23 Best Men's Style & Gear Releases in June 2025
Florence, NestOut, Vallon, Poncho—these are my awards for every new release and product discovery this month.
LIVE A LITTLE is a style and lifestyle journal for the adventurous man—written from the pen of a full-time menswear copywriter.
For those who are new here, I do a monthly edit of all the best men’s style and gear releases across the internet. (You can check out last month’s edition here.)
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To get all of June’s 23 style and gear releases in one clean list, scroll to the bottom of this post to the RUNDOWN section.
JUNE WAS A big month for LIVE A LITTLE. I wrote style breakdowns on the 23 timeless watches for men, the 15 best shirts for summer under $100, and the 105 style essentials every guy should own this season.
In between them all, I put out my weekly FIELD JOURNAL, where I report on the latest style and gear news, share outfit discovery, and recommend content for the adventurous man.
These words might come off as a brag, but really it’s to convey to you that I’m more dialed on this newsletter than ever before. And more dialed = a better feel for what’s happening in the style and gear universe.
In this month’s report, you’ll learn about my favorite new workout tee under $60, a wicked-cool nightstand gadget on Kickstarter, and a rising cowboy boot brand with one of the wildest origin stories ever.
But before we start: Guys, thank you for being part of LIVE A LITTLE. Let’s keep doing the damn thing—together.🤘
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working.” - Picasso
Most Useful Release: Matador Packable Laundry Bag
Simple but incredibly useful, this nylon laundry bag is designed to expand up to 30L in volume. When not in use, it packs into itself and measures a compact 5” x 5” x 2.5”. Oh, and it has a cool attachment system that makes it easy to hook onto the back of a door or clip onto a bathroom towel rack. This release was so popular it sold out within the month, but expect a restock soon. Priced at $29.
Best Collaboration: J.Crew x Atlantic Coastal Supplies
Atlantic Coastal Supplies is a gear and apparel shop based in West Penwith, a coastal town in the southwestern tip of English in the country of Cornwall. ACS’s founder, Shawn Lowry, actually grew up in Florida, which makes sense why this collection gives me nostalgia for my days spent in the surf town of New Smyrna Beach, FL.
The collaboration is a clean collection of timeless nautical clothing (my favorite). Another cool note, I like how J.Crew framed the shop navigation on their site into four looks: At the Beach, At Sea, At the Boathouse, and At Sunset. Pricing varies.
Best Hell Yeah Brother Release: Poncho Outdoors - The Right to Bear Arms Shirt
Poncho is an Austin-brand based known best for their performance pearl snap button shirts: stretchy and moisture-wicking, with plenty of style points. Fresh for July 4th, they’ve released this no-sleeve version of their bestselling Western shirt. Some might say it’s a little redneck. Screw them. I say, give ‘em all the redneck you’ve got. Priced at $99.
Best New Hats: Diamond Cross Ranch Wild Forever
You’ve probably seen Diamond Cross Ranch before. They’re a literal ranch in Jackson Hole you can pay to stay at, but they also make cool merch. Some of their stuff is a little played out by now, mostly because it’s been so popular and all over socials for a couple years. However, I do like these new Wild Forever hats. They’re available in a few different colors and taking pre-orders now. A hopeful sign there’s more heat from them on the way. Priced at $59.
The Rugged Charger: NestOut Outdoor Charging Cable
NestOut makes cool gear. Some months back, I featured their Carabiner Portable Battery. I wish I got one back then because now they’re sold out. Their latest product is this Outdoor Charging Cable. Nothing fancy, but durable and tough—featuring a neat hook-integrated cap. Priced at $22.
The Must-Have Nightstand Gadget: MountainLamp
Based in Bönen, Germany, the MountainLamp is a 3D ambient light that features 10 replicas of iconic peaks in the world. It’s made from wood and fully dimmable. There’s even a way to custom order your own summit (which, I imagine costs more than the regular peaks.) It’s available to back on Kickstarter now for about $70. Just select the Early Bird 1x MountainLamp option to get that price.
A Workout Tee Like No Other: Wellen PatinaTech Tee ($58)
The PatinaTech Tee is a new performance tee I helped write copy for at Huckberry. Before its release, I was able to wear test it and examine all the colors in person. It’s really unique, like a mixe between a garment dyed cotton tee and a stretchy workout shirt. There’s nothing like it on the market right now. I’m wearing it to the gym to lift weights, but also on the weekends when I’m walking to Desnudo coffee—a Columbian coffee truck in my neighborhood that has damn good joe.
