Rugged Rookie
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accessories
Cowboy Hats, Plain and True: A Man’s Guide to Western Grit
Picture this – a classic, wide-brimmed cowboy hat tilted at just the right angle, exuding timeless grit and undeniable swagger. Whether on dusty ranches or promenading urban streets, the cowboy hat has stood the test of time. But what is it that makes this Western icon so alluring? And how does it seamlessly traverse function and style? For decades, the cowboy hat has embodied freedom, resilience, and individuality. It’s not just a hat; it’s a declaration of identity, a symbol worn with purpose. From pioneers blazing trails to today’s sartorially adventurous, this quintessential piece has evolved into much more than a rancher’s trusted companion. ...
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brands
Dehen 1920
A hundred years of stubbornness? Guilty as charged. Dehen 1920 brings heavyweight, old-school truth to every piece they make in Portland, Oregon. No shortcuts, no outsourcing, no compromise. Just classic, American-built gear with the kind of backbone that survives generations, but feels right at home in your everyday line-up. Heritage is their north star; craftsmanship is in the DNA. If you like your style honest and your crew resilient, you’re in good company....
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reviews
Bleu de Chauffe Woody: Rugged Looks & Heritage Cred
If you think backpacks are just for the trail or tourists, Bleu de Chauffe’s Woody Backpack is ready to change your mind. This is the sort of bag you spot in a café and can’t help but wonder, “What’s that, and why does it look cooler than my entire outfit?” The Woody offers a blend of charm, practicality, and craftsmanship that’s rare in the world of daily carry gear. I’ve spent the last two years lugging this beast around (commutes, weekends, and those occasional rainy bike rides). Here’s how it’s held up — and why it might be the last backpack I’ll ever need. ...
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accessories
Why Every Man Needs a Signature Leather Belt
Ever notice how some guys look effortlessly sharp, even when they’re just wearing jeans and a plain tee? Here’s a hint: it’s rarely just about the shirt or the fit of their trousers. Often, it’s the belt. That quiet, unassuming strip of leather holding everything together. Mens belts—especially the signature kind you reach for again and again—might be the most overlooked accessory in a man’s wardrobe. This isn’t a dull ode to practicality, nor a plea for “just buy black and brown and be done with it.” Instead, consider this a field guide to why the right leather belt is not only a badge of personal style but a tool you’ll turn to for years. ...
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Worn by you
The Raw Denim Wayfarer - Niels
Outfit Breakdown Strapback | Ampal Creative Jacket | Benzak Denim Developers BDJ-01 Cowboy Jacket Jeans | Realign Regular Kenji Belt | By Boaz Boots | Red Wing 6" Moc Toe No. 8859 - Navy Portage Henley | JP Menswear Niels’ not in a rush, but he’s certainly not standing still. This Raw Denim Wayfarer does things the considered way—think less “trend chaser,” more “lifetime member.” His outfit reads like a field note in the art of slow style. Up top, there’s a selvedge denim jacket, faded in all the right places, thrown over a tee that knows its way around a few laundromats. ...
Style View all
Cowboy Hats, Plain and True: A Man’s Guide to Western Grit
Picture this – a classic, wide-brimmed cowboy hat tilted at just the right angle, exuding timeless grit and undeniable swagger. Whether on dusty ranches or promenading urban streets, the cowboy hat has stood the test of time. But what is it that makes this Western icon so alluring? And how does it seamlessly traverse function and style? For decades, the cowboy hat has embodied freedom, resilience, and individuality. It’s not just a hat; it’s a declaration of identity, a symbol worn with purpose. From pioneers blazing trails to today’s sartorially adventurous, this quintessential piece has evolved into much more than a rancher’s trusted companion. ...
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accessories
Cowboy Hats, Plain and True: A Man’s Guide to Western Grit
Picture this – a classic, wide-brimmed cowboy hat tilted at just the right angle, exuding timeless grit and undeniable swagger. Whether on dusty ranches or promenading urban streets, the cowboy hat has stood the test of time. But what is it that makes this Western icon so alluring? And how does it seamlessly traverse function and style? For decades, the cowboy hat has embodied freedom, resilience, and individuality. It’s not just a hat; it’s a declaration of identity, a symbol worn with purpose. From pioneers blazing trails to today’s sartorially adventurous, this quintessential piece has evolved into much more than a rancher’s trusted companion. ...
