If you want to know what Gear Patrol readers are most interested in, all you have to do is look at the most popular stories in a category. The list of this year’s most-read style pieces reveals a singular devotion to Made in America brands, dedication to good boots and sunglasses and a clear appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship. (In fact, made-in-Japan brands are so popular among our most loyal readers that we wrote a guide to shopping there by proxy that also made it into our top-ten stories of 2018.) To take a look at the rest of what caught our readers’ attention this year, take a look at the list below.
The 50 Best American-Made Style Brands
Made in America matters, now more than ever. We’ve collected the best footwear, apparel, denim, bags and EDC, all made here in the USA.
The 10 Best Aviator Sunglasses to Wear This Summer
From Ray-Ban, Randolph Engineering, Moscot, Jacques Marie Mage and more.
These Military-Inspired Boots from Japan Spare No Details
Horween leather, Goodyear-welt construction, horsehide linings and Vibram soles.
The Best Slip-On Shoes to Slip Through Airport Security
Don’t get caught going through TSA in lace-ups.
These 8 Brands Make Some of the Best Leather Goods in America
Ashland Leather Co., Craft and Lore, Hollows Leather and more.
15 Summer Wardrobe Essentials Every Guy Needs
Sunglasses, caps, tees, trunks and more.
How to Buy Exclusive Goods from Japan
Meet ZenMarket, From Japan and Dejapan — your door to hard-to-find Seikos and Asia-only Red Wings.
Heads Up, Target’s New Rain Boot Is Dirt Cheap and Looks Stellar
Hunter collaborated with Target to make a rain boot that’s $100 cheaper than their own, and almost the same materials.
It’s Hard to Beat the Quality of This Newly-Released Dress Shoe
Featuring vegetable tanned Italian calfskin.
The 9 Best Shorts to Keep in Your Everyday Rotation
Durable, lightweight and a great length.