Mr P.’s New Footwear Line Includes Every Shoe You’ll Ever Need

Creating one pair of shoes is no small feat: there’s a design to engineer, materials to source and a fit to nail before you can even make a sample, much less actually produce the things. So it’s an impressive feat that Mr P. — the well-crafted in-house clothing brand that Mr Porter introduced last year — unveiled its first line of shoes this week with not just one, nor five nor ten new pairs, but a whopping 15.

“We’ve been thinking about footwear since the inception of Mr P.,” said Ollie Arnold, Mr Porter’s style director. “But like the [clothing], we wanted to ensure we had all the elements in place to produce the perfect pair of shoes, which can take some time.”

The lineup was designed to work with Mr P.’s clothing — and the line’s broader mission of offering the complete men’s wardrobe. It includes everything from a pair of crisp white sneakers that you can wear right now to hiking-style boots that’ll keep your feet warm long after fall’s deepest chill has set in. Its structure also mirrors Mr P.’s clothing offering. Eight pairs make up a permanent collection of styles Mr Porter’s customers will always be able to order. Another seven are seasonal editions, suited perfectly to the season when they’re released.

“Each style we offer is purposeful — from the sneakers for casual looks to the perfect loafers for an elevated look, or even a shearling-lined boot to trudge through snow,” Arnold added. “And although we firmly believe you could get away with only owning Mr P. shoes, our footwear is designed to complement and supplement your existing wardrobe and shoe collection.”

The shoes range in price from $290 for a pair of suede sneakers to $615 for the aforementioned shearling-lined boot you can wear to trudge through snow. They’re not cheap, but they’re built to last. Each shoe is made in some of the world’s finest factories, and every pair has been thoroughly considered. You see that in everything from the additional pair of laces that ships with each order to the chunky soles on some of the dressier shoes.

“We’re designing with practicality in mind, and our customers appreciate the consideration that goes into each design,” Arnold said. “Take our Jacques brogue boot, for example, which features a Dainite sole well known for providing comfort and grip — two key components of a pleasant commute to work in the snowy winter months –- but also is a classic design that won’t go out of style.”

And that’s true — there’s not a pair in the lineup we couldn’t see stylish guys wearing for a while. An up-close look at every shoe in the line, below.

The Permanent Collection

Larry Leather Sneakers by Mr P. $325

Lucien Polished-Leather Derby Shoes by Mr P. $540

Jacques Leather Derby Shoes by Mr P. $540

Dennis Leather Loafers by Mr P. $540

Dennis Suede Loafers by Mr P. $540

Jacques Leather Derby Boots by Mr P. $540

Lucien Polished-Leather Derby Shoes by Mr P. Coming Soon

Jacques Leather Derby Shoes by Mr P. Coming Soon

The Seasonal Styles

Jacques Shearling-Lined Boots by Mr P. $615

Larry Suede Sneakers by Mr P. $290

Jacques Full-Grain Leather Brogue Boots by Mr P. $510

Jacques Suede Boots by Mr P. $540

Lucien Suede Desert Boots by Mr P. $565

Jacques Suede Derby Shoes by Mr P. Coming Soon

Jacques Suede Boots by Mr P. Coming Soon

The Best Lip Balms for Men

This guide to men’s lip balms includes everything you need to know about one of the most essential, yet overlooked, categories of men’s grooming products, including ingredients to avoid and the best balms for a wide variety of different concerns.

The Short List

Best Everyday Lip Balm: Baxter of California Hydro Salve Lip Balm

Verdict: Your daily lip balm doesn’t need to taste like a mojito, but it’s an invigorating bonus if it does. The flavor of Baxter’s Hydro Salve balm mimics the buzz of the famous cocktail, but its real draw is its base of grapeseed, jojoba and coconut oils. These ingredients work in concert to revitalize and hydrate your lips, and the long-lasting formula will help keep re-application to a minimum.

Best Drugstore Buy: Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Verdict: Unlike some other drugstore lip balms, Burt’s Bees’ classic Beeswax stick is free of toxic chemicals and unnecessary additives. Founded by the late Burt Shavitz, a famously reclusive beekeeper who lived in rural Maine, the natural formula remained intact after the company was bought by Clorox in 2008. Don’t let that scare you—the ingredients are still all natural, the peppermint tingle is one of the few that lasts beyond the application, and the beeswax contains vitamin E, a natural moisturizer.

