Tag: Smart Casual

The Only 4 Ways to Tie a Scarf You’ll Ever Need
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Skip the long lists of impractical ways to wear a scarf, these 4 can handle anywhere you need to go.

Men’s neckwear options have become all but nonexistent in our increasingly casual world. The humble, practical scarf is all that remains. Sure, the standard neck tie and bow tie still make the rare appearance at weddings or other, maybe, once-per-year events for the common man. It’s more of an accessory of a formal costume than a normal thing a guy might wear.

Ascot? A mere artifact lost to time. Bolo? Takes a specific location (or confident swagger) to make that daily attire. Even the cravat, the precursor to all modern men’s neckwear, including the scarf, is merely a chapter in an 18th-century history of men’s fashion.

Perhaps it’s just the functional winter warmth aspect that has as of yet kept the men’s scarf still a normal appearance in a man’s cold weather wardrobe. Even so, the visual contribution a scarf can add to a man’s outfit is something I’ll celebrate until it too goes the way of the continental tie.

Just consider Primer style contributor Daniel Baraka’s elegant and minimalist winter outfit featured here. Sans scarf, it’s a great, intentional look that makes use of a limited neutral browns color palette. Adding the bold blue scarf transitions the minimalism into the coordinated base of a vibrant outfit.

Like anything neckwear related on the internet, if you search for how to tie a scarf, you’ll be inundated by ridiculously long lists featuring the scarf knot equivalent of the Eldridge tie knot.

“I am a big fan of scarves, but even I was overwhelmed when I got into them, with the million ways to tie them. I think a scarf is an accessory that shouldn’t call too much attention or feel too overcomplicated,” Daniel tells me. “After years of trial and error, my four ways have simplicity in common.”

Why Different Scarf Knots Matter

Like its necktie cousin, choosing how to tie a scarf does have some practical implications. Beyond tightness or closeness, which impacts the warmth provided, the different ways of tying a scarf can also impact:
- How bulky of a silhouette the scarf provides around the neck: A thick scarf may look comically large if using a more elaborate method.
- How refined you want the scarf to be: With dressier or more elegant outfits and occasions, tying a scarf with a more elaborate method can make the practical accessory feel more cohesive with what you’re wearing, for example, with a suit and topcoat.
- How easy it is to remove: If you’re coming in and out a lot or putting it on knowing you’ll be taking it off soon, a simpler method will get you there without the fuss.
- The length of the scarf: Scarves come in different lengths and widths, and just like a necktie, you can adjust how long or short the tails are by wrapping the scarf with a simpler or more elaborate method.
1. The Once Around Scarf

The rakish classic, the once around creates a loose, unstructured appearance that keeps your neck warm without making you look like you’re tying a half windsor on your way out of the exit.

Simply start by draping the scarf over your neck, giving the side you’re going to wrap around your neck ample length. Wrap the long side all the way around your neck until both ends drape in front of you again. Grasp the loop and both ends and adjust until the loop is at your desired looseness and the tails line up as preferred.

2.The Drape

The easiest scarf to tie since, well, you don’t tie it, the drape gets placed over your neck, letting the tails to rest naturally under the front sides of your coat. This can be a smart choice if you just need to cover the back of your neck, are heading out quickly, or are just stowing your scarf while out and about.

“The drape works best with shorter scarves. It works mostly for adding interest to an outfit and looks best with an overcoat worn in a formal fashion. I wear most of my square silk scarves this way,” Daniel says.

Place the scarf around the back of your neck, slide both sides until they fall at the preferred height.

3. The Reverse Drape Cross

If you’re looking for a way to tie your scarf that feels a little more sophisticated, either to match a more formal occasion or to add some refinement to a minimalist base, the reverse drape cross fits the bill. While looking more complex than the others, it’s easy to tie, in fact, it’s only one extra move on top of the once around.

Daniel advises, “The reverse drape cross is the warmest one of them all and works well with longer scarves. It looks studied without being too fussy, and incredible with a fastened overcoat.”

Create the once around, again, placing the scarf around your neck and adjusting so one side has more length. Then wrap the long end around the neck completely. The added move is to take the long end, cross over and continue up underneath both the short end and long end that were just crossed but in front of the loop, resting the long end over the front.

4. The Parisian Knot, Of Course

A deceptively complex way to tie a scarf, which results both in a full and adjustable fit around the neck as well as a shorter length for the tails.

“The Parisian knot is also really warm, and works with most scarves lengths. I love how you can adjust the tightness of the knot to increase insulation. It’s popular for a reason. And the reason is its versatility I believe. It looks just at home with the most casual outfit as it does on a formal one,” Daniel says. “It’s the Swiss army knife of knots to me.”

Begin by folding the scarf in half, then wrapping it around your neck. Place the two tail ends through the loop created where the scarf was folded in half. And voilà – a scarf knot that is classic and functional.

Get Daniel’s outfit style with his similar in-stock picks:
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Andrew Snavely

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February 9, 2026
The Getup: The Winter Visit Outfit
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A travel outfit for the week where your schedule is basically snacks, logistics, and getting photographed against your will, built around comfy layers that still look like you planned it.

Thanks to Thursday Boot Co. for supporting Primer’s mission and partnering on this piece.

Consider this the winter reset outfit, one carry on friendly setup that works for visits, long weekends, and whatever weather shows up. Winter travel has this funny way of making you pack like you’re preparing for four different versions of yourself.

The airport version, the “someone’s grandma is taking photos” version, the “we’re sitting around for six hours and calling it an activity” version, the “why is the weather doing THAT” version.

So I end up chasing this specific sweet spot, comfort that doesn’t look like I gave up, layers that can peel off and still look like an outfit, shoes that can handle driveway slush and a big dinner.
Get the Look:

1. Topcoat: Old Navy, $80 / Barbour

2. Merino Quarterzip: J.Crew Factory, $48

3. Chunky Chelsea Boot: Thursday Boot Co., $199

4. Chrome Leather Belt: Thursday Boot Co., $80

5. Twill Traveler Pants: Banana Republic, $110

6. FieldSpec T-shirt: Buck Mason, $62

7. Cashmere Beanie: J.Crew, $89.50

8. Scarf: Gap, $35

9. Watch: Seiko, $353

10. Box Chain Bracelet: Miabella, $27
The coat has to do some social work

Topcoat: Old Navy / Barbour

If you’re going to be in a rotation of family kitchens, random errands, maybe a dinner where someone decides “we should go somewhere nice” fifteen minutes before leaving, the outer layer can’t just be warm. It has to carry a little polish so everything underneath can stay easy.

This budget-find Old Navy topcoat is the move when you want that “I’m dressed” feeling over a hoodie or a sweater, and you also want something you can actually live in for a week. It’s a relaxed fit, hits around the knee, has a spread collar, button front, welt pockets, and a plaid print that reads winter in photos, at dinner, in the airport, wherever you end up getting seen.

Quarter zips are basically legal documents, they make everything look official

Merino Quarterzip: J.Crew Factory

Half merino, smooth enough that it doesn’t feel bulky, warm enough that you can get away with a simple base layer, and the whole thing looks put together even when the plan is mostly sitting.

Over an oxford if you’re feeling upright, over a t-shirt if you’re going full travel mode or watching the game. Available in navy, maroon, beige, they all work, choose your own adventure.

Boots should be easy on, easy off, and ready for nonsense

Chunky Chelsea Boot: Thursday Boot Co.

Thursday’s Legend Chelsea is the travel boot I keep coming back to because it handles the weird reality of winter travel. In and out of houses, lots of driving, mystery precipitation, maybe a wet driveway, maybe a slushy sidewalk, maybe someone’s heat blasting like they’re trying to hatch an egg in the living room.

I’ve got pairs in wax suede and black leather, and the falcon brown Rugged and Resilient leather looks streamlined and capable at the same time. A StormKing anti-slip outsole with antimicrobial shock absorbing insoles, glove leather lining, and they’re genuinely comfortable right out of the box, which still feels like cheating for a nice boot. Also, yes, the whole “no laces” thing becomes addicting fast.

The belt is the boring hero that saves you from chaos

Chrome Leather Belt: Thursday Boot Co.

A brown chrome leather belt, hand stitched, 1 1/8 inch wide, is the width that works no matter what. It’s that middle ground between a heavy jean belt and a thin dress belt, so you don’t have to play the “do I need a different belt for this” game when you’re already juggling chargers, a toiletry bag, and the burden of winter travel logistics. This is the one you wear with everything, you stop thinking about it, and that’s the entire point.

The best base layer is the one you forget you’re wearing

FieldSpec T-shirt: Buck Mason

Buck Mason’s speckle gray field spec cotton heavy tee is absurdly thick and still soft. It has that dark, almost vintage gray texture that makes it feel like it’s already lived a life, in a good way.

Under the merino quarter zip, it’s basically the ideal combo, warm, relaxed, textured enough that the outfit doesn’t look flat.

I wore it almost every day visiting family in Pennsylvania over a recent trip, which is my personal benchmark for “this is legit,” because that week is basically a gauntlet of temperature swings; one night I went to sleep with green grass and woke up to 5 inches of snow.

Travel pants should stay out of the way like sweatpants but behave like grown up pants

Twill Traveler Pants: Banana Republic

Banana Republic’s light gray straight Traveler pant is basically that. The name is doing a lot of the marketing for them, because yeah, it’s a comfortable alternative to jeans when you’re flying or driving and you still need to look like a functional adult when you get to where you’re going.

It’s got a little stretch, around 3%, cut like a jean, straight fit, mid rise, and the fabric is from Italy’s Olimpias mill, which sounds fancy but what I care about is this: you can sit in a car forever, you can eat too much, you can end up on the floor playing with someone’s dog, and you don’t spend the whole time tugging at your waistband like you’re trying to escape your own clothing.

GMT is the travel feature you didn’t know you wanted

Watch: Seiko

On the SSK003, that extra red hand is the GMT hand, it tracks a second time zone on a 24 hour scale. Think of it as your “home base” clock, while the regular hour and minute hands show whatever time zone you’re currently standing in. So if you’re flying, visiting family, working with coworkers across the country, or even just trying to remember whether it’s a reasonable hour to text someone, you glance at your wrist and you instantly know two things: where you are, and where home is.

Now you’re not doing phone math in an airport coffee line and you’re not accidentally texting your mom at 1 a.m. It turns the watch into part of the travel kit, right alongside the easy layers and the no hassle boots, it’s one more thing keeping you functional while everything around you is a little winter trip chaos.

