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The post How to Nail Rugged Fall Style in 3 Moves & 3 Outfits appeared first on Primer.
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Andrew Snavely
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Tag: Style Picks
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How to Nail Rugged Fall Style in 3 Moves & 3 Outfits
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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[ad_2]
Andrew Snavely
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The Fascinating (and Some Surprising) Military Origins of 14 Things You Wear All the Time
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The Field Jacket
US Military
The field jacket’s journey into menswear began during World War II, the first version, the M-41, debuted in 1941 to replace the wool service coats used in World War I. Despite its practical intent, the M-41 had shortcomings. Its insulation was minimal, its protection against rain and wind was poor, and its olive drab color faded quickly, reducing its effectiveness as camouflage. Soldiers often regarded it as inadequate for combat, but its widespread use was driven more by necessity than its actual performance.
Marines in the Peleliu islands in 1944 National Archives
By 1943, the M-41 was replaced by the M-43, a significant improvement designed for the harsh European winters. It featured a longer, hip-length cut, added pockets, a detachable hood, and a waist drawstring, providing more versatility in cold weather. The M-43 set a new standard, but its successor, the M-50, compromised some of the practical features, making it less effective as a combat garment.
The turning point for the field jacket came with the introduction of the M-65 in 1965. Designed by Alpha Industries, the M-65 was crafted from a blend of nylon and cotton sateen (“NYCO”), providing superior weather resistance. This version retained the classic hip-length cut, olive green color (OG-107), and the utility-driven design that made the M-43 popular. However, the M-65 introduced some key innovations that set it apart. Most notably, it featured a built-in hood that could be stowed inside the collar with a zip closure, replacing the earlier detachable hood system. The jacket’s front zipper was covered by a snap-button storm flap, and Velcro replaced the traditional button cuffs for easier adjustment. These updates made the M-65 highly versatile, adapting to unpredictable weather and offering better protection in the varied climates of the Vietnam War.
The M-65 quickly became a staple in the U.S. military, serving through the Vietnam War and permeating civilian culture.
@primermagazine Fall jacket guide: the m65 field jacket
Over the decades, the M-65 has appeared in numerous colors and camouflage patterns, while its influence on outerwear remains evident in the design of modern field jackets.
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Andrew Snavely
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19 Fresh Fall Style Picks You’re Going to Love Wearing Now
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New arrivals, modern classics.
There’s something undeniably special about fall. Maybe it’s the crisp air, the kaleidoscope of leaves, or the socially questionable excuse to consume pumpkin-flavored everything. But for me—and I’m guessing for you too—it’s the absolute best season for men’s style. Layering becomes second nature, textures take center stage, and rich colors make even the simplest outfits look thoughtfully put together. Dressing well in the fall isn’t just easy; it’s almost inevitable.
Every year, as summer fades, I find myself genuinely excited to swap out lightweight fabrics for something with a bit more substance. So grab your preferred fall beverage (I’m partial to a classic mulled cider), settle in, and let’s dive into my list of new fall finds that not only embrace the season’s best but also offer enduring style you’ll appreciate long after the leaves have fallen.
A new soft button up alternative
Combining the texture of a thermal, the softness of a sweatshirt, and the weight of a light flannel, a cotton waffle shirt is the silhouette of your favorite button up.
Insulated Commuter Shirt Jacket
Sometimes you don’t need a mega-thick cozy layer – the morning just calls for something light to kill the chill.
A budget-friendly Barbour alternative
A rugged classic, the field-style waxed canvas jacket pairs well with a t-shirt and jeans or a more dressed up Getup.
Re-discovering the blazer in a comfortable alternative
Outside of specific professions or subcultures, many of us don’t find the need to dress up with a blazer very often. But mashup a sweatshirt with the cut of a blazer and you get the French terry blazer, an easy-to-wear alternative to a sweater or lightweight jacket that gives even the simplest outfits an edge of refinement without looking out of place.
Or go the other way with a cool riff on the trucker jacket that doesn’t add flash
Gap takes the Type III trucker design and brings in the Scottish menswear pattern Houndstooth in a wool-blend. Old British hunting jacket meet Americana.