Best New Smartwatch: SUUNTO Run Coral Orange ($249)
The Run is SUUNTO’s newest pure running watch. It’s $249—a generous price point for a wearable these days. It’s got 12 days of battery on Daily Watch Mode and 20 hours in training/GPS mode. My favorite features include: an AMOLED screen, a 4GB of music storage, and a 1-hour fast charging mode. The the Lime and Coral Orange colors go hard.
Most Underrated Running Shoe: ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27 ($140)
The GEL-CUMULUS 27 released in March, but I got a pair this month and have loved running in them on the trails in Austin. Compared the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS running shoe, the CUMULUS is a tad lower to the ground and more neutral in cushioning. (GEL-NIMBUS really has the max amount of cushioning you can get from ASICS.) I’ve noticed the GEL-CUMULUS is a little more versatile in wearing to the gym and doing bodyweight workouts compared to the NIMBUS. Solid sneaker, especially for the $140 price.
Best New Microbrand Watch: RZE UTD-8000-FC Watch
Founded in 2020, RZE is a watch microbrand that makes rugged and reliable timepieces. They’re big on titanium design with their UltraHex™ coating. (According to RZE, the hex coating helps boost case and bracelet hardness to ~1,200 Vickers, making them ~5–8× more scratch-resistant than stainless steel.) This new UltraHex™ Titanium Digital (UTD)-8000 is one of the most hardcore digital watches I’ve ever seen. It’s resistant to all types of weather and designed to keep going even when exposed to extreme temps. Priced at $230.
Best New Recovery Slides: norda 008 Hinoki Slides
It was only a matter of time before norda got into the recovery slide game. In typical fashion, they nailed the design: high-cushioned foam, a Vibram® ECOSTEP outsole (a seriously good feature), and a handful of cool colors. They’re expensive, but norda running shoes last a long time and I’m willing to bet these will too. Priced at $145.
Best Deep Internet Find: Jack the Bulldog - No Time To Die Edition
In Skyfall, Jack the Bulldog made his big appearance as a willed-down gift from ‘M’ to James Bond. He’s since made a couple more humorous appearances in Spectre and No Time To Die.
This high-quality ceramic is not new in the sense it was just made, but new in the sense of discovery. I hope you enjoy this find as much as I do. A clever gift for any James Bond fan. Priced at $92.
Look Ma! New Boots: Hyer Boots
I believe Hyer Boots is going to become on the level of Tecovas in the next few years, and my reasoning for this is Hyer’s brand story combined with their attention to craft.
It starts with Hyer CEO, Zach Lawless, who discovered from a box of family photos that his great-great-grandfather, C.H. Hyer, was one of the original inventors to create the “cowboy boot” back in the 1870s.
Zach made it a mission to buy the family trademark back, securing the rights from Berkshire Hathaway about a decade ago. Next, he began designing and producing boots in the hub of Leon, Mexico, and is now in selling Hyer Boots out to several hundred stores across the U.S. Pairs start around $380. My current top models are the Sawyer ($380) and the Hudson ($410).
Best New Summer Shirt: Faherty Irish Linen Safari Shirt
I’ve never owned a safari shirt, but I’d love this linen piece from Faherty to be my first one. It’s made from 100% Baird McNutt Irish linen (the famous mill that’s been making linen for over a 100 years). Green Sage is the best color. Deep Marine comes in at a close second. Priced at $198.
Best Shades Release: Vallon Howlin’ Brad Leone Edition
Vallon has been a favorite sunglasses brand of mine for a few years now. They just re-upped its partnership with chef Brad Leone for a limited edition color of their bestselling Howlin’ silhouette. Priced at $169, polarized.
Best New Golf Brand: Sentinel Golf
Based in Minneapolis, Sentinel Golf is a product design lab making gear that crosses over between the outdoors and golf. They have wicked cool technical apparel and gear, making everything from rain shells and dry bags, to drivers covers and putter covers.
The first product I’d buy from them would be a Kvadrat Headcover. They’re knitted by the famous Kvadraft design firm in Denmark, then cut and sewn in New York and lined with melton wool. Priced at $108 a piece.
Best New Performance Brand: Florence
This past month, my company onboarded Florence Marine X, or more simply referred to as “Florence.” It’s a performance brand unlike anything I’ve ever seen, rooted in authenticity and legitimate field-testing on Hawaii. Like the name suggests, it’s co-founded by John John Florence and his two brothers Nathan and Ivan.