Jewelry for travel should look intentional, then stay out of the way

A solid, Italian-made, 925 sterling silver box chain bracelet at $27 is almost suspiciously reasonable, and it nails that “I wear jewelry sometimes” vibe without turning your wrist into a conversation starter. It’s the same general style as the David Yurman box chain bracelet my fiancée gave me, the one I mentioned in the Getting Started with Jewelry guide, and that’s why I like it as an entry point, subtle, clean, no shiny nightclub energy.

Scarves should be useful

Scarf: Gap

Exactly the kind of travel scarf I want, sweater knit texture, simple enough that it doesn’t feel out of place when you’re dressed down, still clean with the topcoat when you’re trying to look like a person. Also it’s on sale for $35, which matters, because the airport is basically a giant machine for making you misplace small items. If it disappears into the abyss between security and the gate, you’re annoyed at most.

The beanie has to play nice with the coat, and your head

Cashmere Beanie: J.Crew

J.Crew’s cashmere beanie in charcoal gray is the move because it’s basically color matched to the outfit. It compliments the dark charcoal gray plaid topcoat and it sits right with the heather gray Buck Mason tee, like it’s part of the plan. Cashmere also means no itch, extra soft, and it lays closer to your head so you don’t get that big puffy silhouette that makes you look like you’re about to skate in an exhibition game from 1937. It’s also one of those pieces you end up wearing way more than you expect.

→ See The Only 4 Ways to Tie a Scarf You’ll Ever Need
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Andrew Snavely

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January 4, 2026
Fall Getup Week: Chasing the Iconic Skyfall Shot Through Scotland in Classic Casual

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I wouldn’t be the editor of Primer if I didn’t try to find it. Fitting, since Fall Getup Week was built on British countryside layers, waxed canvas, and sturdy boots.

Thanks to Thursday Boot Co. for supporting Primer’s mission and partnering on this piece.

The road out of Glencoe doesn’t ask for much. You slow down, watch the clouds drag across the peaks, maybe pull over just to stand in it for a minute. The crew that filmed Skyfall did the same thing: same landscape, same road, better car. We were there chasing light, not Bond, but the place made sense for what we were shooting. Fall Getup Week was built on that same idea: clothes that hold up when the air turns, layers with structure, fabrics that look better when they’ve gotten to work against weather.

There’s a particular honesty in waxed canvas and heavy knits when the wind gets moving. Something about the resistance they offer. The outfit leans into that instinct, all countryside layers and clean edges, modern cuts with a practical attitude. A structured silhouette, room through the leg… it could have walked off a moor or a coffee shop in Chicago.

If you’ve ever watched Skyfall and thought, Bond looks better without the suit, you’re not alone.

Costume designer Jany Temime had the same thought. For Skyfall’s last act, she took Bond out of the city, out of the armor, and put him in things meant for weather: waxed cotton, cable knits, boots with soles that don’t require rerouting around puddles. Her description was “a gentleman in the country.”

And it fit. Not just him, but the franchise. Bond clothes have always served the setting. That was the trick: put him where he doesn’t usually go, but dress him so it makes sense.

It’s the kind of combination you stumble into once and keep repeating,

One of the most memorable scenes in the whole Bond franchise didn’t involve a fight or a gadget. No stunts, no explosions, barely any dialogue. Just Bond and M standing beside the DB5 under a fog-choked sky:

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Andrew Snavely

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October 26, 2025
Fall Getup Week: Blazer with Jeans Now – How We Got Here from the 90s and 2010s

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A trend status report.

Its an outfit men have worn for decades: navy blazer, jeans, loafers.

The format stays the same, but each decade has shaped it into its own reflection. In the early 1990s, this look was part of a larger mood, affluent, collegiate, at ease with itself.

American menswear favored natural shoulders, soft tailoring, heavier denim, and a laid-back kind of polish. It was the height of post-1980s optimism and the start of what you might call the “Gap-era democracy” when dressing well didn’t mean hard. The J.Crew catalog sold this look by staging it near docks and Jeeps, always within walking distance of either a lacrosse field or a bookstore.

Get the look:

Blazer: J.Crew / Faherty / Lands End
Sweater: Amazon Essentials / Flint & Tinder / Quince
Striped Oxford Shirt: Amazon Essentials
Knit Tie: J.Crew / Amazon
Ragg Socks: J.Crew
Penny Loafers: Florsheim / Banana Republic Factory / GH Bass
Jewelry

The creative direction of that era was to appear competent and culturally fluent: a man who played touch football at Thanksgiving and helped his cousin move on weekends. The looseness of the blazer, the familiarity of the jeans, and the tie left slightly loosened all signaled a kind of regular excellence. You wore the outfit because it worked and had worked, and the fact that it looked a little old-fashioned was part of the charm, not in the costume sense, but in the way the pieces looked like things you’d always had.

Like the pleated chinos you might paint the ceiling in, as one J.Crew cover in 1993 showed. The old-fashioned quality came from polish that felt lived in. “This is just what I wear.” That’s why it looked so casual.

By 2015, that goodwill had tightened.

The culture had shifted toward optimization: Calorie tracking, standing desks, personal branding. But it didn’t happen all at once.

The silhouettes of the 90s were loose and easy, but they lived in distinct silos; your dress clothes were one thing, your casual clothes another. They didn’t mix. As young millennial professionals pushed into spaces that still required business casual+, the instinct was to carry forward the dressy silhouette in more casual materials: Jeans, sweaters, and shirts all got slimmer to pass. Slimmer meant sharper, and sharper could mix with the leftover tailoring.

J.Crew, 2011

A tie was still worn, but maybe it was skinny now. Jeans replaced pleated khakis, but had to be dark, slim, and sharp. You were still assembling the look, but with more casual ingredients.

This was the birth of what emerged as smart casual: a dress code approach that nodded toward outcome versus a specific list of acceptable items like khakis or a tie. A pass / fail test for situational appropriateness, and less a uniform.

The proportions continued to narrow, fabrics got sleeker, and heritage was packaged into precise, curated choices. The jeans were stiff and dark, often raw, and intentionally cuffed. The blazer was shorter, the fit closer, the styling full of little moves like pocket squares but no belt, sprezzatura ties, and monk straps.

In the early 2000s we still wore dress socks with loafers but they had to be fun patterns. By the mid 10s, the socks were gone altogether.

You wore it to prove you could still look dressed while dodging the formality of an actual suit. It co-evolved with open office plans and startup culture, workplaces that traded hierarchy for hoodies but still expected you to look like you had taste.

The J.Crew of this era gave you rules: trim your collar, hem your pants, slim your life. It was still aspirational, but with homework.

As it always does, a new generation has entered the workforce responding to what came before. If millennials were avoiding the rigidity of business casual by refining their casual clothing, Gen Z has inherited an environment where they reject the need to justify what they want to wear. Looser fits aren’t just about comfort, the proportions have softened because the posture has too. The rejection isn’t a rejection to the polish, it’s refusing the obligation to justify choosing comfort and drape.

J.Crew 2015 & 2025

While it can seem like a full aesthetic swing from just a few years ago, philosophically they’re continuing what the millennials started before them, and Gen X before them, and the Baby Boomers before that. Each generation has reacted to the expectations it inherited. The media often describes it like a trend swing, but really it’s a natural progression.

In 2025, the jeans are fuller and lighter wash. The blazer fits, but doesn’t hug the body. The tie isn’t there to prove anything. Wear it, don’t wear it, it doesn’t matter; more akin to deciding if you’ll wear a watch or not.

There’s less tension between the pieces. The socks are present with loafers again. The belt has texture but is neither a dress belt or a thick jeans belt. It’s not trying to dress down tailoring to make it acceptable. It’s just… worn.

In 1990, it was refined confidence by calculated nonchalance. In 2015, it was tasteful casual via precision. In 2025, it’s balance without justification. None of these versions are better or worse. They just tell you what the moment valued.

And that’s what keeps the outfit useful. The form doesn’t change much, but the approach does.

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Andrew Snavely

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October 24, 2025
Fall Getup Week: The Creative Office

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Old shapes rebalanced for now.

The post Fall Getup Week: The Creative Office appeared first on Primer.

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Andrew Snavely

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October 21, 2025
How I Finally Figured Out How to Wear Jewelry

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Why It Feels So Wrong at First

There’s baggage. Jewelry, for a lot of men, brings up a flood of doubts: Is this too much? Too feminine? Too Vegas?

But men have always worn some jewelry. Rings, chains, medals, cufflinks, class rings, ID bracelets; it was part of the uniform. The suspicion toward adornment grew out of the Depression and World War II, when utility took priority and middle-class men pared back to the essentials. That leaner look hardened into habit, and by the early 2000s minimalism made anything beyond a watch feel suspect.

Even then, jewelry never disappeared. Plenty of regular guys wore it without a second thought. My father has approached his appearance with a practical, Primer-like philosophy. In the ’70s he wore his class ring daily, keeping it on for decades. That was common.

F1’s costume designer, Julian Day, echos this when describing the creative direction to WWD, “The people in the movies in the ’70s had an edge, they weren’t as clean cut as people [are today],”…“So I looked at people like Kris Kristofferson, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, [Clint] Eastwood.” Much of the jewelry was reportedly Pitt’s own collection, brought to set, and selected by him when shooting.

So the hesitation now isn’t timeless, it’s modern. And it isn’t about jewelry. It’s about being caught trying. The clothes keep the beat. The jewelry alters it. Which is exactly why it feels dangerous, the way a beginner drummer panics about hitting the wrong thing and ruining the song for everyone.

What Good Jewelry Actually Does

It adds texture. A gray tee, navy chino, white sneaker outfit is oatmeal. Jewelry is the salt and butter. It also makes you consistent. If someone always wears the same necklace, it stops being “jewelry” and starts being them.

Minimalists should be pleased: it’s the easiest way to add dimension without expanding your closet. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Just a chain.

How to Start Without Looking Like You’re Auditioning for a Fragrance Commercial

My curiosity about jewelry started well before Pitt and Apple triple-downed on Formula One. Primer style contributor Daniel Baraka had been including rings, bracelets, and necklaces in his outfits for years. I looked on the way my dog Leela approaches water, fascinated, tail wagging, ready to leap, then recoiling the instant the tide reaches her paws.

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Andrew Snavely

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September 22, 2025
Live Action Getup: Golden Hour Linen

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Late summer slows down, the light runs long, the air finally moves. A washed navy linen shirt does the breathing, sleeves rolled, collar open. Stone gray chinos keep a clean taper, hem skimming the ankle so the penny loafers read. Warm tortoise frames, a diver on bracelet, a simple signet and bracelet add quiet shine. Built for patios after six, last coffee runs, the walk home at sunset.