Introduction

Often, the care our lips receive can have an inverse relationship to how important they are in our everyday lives. They make essential tasks like talking and eating possible — but without proper treatment and protection, they can become dry, chapped and sore.

Our lips deserve better, though it’s understandable why we don’t treat lip balm as a grooming essential. It’s a pretty recent invention. In the early 1880s, a doctor from Lynchburg, Virginia, devised what’s credited as the world’s first lip balm, a slow seller that caught wind only when the recipe was sold to another Lynchburg resident in 1912. The buyer, John Morton, owned Morton Manufacturing Company, responsible for the rise of the Chapstick brand.

Since then, lip balm formulas have become more complex and many don’t serve their original purpose of moistening and repairing lips. Chapstick and other mass-market lip balms contain ingredients that can dry out lips and become addictive. They also don’t protect your lips against the elements, especially the sun and cold. “A lot of mass-market lip balms don’t have SPF,” said Madeline Korosec, Men’s Grooming Merchant at Birchbox. Considering your skin needs protection year-round (the sun’s rays are just as damaging in winter as they are in summer) and that SPF balms slow aging, that’s enough to ponder the benefits of your regular drugstore lip balm.

That doesn’t mean you need a fancy balm, though people with dry lips, peeling lips, scent sensitivities or other conditions may benefit from these. Most people can get away using unspecialized sticks, and knowing your ingredients is key to finding the right balm. “Some good ingredients to look for in lip balm are beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter and a variety of natural oils,” Korosec said. “These are considered less harmful and less irritating.” We saved you the searching and label-reading, and found these balms that will moisturize, repair and protect your lips without requiring constant application.

Ingredients to Avoid

Many mass-market lip balms contain ingredients that dry out lips and irritate the skin. This seems counterintuitive, though some additives that provide short-term sensation, like petroleum jelly, provide no moisturizing benefit. Petroleum jelly is water-repellent and seals off pores, preventing moisture from entering or exiting your lips. Many lip balms also contain parabens. These chemicals combat harmful bacteria, but are carcinogenic. Studies have suggested that parabens can reduce testosterone levels and sperm production. Korosec said that some lip balms contain mineral oils and artificial colors and fragrances. These additives may make your lip balm look, taste and smell better, but can also irritate the skin. Look out for chemical sunscreens, like Oxybenzone, in lip balms with SPF. While Oxybenzone absorbs ultraviolet light, it mimics estrogen and can seep through skin and enter the bloodstream, altering sperm production. If your lip balm causes changes your body chemistry, then it’s time for something new.

Buying Guide

Best Multi-Purpose Lip Balm: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Lip Balm

Verdict: Considering the versatility of Dr. Bronner’s crunchy yet chic soaps, it’s no surprise its lip balm follows suit. The synthetic-free formula is filled with essential oils that soothe and repair damaged and dry skin anywhere on the body, and even has properties that heal new tattoos and brighten up old ones. Sounds too good to be true? Consider Dr. Bronner’s “All-One!” tagline, and you’ll find this lip balm is exactly what they mean by it.

Best Lip Balm for Dry Lips: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Verdict: For those prone to cracked lips, dry lips or other lip ailments caused by weather or a rugged lifestyle, Jack Black’s Intense Therapy balm is a lifesaver. The potent mix of green tea, shea butter and avocado oil reduces inflammation, and helps condition and soften the lips without making them glossy. It’s a great version to have when winter rolls around.

Best Fragrance-Free Lip Balm: Aquaphor Lip Repair

Verdict: Not everyone wants their lip balm to smell like mojito, acai, or peppermint. For the fragrance-averse, Aquaphor’s Lip Repair is one of the few mass-market balms that’s both scentless and paraben-free. Designed for sensitive lips, the chamomile and shea butter base soften things up while sealing in moisture to prevent dryness.

