The canon of men's clothing, footwear and accessories is not exactly set in stone, but only a small minority of new releases manage to meaningfully shift the conversation about style. Those select few — from classic to cutting edge — make us think more critically about design, manufacturing, durability, materials and more.
From boundary-pushing materials to no-holds-barred designs, these are the releases changing how we think about our clothing.
Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea
Why It Matters: Red Wing's version of the popular, black pull-on boot may be the best value on the market thanks to its time-tested construction.
The Big Picture: Minnesota-based Red Wing Heritage is no stranger to the Chelsea boot category — the brand has released numerous versions over the past few decades. But its most recent release, the Classic Chelsea in Black Harness leather, is the best to date. Though the silhouette isn't new, the use of black leather — and a black Traction Tred sole — make this a direct competitor to popular pull-on boots from Down Under. But unlike those imports, the Classic Chelsea is crafted from hefty S.B. Foot Tanning leather and features Goodyear welt construction so it can be resoled and rebuilt after years of use.
Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase
Why It Matters: It's hard to find a good hard-shell suitcase at a reasonable price. Or at least, it was harder until Quince rolled up.
The Big Picture: Since hiring Todd Barket, former owner of San Francisco menswear store Unionmade, Quince has been on a stylish hot streak, rolling out increasingly slick wardrobe basics — and now, some great luggage at an incredibly reasonable price. The Carry-On Hard Shell is a sleek, sturdy piece of luggage that costs far less than competitors from the likes of Monos or Away. On top of that, it's proof that affordable fashion is playing it smart by hiring thoughtful tastemakers.
Tiffany x Nike Air Force 1 1837
Why It Matters: The first true collaboration between two of fashion’s biggest names may well go down as the pinnacle of collectible luxury sneakers.
The Big Picture: Nike and Tiffany are two of the best-known brands in the world, so if they team up on a product, you know it’s gonna be notable. The 1837s — so named after the year Tiffany was founded — combine black suede, sterling silver heel tabs and, of course, a Tiffany Blue Swoosh. These AF1s prove that sneaker collabs are no longer outside the mainstream. By teaming up with the planet’s biggest name in luxury jewelry, Nike is demonstrating how these creations have crossed over into “real” luxury. For Tiffany, meanwhile, the shoes arguably prove that the brand is serious about breaking out of its stuffy (blue) box and expanding well beyond jewelry into the broader fashion world.
Filson x Chris Stapleton Outfitter Bag
Why It Matters: This bombshell of a release marks the first collaboration with country superstar Chris Stapleton and the revival of one of Filson's best archival designs.
The Big Picture: When Chris Stapleton agreed to work with Filson on the Traveller Collection — named after the musician's 2015 album of the same name — he wanted to make sure he properly paid homage to the Filson gear his father introduced him to during his childhood. This bag is emblematic of the collaboration as a whole, with vegetable-tanned leather (courtesy of Pennsylvania's fabled Wickett & Craig), water-resistant Rugged Twill fabric and plenty of utilitarian storage options.
Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Jacket
Why It Matters: This no-fuss leather jacket avoids the trappings of bomber or biker jackets and delivers classic style at a phenomenal price.
The Big Picture: Buck Mason made a name for itself with well-made wardrobe essentials at a fair price and its new Bruiser PCH jacket shows the brand hasn't forgotten its roots. Thanks to the semi-vegetable tanned, top dyed, hand-burnished sheepskin its cut from, the jacket wears like a well-loved vintage find. The construction of this throwback rider jacket doesn't cut corners and includes a full lining, welt pockets with knuckle-side corduroy lining and zip sleeve gussets. The understated style manages to strike a balance between versatile and classic — all with a price tag under $600.
Todd Snyder Tuscan Court Shoe
Why It Matters: Todd Snyder pulls out all the stops for its first-ever sneaker, an homage to the classic athletic shoes of yesteryear.
The Big Picture: Todd Snyder is known for working with the best in every field — his approach to collaborations shaped J.Crew's resurgence in the late aughts and created the blueprint for brand collaboration over the following decade. After 12 years helming his own brand, Snyder released his first non-collab sneaker with a "best-of" list of features inspired by classic, coveted athletic shoes. The Italian-made Tuscan Court Shoe puts years of knowledge working with other brands to work and then elevates it. The suede and Vachetta leather uppers sit atop a cork footbed and stitched EVA sole. There's even an additional suede “mudguard” before the vamp, adding a bit of function and flourish.
Levi's 501 Plant Based Jeans
Why It Matters: To celebrate the 150th anniversary of 501 jeans, Levi's released an entirely plant-based version of the beloved style dyed with natural indigo.