Structurally, it’s business casual. Maybe even a little nautical prep if you squint. But the linen has ease, the shirt stays open, and the details shift it. The whole thing feels more lived-in than styled. Less afternoon meeting, more early evening with nowhere to be.

Then there’s the metal. That’s where the temperature changes. A steel diver. A slim gold pendant chain at the collar. A signet with some weight to it. A thin gold bracelet that flashes when you move.

One more detail keeps it relaxed, a narrow woven cord at the wrist, the kind that looks picked up on a trip and stays. Nothing loud. But together, they bend the look. Less prep, less uniform, more presence.

Every piece does its part. Linen breathes. Twill holds shape. Leather catches the light. The proportions stay sharp: room up top, legs cut clean. Nothing piled on, details that give depth to affordable closet staples. Just a look that settles in and takes the summer evening as it comes.

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Andrew Snavely

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August 28, 2025
Live Action Getup: Remixing 5 Proven Outfits into a Refined Summer Look

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Still summer, yet the thermostat keeps flipping. This remix pulls proven pieces from five earlier Primer Getups and resets them for late-season evenings when the breeze comes back or the office vent feels like winter.

Shopping your own closet makes style easier and cheaper. These specific pieces, all pulled from previous Getups, don’t just look good together. They represent four style pillars: smart casual refinement, military heritage, workwear grit, and light summer color. The result is layered but not heavy, rugged without looking themed, and seasonally adaptable for late summer into early fall.

Ideal scenarios: coastal nights, roof-deck drinks, over-air-conditioned offices, long-haul travel, end-of-summer shindigs where the dress code is vague but the AC is not.

Why this remix works

Kit at a glance

M65 field jacket – Light wind protection and structure. The drawstring waist gives subtle shape, and the collar stands easily without feeling fussy.

Mid-wash denim shirt – A textured base layer with heft. It anchors the palette and gives you options: buttoned for polish, open for ease.

Straight-fit natural white jeans – Brightens the look while maintaining airflow and shape. A heritage silhouette that doesn’t cling or pool.

Unstructured twill cap – Softens the military edge and gives sun cover without making the look feel like weekend-only gear.

Suede loafers – Comfortable but elevated, they bring a refined anchor that keeps the look grown and grounded.

The M65 Field Jacket

Also appearing in: Rediscovering the Levi’s 501 Fit in This Age of Looser Styles

The four-pocket field design has shielded everyone from soldiers to photographers to counter-culture musicians since 1965.

The M65’s drawstring waist and stand collar were designed for field utility, not trend cycles. That authenticity gives it staying power. It also bridges a useful style gap: structured enough for dressing up in that European casual kid of way but relaxed enough to throw on over a tee.

Options

The Mid-Wash Denim Shirt

Also appearing in: 1 Look, 3 Budgets: Vintage-Inspired Casual Style That Feels Right Now

Rugged cotton with visible texture adds depth beside crisp jeans. Wear it buttoned for polish or open like a lightweight overshirt.

Originally a staple for miners and ranch hands, the denim shirt earns its keep today by balancing formality and utility. It layers like a jacket but behaves like a button-up. In transitional weather, few shirts give you this much range.

Options

The Natural White Jeans

Also appearing in: These 4 Outfit Ideas Show How Color Blocking Makes Creating New Looks Effortless

An off-white shade updates the classic jean silhouette and the straight leg keeps airflow high and the overall shape clean.

White denim has workwear roots in painter and railroad uniforms. Today’s version, with added stretch and subtle taper, avoids looking costume-y. The natural white tone avoids the starkness of optic white, making it more wearable for the average guy and less attention-hungry.

Options

The Suede Loafers

Also appearing in: The Amazon Outfit: Wear This to a Last-minute Wedding You Put Off Shopping For

A step up in polish from sneakers, but softer than leather dress shoes. The suede texture pairs naturally with rugged elements like the denim shirt and M65, while the slip-on design keeps the look unfussy and mobile.

Penny loafers started as prep staples, but suede versions give them an earthier, more relaxed feel. They’re the kind of smart casual shoe that works on a plane, at a bar, or out to dinner without a second thought. Worn sockless or with no-shows, they help the outfit stay light visually and seasonally.

Options

The Twill Cap

Also appearing in: Live Action Getup: Comfortable Hoodie & Sneakers Upgraded

Neutral headwear finishes the outfit and offers sun cover during afternoon walks. The soft crown collapses easily into a bag or back pocket.

Baseball caps don’t have to signal lazy. A soft, unstructured crown with a refined logo (or none at all) brings casual functionality that matches the intentionality of the rest of the look. It also tones down the seriousness of a field jacket and the rakishness of the white jeans, making the whole look feel more lived-in.

Options

Warm-weather tweaks

Even with these swaps, the visual language stays consistent. The textures still play together, and the colors stay balanced. If you only change one piece, the outfit holds. That’s the benefit of remixing from a shared style perspective: not just color-matching, but attitude-matching.

Using familiar staples helps break the “new season, new wardrobe” loop. This outfit handles chilly patios, long drives, even a flight without tipping into over-prepared or underdressed. Take off the cap, switch the loafers for boots, or open the shirt and you’re still in alignment.

What would you do differently where you live? More layers? Fewer? A wool ballcap or leather sneaker? Share your local spin and help another guy make it work where he is.

(Want more field-tested outfit ideas? Join Primer’s free weekly email.)

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Andrew Snavely

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August 1, 2025
What I Would Wear to a Wedding This Summer: 5 Examples
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Half the guests will be overheating, half will look underdressed. You don’t have to be either.

Ages ago I attended a July wedding in DC where the ceremony was held outdoors at 2PM. I wore the one navy synthetic suit I had based on the invitation dress code and didn’t think twice.

By the time the couple kissed, I looked like I just detoxed in a sauna and my white shirt had turned translucent. Lesson learned: summer weddings require strategy, not just tradition.

You’re dressing for two things at once, heat and ceremony. You need breathable fabrics, lighter colors, and ease…but you also want to look like you chose this outfit and not like you’re cosplaying Miami Vice.

So where do you start? Not the outfit combo, the invitation.

Read the Dress Code (and Read Between the Lines)

Wedding dress codes are often written like a riddle. “Cocktail” in a July vineyard is a very different beast than “Cocktail” in a hotel ballroom in December. “Beach Formal” sounds made up because it kind of is. But once you understand the intent behind each one, you can calibrate accordingly.
- Black tie? Rare for summer unless the setting is formal and the ceremony starts after dark. But if that’s the call, go lightweight and classic.
- Black-tie optional just means a dark suit like navy or charcoal and a little discretion. You can play with texture or a lighter fabric here, but don’t overthink it.
- Semi-formal still means a suit, but summer loosens the reins a bit. Light gray instead of charcoal. A knit tie instead of silk. Think of it as traditional office-plus.
- Cocktail attire is where the fun starts. A blazer with tailored trousers? Yes. A suit with a printed shirt and no tie? Definitely. Just avoid looking like you came straight from lunch.
And when it says “beach formal” or “dressy casual,” it’s not code for lazy. It just means the formality is tuned to the environment. Your clothes should still show intent, even if you’re in linen and loafers with no socks.

All outfit links at the bottom ↓

The Fabric Is the Fit

You could wear the most relaxed, Neapolitan-cut unstructured jacket in July, but if it’s in heavy flannel you’ll still be cooked. Summer dressing is less about silhouette than it is about fabric.

Linen gets the spotlight, and for good reason. It breathes, it drapes, it wrinkles and somehow we’ve all agreed that we don’t have to do anything about that. It doesn’t need to be white or sand-colored either. Brown linen, sage, tobacco, even black can look incredible in the right setting.

Then there’s seersucker. Once pigeonholed for the traditional Southern-gentleman, it’s had a renaissance over the last twenty years. Modern cuts, new colors, and the fact that it doesn’t need ironing make it worth another look.

A cream seersucker suit with an olive shirt is unexpected but sophisticated. It’s casual enough for a breezy waterside affair and looks rakish enough for both the coasts of New England or Amalfi.

Pattern, when used sparingly, gives the whole outfit a sense of movement.

And wool (yes, wool) can still be your friend in the heat. Tropical wool and high-twist wools like Fresco are breathable, structured, and surprisingly crisp. They resist wrinkles better than linen and look just as refined.

Cotton and blends round out the options. They’re workhorses. A cotton suit in the right shade can be dressed up or down easily and are a little more common and a lower price point. Just know they won’t breathe quite like the others.

→ Pro tip: Keep a cloth handkerchief tucked in your inner jacket pocket. If you’re starting to visibly sweat and can’t step away, it’s a discreet way to pat your face without using a napkin or your sleeve.

Color Is Context

Summer weddings are one of the rare chances men get to wear something other than navy or charcoal. Light gray, cream, muted blues, and soft greens all feel fresh and seasonally right. Even warm earth tones like rust or terracotta can look elegant without being loud.

Use color the way you’d use cologne: intentionally and in moderation. If the suit is pale, ground it with a darker shirt or shoe. If the jacket is bold, keep the shirt crisp and neutral. The balance matters more than any individual item.

Shirts, Shoes, and the Things That Pull It All Together

Short sleeves are back, but not every short sleeve shirt deserves to be worn with a suit. Look for subtle prints and a proper fit. Camp collars, OCBDs, and even polos can all work depending on the level of formality.

The shades are rich but not loud, and every fabric is tuned for breathability.

On your feet, loafers dominate. Penny loafers, Venetian loafers, Belgian loafers, even horsebits if that’s your lane. Suede in brown or olive gives texture. Leather in tan or burgundy adds sharpness. Socks are optional, but no-show liners are the move.

Accessories are where you can inject a little attitude. A silk pocket square instead of a tie, maybe a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses.

Don’t Just Dress Up, Dress With Intent

Ultimately, this is about showing you respect the event without sacrificing comfort or your own sense of style. You want to look like you belong in the photos ten years from now and like you weren’t afraid of a little sunlight.

Featured Men’s Summer Wedding Style Picks

Summer Suits

The lightweight blend of wool, silk, and linen makes this suit, in Dark Green, the perfect choice for a smart summer wedding that won’t leave you feeling stuffy from one of our 32 best men’s clothing brands.

Seersucker is a summer suit staple, here in a light tan makes it easy to pair other colors.

A suit you can wear to weddings, work, and smarter weekend plans is hard to come by, but J.Crew has nailed it with the Ludlow.

