Chris Black has returned to the Strategist with a monthly column to answer all of your burning questions — from super-specific style predicaments and workout and tennis recs to foolproof host-gift ideas that will get you invited back to the beach house.
What are the best men’s jeans right now?
This is a hotly debated question. My friend Lauren Sherman had this debate in her excellent newsletter, Line Sheet. The findings were interesting. Most men wore Rag & Bone denim, which is fine, but we can do better. It’s not 2012.
I like jeans to be simple and easy, and this pair from Copenhagen-based Sunflower is precisely that. The wash is understated; the fit is straight, so not too loose or too skinny; and the price is right.
Where were you in 2001? If you, like me, were listening to the Strokes and going out four nights a week, a pair of A.P.C. jeans was a wardrobe staple. Luckily, nothing has changed in 20 years. The break-in period on Japanese raw-selvedge denim can be challenging, but nothing looks better than a worn-in pair of New Standards. It’s worth it.
If you want something a bit looser, maybe in a washed black, this pair of Italian-made mid-rise straight-leg jeans from one of the original “Antwerp Six,” Dries Van Noten, will hit the spot.
Nothing will get you closer to vintage Levi’s than Japan’s orSlow. Slightly relaxed fit, 13.5-ounce Japanese selvedge denim, no bells and whistles. Easy choice.
These feel a little dressier than the other options, which is good news if you want to wear jeans to the office. The stone wash is an excellent middle ground, and the slanted pockets are a nice little detail.
I need some headphones that will survive all my workout sweat and stay in my ears. Help!
Unfortunately, not all ears are created equal. I have to use an aftermarket accessory to keep my AirPods in place during interval sprints. It’s annoying but necessary. I always see people rocking over-ear headphones in the gym, and it’s baffling. Luckily, some headphones will work and not look ridiculous.
These guys stay put. The silicone hook goes behind your ear, keeping them airtight and secure no matter how much you squat. They also feature good, balanced sound and nine hours of battery life and are waterproof.
Pro gear, pro attitude. Sennheiser makes your favorite musicians’ in-ear monitors. Good enough for Drake at Madison Square Garden, and good enough for you at Equinox. They come with several silicone ear adapters to find the perfect fit, and they will sound better than almost any other pair on the market.
These are literally made to be worn while exercising. Fully waterproof and outfitted with StayHear+ Sport tips, they will stay in your ears under any circumstances.
My boyfriend is in need of some sweatpants for exercising and lounging. What’s cool?
The sweatpants market is flooded with ugly joggers and other athleisure styles, confusing customers and crowding the marketplace. Let’s cut through and keep it classic. You can’t have your man showing up in ALO.
These are the gold standard. Well priced, thick but not too thick, pockets, and the Champion logo, the rare logo that looks great.
These ain’t cheap, but the quality is unmatched, and they look better the more you wear and wash them. They’re made in Japan from super-comfy cotton jersey, and you will never want to take them off. I love my pair.
Made in L.A. from heavy fleece, these are made for the chillier months. The colors make them unique. The garment-dyeing process gives them a worn-in feel.
These are basically bulletproof, heavy-duty, and hard-wearing. They are made in the U.S.A. from 90 percent cotton and come in 11 different colors. They also offer a considerable size run from small all the way through 5XLT.
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