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clothing
Rugged, Relaxed, and Iconic: The Aloha Shirt’s Everlasting Appeal
There’s a certain kind of shirt that manages to feel like an old friend, a vacation keepsake, and a shortcut to personal style all at once. If you’ve wandered into the world of menswear lately, chances are you’ve looked at an Aloha shirt. And no, it’s not just for poolside dads or Magnum P.I. fans. The Aloha shirt has found its way back into the conversation among rugged style newcomers, heritage aficionados, and anyone aiming for that elusive “timeless gentleman” look—with about as much irony as a cold lager on a hot terrace. ...
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clothing
How to Start Building a Rugged Wardrobe
You’ve clocked those perfectly rumpled flannels and selvedge jeans on your favourite Instagram accounts. Maybe you’ve caught yourself wondering if you could pull off leather boots that look like they’ve lived a life, even if you’ve never swung an axe. Good news: you absolutely can. Building a rugged wardrobe isn’t about LARPing as a lumberjack or cosplaying Clint Eastwood. It’s about curating gear that only gets better with time (and maybe a few well-earned scuffs). ...
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accessories
Why Every Man Needs a Signature Leather Belt
Ever notice how some guys look effortlessly sharp, even when they’re just wearing jeans and a plain tee? Here’s a hint: it’s rarely just about the shirt or the fit of their trousers. Often, it’s the belt. That quiet, unassuming strip of leather holding everything together. Mens belts—especially the signature kind you reach for again and again—might be the most overlooked accessory in a man’s wardrobe. This isn’t a dull ode to practicality, nor a plea for “just buy black and brown and be done with it.” Instead, consider this a field guide to why the right leather belt is not only a badge of personal style but a tool you’ll turn to for years. ...
Guides View all
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reviews
Bleu de Chauffe Woody: Rugged Looks & Heritage Cred
If you think backpacks are just for the trail or tourists, Bleu de Chauffe’s Woody Backpack is ready to change your mind. This is the sort of bag you spot in a café and can’t help but wonder, “What’s that, and why does it look cooler than my entire outfit?” The Woody offers a blend of charm, practicality, and craftsmanship that’s rare in the world of daily carry gear. I’ve spent the last two years lugging this beast around (commutes, weekends, and those occasional rainy bike rides). Here’s how it’s held up — and why it might be the last backpack I’ll ever need. ...
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solid picks
Five Overshirts Worth Reaching For
There’s a certain satisfaction to finding that sweet-spot layer. You know, the one that doesn’t ask if you need a jacket or a shirt because, frankly, it’s both. That’s the magic of the men’s overshirt (call it an overshirt, shacket, shirt jac, or whatever TikTok’s calling it this week). For the style-curious newbie and heritage purist alike, the right shirt jac adds instant credibility without a whiff of try-hard. Welcome to the overshirt’s golden hour. ...
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New finds
Barebones Forest Lantern: Built for the Long Haul.
When twilight rolls in, a good light should serve you—not put on a show. You want something steady. The kind that lets supper run long, and talk hang in the air. That’s the Barebones Forest Lantern. Metal body. No-nonsense. Low, honest glow. It quiets a room, keeps you together. Not some centerpiece. A workhorse for the table, the porch, or the late shift. Built On Grit, Made for Work Some lanterns are made to look pretty. The Forest Lantern does the heavy lifting. Born from lamps that kept wind-battered ships and stubborn lighthouse doors lit, it’s about hard use, not fuss. Old lamps were lifelines. They braved salt, grit, and long, punishing nights. The steel cage isn’t there for show. It’s a shield. Steel over glass. Simple. Reliable. No shortcuts. ...
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New finds
Filson Mackinaw Jacket: Ultimate Cold-Weather Armor?
When the wind’s howling and frost bites not every jacket steps up to the plate. Enter the Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket. This thing isn’t just some winter coat; it’s an icon. Born in the tough, rain-soaked forests of the Pacific Northwest over a century ago, it’s the kind of gear that doesn’t flinch when nature decides to throw a tantrum. Designed originally for foresters and timber cruisers, it’s a workhorse wrapped in timeless style. But here’s the best part – this isn’t just all brawn. It’s got the swagger to fit seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe. ...
