Gear Patrol

There’s still time for a great summer shirt. An no, it’s not gauze-y white linen. The Saturdays Surf NYC Esquina Oxford ($98) is your answer to the post-beach cover slash on-the-go casual dinner shirt. With a stylish button-down collar, summer weight 100% cotton oxford cloth and the kind of simple style that enhances your wardrobe’s…

Two prominent names in mens style come together to bring you a line of smart-looking waxed cotton bags and coats. Barbour, the British company that forged a tradition over almost 120 years, joins with Jack Spade, the Manhattan upstart 100 years junior. The younger clothier has been making inroads with the British Empire — a…

Basil Racuk been quietly producing a line of impeccable hand-made to order leather goods out of his Emeryville, CA studio. Something we covered previously. His newest collection is no exception, free of distractions and full of quality. Our favorite: the Soft Brief — in oil tanned, waxed cow or buffalo — which features a 2-way…

Italian-brand Anderson has been crafting quality leather goods and accessories since 1966. Their classic woven belts are made from premium suede and are versatile enough to complete all manner of well-considered looks. Brown is naturally a solid conservative choice, but there’s also Navy and Grey options if you’re one to take the road less traveled….

Read Wall is a new made-in-America brand that brings a preppy edge to a field dominated by ubiquitous workwear. The entire line of polos, chinos, and shirts are worth a look, but the Wilson Wax Jacket stands out in particular as a versatile shell for variable weather. The 6.25oz wax cotton outerwear features an Oxford…

Vancouver-based Reigning Champ partnered with Converse, to release a customized version of the sneaker that started it all. The limited run Chuck Taylor features R.C’s iconic fleece as a base fabric in classic heather gray or navy blue. A blue Oxford inner lining completes the casual sportswear styling. Your shopping list for new fall sneakers…

Though it may still be a brutal, humid Summer, Fall is right around the bend. Flex your sartorial dominance over all the seasons with the new Suitsupply Deconstructed Double Breasted Suit ($569), done in exclusive collaboration with the online haberdashery Park & Bond. The deep navy livery is made from super 130′s wool, features an…

Collaborating with innovators in Southeast India who have created an all-natural mellenary technique, Industry of All Nations’ collection of Madras shirts wears well on both the body and the conscience. Utilizing an all-natural dyeing process that avoids chemicals — keeping already-sensitive waterways and soils free of any bad byproducts — the shirts further the brand’s…

You’ve managed to get a silk knit tie into your wardrobe, but how about that pocket square? If you’re still relying on razor-edged whites, and just can’t muster up the courage for paisley, consider MS&Co’s dashing new silk knit pocket square. Measuring 6.5″ by 6.5,” these squares add a pop of texture and work stuffed,…

You’ll see them, you’ll want them, but you better hurry up and grab’em because these gorgeous Stalward Ltd. Neckties ($64) won’t be around much longer. The New York based company is serious about adding a touch of fun to modern aesthetics and their summer 2012 collection is carefully handmade by a family-owned factory in Chicago…

Chicago-based Oak Street Bootmakers has continually wowed us with their classic, made in America footwear. The company’s new line up for 2012 again puts craftsmanship at the forefront — even in areas no one but the wearer will see. Specifically, the company has upgraded the entire line with full length vegetable tanned Horween leather insoles,…

Summer heat always brings out that key piece of clothing in every man’s arsenal, the T-shirt. Left Field’s American Crew Tee ($60) features blue and red style accents that separate the Made in the USA shirt from a standard Hanes pack. Available in Heather grey, navy and white, this tee is your new go-to for…

Nike likes its innovations. Case in point, the DWR Chambray Vapour Jacket (~$80). Performance-oriented runners with a penchant for a stylish fit in particular will want to pay attention. Originally designed as a lightweight, wind, and water-resistant outerwear, this contemporary incarnation bridges the gap between casual and sportswear, serving as either a swank, lightweight jacket,…

Workwear durability? Good. Summer heat? Bad. Enter the Wallace & Barnes collection for J.Crew, and particularly, the fishtail short. With its heavy cotton-linen blend and sawmill-meets-modern looks, the short dresses up handsomely without looking like you’ve walked right off the pages of Cliché Weekly. The fishtail detailing, originally designed for added comfort when wearing suspenders…

Cuisse de Grenouille, which stands for frog leg in French, is a new Parisian fashion company that loves fiddling with details. To celebrate the coming of summer, no facet was ignored in the making of their “Laine Tressée” Belt ($96) collection. These bold “ceintures” brilliantly borrow from the expertise of three countries and combine Italian…

