The Latest: Sunday 11 May 2008
 | The Iconic Hockey Shirt | BuyWe're down to the final two rounds of the NHL playoffs, and there's no shortage of officially licensed crap available from the surviving teams of Dallas, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. But the most stylish hockeywear to be had still comes from a team not even in the playoffs: the 70s-Style Vancouver Canucks t-shirt shown here. A clean, timeless logo that can be worn by anyone regardless of team affiliation, it's the hockey fan's equivalent of John Belushi's COLLEGE sweatshirt from "Animal House".09.may.2008 style |
 | The Great Boxer Brief Round-Up | WaitWe don't know why Jockey decided to discontinue their classic Sport Boxer brief, but it sent us on a long odyssey to find a worthy replacement. We evaluated product from Structure, Land's End, Banana Republic, Dockers, Old Navy, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Stanley Blacker, and Armani Exchange, looking for a brief that like the original would be comfortable, the right length, basic in design, available in grey or black (no mixed packs!) and true to size. The winner—and we're as surprised as you—was The Gap's Basic Square Cut Boxer Briefs, $20 for a pack of 2. So why is it a WAIT? Because Gap.com seems to have have trouble keeping them in stock in any reasonable sizes. So to remain supported in style, check your local store.06.may.2008 style |
 | Fish in a BarrelTriumph the Insult Comic Dog once said, "To make fun of the likes of Tom Arnold would frankly be all too easy... it would be, in effect, like pooping on poop." And he's right; sometimes writing a post to FAIL something is simply redundant. So in that spirit, despite (much appreciated!) fan mail requesting comment on many of these things, we're going to refrain from reviewing white jeans, anything made with fur, Apple iProducts (in general), golf clothing on non-golfers, Donald Trump, "Sean John", Las Vegas (in general), and TV "reality" shows about design competitions.02.may.2008 meta |
 | Overpriced Luxury Watches | FailFashion magazines, print ads, and of course spammers all relentlessly hammer guys with the idea that we need a $4,000 watch. Don't believe it. One of us owned a Gucci piece years ago, and when it got bumped into a cinder block wall on the stairs to a Boston club, it was just as crunched and dead as a watch 1/10 its price would have been. One could almost make an exception for the Omega Seamaster 300 M, shown here, as worn by Daniel Craig in the James Bond film Casino Royale. It's extremely cool. But not $2,500 cool. | Alternatives: Boccia, Skagen, Kenneth Cole30.apr.2008 style tech |
 | One Really Great White Shirt | BuyEvery gent needs at least one truly great white shirt, a white shirt with no compromise, one that can be worn with confidence at any critical business or social event. Ideally go for a high collar, French cuff, and a trim fit for maximum versatility with or without a suit. If you live in the NYC area, you are in luck—you can head over to Bernard Oyama's superb boutique in Harlem and get one made in Italy for $125 or $150. For the rest of us, there's Thomas Pink—a little more expensive ($180), and likely made in Romania or Morocco, but still regarded as among the best in the world.26.apr.2008 style |
 | Eddie Bauer Trousers | BuyGreat trousers will rarely turn an outfit into a win, but bad ones can certainly hand you a loss. Most days, you want trousers that will be essentially neutral—well made, flat front, unrumpled, and with no goddamn tapered legs; supporting without drawing attention from your shirt, shoes, and suit. That's why we recommend the once-uncool Eddie Bauer's Nano-Tex Performance Dress Khakis in relaxed or slim fit, or the Casual Chino. All offer a completely straight leg, durable colour, and the wrinkle-resistance is no joke—pull them straight from the dryer, maybe hit them with a minute of steam, and you're ready to roll. (Just don't accidentally order the pleated version.)24.apr.2008 style |
 | Amazon Kindle | FailAmazon did so many things right with their e-book reader. The e-paper screen is readable in any light, and the way wireless shopping is made transparent to the user is truly innovative. But the hardware itself looks like the work of a second-tier computer maker from the late 1980s. Please try again, Amazon—this time with a more handsome case, a flip-around cover with a padded grip, and a slide-out keyboard like what's been available in cell phones since the last century.23.apr.2008 tech |
 | Modern Planters | BuyWhether you're repotting the trees in your loft, or setting up some wild grasses on your deck or walkway, there's a masculine and modern way to go: clean-lined planters in industrial (or industrial-looking) materials. We like the big galvanized steel ones shown here from Pottery Barn, some smaller steel pots from IKEA, and faux-slate tapered boxes from Restoration Hardware.17.apr.2008 design |
 | Spring-Weight Sweaters | BuyUltra-light gauge sweaters are great. They wear as easily as a t-shirt or other casual knit, only with a nicer drape and enough class to wear just about anywhere. Go for a washable cotton or cotton blend, as you'll want the option to roll without a layer. On a related note, nobody here could remember buying anything from Tommy Hilfiger in the last five years other then a pair of sunglasses, but they're starting to come on with a few nice pieces—like the modal/cotton sweater shown here.16.apr.2008 style |
 | BananaRepublic.com | WaitWe've bought great stuff at Banana Republic. Unfortunately they've also sent us shirts made of cheap fabric, collars that never sit right, and trousers that are wrinkled before you get the second leg in. So there's the problem: their quality varies so much that you can't trust web ordering; you have to go to the store and evaluate each piece yourself. When this situation changes we'll let you know.12.apr.2008 style |
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