Outfits View all
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worn by you
The Raw Denim Wayfarer - Niels
Outfit Breakdown Strapback | Ampal Creative Jacket | Benzak Denim Developers BDJ-01 Cowboy Jacket Jeans | Realign Regular Kenji Belt | By Boaz Boots | Red Wing 6" Moc Toe No. 8859 - Navy Portage Henley | JP Menswear Niels’ not in a rush, but he’s certainly not standing still. This Raw Denim Wayfarer does things the considered way—think less “trend chaser,” more “lifetime member.” His outfit reads like a field note in the art of slow style. Up top, there’s a selvedge denim jacket, faded in all the right places, thrown over a tee that knows its way around a few laundromats. ...
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worn by you
Rugged Classic Style Gent - Nils
Outfit Breakdown Trucker | Stetson Fishermen´s Bay Jeans | Companion Joel Green cast selvedge denim Henley | Pike Brothers 1927 Henley Long Sleeve Ecru Shirt | Eat Dust Western Shirt Stanley Belt | Luke’s Custom Belts Big Ox Jacket | Y2 Leather Horse Tea-core 1st Type Leather Jacket Nils’ the kind of man who favors selvedge denim with a story, a weathered leather jacket shaped by years of rides, and boots that wear the marks of real work. A pressed canvas shirt, a vintage-patched trucker cap, and a full beard hint at a quiet pride in honest materials and honest living. His choices aren’t driven by trends, but by the satisfying weight of quality and the legacy behind well-made things. Each piece speaks of craft and character, culminating in the casual confidence of someone who lives in tune with heritage, tradition, and what truly endures. ...
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Smart layering
Layering Basics for Rugged Style Newbies
Layering outfits isn’t about following some secret code. It’s a series of simple steps that keep you comfortable and confident that your kit looks intentional—not Instagram-curated. If you’re aiming to master the fundamentals of layering for a rugged, heritage-inspired wardrobe (or just want to look good chopping wood and running errands), you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the art of rugged style layering. No trend-chasing. Just layering principles, proven gear, and enough style wisdom to help you build outfits that feel as good as they look. Whether you’re a menswear rookie or an old hand refining your classics, here’s how to build the layered look from the ground up. ...
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rugged fits
The Urban Lumberjack Look
Ever walked past someone in a broken-in flannel and thought, “That shirt’s been places I haven’t? Welcome to the captivating universe of the Urban Lumberjack look. This is where rugged style meets city life. Whether you’re a rugged style rookie, a heritage obsessive, or just someone intrigued by the cult of utility wear, pull up a (wooden) stool. We’re hacking into what makes this aesthetic stick, the gear that pulls it all together, and how you can wear your woodsman look with confidence. ...
Profiles View all
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brands
Dehen 1920 - Heritage Clothing
A hundred years of stubbornness? Guilty as charged. Dehen 1920 brings heavyweight, old-school truth to every piece they make in Portland, Oregon. No shortcuts, no outsourcing, no compromise. Just classic, American-built gear with the kind of backbone that survives generations, but feels right at home in your everyday line-up. Heritage is their north star; craftsmanship is in the DNA. If you like your style honest and your crew resilient, you’re in good company....
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people
Meet Barry, Curator of Classics at Black & Blue
Somewhere between a denim library and the world’s most inviting hangout, you’ll find Black & Blue Shop on Nijmegen’s Lange Hezelstraat in The Netherlands. This is the sort of place for connoisseurs and curious style rookies alike; the shop’s racks are a tribute to rugged classics and raw-edged icons. Think selvedge denim (the real, rigid stuff), proper workwear shirts, worn-in Red Wing boots, and Stetson hats that only get better with a few seasons under their belt. American Optical sunglasses sit beside sturdy Stanley flasks and Tivoli radios. It’s not just retail, it’s a full-sensory experience—with the scent of new leather accessories being cut and stitched by ByBoaz at the back, the comforting clink of a coffee cup, and the low hum of in-the-know conversation. Fast fashion trends? Not here. It’s all about pieces that outlast fads and earn their place in your story. ...
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brands
Fullcount
Inspired by the golden age of American denim, Fullcount's approach blends heritage craftsmanship with comfort you’ll want to live in. Every pair is cut from 100% Zimbabwean cotton, known for its softness and durability, and constructed using time-honoured techniques that ensure they only get better with age. This isn’t fast fashion’s rush job; it’s slow, intentional design with soul. Fullcount’s ethos celebrates the beauty of simplicity while honouring the rich history of denim craftsmanship. ...