Wingtips have always been on the casual side of the dress shoe spectrum, but footwear legend Allen Edmonds has nudged the style into more aggressive territory with their Special Edition Kasmuk ($300). The striking blue denim uppers are definitely a step outside of the company’s typical brogue comfort zone. Their risk, however, is your fashionable…

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for some new casual kicks for the summer, the Nike Rosche Run has you covered. They’re lightweight and breathable for logging those warm weather miles, but cushioned and protective to keep you straight and sturdy — equally important for pounding the pavement or kicking back a few…

World-renowned Ritz-Carlton has teamed up with beachwear shop Onia to create a killer summer accessory for those with a penchant for luxury. The Onia-Ritz-Carlton Beach Towel ($75) is hand-made with Spanish cotton on one side, and fast-drying, soft, and highly absorbent terry cloth on the other. So even if you can’t return from the beach…

Men’s fashion authority Allen Edmonds knows a moneyball when it sees one. The Fastball Boat Shoe ($115) adroitly struts the tightrope between gimmicks and licensed apparel to create a unique set of boaters for fans of America’s favorite pastime. Each pair is made from a white unlined distressed leather upper with red baseball stitchings on…

Few brands blend vintage fashion and historical significance the way Nigel Cabourn does. The eponymous English fashion house is well renowned for offering what can only be described as archival pieces or, in other words, garments with a history. The SS12 Aircraft Jacket Desert Wax Poplin Khaki ($710) is part of the Nigel Cabourn Authentic…

It’s safe to say that winter is finally over, which means it’s time to put some color back into your wardrobe. Swathed in a bold blue, the New Balance MS620BL will have you diving into spring, feet first. And with its traditional mesh and suede construction, this classic foot holder is equipped for everything from…

Scoff all you want at the dandy-esque ways of the handkerchief carrier — that is, until the fair lady between the two of you at the bar accidentally spills her drink and all you’ve got is a paper napkin. Make no mistake; the charms of a freshly laundered pocket square aren’t lost on a damsel…

Seize Sur Vingt’s newest line of shoes come in a rainbow of colors sure to add pop to your wardrobe. Seven choices, ranging from bright navy with a contrasting red rubber sole to a more muted tan (SSV calls it “Milkshake” shown above) matched to a blue bottom, give the discerning dresser many options. The…

Over the years, we’ve raved about Billykirk’s products and founders, and their latest laptop sleeves ($219+) reaffirms our love. It’s a classic Billykirk piece – blending chic with toughness, and elegance with durability. Featuring hand-stitched Horween leather, a Chicago asset since 1905, this sleeve exudes rugged class. In any boardroom or meeting it sends a…

With spring upon us, it’s time to dust off madras shirts. If you’re looking to upgrade your current collection or even taking the plunge into the famous cloth born from the city of Chennai, India for the first time, make sure to check out the Milton from Taylor Stitch. The SF-based brand pride themselves on…

Spring time always holds a particular soft spot for fashionistas. After long months spent covering up in warm attire, the change in season is duly celebrated with a liberating explosion of style. Not to be outdone, social fashion enterprise Apolis presents its line of naturally produced and locally crafted organic hand dyed linen ties. Each…

Some call it a science, some call it an art. Regardless of how you choose to define it, in the process of wallet making, two elements are absolutely essential — functionality and form. The folks at Feit have brought these two universal principles face to face in the 2012 Spring Hand Sewn Collection. Their Handmade…

Quality and fit: that sums up American Giant, a small company from San Francisco. As of now, the brand only sells a variety of affordable, long-lasting basic sweatshirt styles, all handmade in America. Unlike other brands who skimp on labor costs to keep prices low, American Giant doesn’t operate stores and spends absolutely nothing on…

There are times when your casual gym duffel bag just won’t do. Weekend getaways and overnight soirees come to mind. Enter the Acne Everest, a stylish and functional shoulder bag that’s part of Acne’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The canvas bag is fitted with sturdy leather straps to ensure a solid handle on your belongings, and…

Made from well-weighted Cramerton cloth (fabric originally developed for the US Army), the Harrington Jacket from Ben Sherman makes for perfect Spring layering. Detailing like corduroy elbow patches and corozo nut buttons make sure you won’t just be another dapper dan in khaki. Limited to 400 pieces. ~$237 | bensherman.com