Best Anti-Aging Lip Balm: Task Essential Lip Ace

Verdict: Neglect your lips for too long, and they’ll age faster than the rest of you. Task’s Essential Lip Ace helps reverse damage caused by perpetually dry lips, and the Swiss company’s formula firms and smooths lips with the help of oxygen and vitamin B5. The plumping properties of mustard sprout extract will help lend your lips a natural fullness.

Best Lip Balm with SPF: Supergoop! Fusion Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – Acai

Verdict: Consider this the ideal beach day lip balm: Supergoop!’s powerful SPF level will protect your lips from harmful UV rays. Unlike many SPF lip balms, it doesn’t contain oxybenzone, so you can apply without fear.

Outerknown’s New Sustainable Jeans Are the Best on the Market

Where sustainability in clothing is concerned, denim is the elephant in the room — or at least it has has been for a long time. In the past decade, as the clothing industry has begun to address aspects of sustainability, the omnipresent cotton fabric has been largely ignored. It’s not really a surprise, as the worldwide supply chain for denim is far from eco-friendly and would take a major overhaul to reform. Cotton growth accounts for 11 percent of global pesticide use and dyeing and finishing processes for denim often use chemicals that are unsafe for workers and the environment. Through its lifecycle, a single pair of jeans uses over 3,700 liters of fresh water. In order to address these systemic issues, a number of brands have begun to focus on more sustainable methods to produce jeans. This week, California-based Outerknown released a new collection of S.E.A. Jeans which are some of the best you’ll find on the market.

The new line, which is available in three fits and a variety of colors and washes, is part of the brand’s continuing focus on reducing denim’s impact on the environment. Last year, the brand — co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater and veteran designer John Moore — partnered with Levi’s to offer a range of sustainably made denim classics including 511 jeans and Trucker jackets. Made with Levi’s WaterLess dying innovation, those garments used up to 70 percent less water than conventional indigo dying. Far from over, the ongoing collaboration will continue to examine aspects of sustainability in new garments as seasons advance.

Similarly, the S.E.A. jeans are made from organic cotton sourced from the Candiani mill in Italy and the Isko mill in Turkey. They’re manufactured at the LEED-certified Saitex factory in Vietnam. Notably, workers at Saitex recycle 98 percent of water used in production, and they air dry 85 percent of their jeans to save energy, they use solar power and they harvest rainwater. Though they aren’t cheap (they range in price from $128 to $168), these jeans are produced to the highest possible ethical and environmental standards and Outerknown guarantees each pair for life. If you wear them out, tear a knee or rip a seam, the brand will repair or replace the jeans at their cost — that alone is a great reason to invest in a pair.

To learn more about what went into these forward-thinking jeans, we caught up with John Moore to talk about the scope of the collection, the importance of not throwing your jeans away and the incredible promo images shot in Hawaii.

Q:

Did you learn anything from the Levi’s Wellthread and Outerknown collaboration that you applied to these jeans?

A:

We learned the obvious, that our man loves blue jeans.

Levi’s and Outerknown just makes sense together, and Wellthread was our first co-branded collaboration. Levi’s always stayed true to the vision, aesthetic and history of their brand as they developed the Wellthread innovation, and we’ve been proud to partner on telling this story. Levi’s and Outerknown is an ongoing collaboration that will get better every season, and this September drop is the best yet!

With the launch of S.E.A. Jeans, Outerknown is bringing our own innovation and personality to this important category. We are working with our own suppliers and fabric mills, and it is a completely different design approach. S.E.A. Jeans enable us to do something that is completely our own.

Q:

Why did Outerknown decide to use denim made from organic cotton sourced from the Candiani and Isko Mills?

A:

Candiani and Isko are two of the most well-respected denim mills in the world. It was important for us to use organic cotton, but it was equally important for us to get the right look and characteristics out of our denim selections to achieve the results we were looking for. Great style has always been just as important as sustainability for us.

Q:

The S.E.A. Jeans come in three fits and a wide range of washes and colors — can you talk about the importance of variety in this collection?