The Big Picture: It may be a surprise that jeans aren't already plant-based. But contemporary styles are normally held together with polyester thread, include polyester pocket liners and zipper tape, and are dyed with synthetic indigo. So for the 150th anniversary of the 501, Levi's created an iteration of the iconic style made with 97% bio-based content. The plant-based 501s are made with organically grown cotton and feature a plant-based patch with ink made from wood waste. Notably, it's dyed with natural indigo produced by Stony Creek Colors. The pre-reduced natural liquid indigo starts as plants in fields converted from tobacco farming in Tennessee and will make dying jeans much cleaner and safer for the industry at large.
Zegna x The Elder Statesman Cashmere and Wool Robe
Why It Matters: Two luxury brands from opposite ends of the spectrum find common ground to design one of the most unique garments of the year.
The Big Picture: On first glance, Zegna's immaculately tailored suits and the Elder Statesman's relaxed tie-dyed sweaters don't have much in common, but the brands share a surprising amount. Both champion conscious craftsmanship, sustainability and unbridled luxury. The similar spirits allowed for the contrasting aesthetics to blend. A standout piece from the broader collection, the Cashmere and Wool Robe is knit in a tie-dye pattern with Oasi Cashmere — which Zegna commits to certifying as 100% traceable by 2024. It features a laid-back fit and soft, brushed exterior that can best be described as "indulgent."
Samba Robotic Toothbrush
Why It Matters: This life-changing dental care device makes brushing a cinch, even for people with limited mobility.
The Big Picture: You probably never stopped to think about it, but brushing your teeth requires a piece of equipment beyond the brush and toothpaste: a fully mobile hand. Nearly 88 percent of people with disabilities experience tooth decay in large part as a result of not being able to brush properly. Samba’s new toothbrush makes it easy for folks with reduced dexterity or mobility to attend to their pearly whites by largely reducing the hand’s task; just hold the toothbrush in place in your mouth, and the 12,900 bristles will vibrate and buzz their way into every corner of your dentition for a squeaky clean smile.
Horace Cream Pomade
Why It Matters: The grooming industry is setting its sights on sustainability and Horace is leading the charge.
The Big Picture: While sustainability has long been a buzzword in automotive, agriculture and textile industries, it's only recently caught on in grooming. French men's grooming brand Horace is leading the charge, offering a range of clean products that are between 95 and 100 percent natural. Its cream pomade features ingredients like beeswax, coconut butter and shea butter, lending a medium hold that's residue-free and easy to rinse out. But its refillable packaging is also noteworthy: When you've used up the pomade, simply keep the jar and order a lower-price refill.
Goldwin Brewed Protein Down Shirt
Why It Matters: Goldwin's unique Brewed Protein Down Shirt uses next-gen material from Japan, pairing environmental and sustainability with durability, comfort and fashion.
The Big Picture: Nearly a decade ago, Goldwin launched a development campaign alongside Japanese biotech firm Spiber. The Brewed Protein Down Shirt is the fruit of the brands' labors, boasting a construction made from a groundbreaking structural protein material (as opposed to petroleum-based synthetics or traditionally-grown fabrics). Along with that sustainable exterior, the shirt also features 650 fill power recycled down insulation, secure zippered pockets and a flattering, roomy cut.
District Vision Linto Rider
Why It Matters: District Vision's first foray into cycling eyewear is a throwback style created with popular Los Angeles shop, Golden Saddle Cyclery.
The Big Picture: When District Vision set its sights on cycling gear, it chose a respected shop to help design its first pair of bike-specific sunglasses. The Linto Rider sunglasses, like District Vision's other performance eyewear, are made in Japan and feature injected nylon construction with titanium armature and hardware. But unlike the brand's more modern running frames, these are inspired by heritage cycling sunglasses. They come with polarized lenses that mitigate reflected light and allow 10.03% visible light transmission. To add to the throwback appeal, the frame's tortoise pattern is applied by hand so no two frames are alike.
Savas Avenue Boot
Why It Matters: A cult-favorite leather jacket brand expands its footwear offerings with a minimalist zip-boot.
The Big Picture: Discerning shoppers know the best-kept secret in leather jackets is Nashville's Savas. The brand made a name for itself making badass custom jackets for its hometown musicians, but later expanded into ready-to-wear pieces and footwear. Its latest boot —the Avenue — brings all the swagger of its jackets and the impeccable attention to detail the brand is known for. The minimalist zip silhouette features a calf-leather upper, Cuban stacked-leather heel and flexible buffalo sole. And since Savas modified its proprietary garment leathers for footwear, the water-resistant suede will only look better with each passing year.