A minimalist leather jacket that still has some edge
The suede Garage Jacket has the wear-it-anywhere silhouette, collar, and crop of a trucker jacket with the streamlined front of a bomber.
Or for half the price, go for a moleskine bomber
Moleskine is a menswear staple that’s made out of cotton and brushed to have a suede-like texture. Traditionally used for suit jackets and pants, Flint & Tinder created a lightweight bomber out of it.
A looser fit chino
Maintain your comfort into fall embracing the relaxed silhouettes reemerging in the last several years. A straight fit, while still nailing a refined inseam length keeps everything looking intentional, not sloppy.
Classic fit Italian corduroy suit jacket
For a more traditional blazer alternative to the knit terry option above, the corduroy suit (and plenty of other 80s favorites) easily layers over a zip-up hoodie or a rugby polo as J.Crew has styled here. Soft, plenty of texture, and more affordable than many of its wool counterparts – what’s not to love?
Or a budget alternative
If you don’t need to splurge for the Italian cotton of the J.Crew version, Lands’ End has a more conservative notch lapel at half the price.
The heavyweight overshirt
You know the comfort of laying under a heavy blanket? Imagine it’s a shirt. Heavyweight utility workshirts like these soft premium versions from Relwen have the enduring details of decades past with an already broken-in feel.
A quilted jacket
The office friendly hoodie
One of our core style tenets at Primer is to consciously invest in nicer versions of the pieces you wear the most. If you’re a hoodie man looking for something with a little more refinement than your usual go-to this cashmere waffle knit hoodie is a brilliant upgrade.
Large vintage plaid flannels
Layer it over a tee or under a jacket, and you’ve got a versatile piece that brings both warmth and character to any outfit. The bold plaid patterns aren’t just eye-catching—they’re a nod to 70 years of style that’s as at home in the city as it is on a weekend getaway.
Textured wrinkle resistant cotton dress pants
Strap on your favorite chunky boots and your go-to fall shirt and jacket combo and you’ve got yourself a smart casual outfit that’ll rock you all the way to winter.
A knit chore jacket
One part sweater, one part shirt jacket, this knit version of the chore coat is a minimalist’s dream. See 12 chore coat picks we’re keen on right now.
Add some iconic fall texture
A cable knit sweater has deep roots in seaside and maritime tradition but it’s also core American prep.
Or go the opposite way
When we talk about “texture,” in an outfit that doesn’t necessarily mean intricate and heavy knits. The super-smooth Italian merino wool on this pullover sweater is perfect for fall temps and looks effortlessly refined. I like this one because of the larger, button-less collar that feels retro but not costume-y.
What kind of fall list would this be without a —
Shawl collar cardigan. It is Primer after all.
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Andrew Snavely
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Buying Affordable, QUALITY, American-made Style Just Got a Little Easier
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Improve your style in more ways than one.
We’re excited to team up with Gustin on this piece, because like Primer, they believe that great style doesn’t have to break the bank.
You can only choose two: Affordable, Quality, or Easy. This is the framework I recently discussed for men’s style. If you’re dissatisfied with the quality of your clothing—whether it’s the materials, manufacturing and ethics, or design—you’ll either need to pay a premium or accept a more complex and time-consuming buying process.
Attempting to make affordable and quality a little less annoying is one of the big reasons we highlight sale and deal finds, giving you the opportunity to buy a higher quality item on a discount that’s ready to order as soon as you add to cart.
But of course, that is really just a different version of thrift hunting, limiting what you can buy based on what you stumble across at the time. And like thrifting, it requires a certain commitment to paying attention and not waiting to buy things right when you need them for your big presentation or family vacation.
“1968” American-made Cone Mills Selvedge Denim in straight fit / Vintage Heavyweight Sweatshirt – Natural Rainbow Nep Gustin is one brand we’ve long referenced for affordability and quality through their pre-sale, made-to-order model—American-made clothing at a fraction of the retail price, with a trade-off of having to place an order in advance and waiting for production and fulfillment.