A:

Jeans are extremely personal. The perfect pair of jeans for me is probably different from the perfect pair of jeans for you, taking into consideration size, length, fit, wash, etc. I prefer a rigid jean, while many men may prefer stretch. We selected three denims to achieve twelve different finishes, washes and colors. We wanted to offer enough variety, so different types of men could find the jean they are looking for. You probably already own a few pairs of blue jeans, so we’ve created a style of S.E.A. Jeans called the Drifter that comes in four coastal colors (Fatigue, Mirage, Salt and Faded Khaki) that are different from any jean you may currently have in your closet today.

We shot our S.E.A. Jeans on 14 North Shore Lifeguards last month. These are men with a range of body types. I assumed the most challenging aspect of the shoot was going to be finding a S.E.A. Jean that each man individually felt comfortable in, but the range of inseams, colors and styles ensured that we found a pair that every man looked great in.

Q:

The majority of fresh water used in the lifecycle of a pair of jeans happens during the production of the cotton, so recycling fiber and repairing clothing is essential for sustainability. Why is it important for Outerknown to guarantee these jeans for life?

A:

Our goal at Outerknown is to make a jean that has the right (responsibly sourced) fabrications and lasts a long ass time. If your jeans tear or wear out at any time, we will repair or replace them at our cost. However, the idea behind the guarantee is not just about long lasting quality; it’s also about what happens when you are done with them. Don’t throw your old S.E.A. Jeans away, send them to us and we’ll upcycle them to make sure they don’t end up in a landfill on our watch.

Photo: Todd Glasser

Q:

Is there anything that might surprise customers about the S.E.A. Jeans?

A:

As I mentioned above, we didn’t want to just make another blue jean. We wanted to make Outerknown S.E.A. Jeans and bring our coastal personality into the trims and detailing both inside and out. One of my favorite styles is our Ambassador slim fit with the selvedge edge. I actually have it hanging inside-out on the wall behind me because I’m so proud of everything that went into our jeans. From the story on the pocket bag to the selvedge trim to the hardware with our S.E.A. Jeans branding.

I’m pretty certain the fits will also surprise you as our team spent more than a year perfecting all three — a straight leg called The Local, a slim leg called The Ambassador and a relaxed, tapered leg called The Drifter.

Q:

The promotional photos produced with North Shore Lifeguard Association are incredible. What was the inspiration for this shoot and how was it produced?

A:

Oh man, I could talk about this for days. S.E.A. Jeans are Outerknown’s way of doing our best for people and planet in a category — denim — that’s notoriously bad for both.

We’re so happy to work with our supplier Saitex, the cleanest denim supplier in the world, but that’s just part of the story. We’re not making denim in the traditional sense, which is why we called them S.E.A. Jeans (an acronym for Social. Environmental. Accountability.). We wanted to show our S.E.A. Jeans in harmony with nature. We wanted to make you feel something.

In my time in the business, these are definitely the images I’m most proud of. Before we shot, we spent 30 minutes talking to the lifeguards about the significance of what they were doing and how honored we were to work with them. Athletic ability was just as critical as the creative vision. They were 14 of the most badass watermen I’ve ever worked with — they trod water for four hours in jeans. Imagine that. At least Todd Glaser (our photographer) and I got to wear fins!

Lose Your Sunglasses This Summer? Get a New Pair for 30% Off

The Family that Makes Proraso and Marvis Just Launched a Line of Hair Products

For a pretty big portion of its 70-year history, the Italian shaving brand Proraso has been getting requests from barbers to make hair care and styling products — requests that it consistently and politely declined. The family behind Proraso, the Martellis, have long maintained that because the literal translation of Proraso is “pro shave,” they had an obligation to focus on the hair that comes out of a man’s face, not out of the top of his head.

But that changed last year, when they launched a shampoo and a selection of styling products in Italy under the name Tenax. (The brand was popular in the late ’70s and ’80s, but its former owners let its trademark expire.) This month, they officially brought Tenax to the United States.

The shampoo smells like an ultra-clean blend of eucalyptus and menthol, and each of the styling products features a honey-tobacco scent. The pomades, gel and hair cream are each rated for hold on a scale of one to 10. If you want a slick look, reach for Hair Gel #10. If you want something a little softer that’ll still keep your hair in place, there’s Hair Pomade #8.

You can find Tenax products in a select group of barbershops around the country — or you can order them online. A look at the full lineup below.