A mid-blue suit (Alts: J.Crew, Nordstrom) feels perfectly sophisticated with a hint of Italian style and who knows better about stylish dressing in hot weather than the Italians?

Summer Blazers

A grey linen suit jacket can be styled with your khakis just as easily as matching suit trousers. Wear with a subtle-printed shirt for extra summer flair.

A brown sportcoat might not seem the obvious choice for summer, but this breathable linen-wool hopsack jacket offers the perfect weight and texture for warmer months. It features half-canvas construction, unpadded shoulders, and relaxed patch pockets for a refined and effortless style.

A green linen sportoat conjures a preppy, Ivy League look. Pair with formal trousers and loafers, rather than chinos, for a summer wedding-appropriate style.

Summer Wedding Pants

If linen pants make you think of a loose, white style you might wear to a beach bar, think again. These puppytooth trousers are designed to keep you cool in your formalwear on summer’s hottest days.

Grey cotton linen chinos will fit comfortably without being either too loose or too clingy in hot weather.

Fresco, named for the Italian term meaning “fresh”, is a unique cloth made from high-twist wool fibers in an open weave. If you’ve not heard of it before, then you’ve found it just in time to improve your formal summer wardrobe.

Shirts

A short-sleeved shirt with a subtle print brings comfort and interest to a smart outfit without feeling over the top.

A camp collar, short sleeves, and a relaxed fit tick all the boxes when it comes to the essential features of a summer shirt. This style from Zara (Alt: Banana Republic) takes it one step further with a large but muted floral print.

A knit polo has quickly gone from something that wasn’t all that common just a few years ago to an absolute summer staple. They offer a bit of refinement via a retro feel, and that’s perfect for a less dressy option for a summer wedding.

Leaning on darker colors, even black, while picking a more casual summer design like a short sleeve camp collar shirt cant help balance out the casual-dressy equation.

There’s something about a blue and white striped shirt that feels perfect for summer. This non-iron style from Tie Bar is slightly preppy, giving it a yacht club edge.

When the dress code calls for something more formal you know you can’t go wrong with a white dress shirt. Just make sure you pick 100% cotton as synthetic materials aren’t your friend in hot weather.

Leather loafers are the summer alternative to brogues. Be sure to wear socks (visible or invisible is up to you) to avoid blistering and keep odors at bay.

Astorflex’s slip-on loafers are the smart equivalent to your summertime espadrilles.

Penny loafers are slightly chunkier than the sleek silhouette of a regular loafer, so they’re perfect for the more fashion-forward man. For a quality upgrade with heritage, try Weejuns.

Summer gives us some flexibility for something a little more fun with our wedding footwear. Something like this olive suede loafer from Jay Butler feels in alignment with both the season and the occasion.

If you can get away with something more relaxed, there’s no problem with wearing a pair of minimal white trainers to a wedding. Just make sure they’re box-fresh, and the rest of your outfit is smart enough to secure the formal look.

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget your sunglasses. Many weddings are held in summer for the simple desire to have an outdoor component to the celebration. Include an intentional pair of shades to cap off the rest of the outfit. → 6 Pairs of Affordable Sunglasses We’ll Be Wearing This Summer

Read Now:
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Andrew Snavely

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June 20, 2025
The Essential Fall Shirt (8 Options at Every Price Point)

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In fall, the air is cool enough to switch out t-shirts for something a bit nicer, but not so cold that you need heavy layers every day. Enter the sweater polo—an unassuming workhorse that strikes the perfect balance between casual and refined.

There’s something almost regal about a navy sweater polo. The deep blue fine knit has a sophistication that says you know your style without broadcasting it. Like a perfectly fitting white tee, a well-cut sweater polo made of a nice knit is so stripped of ornamentation it’s almost a style flex—proof of how good simplicity can look. When the temperature dips below seventy, and you need to bridge the gap between casual and a little more put-together, this is your move.

Not a sweatshirt, but just as comfortable. Not a dress shirt, but every bit as sharp when paired right. And best of all? It won’t break the bank—whether you’re browsing the grail racks at Buck Mason or hunting for that perfect knit below $40, the sweater polo is a piece that offers great style at any price point.

The true distinction between a sweater polo and a typical biz casual pique polo is this: drape. In menswear, drape refers to how fabric hangs or falls over the body, shaping the overall silhouette and appearance of a garment. The sweater polo, when made from fine-knit merino or cashmere, brings a drape that’s simply different than the corporate polo—it flows with a softness and natural elegance that your standard pique polo just can’t match.

Tucked in with a pair of dressier chinos—here beltless with the extended button tab for a bit of European flavor—it becomes the backbone of a look that feels polished without feeling contrived.

Or throw it on with straight-leg denim and a woven leather belt, and you’ve got a modern spin on the current relaxed prep trend we’re seeing in all of our usual places like J.Crew and Buck Mason.

Fall isn’t about overdressing; it’s about getting it just right—and the sweater polo is that perfect move. Cozy, refined, versatile, and no fuss—just effortless style from morning chill to evening plans. The sweater polo gets fall right.▪

Pants: Nautica / Banana Republic / Proper Cloth
Boots: Dockers / Clarks / Thursday / Polo Ralph Lauren

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Andrew Snavely

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October 30, 2024
12 Chore Coat Picks You’ll Wear Into the Ground This Fall (All Budgets)

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The perfect lightweight jacket for modern life.

What exactly is a chore coat? First and foremost, the name is your biggest clue. Popular during the first half of the 1900s, the lightweight chore coat was born out of France and exclusively made to protect laborers and artists by creating a tough barrier on top of clothing, typically work overalls.

Chore coats featured oversized pockets (at least one spacious chest pocket and even larger hip pockets) for the tools of their respective trades, and they were generously cut so as not to impede movement. Materials typically included cotton canvas or thick cotton twill fabric in a blue hue with large buttons rather than zippers, which required more dexterity and focus to operate. The fabric could be cut and sewn together quickly since drape and fit weren’t exactly priorities.

One of its most iconic iterations is the French “bleu de travail,” literally translating to “work blue.” Originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during France’s period of rapid industrialization, this classic French work jacket was initially a staple among agricultural and industrial workers. Crafted from durable cotton twill or moleskin, its blue color was practical for disguising stains and dirt that came with a hard day’s work. The garment gained popularity for its durability, comfort, and cost-effectiveness, becoming emblematic of the working class in France. Over time, the bleu de travail transcended its utilitarian origins to become a symbol of French working-class culture and has even found its way into contemporary fashion. Yet, at its core, the bleu de travail remains a tribute to the labor and craftsmanship that it was originally designed to serve.

When the chore coat came to the States in 1923, it expanded beyond the blue French workwear coloring for more neutral tan, brown tones, and was crafted for the American railroad worker. In fact, the iconic striped “train” coat you’ve seen in old movies and period pieces is a chore coat in a uniquely American fabric known as wabash.

Bronson Mfg Co

Carhartt was the first one that took a stab at creating an icon and went ahead and crafted one with copper rivets and triple stitching for strength. A flannel lining was later added for warmth, a necessity in the colder climes and work environments.

The chore coat was also popularized in post-WWII Japan largely because the prevalence of American military garb eventually led to the westernization of men’s style. The button-up shirt and blue blazer were eventually replaced by the chore coat in the ‘70s, and its most prominent iteration is the denim version that’s a staple today.

In recent years, the bleu de travail has also gained a following among painters, artists, and other craftspeople, who value its functional design and pockets for conveniently holding tools and materials.

Some might confuse the chore coat with the field jacket, which we’ve covered extensively, and that’s understandable since both are casual and practical while imparting a rugged style. The chore coat is traditionally unlined and wasn’t meant to act as a layer of insulation but rather a light protective layer, while field jackets may be unlined or lined.

Original field jackets were military-spec, and they were not as baggy as chore coats and typically had a standing collar and flap pockets with snap closures, while chore coats could employ notch-lapel or point collars and had large open patch pocket. Occasionally, a chest flap pocket was used. Modern interpretations of the chore coat run the gamut of materials and still use traditional denim, waxed cotton, canvas, and even boiled wool. The versions are myriad, and you’ll also see chore coats called “engineer coats”, which is another very similar permutation. The chore coat was never meant as a fashion statement, but like the venerable work boot, it’s evolved into a key member of workwear style that’s prevalent today.

They also tend to be cut slimmer today, though boxier versions are still popular. The key is to find the cut and material that works for you. If you’re on the job as a contractor, factory worker, tradesman or artist, go for the roomier cut. If it’s hitting the pub on a crisp day, opt for a narrower cut for a more put-together style pallet. And rather than scour the web for the best choices, we’ve assembled 11 of the best chore coats to suit your look or your occupation.

How to Wear a Chore Coat

Read: How Does a Man Develop a Personal Style?

Unlocking the potential of the chore coat in a contemporary setting is less about rigid fashion rules and more about embracing its innate versatility. As a modern guy, you’re constantly juggling different roles—be it the casual weekend warrior, the nine-to-five professional, or the spontaneous adventurer. The chore coat seamlessly fits into all these scenarios, serving as a sartorial Swiss Army knife in your wardrobe. Whether layered over a crisp dress shirt for a smart casual office environment or thrown over a tee for a laid-back vibe, this jack-of-all-trades outerwear piece effortlessly elevates any outfit. It’s a style buy that pays dividends in adaptability and ease.

As an outer layer on a sweater and t-shirt

Not surprisingly, the chore coat makes for a great, well, lightweight jacket. Here Primer contributor Daniel Baraka expertly pairs blues across 3 layers for a modern and useful outfit. See more in Live Action Getup: Spring Layers.

As a modern alternative to a blazer

If your office is on the casual side of business casual, as in, you don’t want to wear a blazer but sometimes just a tucked in shirt isn’t enough or too plain, a cotton chore coat makes a great stand-in. Between this and an unstructured blazer one of the most notable differences is just the lack of a traditional blazer’s notch lapel. The result is a look that feels like an intentional layer but not dressy.

As an alt for a denim trucker jacket

When many say “denim jacket” what they really mean is a denim trucker jacket, but there are lots of great denim jackets that aren’t truckers and lots of great truckers that aren’t denim. A denim chore coat offers a distinctive departure without feeling out of place in day-to-day life.

→ Outfit Ideas: Our 35 Favorite Jean Jacket Outfits: Save This Massive Outfit Swipe File for Inspiration

In a casual outfit as an alternative to a shirt jacket or sweater

When it comes to the generally limited options of everyday men’s style, having one more is always welcome. If you regularly wear flannels, shirt jackets, or shawl collar cardigans and are looking for an alternative either just for a visual change up or for a difference in weight, a chore coat makes an effortless swap.

