Gear Patrol

It’s hard to believe how different a hot commute in hair-pulling traffic can be from a balmy mid-afternoon drive on an open road in the countryside — both in the same car. Nothing brings back the freedom of summer like a great drive, and unless you’re cursed with a 36-month lease of a kiddie-hauler that now smells like sour milk, it’s high time you planned just such a trip. Now it’s time to get you equipped.

“Daily wear” is right; we’re not promoters of commando in the least. Mack Weldon socks, underwear and undershirts ($13-$32) hit the nail on the skivvies head. They’re simple, reasonably priced and comfortable as hell.

You’re proud of being the DIY captain for any problem: plumbing issues mean a wrench, not a phone, and AAA means anytime, anyplace, all-by-yourself. But despite solitary savvy, a blown-out button can cause just about any man to unravel. Tic Button Fasteners ($8) save you the indignity of button-less belly bulge and that call to…

Clandestine ops are about blending in; fashion is often about standing out. The Massif Collection ($145+) brings military-grade construction to fashion-forward designs, creating a wardrobe of jackets, pants and shirts that work in the Hindu Kush and the cushy lounge. While the names of the different “looks” are a bit silly, the pieces are all…

Wallace & Barnes is a vintage-inspired capsule collection from the minds at J. Crew. The newly released Camp Shirt ($168) is made from a marled Japanese Jaspé cotton blend that provides a rustic tweed look without the itch. Firmly grounded in the work wear aesthetic, the Camp shirt sports adjustable cuffs, fade-resistant Corozo buttons, and…

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…

New York menswear brand and retailer Odin has joined forces with Target — don’t let us catch you saying Tarjay — on an upcoming fall collection that will be sold at Target stores nationwide, Odin’s three stores in NYC, and online. The nearly 20 piece set features plenty of stylish but understated cool weather staples…

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…

Love yourself some Batman but can’t stoop to wearing a cape tomorrow night? Sporting Under Armor’s new legit line of Gotham City Rogues jerseys, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets and hats will still maintain your cult credentials, without shaming your date into sitting a row over. Sure, after catching the team’s biggest and final highlight in the…

You diligently work to look your best each morning before heading to the office, only to arrive at your desk half an hour later, sweat soaked and dying of heat stroke. Such is the conundrum of the summer commute. This greek tragedy may soon come to an end thanks to Ministry of Supply. The fashion…

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…

Made from a cotton/Bionic recycled PET polyester blend, the new Mountain Khakis Fairway Polo ($70) gets our green blood pumping. No, this shirt isn’t comprised of unobtanium nanotechnology, but it does find good use for up-to 14 recycled plastic bottles. But unlike a crunchy empty Coke container, the Fairway polo is as soft and supple…

A new fashion startup Everlane is on a mission to let you know that you’ve been paying way too much for your basic fashion staples (here’s looking at you Banana Republic). The online-only retailer offers luxurious basics for under $100; a feat made possible through tight control of its manufacturing, removing middlemen and bypassing the…

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…

GEAR PATROL SPONSORED POST The classic style of Levi’s products is undeniable. We’re even wearing a pair of 501′s as we type this. Since patenting the first jean for the Gold Rush miners over a hundred years ago, Levi’s denim has continued its reign as an American style icon with unmatched craftsmanship. Originally made for…

When it comes to polo shirts, there’s certainly no shortage of choices. Everyone offers his own variant of the wardrobe essential, but we all know the situation: choose a couple out of season shirts at bargain prices, or the one you really want, which happens to be marred with an uncomfortably high price tag. It’s…

Break up the monotony of your solid coats, sweaters, and pants with a touch of pattern. True to Saturdays’ surfing roots, the Crosby Checked shirt’s casual air looks great as is. Those who trudge in the office every day, though, should also strike wardrobe gold pairing it with a thin tie, cardigan, or blazer —…

Walk into a Uniqlo and you inevitably overhear euphamisms like “great style, Old Navy prices” or “it’s like the IKEA of clothes”, but look beyond the obvious and you’ll discover a clever mix of timely and stylish wears at catchpenny prices. Their cashmere sweater sales redefine doorbuster and so long as you’re not seeking Italian…

While its name may be a mouth full, Left Field’s new crew neck sweatshirts are hardly over done. A must have for the cold months of the year, the knits are cut and sewn in the US from 16 oz of cotton ring spun terry. Inspired by 1950′s Champion sweatshirts they feature a v-neck stitch with…

The talented independent San Francisco outfitter Taylor Stitch has teamed up with Buckshot Sonny’s Sporting Goods to produce a limited run of incredibly soft, 100% organic cotton chamois shirts. Details like soft point collar, dual chest pockets, single button cuff, and a pleat-less design strike the right balance of comfort and casual looks. Available in…

Named for the year Eddie Bauer first opened his store, this work shirt is made entirely from 100% Oregon-made Pendleton wool in archival patterns. Details include horn buttons. $130 | eddiebauer.com

Fashion is constantly changing, but Paul and Paul (the gents behind Ledbury) decided to take it to another level. Instead of releasing something, say, every season, new Ledbury will be offering a new shirt every Tuesday at 11am. The project is called Short Run Shirting, and it serves as a creative outlet and opportunity for…

This 2-ply, loose-weave Japanese cotton shirt from Nashville, TN brand Imogene + Willie features a bright check pattern out on the outside, with a solid light blue interior. It’s also built to last, with triple needle construction, in homage to co-founder Matt’s great uncle who worked as a bulldozer operator by day and a hobbyist…

European upstart brand Balibaris offers their take on the fall classic by adding a tailored cut and a slimmer-fit. Made from premium chambray cotton, the addition of a slight sheen makes this shirt slightly more formal, which in this case, is a good thing. $125 | Balibaris

Mountain Khakis has quickly become one of our favorite outdoor apparel purveyors. While we’ve been busy wearing their pants during most of our outdoor pursuits, Mountain Khakis has been re-imagining a broader line of clothing. Newly released as part of their Fall collection, the Teton Flannel Shirt ($80) caught our eye. I know what you’re…

Made from a warm, 100% cotton plaid and features bone style buttons throughout. The shirt features a large chest pocket, smaller utility pocket and an interior pocket. A shaped hem provides a contemporary look whilst maintaining a comfortable fit. $75 | penfieldusa.com Photo by Fred Castleberry

Not quite dressy, but certainly not sloppy, this classic fitting 100% pima cotton polo is great thing to have on hand for fall weekends. Distinguished by mother-of-pearl buttons, cuff detailing, and shirting fabric lining on the collar, cuffs, and placket — it’s not just another long sleeve polo. $70 | CTShirts.co.uk

Yeah yeah, another technical t-shirt. Do we really need another wicking, breathable tee? If it’s from Sport Science ($22), the answer is yes. And here’s why. While this shirt does a fine job of pulling sweat off the skin to keep you cool but not clammy, that’s not what makes it special. No, what we…

Our friends over at the product community the Fancy have collaborated with the spanish artist Elena Gallen to create a limited set of shirts that are a far cry from your average t. Available for $49 a piece, grab one while supplies last and boost your indie art credibility through the roof. $49 | Elenagallen.com

Having just celebrated this Nation’s birthday, our patriotism is running high and we recently stumbled upon just the tee shirts from Declaration ($24) to embody it. Inspired by our country’s struggle to become a free nation, Declaration draws from colonial heritage and American revolution themes for their designs. Themes that shaped the very foundation of…