Shampoo by Tenax $12

Hair Pomade #8 by Tenax $16

Hair Pomade #10 by Tenax $16

Hair Cream #8 by Tenax $12

Hair Gel #10 by Tenax $12

The 10 Best Backpacks for School Under $100

The best backpacks for school are functional, durable and affordable. They’ll comfortably hold a day’s worth of textbooks, notebooks and extracurricular accouterments without bursting at the seams or straining your back. Made to be used every day, they’re cut from long-lasting Cordura and ballistic nylon and include reliable YKK zippers. All this value is combined in a product that won’t break the bank. Depending on your needs, there are a number of bags that check all the boxes — check out 10 great options under $100 below.

JanSport Spring Break

This simple backpack from JanSport is cut from durable 600D polyester and has padded shoulder straps. A large main compartment is big enough for numerous textbooks and notebooks and a smaller front utility pocket is ideal for keys, pens and other accessories.

The North Face Berkeley 25L Backpack

At a roomy 25L, this pack will hold everything needed to get through a long day of classes. Inspired by the brand’s ’70s mountaineering packs, it has a large main compartment, a smaller front pocket and padded straps.

Kletterwerks 11L Backpack Tote

Made in America, this bag can be carried like a tote in crowded hallways or like a backpack after classes. Made from Cordura and ballistic nylon, this bag is incredibly durable and will last from gradeschool to graduate school.

Gregory Powell 19L Backpack

This teardrop pack has an extended zipper for easy access to its large 19L main compartment. A padded laptop sleeve and small front pocket make this bag ideal for daily use between classes.

Marmot Mendocino 30L Backpack

If your schedule is packed with extracuriculars, this bag is for you. Cut from water-resistant waxed canvas, it features a padded laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, two front zip pockets and a large 30L main compartment.

Topo Designs Y-Pack 14L Backpack

This flip-top bag is secured with a quick-release Y strap. It’s made from durable Cordura fabric and features a laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket and an internal zippered pouch.

Everlane Modern Backpack

Everlane’s direct-to-consumer business model delivers quailty products for a fair price, as this water-resistant flip pack proves. The bag features a 19L padded internal compartment, two side slip pockets and a front zip pocket — spot the leather detials and YKK zippers.

Mystery Ranch Stadt 21L Backpack

The 21L Stadt bag is cut from incredibly durable 1000D Cordura with a 1680D reinforced bottom. It features heavy-duty YKK zippers, metal hardware, a laptop pocket and two large external torpedo pockets. The shoulder straps have an abundance of padding and the back features a light layer of cushion to separate laptop and spine.

Fjällräven Raven 20L

This understated backpack offers tons of organization with an internal zip pocket, a sunglasses pocket, a front pocket complete with mesh organizer and side water bottle pockets. The main compartment has a padded laptop sleeve and the bag features ergonomic padded straps.

Rains Field Bag

Known for its outerwear, Rains also makes a range of water-repellent bags perfect for inclement weather. This minimalist bag has a padded laptop sleeve and an external zip pocket, and the PU-polyester blend is inspired by the Danish brand’s classic raincoats.

These Trippy Tees Are Made from Organic Cotton

The Best Natural Deodorants for Men

It’s hard to say just how many people make the switch to natural deodorants every year. But if the growing list of new of new brands in the space is any indication, it’s not a small few. For many, the reason is health-related, and the slew of synthetic ingredients in drugstore deodorants don’t align with a healthy grooming routine. To prevent sweating, antiperspirants use aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium, products that may cause adverse health effects. Synthetic fragrances used in many deodorants may also lead to health issues, and are a major reason that people go natural.

While there are many products marketed under the natural deodorant umbrella, the list of ingredients that qualify as natural varies widely from brand to brand. But the one thing every producer seems to agree on is that aluminum is a no-go. So if you want to make the switch and you’ve been using traditional antiperspirants, your body may take a few weeks to adjust to the change. To manage odor, brands rely on different products including baking soda, alcohol, essential oils, and Arrowroot powder, among others — all of which have antibacterial properties.