But now, getting your hands on their well-crafted pieces just got a little easier. Using data from over a decade of campaigns, they’ve started stocking a selection of their perennial bestsellers, so you can enjoy the same quality without the usual wait.
If you’ve been poking around these parts for any length of time then you’re not new to the brand, which we’ve featured many times over the years, since their launch as a Kickstarter campaign in 2013 then later that year as a direct platform. Gustin pioneered the idea of crowdsourcing men’s made-to-last US-manufactured clothing. By partnering directly with US factories and taking advance orders through a campaign on their website, they’ve dramatically reduced the waste and overproduction that plague fast fashion retail brands—issues that have only worsened in the industry over the past 15 years.
Vintage Heavyweight Sweatshirt – Natural Rainbow Nep Once the campaign is funded (98% of them are), the partner factory starts on the order, and Gustin fulfills shipping everything out to customers. The result is Gustin customers get premium, decades-enduring menswear at a near wholesale price.
The clothing you get from Gustin isn’t the same quality you get from J.Crew, but happens to be made in America. The jeans, for example, are made out of some of the world’s best denim from the best manufacturers. Take their 1968 model that I’m wearing: Made of deadstock USA-made selvedge denim from the legendary Cone Mills White Oak plant in North Carolina, a standard-bearer of the premium denim world for decades, that abruptly shut down in 2017.
Or the BlackXBlack Stretch, which is cut and sewn in America from premium Japanese selvedge.
While Gustin initially got their start with jeans, over the past ten years they’ve expanded to everything from USA-made Horween leather jackets to Italian-made leather sneakers to joggers to briefcases and everything in between, with 95% of their campaigns made in American partner factories and 98% of campaigns getting successfully funded.
Vintage Heavyweight Sweatshirt – Natural Rainbow Nep The “Quality” in the Affordable-Quality-Easy matrix isn’t just about how and what a piece of clothing is made out of, but also the quality and uniqueness of the design. What really sets things over the edge for me is, on top of the unrivaled pricing to quality ratio, they also feature some really interesting and stand-out designs like the Canadian-made natural rainbow nep fabric on the Vintage Heavyweight Sweatshirt I’m wearing.
It’s clearly unique in detail, when noticed, but far from flashy — a hallmark of refined style. Doing this for as long as I have, I’ve never seen something like this at the price ranges we cover and made at this quality level.
“1968” American-made Cone Mills Selvedge Denim in straight fit To make the process as painless as possible here are a few of my tips:
- Gustin doesn’t use vanity sizing. Using their size and fit charts as a reference, measure one of your current favorites in whatever type of item you’re looking at.
- Pay close attention to the measurements you took when choosing your size on their site. Expect to order a larger size than you’re used to. If it’s close or in between, err on the larger size.
- Waist sizes 29-33 have a 34” inseam, and waists 34 on up have a 36” inseam, meaning whether you’re narrow and long or wide and short, the perfect-fitting jeans are a quick hem away.
Check out Gustin’s full Stock section to see what’s available to ship now, and take a look at the campaigns currently being backed.
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Andrew Snavely
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7 Style Picks That SOLVE Annoying Clothing Problems
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Dressing well would be easy, they said.
There are two voices in the men’s style world. One is that fashion is really hard and it takes dedication and a passion for the art form to get it right. The other is that dressing well is incredibly easy, all you have to know is the basics and you’ll be the best dressed man in the room.
But any guy who has, well, ever worn clothing, knows there’s another, frustrating aspect: Practicality.
You’re doing your best, you bought the thing that people said was good. But either because of your line of work, lifestyle, or unique body, something about your style is obstructing instead of doing its job—make you look and feel damn good, then be out of the way as you get on with your day.
You’re not alone, in fact, based on all the talking about men’s style I do with guys, it’s more the norm than the outlier.
So today I’m running down some specific style picks that address common frustrations Primer readers and friends have reached out about. These include struggling to look presentable in a job that requires a lot of moving around, options for sizes outside of the frustratingly narrow scale found at most stores, and more.
