all else, you’ll notice that your new favorite casual jacket just gets the details right in terms of style and heritage. The next time you need dependable winter outerwear for blustery days, this waxed canvas jacket goes the distance.