We explored the range of natural deodorants available for men and divided the best of what we found into the scented, unscented and sprayable options you’ll find below. No matter your needs and preferences, there’s a healthier deodorant for you.

Scented Deodorants

Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

This cult-classic deodorant manages odor with antiseptic eucalyptus leaf oil and citronellyl. It leavs out aluminum and alcohol (which can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin). The fragrance and color are both natural and the deodorant is non-staining. This product does contain propylene glycol, which is somewhat contentious in the natural deodorant world — it’s worth reading more about the pros and cons before you add this one to your cart.

Kaia Naturals Takesumi Detox Deodorant

Toronto-based Kaia Naturals makes this deodorant with activated charcoal, an ingredient which draws toxins from your pores and fights odor. With a black oak and bourbon scent, the Takesumi Detox deodorant is free of baking soda (which may cause irritation for some because of its higher pH), parabens, aluminum, propylene gycol and synthetic fragrances. The arrowroot powder used in this deodorant is both drying and anti-microbial, and though the deodorant uses charcoal, it doesn’t stain clothing. Learn more about the stages of detoxing with charcoal deodorant here.

Schmidt’s Cedarwood + Juniper Natural Deodorant

Free of aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrance, this deodorant uses arrowroot powder and baking soda to fight odor. It is scented with Himilayan cedar and juniper essential oils and comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Unscented Deodorants

Ursa Major No B.S. Deodorant

This deodorant uses hops extract and a probiotic enzyme to manage odors, and keeps excess moisture at bay with Kaolin clay. The ingredients are free of baking soda, synthetic fragrance, aluminum, petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, glycols, silicones and PEGs.

Green Tidings Organic All Natural Deodorant

This may be one of the most natural deodorants available. It uses baking soda, magnesium oil and coconut oil to manage odors and comes in a BPA-free tube that is fully recyclable. It’s also free of parabens, aluminum, propylene glycol, petroleum, phthalates, salicylic acid, gluten and soy (no really, some deodorants do contain gluten and soy), among other things.

Sam’s Natural Unscented Deodorant

Packaged in a recyclable tube, this deodorant uses baking soda to fight odor and coconut oil to stem bacterial growth. Like others on this list, this deodorant includes arrowroot powder to absorb excess moisture. And it doesn’t use artificial colors, aluminum, alcohol, heavy metals, parabens and sulfurs.

Spray Deodorants

Aesop Déodorant

This aluminum-free spray deodorant uses zinc ricinoleate and a bevy of essential oils to counter underarm odor. It has a natural fragrance that is woody, green and earthy. Like other spray deodorants, alcohol is the main ingredient in the formula.

EO Organic Deodorants

Scented with vetiver, this spray deodorant uses organic sugar cane ethanol and a number of essential oils to keep you fresh through the day. It is free of aluminum, phthalates, propylene glycol, parabens and gluten. What’s more, the 4 oz. bottle is a great value compared to others on the market.

The 25 Best Backpacks for Everyday Use

Last Updated Augus, 2018.

With a few notable exceptions (lawyers and bankers, mainly), a 21st-century businessperson doesn’t have to wear a suit to conduct business. That means you don’t necessarily have to carry a briefcase. With comfort and functionality as priorities, lots of people now use backpacks for their everyday commute — just throw it over the shoulders and you’re hands-free for a coffee, a handshake or holding on while the bus creeps forward. The backpacks below cover the spectrum of possible uses, so whether you’re looking for a simple vessel for getting from A to B with the day’s goods or you plan to telecommute secluded bungalow on the beach, these backpacks are up for the task.

Under $100

The North Face Berkeley Backpack

This simple 25L bag is stripped down to the essentials: a main compartment with a laptop pouch and a front zip pocket for smaller accessories. The Berkeley backpack has padded shoulder straps and leather accents — a great value for under $60.

Everlane The Modern Snap Backpack

Everlane’s direct-to-consumer business model delivers quailty products for a fair price, as this water-resistant flip pack proves. The bag features a 19L padded internal compartment, two side slip pockets and a front zip pocket — spot the leather detials and YKK zippers.