As a low key nod to your favorite childhood movie

Ghostbusters Inspired J.Crew And You Can’t Convince Me Otherwise – Outfits + Style Picks

Our Men’s Chore Coat Picks

Spier & MacKay Chore Coat, $118

Keeping things visually consistent with the chore coat’s origins is always welcomed, and this take from Spier & MacKay details why this European classic has quickly become a modern menswear staple. This traditionally cut chore coat in 100% linen features spacious exterior and interior pockets for easy access, the cut is roomy, and the big buttons ensure ease of use.

Old Navy Corduroy Chore Jacket, $50

When it comes to menswear, we love a great corduroy piece. This versatile jacket features a traditionally charming spread collar and button front, and the patch chest pocket and front patch pockets offer convenient storage with a nod to the vintage workwear aesthetics. Crafted from 100% cotton for a soft, durable finish, the boxier silhouette means more room throughout the chest for an easy fit.

Tellason USA-made Stock Coverall Jacket, $159

Made in San Francisco of legacy American-made Cone Mills Denim, Tellason’s denim chore coat is just as drool-worthy as their famed jeans. Made of 14 oz non-sanforized selvedge denim, this classic design represents a stylish non-trucker denim jacket.

Lucky Brand Four Pocket Cotton Jacket, $42

A deal find that likely won’t last long, this chore coat from Lucky, most known for their jeans, hits all the classic chore coat cues, with the four front pockets and all cotton construction.

Haggar All Season Chore Coat, $160

The mall department store brand’s budget-friendly interpretation of the chore coat combines old school silhouette with 2% elastane for modern comfort. The large buttons and point collar also retain the customary chore coat look.

Levi’s Lightweight Cotton Shirt Jacket, $82

Count on the iconic American jeans brand to come out with a minimalist but handsome version of the chore coat. This coat is the perfect layer for microclimates, with a mid-weight feel to the fabric. The rugged silhouette features a fold down collar and three front pockets to bring together form and function to this signature style.

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket, $188

The Ojai jacket embodies just about everything we love about a modern chore jacket because it honors tradition while adding style and versatility points without deviating from what made the chore coat so great to begin with. Pre-washed and properly faded 8-oz. 100% organic cotton is soft, and the Ojai’s cut is just the right amount of roomy. It all gets punctuated with slick black ring-buttons that use real brass, bar-tacked pockets, and double stitching all over. Getting it dirty and faded will only add to its character, but we’re guessing you’ll take really good care of it.

L.C. King Black Denim Duck Canvas Chore Coat, $180

This navy denim version embodies traditional chore coat style, rugged materials, and American craftsmanship. The thick 12oz. Cotton duck fabric jacket is crafted in Bristol, Tennessee, and the style features pewter riveted seams and pockets with big pewter buttons and beautiful white contrast threading. There’s a simple single interior pocket, and button cuffs to roll back. It’s unlined, roomy, and versatile for both work and play.

Everlane Barn Jacket, $178

When it comes to balancing the time-honored design of a chore coat with modern sensibilities, Everlane’s Organic Cotton Barn Jacket sets the bar high. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, this garment presents an eco-conscious choice that doesn’t skimp on quality. Featuring a distinctive corduroy collar, patch pockets with flaps, and sleeves that are meant to be cuffed to reveal more corduroy, this jacket combines practical features with a sophisticated look. Traditional patch detailing at the shoulders and elbows not only enhances durability but also adds a touch of vintage charm. Pair it with your favorite jeans or chinos, and you have a look that’s timeless yet distinctly your own.

Todd Snyder Japanese Selvedge Chore Coat, $398

Coming from one of our favorite men’s clothing brands, Todd Snyder, their premium Japanese selvedge denim chore coat is an upgrade piece you’ll love for years. This modern take retains the classic silhouette with its crisp lines and easy fit, featuring three functional patch pockets. The standout feature is its lightweight 11.5 oz denim sourced from Takhiyo in Japan. This coat is versatile enough to pair with just about anything making it a standout piece for any wardrobe.

Asket Overshirt $195

The uncompromising craftsmanship of the ASKET Overshirt is what elevates this workwear piece to a more sophisticated and intentional wardrobe staple. The military grade fabric is tailored from 100% organic cotton which is then gently washed down to eliminate shrinkage, and the finish is an amazing soft handfeel that you are going to love wearing. Three spacious front pockets honor the rugged utility of this straight cut, classic style.

Looking for more jackets?

Read next: The ultimate guide explaining types of jackets

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Andrew Snavely

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September 3, 2024
Our 35 Favorite Jean Jacket Outfits: Save This Massive Outfit Swipe File for Inspiration

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Easy mix and match outfit building with a denim jacket.

In 1873, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss inadvertently forever changed fashion and pop culture by patenting a pair of sturdy work pants made from indigo cotton corduroy, reinforced with copper rivets. Blue jeans, as they’ve come to be known, have become such a universal symbol of casual style it’s hard to imagine what the last 100 years would look like without them.

As denim’s popularity grew, it quickly extended beyond jeans to create another wardrobe essential: the jean jacket. First introduced by Levi’s around 1880, the jean jacket has since become a cornerstone of effortless style, valued for its simplicity and ease in pulling together outfits.

Jean jackets are a wardrobe staple for good reason – their decades-old, straightforward design makes them incredibly easy to wear, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re dressing down with a t-shirt and jeans or layering it over a sweater for cooler days, a jean jacket instantly adds a touch of casual cool to your look.

What you think of when you hear “jean jacket” is actually a specific style, that originated as the Levi’s Type III Trucker Jacket, introduced in the 1960s. The Type III, known for its cropped, waist-length cut, slim tailored fit, chest pockets with pointed flaps, and iconic “V” stitching, represents a more specific style within the broader jean jacket category but there are other styles that can work just as effectively, like my denim chore coat in a few of the outfits below.

The best part about denim jackets, like their blue jean cousins, is that nearly every brand in every price range makes one. Like the simple t-shirt or chino, the jean jacket is classic style democratized.

To help you make the most of your jean jacket, we’ve created an outfit “swipe file” featuring our favorite jean jacket looks from Primer over the years.

If you’re new to the concept, a swipe file is a curated collection of ideas or examples that you can save and refer to whenever you need inspiration. Originally used in advertising and design, swipe files have become a handy tool for organizing creative ideas across various fields.

→ In this case, it’s a collection of jean jacket outfit ideas that you can keep in an album on your phone, Pin to a style board on Pinterest, or organize in a more elaborate system with a tool like Notion or Evernote for easy reference. Whereas a moodboard is intended to visualize an overall feeling of a style in total, a swipe file is designed to be used individually as a template.

These outfits can be recreated exactly as shown, but they’re also meant to be flexible starting points—whether you’re experimenting with color combinations, layering techniques, new fits, or specific pieces to pair with your jean jacket.

Jean Jackets Over T-Shirts:

Resin rinse denim trucker jacket over olive henley worn with light gray jeans and tan suede boots

A denim chore coat over a cream t-shirt with loose green chinos

High Tops vs Low Tops: How Any Guy Can Style High Tops and How They Alter an Outfit

A faded jean jacket over a classic white pocket t-shirt worn with khaki shorts

About the car

Or swap the shorts for chinos, tuck the shirt, and add penny loafers

Recreating Chris Pine’s Recent 1980s-Inspired Outfit That I’ll Wear All Summer

A black jean jacket over a striped long sleeve tee and dark gray chinos

A light wash jean jacket over a gray t-shirt worn with white jeans and suede desert boots

A black jean jacket over a dark gray henley

Faded denim trucker jacket over layered t-shirts with teal dock shorts

A medium blue jean jacket over a white pocket t-shirt with navy chinos and low profile white leather sneakers

Or swap the navy chinos for olive

A medium wash jean jacket over a faded black pocket t-shirt and worn with green olive chinos and brown chelsea boots

Swap the colors of those two and you’ll get a light wash jean jacket over a light gray t-shirt worn with dark gray jeans

Jean Jackets as Layers:

A denim jacket under a red rain coat with white jeans

Mastering Spring Layering for Wind & Rain

A denim jacket worn under a tan field coat with a plaid flannel shirt

Jean jacket worn under a waxed canvas coat with gray chinos and Red Wings

A jean jacket underneath a dark top coat worn with a gray sweater and charcoal jeans

The Best Pea Coats & Top Coats

An M65 fatigue jacket layered over a light wash denim jacket worn with a striped t-shirt and light tan trousers

A solid charcoal flannel shirt and t-shirt under a denim jacket

Jean Jackets Worn Over Hoodies

A camo t-shirt layered under a gray zip up hoodie and light wash jean jacket worn with black selvedge denim and brown boots

A dark denim jacket over a black zip up hoodie and thermal shirt worn with olive chinos

A faded black denim jacket layered over a green hoodie and blue oxford shirt with black chinos

A shearling collar jean jacket over a black hoodie worn with a white henley and light gray jeans

A jean jacket over a red hoodie worn with shorts and sneakers

Dressier Outfits with Jean Jackets:

A dark denim jacket with a white dress shirt and textured gray pants

5 Alternatives to Wearing a Blazer + Outfit Examples

A denim chore coat worn with a white oxford shirt and OG107 pants

The Best Chore Coats

A dark denim jacket with a checkered dress shirt, dress pants, and brown dress boots

A medium wash jean jacket over a striped oxford shirt with blue chinos

A dark rinse jean jacket worn over a tan v-neck sweater with a gray oxford shirt, textured charcoal pants, and minimalist white sneakers

Outfits with Jean Jackets Over Sweaters & Sweatshirts

A light wash denim jacket over a light gray marled sweater with charcoal jeans

A tan jean jacket over a marled gray sweatshirt with faded black jeans

How To Pull Off the Minimalist Aesthetic (Lots of Outfit Examples)

A medium blue trucker jacket over a white and navy striped sweater with gray chinos and black slip-on sneakers

A dark denim shearling jacket over a black thermal shirt with faded black jeans and brown Iron Ranger boots

A denim jacket over a tan cashmere sweater worn with black work pants and brown boots

A dark shearling jean jacket over a classic gray crewneck sweatshirt worn with a black beanie, faded black jeans, and high top sneakers

A resin rinse jean jacket over a black cashmere sweater with gray dress pants worn with white sneakers

Got a jean jacket outfit you love? Keep the list going in the comments below!