Nice-ish Business Casual Work Pants for Guys Who Move A Lot for Their Job, Get Hot, But Don’t Want to Wear Shorts or Hiking Pants
Take for example, my friend Eric who had an issue I’ve heard multiple times from Primer readers. Eric was wrestling with finding work attire that was practical and kept him presentable. Eric is the co-founder of a business that builds testing equipment for the aerospace industry. On any given day, he could be in a 90 degree airplane hanger wrestling heavy gear, running cables, troubleshooting over here and over there – and then have to give a presentation to the client in a boardroom an hour later.
“I need to work and not overheat, have some stretch, but have a fit that is intentional enough that I can still throw it on with a button down and not look like I’m wearing hiking pants,” he told me.
The find he’s been most happy with is the Free Radikl pant from Khul, which are technical pants offering stretch, reinforced construction, lightweight and quick-drying – and come in a modern, tailored fit without the zippers and pockets of many similar options on the market.
Stylish Pants for Guys with Inseams Longer Than 34
Men who wear larger sizes have always struggled to find options. But our tall, slim brethren perhaps have had it harder than most.
It’s true that common stores like J.Crew and Banana Republic offer an inseam length as long as 36 in some styles but only for larger waist sizes.
Stillman takes a 36 inseam For guys like me who prefer an awkward 29-29.5 inseam, it’s annoying, but at least I can pay someone to remove fabric. If you need anything in an inseam longer than 34 that isn’t also accommodating a higher waist size, you can’t just pay a tailor to sew on extra denim to the bottom. (I mean, I guess they’d take your money, but I wouldn’t recommend the outcome.)
Stillman Brown is the perfect example of this. At 6’7”, Stillman’s 36 inseam makes one of the foundational requirements of participating in society – wearing pants – a significant challenge. “Levi’s has it for some, but it ruined pants shopping for me for a long time,” he told me.
Fortunately, in the last couple of years there have been more options than ever for taller guys. Recently when we were hanging out he told me about some new brands he’s come across. One is American Tall – it’s essentially a Banana Republic aesthetic and price but for guys 6’ to 7’1” (and women up to 6’6”).
So If you need a smart casual pair of stretch chinos in a 32×40 or a budget-friendly $129 pair of suede boots in size 16, now there’s a place to look.
PRIMER PARTNER
Underwear That Actually DOES Something
If you’re a guy that has to move a lot, the struggle of heat and chafing is real. From sweat to irritation to honest-to-goodness medical problems – the external male anatomy wasn’t designed for an extended lifespan cooped up in pants.
Primer readers save an additional 20% on their first order at Sheath with code Primer24 And while every iteration of the modern under garment, from boxers to briefs to boxer briefs, has been an attempt to silo those parts of the body from the legs, all were half measures with flaws of their own.
If there’s one type of guy that would know this alarmingly well, it’s a US Army veteran doing two tours in Iraq in 2007:
“I was under extremely hot conditions and all I wanted was a pair of underwear with a pouch or pocket to separate my balls to keep them from sticking to my legs. The male groin generates more heat than any other part of the body. Similar to the skull and the armpits. I had a hat and sleeves but my balls were out of control,” Robert Patton told Primer in 2017.
The undefeatable temperatures, heavy gear, and inherent stress meant life was a sweaty, chafed disaster. The soldier-turned-inventor got to work with the supplies he had on hand in the desert, fashioning his first prototype of the pouch underwear that would be the foundation of his eventual raving success, Sheath:
Patton’s first prototype, created in Iraq Now 17 years later, Sheath is the official underwear of the UFC, relied upon by world-class fighters, Olympians, and law enforcement; and Inc. Magazine labeled the company one of the 100 fastest growing veteran-owned businesses in the United States. From that initial makeshift prototype, Patton’s Sheath brand now offers 5 versions, including single or dual pouches, differing lengths, material options like modal or bamboo, and a palette of colors and patterns.