Mystery Ranch Stadt Backpack

The 21L Stadt bag is cut from incredibly durable 1000D Cordura with a 1680D reinforced bottom. It features heavy-duty YKK zippers, metal hardware, a laptop pocket and two large external torpedo pockets. The shoulder straps have an abundance of padding and the back features a light layer of cushion to separate laptop and spine.

Eastpak for J.Crew Backpack

Eastpak started making bags for the US military in 1952, but expanded its product offerings to include consumer goods in following decades. This basic backpack has a main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve, a front zip pocket and a suede bottom panel.

Rains Field Bag

Known for its outerwear, Rains also makes a range of water-repellent bags perfect for inclement weather. This minimalist bag has a padded laptop sleeve and an external zip pocket, and the PU-polyester blend is inspired by the Danish brand’s classic raincoats.

$100 to $200

Trakke Fingal Backpack

This sleek waxed canvas pack holds just the essentials with a 13L capacity. The main compartment will easily hold a 13-inch Macbook Pro and a small zip pocket holds necessities like keys.

Millican Smith The Roll Pack

This 15L roll pack is cut from weatherproof Bionic Canvas — a blend of cotton, recycled polyester and high-tenacity polyester — and features an easy-access padded laptop sleeve. For commuters, the bag has a foldd-away reflective strip and comfortable ergonomic shoulder straps.

Topo Designs Rover Pack

Made in America, this bag features a nylon body and ballistic nylon bottom. A flip top and drawcord opening secure the main compartment, and zip pockets adorn the front and top flap.

And Wander 20L Daypack

This teardrop backpack is made from high-density Cordura nylon which is also waterproof. When not in use, the bag is packable and can be rolled ito a small internal pocket.

Joshu+Vela Stone Backpack

Made in San Francisco, this simple flip pack secure your goods without the need of a drawstring closure. The bag is cut from 18-ounce cotton twill, features a military-grade “G” hook closure, includes an internal laptop sleeve and has a double-layered bottom for durability.

Mission Workshop The Fraction

This 14L weatherproof bag is made in America and includes multiple stash pockets and an internal laptop pocket. Built with mil-spec materials, this bag has urethane coated zippers, an internal frame sheet and a double-buckle flip top.

Kletterwerks Flip Pack

Based on style designed for alpine climbing, this classic 23L bag has been updated for the 21st century. Cut from Cordura and ballistic nylon, the bag includes a padded laptop sleeve, YKK zippers and leather accents. It’s also made in the USA.

$200 to $300

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader

With a capacity of 24L, this understated nylon bag can easily hold a days worth of necessities. The fabric is weather-resistant and the design includes easy-access pockets and multiple handles.

Brooks England Pickwick Backpack

If you can’t stand zippers, get the Pickwick backpack. It features a water-resistant canvas exterior, a roll-top closure design and webbed nylon shoulder straps. An ideal bag for the bike commuter with a classic sense of style.

Master-Piece Slick Series Ballistic Backpack

This rubber-like fabric is made from German resin and Italian polyester. Made in Japan, the design features an asymmetric zip pocket, leather detailing, padded shoulder straps and Cordura backing.

Goruck GR1

Built in America with waterproof military-grade fabric, the GR1 has two big compartments: one main compartment and one to hold a 17-inch laptop. Another cool feature of the GR1 is that it opens flat, which is optimal for quick and efficient packing.

$300 to $500

Cote&Ciel Nile Rucksack

This bag features a coated polyester shell, leather panels and a reinforced rip-stop hood. The bag has a laptop pouch, internal pockets and coated metal hardware.

Filson Journeyman Backpack

Made from oil finish Tin Cloth, this rugged bag features a padded laptop sleeve, a storm flap and a solid brass zipper. Made in America, it features shoulder straps lined with tear-resistant, sueded Moleskin.

Killspencer Special Ops Backpack 3.0

Designed for travel, this sleek backpack is cut from full-grain leather and has a fire retardant and waterproof nylon lining. The design includes an internal padded laptop pcoket, zippered mesh pockets for accessories. a bullhide leather passport pocket and Swiss-made Riri zippers.

Want Les Essentiels

The streamlined backpack has an exterior made from nylon and leather. It has an internal laptop sleeve that holds a 13-inch computer, and internal accessories pouch and adjustable padded straps.