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Andrew Snavely

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August 28, 2024
The Getup: A Hot Night Out
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A well-dressed outfit for a hot summer evening.

Special thanks to Thursday Boot Co. for supporting Primer’s mission and sponsoring this post.

Looking rakish and modern on a summer evening is a breeze, whether for a rooftop bar, live music, or outdoor cocktails on a first date.

This outfit makes use of several outfit-building strategies:

Monochromatic color palette
- Dark and simple colors are a staple of dressier and more refined styles like a suit or tuxedo. While we’re maintaining a casual and comfortable vibe, borrowing this reduced palette makes a shorts and sneakers look feel more evening-ready.
- Simply visualize this same outfit with a version of the shirt that has a vibrant pattern and colorful shorts to see how sophisticated the outfit becomes with this subdued approach.
Style is in the details
- The polo not only has a full button placket but also a substantial knit texture that loudly yells “this isn’t my golf shirt.” Similarly, the tank top isn’t just a white undershirt, this cream color lowers the contrast between it and the shirt, giving it a role in the style but in a more integrated way.
- The court sneakers are a modern and low profile take on tennis and basketball shoes from the 80s and 90s; the moc-toe-like stitching and perforated cap are hallmarks of athletic shoes, keep this choice casual and firmly in sneaker territory. But when paired with the minimalist, low profile design of the rest of the shoe, the overall effect feels almost like broguing on a wingtip.
Heat adaptations
- The loose knit on the 100% cotton shirt provides breathability and air flow, making up for its thicker-than-a-t-shirt weight.
- While it’s perfectly fine to wear more vibrant styles in the evening, using our monochrome palette helps balance the innately more casual feel of short sleeves and shorts, that are a necessity for comfort in many regions this time of year.
Court Shoe

Thursday Boot Co.

The right sneaker is the secret ingredient to easy and sharp summer style. The just-released Court sneaker from Thursday takes classic sneaker design cues and updates them for day-and-night smart casual style.

Made with Italian Nappa Leather with a Strobel construction and quality-of-life features like shock-absorbent footbeds, these premium sneakers are meant for heavy wear just as much as they are to look good. The Court is also available in a number of other colorways, I’m particularly partial to the Smoke and Clay styles.

Cotton Loose Knit Polo

J.Crew

This shirt is equally 1950s Palm Springs and 2020s New York. Leaning on a retro edge, is one of my go-to style tricks for dressing well in summer.

Unlike many cheaper options that are made entirely of less breathable synthetic materials, the 100% cotton construction offers breathability, maintenance, and durability of shape.

Buck Mason Pima Rib Tank

Buck Mason

Made of 100% Supima cotton with a 2×2 rib knit for stretch, this ain’t your high school Hanes undershirt.

Automatic Diver Watch

Dan Henry

Continuing on the “style is in the details” approach, I love how this small pop of orange, on an otherwise color-matching watch, contributes to the overall outfit. The green jasper stones of the ring similarly inject a blip of nuanced personality.

Dan Henry is a watch microbrand, started by the eponymous vintage watch collector, that offers era-themed designs of historically significant watches. The 1970 is a design that aesthetically and mechanically honors the dive watches of the decade.

Italian Stretch Chino Shorts

Bonobos

These are essentially dress chinos hemmed into shorts. Italian-milled cotton fabric with 2% stretch in a tailored fit and my go-to fav extended tab closure give these shorts a finish that clearly separates them from your casual heavy twill shorts.

Give your shirt a quick French tuck to show off that extended button tab, and combined with that necklace, ring, court sneakers and cream tank top, you’ve got a modern look still firmly rooted in enduring styles.
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Andrew Snavely

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August 5, 2024
What to Wear: A Casual Weekend Afternoon with the Family [3 Price Points]

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A Lightweight, Textured Polo

The polo is standard issue uniform for a majority of guys who are trying to not wear a t-shirt but don’t want a button up shirt.

They also have a tendency to look kind of junky because cheap and/or old ones begin to curl at the collar. And, unfortunately, unlike some men’s staples like a leather jacket, polos don’t look better the older and more beat up they get.

One way of tackling that and adding some interest to an otherwise mundane shirt style is to choose one made of a non-pique cotton (the material most polos are made of). For cooler weather a knit, almost sweater-like option is sharp and vintage, but for super hot days of summer I like to keep it light with a slub cotton or linen-cotton blend.

Slub cotton is a type of fabric characterized by its uneven, textured appearance, created by weaving cotton with slight knots and imperfections.

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Andrew Snavely

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July 29, 2024
The Getup: Summer Vacation Night 2
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A classy tropical evening look that looks like it costs way more than its (sale) price.

You’re a long night’s sleep and a full day of decompressing into your respite in paradise and you’re heading to the first real dinner with the people you care about. The goal is look put-together but still comfortable and casual. This outfit will work in most waterside spots, with some easy tweaks if needed:
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Get the Look:
Shirt: Banana Republic
Shorts: Cotton-linen Jackquard
Sneakers: Sperry
Watch: Fossil Carraway
Bracelet: Fossil
Wallet: Bellroy Card Case
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Banana Republic Luxury Touch Resort Shirt, $27.99 ~~$70~~

This relaxed fit shirt is made with jersey cotton, so while it has buttons and has a dressier effect, it’ll feel like wearing your nicest t-shirt. Plus the flat camp collar with white piping gives it a retro vibe, one of my tricks for dressing “nice” in summer.

Banana Republic Jacquard Short, $31.98 ~~$90~~

A unique pair at a discount, these pull-on shorts are made of a jacquard fabric which has a black and navy textured geometric weave.

If the pattern or drawstring isn’t what you’re looking for, a pair of charcoal chino shorts in a 7-9″ inseam will keep the outfit intentional.

For an evening look with pants, BR also has a pair of linen cotton traveler pants that would be a smart swap.

Sperry Cloud CVO Sneaker, $80

These Sperrys strike that perfect balance of classic, minimalist, and sophisticated, no easy feat for a simple canvas sneaker from a brand dating back to 1935.

If you’re looking for something more like a dressy sandal, leather huaraches are a solid choice that will fit right at home in any hot vacation spot.

Fossil Carraway Watch, $170

Rectangular watches always offer an outfit a dressier vibe, and in summer, with less layers, making use of that is strategic. We recently also featured one in our Chris Pine outfit rebuild.

Fossil Stainless Steal Bracelet, $18 ~~$65~~

Jewelry doesn’t have to be big or flashy. Adding a small, unassuming chain bracelet next to your watch can have a rakish effect without the fuss.

Thoughts or swaps? Let’s chat below!
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Andrew Snavely

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July 22, 2024
The 7 Best Pants for Summer If You Don’t Want to Wear Shorts
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Stay cool, look sharp, no shorts required.

Summer style sounds easy: when the weather’s warm, almost any sartorial option is on the table. Short sleeves, light layers, fresh sneakers, and even sandals open up a world of opportunities for dressers of all kinds, from the modest to the most experimental.

But where some guys run into problems is when it comes to styling their bottom half. Shorts seem like the obvious option – right? But for some, they’re not the go-to. Perhaps they’re not appropriate for where you’re heading. You might just not want to show off your legs. Or you might simply dislike the way shorts look. You don’t have to justify your reason to us, but we can sympathize: finding a summer alternative to shorts is no easy feat.

Thick denim is too warm and chinos can be too formal for everyday laid-back summer style. But that doesn’t mean they’re off the dressing table altogether. To help you pick the best bottom half for your warm-weather look, we’ve rounded up the 7 best pants for summer, if shorts aren’t your thing.

Linen Dress Pants

Similar / How to Wear & Care for Linen

Linen trousers come in all shapes and styles, and though we get why the loose white variety have become the image of hippie summer style, you don’t have to bend your look to pull those off.

A tapered pair in a color that matches your wardrobe can easily become your summer go-to. Linen is a natural fabric that can hold 5x more liquid than synthetic fabrics without looking wet. That’s why it’s favored for summer shirts, but it holds the same light, comfy benefits for pants too.

We love this athletic fit linen-blend pair from Banana Republic Factory because it can easily be dressed up or worn super casually and is currently on sale. For a pair that is fully linen check out the mainline Banana Republic Milano suit pant.
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More Options:
Amazon $
A&F $$
Bonobos $$$
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White Jeans or Chinos

Levi’s / Summer Lookbook: How 2 Pairs of Sneakers Transform 7 Summer Outfits

If you love wearing dark denim or chinos for smart casual occasions but find them too stuffy for summer, try them in white. It’s likely to be a bolder color than you’d wear for work, and it makes a stylish statement when paired with colorful, floral, or printed shirts.

Live Action Getup: The Perfect, Bright Summer Afternoon

They’re also a great way to ease into the white pants look without diving straight into wide or looser fits that might not feel natural in your wardrobe.
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More Options:
Amazon Essentials $
Levi's Premium Selvedge $$
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Pleated Pants

Alex Mill

Typically thought of as a formal style, pleated pants have had something of a revival in the past few years as looser styles have come back around. Defined by the folds or pleats along the waistband which give them a cool vintage edge, pleated pants can be a perfect pick for summer.

Since they’re not well suited to slim or skinny fits, pleated pants are a great way to pull off straight- and wide-leg pants with ease. We love them for warm weather because they don’t cling to the skin and allow plenty of room for comfortable movement.

We like this pair because Alex Mill gets all the details right, they’re a light tone and made from 98% cotton. For a budget alternative or if you don’t want to spend a lot to experiment with the look, Amazon Essentials offers frugal pairs in great shades.
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More Options:
Amazon $
Lands End $
A&F $$
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Drawstring-waist Pants

Abercrombie & Fitch, featured in our Our New Favorite Summer Pants Can Be Worn Instead of Sweatpants or Dress Pants (?!)

Ideal for warm weather, the cut keeps the refined feel but the comfy stretch means you won’t have to worry about overheating and pulling at your waistband during occasions that call for a slightly smarter look.

For the best summer style, opt for a looser leg and a light tone that can be paired with any kind of top, from T-shirts to Oxfords. The versatility means you can pull off a pair of drawstring-waist pants at the beach just as easily as a summer wedding.
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More Options:
Amazon $
A&F $$
Banana Republic $$
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Light Joggers

Abercrombie & Fitch

Like a sporty look but not into sweatshorts? Enter: summer sweatpants. Loose, light, and ideal for guys who are concerned about sweating in summer, this flattering fabric retains the casual look you love, without the thickness of jersey.