I can personally vouch for them. I still have pairs from 2017(!) in my rotation because they’re in great condition. I was initially skeptical of how comfortable this could possibly be but they really do work as advertised. You completely forget you’re wearing anything different – except for the lack of swampiness and chafing. I didn’t recognize how beneficial the extra support was until I actually wore them.
Sheath offers styles with single or dual pouches as well as different lengths and patterns. Fortunately, you don’t have to take my word for it. Sheath offers a no-questions-asked 100% refund on your first pair, and a 6-month manufacturer warranty on defective items, plus Primer readers get an extra 20% off their first order.
Sunglasses for Low Nose Bridges
Stephen reached out to me frustrated about sunglasses. As he’s gotten more into developing his own personal style, he’s taken to the plastic sunglass frames common in a more refined aesthetic, but none of the ones he’s tried fit right.
“Every pair I’ve tried looks good for about 60 seconds but they always end up sliding down my face and sit on my cheeks,” he told me, “I’ve always been an aviator guy just because I can pinch the nose pads to force them to fit.”
The plastic acetate-style of sunglasses use the shape of the bridge, versus adjustable nose pads on metal styles like aviators, to hold them in place. So if you have a low nose bridge, there’s just no way these things are gonna stay up.
Fortunately, mainstream framemakers have started addressing this frustration. Brands like Warby Parker, Maui Jim, and Ray-Ban make acetate frames with wider, or in some cases, adjustable nose bridges so they stay put and don’t sit on your cheeks. Look for terms like “low nose bridge sunglasses” or “Asian fit sunglasses”.
Chinos for Guys Who Carry Things in Their Pockets (Everyone)
You know, we gave the old guys a hard time for their belt clip phone holders but at least they were doing something about a terribly annoying problem: Pants with side pockets like every pair of chinos, khakis, and dress pants cause your $1,000 smartphone to fall out CONSTANTLY.
We all smirked yet provided no alternative.
The Dockers Ultimate Chino is not only a budget-friendly, comfortable work pant that is widely available, it also features a sneaky hidden zip pocket right next to to the side pocket so you can keep your phone or keys or whatever else you want to haul without the risk of it sliding out every time you sit down.
It’s completely unnoticeable while zipped up and the pants can easily be worn dressed up or down.
Nicer Summer Shoes to Replace Boat Shoes
Connor messaged me with a plea more from his wife than him, “I grew up on the east coast but have lived with my wife in Ohio for 10 years. Every date night gets my go-to boat shoe treatment. She has been politely nudging me for years to get something a little less dock-ready.”
For some areas the boat shoe is akin to a white sneaker: It’s a perfectly acceptable uniform regardless of where you go. If you’re looking for something a little more refined, I’ve got just the thing, and for your part, you won’t even notice a difference.
Swapping your boat shoe for a suede loafer will give you the same summer comfort you’re used to but give off a little bit more of a dressy vibe. The right pair can still be worn with jeans and even in cooler temperatures, making them just as versatile as your go-to.
Dress Pants That Aren’t Dry Clean Only
Dress pants are usually made out of wool because of inherent temperature properties, ability to maintain shape, natural wrinkle resistance, and its ability to be woven in a variety of textures giving it a sophisticated look and feel.
Unfortunately, wool dress pants are typically labeled as “dry clean only” because the material can easily shrink, distort, or become felted if exposed to water and agitation. Linings and interfacing can also be damaged by regular machine washing.
“I have to wear dress pants almost every day of the week but I hate that I have to pay to have them cleaned so often,” Primer reader Jeremy lamented in a conversation we were having. My recommendation is textured cotton pants. The ones I’m wearing here are from Bonobos, and brands usually offer them in the fall. The benefit is since they’re cotton, they’re machine washable.
While not quite the same level of dressiness since they lack the fine, shiny weave of the dress pants, I’d argue they’re pretty interchangeable in a modern context for all but the dressiest situations. For a different option that’s currently available in a bunch of colors, check out the Weekday Warrior from Bonobos.
What are your solves for your clothing frustrations? Chat with me in the comments!
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Andrew Snavely
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