Over $500

Visvim Cordura 20L Backpack

This Japanese-made 20L bag reference classic ’70s daypacks. Made from durable Cordura nylon, it features a suede bottom, padded back, waterproof zippers and internal laptop sleeve.

Arc’Teryx Veilance Nomin Backpack

This waterproof bag is incredibly light and understated. It features a large storage compartment, a rigid laptop holder and WaterTight external zippers.

Kikany Postal No. 3

Made in Brooklyn, this roll-top bag is cut from vegetable-tanned Italian leather. It includes hand-tooled bras hardware, an interior laptop pocket, a large zippered pocket and a small zippered pocket on the back pannel for securing your wallet or phone.

Tumi Ashton Leather Morrison Backpack

This leather bag from Tumi has a wraparound zipper, a lined interior and a padded laptop sleeve. An exterior front pocket is designed to carry small accessories and the bag’s straps are padded for a more comfortable experience.

Lotuff Leather Zipper Backpack

Guaranteed for life, this backpack is cut from vegetable-tanned leather and includes solid-brass YKK zippers. Interior pockets organize valuables, pens, and keys, while a larger pocket is designed to carry a laptop or tablet. This bag is made in New England.

These Italian-Made Shoes Were Built to Last a Lifetime

Brooks Brothers, the 200-year-old standard-bearer of classic American style, just tipped its hat to Italy in a big way. This week, the brand introduced three new Italian-made shoes that were built with longevity in mind. The trio includes a pair of brown leather lace-ups, as well as a Chelsea boot and another lace-up cut from chocolate-colored suede. All three feature stacked-leather heels and a leather lining for comfort. The lace-ups go for $298, and the boots cost $348, which aren’t small amounts of money. But they’re a great price for high-quality shoes that, rest assured, will be in your closet for years to come.

Suede Lace-Up Shoes by Brooks Brothers $298

Leather Lace-Up Shoes by Brooks Brothers $298

Chelsea Suede Boots by Brooks Brothers $348

These Lightweight Summer Jeans Won’t Make You Break a Sweat

In the warm-weather months, you don’t need to forgo wearing denim, you just need to invest in a lighter-weight jean. Commonly, denim used for jeans weighs between 12 and 16 ounces per yard, with more rugged fabrics trending towards the 20 oz mark. Lightweight denim — typically under 12 oz — is not only easier to break in, it’s more comfortable for hot weather. Now, many brands are making great jeans in summer-appropriate weights, so we asked three style experts which ones to buy this season.

Sugar Cane and Stevenson Overall Co. Jeans

“When looking for a lightweight jean you don’t need to sacrifice quality or how a fabric will age over time. Over the past few years, we’ve seen some of the top denim lines create original fabrics which were designed with warmer climates in mind. A couple of my favorites and some of the models which our clients love the most are the Sugar Cane 2009 jean, the Sugar Cane 2014 jean (slim-tapered) and the Stevenson 727 La Jolla jean. Between those three you have various fits and also a black pair for those that want a black jean with tonal stitching.” — Kiya Babzani, Co-Owner of Self Edge

3×1 Weston XX336 Jean

“Having a lighter weight jean for warmer weather is essential, as nothing is worse than sitting sweaty in a heavyweight denim. My recommendation for the spring and summer months is our three-season nine-ounce selvedge denim from Kaihara, Japan. The Weston XX336 is crafted from lightweight, Supima cotton, which uses one of the longest cotton staples in the world. This ELS (extra-long staple) cotton is woven into a super soft, brushed-back selvedge denim which is both pajama-like in feel, yet breathable. The yarn character on this jean is as authentic as it gets, and like all 3×1 jeans, it was designed, sewn, washed and hand finished right here in the USA.” — Scott Morrison, Founder of 3×1

Chimala 13.5 Ounce Selvedge Denim Used Ankle Cut

“We didn’t bring a ton of new denim in for summer. But, we all are into the Chimala ankle cut. We think it’s all about going big and cropped denim, so this does both things. Plus, it’s a lighter weight jean. This is the only jean you need for the summer months ahead.” — Todd Barket, Cofounder of Unionmade