For extra summery points, pick a relaxed fit with lots of pockets for all your gear. They still feel laid-back and perfect for lounging, and are easy to style up for days out with friends or neighborhood cookouts.
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More Options:
Old Navy $
Amazon $
Amazon Essentials $
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Tech Pants

Kuhl Free Radikl Pant – 7 Style Picks That SOLVE Annoying Clothing Problems

Need to wear pants in the summer and have to move around a lot? We feel you. The good news is, it’s not so hard to find a pair of slim- or straight-fitting pants that have the look of jeans without the heavy feel.

Cotton or polyester pants offer a wider range of movement, which isn’t just great for your everyday comfort, but makes them perfect for summer when you’re more likely to find slim pants restrictive. Look for pants made with elastane, which will keep them moving without rubbing.
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More Options:
Relwen $$$
Orvis $$
J.Crew $$
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Striped Pants

Alex Crane

One of our favorite things about summer dressing is that anything goes. It’s a season of laid-back self-expression. So if you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to dip your toe into a more exciting style of dressing, this is it.

Stripe prints are perfect for spring and summer – but we think they can work just as well in winter too. So seize the season to invest in a cool, loose-fitting pair of striped pants and you can integrate them into your wardrobe just in time to make them a year-round favorite.

These from Bonobos offer a slim taper fit and can be dressed up just as easily as worn casually and would work great as an addition for our “What to Wear to Work When It’s Really Hot” capsule wardrobe.
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More Options:
Todd Snyder $$$
Imogene + Willie $$$
Brooks Brothers $$
Amazon $
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→ Read more of our summer style series
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Andrew Snavely

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July 8, 2024

My 7 Secret Tricks for Dressing “Nice” in Summer

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A complete guide to doing more with less.

Thanks to Slick Collar for supporting Primer, readers save 15%!

Picture any season but summer and think about what you would default to wearing if you wanted to look put-together and sophisticated. It doesn’t have to be dressed up, but it’s dressier than casual. I feel safe guessing that it includes some type of jacket like a blazer, bomber, or trucker, some form of long sleeve button up shirt, nicer pants or darker denim, and some kind of boot or dressier shoe.

Now picture what you would wear if you had to go to the same dress-level destination in the sweltering summer heat on August 1st. Maybe it’s a work function. Maybe you’re going to a four dollar sign restaurant while on a tropical vacation. Maybe you got invited to some trendy launch event from a friend of a friend.

If you’re mind goes blank, you’re not alone. Dressing well in summer is one of the most common things I get hit up about. For guys that live anywhere with more than two seasons, we default to layers and thick, textured fabrics – and lots of them – to build refined, cohesive outfits.

In summer, all of that goes out the window. But, here’s a little fun motivation: learning to dress well with the limitations of the hot season will noticeably improve your overall style for the rest of the year.

Here are 7 of my summer principles for making my summer uniform more put-together for dressier occasions:

1. Wear more refined versions of your summer go-tos

For many of us, sneakers are the shoe of summer, and there are some classics like canvas options from Vans and Converse that will pound pavement for you through your sunny months.

But when it’s 7PM and you’re getting ready to go somewhere, you may find paired with your pared down summer clothing, a pair of Vans Classics doesn’t seem put-together enough for the nice place you’re going.

suede slip on sneakers with an inset image of canvas versions and an arrow pointing at them

In that case, swapping the canvas Vans for black suede slip-ons keeps everything you like about your just-kickin’ it shoes, but noticeably augments the outfit to something more intentional.

Similarly, keeping everything else in your outfit the same, swapping out your flip flips for a leather sandal immediately upgrades the look from oceanside to an evening appropriate outfit.

2. Lean on simple, enduring styles

I often see guys end up doing too much because they’re trying to make up for a lack of layers and material choices. A bright coral pink linen shirt with an intricate and colorful swim suit. Vivid shirts, shorts, and canvas sneakers all in completely different colors. I’m not opposed to bold colors, but when looking to build an outfit that looks more refined, as they say, less is more.

Just like with our recent Chris Pine outfit rebuild, starting with items that are classic and simple naturally create a more sophisticated outfit. To whatever degree that feels “boring” to you can be augmented incrementally, as Pine did with his rectangular watch, braided leather belt, and fuller cut chinos.

andrew wearing a turquoise shirt with tan shorts — The pattern is intricate, so using trick 2, I balance it with dark charcoal chinos and brown suede loafers

In summer, swap your…	…for:
jeans	chino shorts, pull-on shorts
chinos and dress pants	linen pants
Wool suit	linen or cotton suit; linen blazer over a polo with lightweight chinos
button up oxford shirt	Short sleeve resort shirt; knit polo
dress shoes or boots	leather loafers or leather slip on like huaraches
Sweaters	loose knit button up shirts or polos
Jackets	Unlined cotton or linen versions

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Andrew Snavely

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June 24, 2024

Our New Favorite Summer Pants Can Be Worn Instead of Sweatpants or Dress Pants (?!)

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The key to their elevated aesthetic lies in the pleats, which add a touch of refinement and create a sleek vertical line that elongates the silhouette. Baraka emphasizes their importance: “To me the most important part of these pants are the pleats and that they’re ironed in a way that pleated pants are. They walk the line between the very formal and the abysmally informal.”

But the true value of these pants is their unrivaled versatility. “When thinking about taking them from their natural habitat, which is lounging, to a cocktail party, brunch with friends, or any smart casual or dressed-up event that doesn’t require a super formal outfit – maybe even say a beach wedding, I can pull this off. They’re perfect for any party where adults are gathering and you have to look good and stylish,” Baraka shares.

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Andrew Snavely

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June 12, 2024
How to Wear Light Wash Denim Now (and Why We Need to Stop Being Afraid Of It)
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For guys who found their style in the early 2000s, we were sworn off all denim that wasn’t dark. Fortunately for our range of options, things have lightened up.

“We are kind of looking at a piece of clothing that has gotten a bad rap, right?” mused Daniel Baraka, a Primer style contributor who finds inspiration across different aesthetics and decades. “I think when it comes to my personal style, I love the challenge of taking a piece of clothing that is considered casual and trying to present it in a more refined way that just kind of ‘works.’”

Historically, darker denim has been the go-to for most men seeking a sharper look. In fact, dark denim’s dominance over the last 15 years isn’t surprising. But cultural shifts in the past three years have revived the look. But why this shift? And why now?

“I love to live between the lines, I love to live between universes. And so, with the resurgence of the light wash, high-waisted jeans, I acquired some as soon as I could. These are some vintage, classic high-waisted Levi’s 501s,” Daniel shares.

His desire to blend historical fashion elements with modern trends illustrates the thoughtful approach needed when selecting the right pair of light wash jeans.

Levi’s 501 in “Unleaded – Medium Indigo” / Read my full piece on the 501

Why Millennials Think Dark Denim is Better

Initially gaining popularity in the post-war years in westerns and with the likes of Marlon Brando and James Dean in the “misunderstood bad-boy” film genre, then again in the vibrant 1980s and grungy 1990s, light wash jeans have always represented a rebellious spirit.

The light wash jeans worn by rock icons like Bruce Springsteen and Kurt Cobain stood in stark contrast to the formal attire of the continued stiff, big formality found in business and on Wall Street.

Kurt Cobain pairs light wash jeans with a baggy cardigan in 1993

Various subcultures, from punk rock to grunge to hip-hop, embraced light wash jeans as a key component of their distinctive styles. Punk bands like The Ramones paired them with leather jackets for an edgy look, while grunge musicians like Cobain favored their distressed, carefree vibe paired with baggy cardigans.

Johnny Ramone in 1983

In the hip-hop world, artists such as Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J made light wash jeans a staple of urban fashion. Their relaxed and laid-back style became synonymous with the casual, spirited look of those eras.

But as the new millennium dawned, young professionals in their 20s and early 30s found themselves navigating a changing work environment where the lines between professional and casual attire were blurring.

We discovered a compromise in deep, dark, tailored denim, which balanced professionalism while maintaining a contemporary, casual vibe. By pairing these jeans with dressier items, they adapted to the evolving workplace, finding a universal foundation that could be dressed up or down as needed:

The economic downturn of the early 2010s influenced both consumer priorities and men’s fashion, steering towards a more rugged and Americana-inspired aesthetic. This style emphasized “base” garments, such as crisp, dark denim, made from premium materials with a focus on craftsmanship and origin. These jeans embodied a desire for durability and timelessness, resonating with Americans facing financial uncertainties.

As the decades have passed and trend cycles inevitably revolve, we’re again finding renewed interest in lighter denim – but not with the same style perspective as before:

“We’re looking at a way to wear them that’s smart and looks modern. It feels trendy and classic at the same time.” Daniel tells me. We have something today we didn’t have when I published our article in 2011: The ongoing and inevitable casualization happening in society has brought us to a place where even light wash denim can be dressed up. Both of Daniel’s light-wash jeans-with-blazer looks featured here could very well make him the most dressed up in the room in many places.

Today, many who embraced the dark wash trend in the 2010s find themselves hesitant towards this lighter resurgence. The resistance comes partly from the previous “unintentional” aesthetic that many felt was a staple of the 80s and 90s—a style marked by a seemingly accidental casual fashion sense that felt less polished and more spontaneous.

Marty McFly’s double light wash is a time capsule

Many people associate them with outdated fashion faux pas, such as poorly fitted “dad jeans” or acid-wash disasters from the 80s and 90s.

President Obama made headlines in 2009 for his “dad jeans” when throwing the opening pitch at the All-Star game / White House

But in a way, it makes sense for faded jeans to be popular now, even among the die-hard raw denim and selvedge fans from the 2010s. They have likely worn their crisp, dark jeans into beautifully faded light wash jeans over time. For those that truly embraced the long-term promise of dark, raw selvedge denim, continuing to wear them, now faded and as a lighter wash, was inevitable.

A pair of now-faded Tellason selvedge denim made in 2008

How to Style Light Wash Jeans Now

Enter the contemporary casual aesthetic. Post 2020, silhouettes began to breathe easier, with looser fits gaining traction. As a result, footwear, too, underwent a transformation, moving away from the slender outlines to more robust, chunky designs.

Lighter wash denim — with its sun-bleached hue — slots perfectly within this renewed aesthetic, providing a bridge between the past and the present, formality and playfulness.

Analyzing Daniel’s outfit, he paired his light wash jeans with a crisp white linen shirt and a checked jacket. The contrasting white socks stood out, embracing another casual vintage aesthetic and adding a pop against his black shoes.

Loafers

It was a look reminiscent of the 80s, even hinting at the iconic style of Michael Jackson, the 60s with Paul Newman, or the 50s with Dean before that.

While many men’s fashion rules have favored dark wash jeans, light wash denim can be equally as striking in a modern context, if styled correctly. “There’s a few reasons why it works in the way that it works,” Daniel noted. “The very first is just contrast. We’re working on a lighter palette again.”

See how else to wear this jacket

The Real Benefit to a Lighter Wash: Contrast

A lighter palette, as Daniel explains, is not just about the denim itself but about the overall ensemble. “I talk about palette very often when it comes to outfits because it’s a very easy way to have a cohesive outfit.”

Contrast in style plays a crucial role in defining the overall impact of an outfit. Typically, we have seen high contrast Getups, where dark and light elements starkly differ, creating a visually striking look. Or low contrast with all dark tones, offering a sophisticated, evening style.

Left: Low contrast Right: High contrast

However, the versatility of contrast also allows for lighter, low contrast combinations, which blend similar tones to create a seamless aesthetic:

Low contrast with similar hues

Before the resurgence of light wash denim, achieving such a look typically required substituting jeans with lighter alternatives like chinos or linen trousers. Now, light wash jeans reintroduce denim into the low contrast equation, offering a stylish yet understated option for creating outfits that are both cohesive and suited to the demands of the spring and summer seasons.

When exploring the range of lighter shades available, it’s important to consider the overall vibe they bring to an outfit. Opting for “organic” shades that look naturally faded can provide a more refined look compared to more eccentric acid wash or overly distressed styles. This choice in shade and wash plays a significant role in crafting an outfit that feels both modern and authentically vintage.

“I’ve worn these denim jeans in more casual outfits and less casual ones,” Daniel adds, illustrating the adaptability of light wash jeans across various settings. Continuing the style requirement introduced at the turn of the century, this flexibility is key in a wardrobe that values both function and style, enabling an effortless approach to everyday dressing.

Levi’s 501 with a Harrington jacket

How to Incorporate Lighter Wash Jeans into Your Style

For the everyday guy, wearing lighter denim again might come with a fear of returning to an old way of dressing. But with a few simple ideas, even the most style-averse gentleman can gracefully integrate light wash denim into his intentional wardrobe:
1. Start Simple: Before diving deep, begin with a classic, straight fit like the Levi’s 501s. It’s enduring, versatile, and provides a great foundation to build upon.
2. Focus on Fit: While loose silhouettes are in, it’s essential to find a fit that complements your personal style and body type. Avoid overly baggy or skin-tight options. Choose an inseam that allows a subtle break but not excess stacks.
3. Pair with Staples: Don’t overthink it. Start by wearing your light wash jeans with wardrobe staples like solid-colored tees, polo shirts, or a classic white button-down. It’s a fail-safe combo that always works.
4. Footwear Fundamentals: Whether it’s your white sneakers, casual loafers, or leather lace-ups, light wash denim pairs effortlessly. The key is to match the silhouette of the shoes with the fit of the jeans. Looser pants feel complemented by chunkier footwear. To further avoid the Dad jean look, don’t wear your straight fit light wash denim with modern running sneakers.
5. Layer Thoughtfully: Throw on a navy blazer, a casual Harrington jacket, or even a soft cashmere sweater. Lighter denim can act as a neutral base, allowing for varied layering possibilities.
6. Trust the Process: Style, at its core, is about personal expression. Over time, with experimentation, you’ll discover combinations that resonate with your personal style. Give it time and trust the journey.
While dark denim will always have its revered spot, light wash is offering a welcome addition to the options we have. So, for those also looking to live “between the lines” or simply searching for a change, light wash denim might just be the modern (and vintage) twist you’re after.

What will you pair yours with?

Light Wash Jeans Quick Picks:
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Andrew Snavely

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May 20, 2024
This is Spring’s Perfect Jacket

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It’s pretty impressive that both nerdy Clark Kent and suave superspy James Bond wear the same spring jacket style.

There is arguably no other jacket in the world of menswear that simultaneously embodies effortless “cool” and “buttoned-up” prep as well as the Harrington jacket, which has become a sartorial symbol of refined, yet rugged masculinity.

The Harrington jacket is a waterproof waist-length, zippered jacket with a stand-up collar, snap-button throat latch, elasticized cuffs and waistband, slanted flap pockets, and a distinctive tartan lining.

Originally designed for golfers in the 1930s by the British brand Baracuta, the Harrington has certainly always belonged in the old-school preppy aesthetic, but it was also revived time and again by the UK counterculture scenes of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s like mods, punks, and hipsters.

Worn with a pocket tee, straight fit Levi’s 501 and a chunky chelsea boot

But the Harrington – known in the early days as a “Blouson” – was not just for golfers, rockers and rebels. Sometimes also referred to as a golf jacket or windbreaker, the Harrington jacket has also been the casual outerwear of choice among many US Presidents whenever they eschewed the suit and tie. JFK wore it while sailing, Bill Clinton almost made it his unofficial trademark, and it was often George W. Bush’s choice for when he was “out in the field”, addressing first responders or aircraft carriers.

“Blouson” is derived from the French Proveçal dialect for “short wool”. What we call “Harrington” has come to be a bit of a generic umbrella term for a casual collared jacket that is loose, short, and/or cinched around the waist.

You can count the World War II-era Flight Jacket as one of its relatives, and it’s also a cousin to similar styles like the Eisenhower or Bomber jacket. The lines between these styles have been somewhat blurred by the modern retail world so these monikers have become somewhat interchangeable. But we’re focusing here on the Harrington in the most traditional sense: lightweight, with a stand collar, ribbed or tapered waist, and slanted or vertical pockets.

One of the earliest and most celebrated of the Harrington’s many Hollywood appearances.

Rebel With a Jacket

James Dean famously donned a McGregor Drizzler jacket, an American counterpart to the British Harrington jacket, in the 1955 film “Rebel Without a Cause”, in which he gave it a defiant, uncouth flair by wearing it half zipped, showing off another style symbol of ‘50s youth: the plain white T-shirt.

Famous Men Wearing a Harrington Jacket

It didn’t all start with James Dean and JFK. To many, Elvis Presley’s turn in the “Blouson” jacket in the 1958 film “King Creole” is just as iconic.

One of the earliest kingmakers of the Harrington? The King himself

Frank Sinatra and Steve McQueen were so often photographed in the jacket in both their movies and personal lives that you could almost consider them unofficial ambassadors of the Harrington.

Steve McQueen in the 1968 film Thomas Crowne Affair wearing the original Baracuta G9, the jacket that started it all

In the 1960’s the jacket was famously worn by actor Ryan O’Neal in the primetime soap “Peyton Place” – and his character’s name was (hence the jacket’s nickname). But the man who should really be credited with the name “Harrington” catching on is John Simons, owner of the Ivy Shop, a trendsetting clothier in southwest London. After receiving the new G9 from Baracuta, Simons displayed it in his windows with a card attached to it. On the card he wrote “The Rodney Harrington Style”. After a while, he and his associates just started calling it the Harrington.

Pop culture icons like Ol’ Blue Eyes came to be so strongly associated with the jacket that in 2007, Baracuta celebrated their 70th anniversary by releasing a line of special edition G9 jackets with quotes by Presley, McQueen, and Sinatra printed on the lining

Even Arnold Palmer was so taken by the jacket that he collaborated with Baracuta when he launched his menswear collection in 1970.

Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent wearing a Harrington jacket in 1980’s Superman II

Almost 30 years later, Daniel Craig’s James Bond donned this slimmer cut Tom Ford version worn in 2008’s “Quantum of Solace”. It’s pretty impressive that both nerdy Clark Kent and suave superspy James Bond wear the same spring jacket style.

A battle-worn Harrington was especially fitting for Craig’s incarnation of 007: at the intersection of classic British elegance and rough-and-tumble rogue. Read our (00)7 Secrets to Bond’s Timeless Style

But the Harrington isn’t just a costume for unique and retro characters. Theo James’ refined, everyday casual style in Netflix’s recent “The Gentlemen” proves it can be worn in a smart casual way.

Jeremy Strong’s Kendall Roy from Succession wears a suede version to create a neutral-toned, refined casual style.

And if after all that you’re still not convinced that a regular guy can rock the Harrington, everyman Bill Burr in Old Dads shows it’s an easy jacket to wear with anything:

The G9

If we’re going to talk about the true origin of the Harrington (aka the classic Blouson), we must go back before its rebellious years to 1937, when Baracuta owners John and Isaac Miller of Manchester first started making what they called the “G9 Blouson”, with its stand-up collar, knit cuffs and waist, and slanted flap pockets. Another distinctive feature of the G9 was its red and green tartan lining.

This plaid was signed off by Simon Fraser, 24th Lord of the prominent Highland Scottish Clan Fraser of Lovat – now that’s old school

At the time, Baracuta was known for its functional rainwear and was once a supplier to the British troops in 1945 and for England’s World Cup Champion team in 1966 – but when the G9 landed in the US, it quickly became their defining pièce de résistance. The durability and light insulation of the jacket has made it official issue for postal workers and firefighters, as well as the police departments of Germany, Austria, Israel, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.

How to Wear a Harrington Jacket

The original G9 was designed for action (the “G” stands for golf). So you can look good in your Harrington even with a simple t-shirt and jeans (a la James Dean), and your favorite pair of boots or sneakers.

One of the beauties of the Harrington is its versatility. You can dress it down but it also goes great with chinos and polos or oxford button downs. And since the Harrington layers well and is a lightweight alternative to almost any jacket or hoodie, simply replace your sports coat with it.

My green Harrington was a deal find from Uniqlo several years ago. It’s still held up great. Proof you can dress well on a budget without buying clothes that fall apart.

Where to Find a Harrington Jacket

The Harrington has never gone out of style. In fact, their original G9 is still in production. How’s that for timeless?

If $400+ for Baracuta’s original is too steep or you’re looking for different details, here are some of the best:

If you’re looking for a water repellent compromise with a classical design (down to the tartan lining), Bonobos offers one for $199:

If you like the silhouette of the Harrington but not a fan of the windbreaker material, Levi’s makes one out of cotton:

Weatherproof Vintage offers a handful of colors without the tartan lining for a budget price:

Barbour, the English brand known for their waxed canvas jackets, also makes a waxed canvas Harrington jacket:

Huckberry sells a suede version of the Baracuta G9, which would make a great alternative to a suede bomber or racer jacket:

If you’re looking to splurge, the English-made Private White VC Harrington made out of Ventile cotton is a beauty:

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Pyung Kim

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May 7, 2024