I’ve been helping work on the messaging in how to talk about Florence. Here’s where I landed:
“Florence is performance-innovation built for an active life in and around water. Every piece is ideated and field tested on the North Shore of Oahu by the Florence brothers: John John (3X World Champion and 2X Olympian), Nathan (2024’s Surfer of the Year), and Ivan (aka “Mr Cool”). This is gear refined through over 6 collective decades of experience. Engineered by those who go past the breaking point.”
There are several recommendations I can give for Florence, but the starting point is really their Cordura Airtex Boardshort. Priced at $99.
Most Functional Summer Sneaker: XTRATUF Kiata Drift Sneaker ($120)
The Deck Boot is XTRATUF’s bread and butter, but their expansion into summer sandals and yearround sneakers is pretty interesting. This new sneaker, the Kiata Drift, is made with a breathable knit upper and a TUFgrip outsole that’s designed to be highly slip-resistant. I could see this shoe providing a ton of value for costal areas and those who are into fishing and boating—you know, because of humidity and wet surfaces. Priced at $120.
Best New Watch: Huckberry x Citizen Promaster Tough Watch
There’s a ton of lore around the Promaster Tough. When it first released in 1999, the titanium coated watch quickly became notable when British survivalist and TV host Ray Mears began wearing it. Members of special forces communities soon discovered the field watch—thus leading to adoption by a handful of members in units like the British Royal Marine Commandos.
That’s all to say the Promaster Tough is a seriously good watch. Even better is my company got with them to create this exclusive Huckberry x Citizen collab—fresh with a custom color, HB-logo engraved caseback, and a special case to store it. Priced at $525.
Best Sport Collection Release: Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Collection
Ralph, the official sponsor for Wimbledon for over 20 years, released a new collection to honor the upcoming tennis tournament. There’s a ton of heat here. Most notable including the graphic tees, camp collar shirts, and hats.
There’s even a pair of tortoise shades with green lenses, with a tiny engraving on top of the frame that says “Game Set Match”.
A lot of this stuff is probably going to sell fast. Even if you’re not seriously buying, I recommend giving the collection a look to see how Ralph positions itself in marketing tennis. Pricing varies.
Best Bag Release: Peak Design Outdoor Backpack ($190)
Last fall, Peak Design released its outdoor line that included the Outdoor Backpack (available in 25L and 45L) and The Outdoor Sling (2L and 7L capacity). Now, the Bay Area gearmaker dropped an 18L Outdoor Backpack.
The compact backpack has a sleeker silhouette and zippered main compartment (as opposed to the other Outdoor Backpack’s sizes featuring a roll-top closure). The 18L model weighs 1.94 lbs and is outfitted with an abrasion-resistant, weatherproof Terra Shell™ 210D ripstop nylon that’s 100% recycled—and Bluesign approved and PFAS-free.
Other specs include: a hydration sleeve, a pass hydration hose, and internal laptop sleeve (fits up to 13” MacBook Pro), and the ability to add the PD camera cubes for gear organization. Priced at $189.95.
Best EDC Release: Groove Wallet - New Colors
Slide-action wallets are super fun. I’ve yet to find one as good as Groove Wallet: all-metal design, holds up to 8 cards, and has a card lock that keeps all your plastic in place.
To use it, all you have to do is press upward on the built-in thumb grip and the mechanism will fan out all your cards in one smooth motion.
Best Surprise Release: 3sixteen Active Collection
Last year, Andrew Chen and his team at 3sixteen put together their first full activewear collection. The response was a hit, and now 3sixteen has released its SS25 Active Collection to much popular demand.
On the site, you’ll see the popular Trail Short, as well as training tees and tanks. It also appears there are new short types, namely the Pace Short and the Training Short. (I believe last year there was a Running Short, but I’m guessing it’s been repackaged now as the Pace Short.)
I admire 3sixteen for being able to pull off activewear. They might be the only denim-first brand to actually try something like this, which is awesome. To me, it’s a lesson in showing that as long as you’re authentic (they’ve been hosting community runs and plugging into the fitness space on their own terms over the last several years), and are committed to your craft, then what you create is bound to be good. Pricing varies.
RUNDOWN: The 23 Best Men’s Style & Gear Releases in June 2025
Most Useful Release: Matador Packable Laundry Bag
Best Collaboration: J.Crew x Atlantic Coastal Supplies
The ‘Hell Yeah Brother’ Release: Poncho Outdoors - The Right to Bear Arms Shirt
Best New Hats: Diamond Cross Ranch Wild Forever
The Rugged Charger: NestOut Outdoor Charging Cable
The Must-Have Nightstand Gadget: MountainLamp
A Workout Tee Like No Other: Wellen PatinaTech Tee ($58)
Best New Smartwatch: SUUNTO Run Coral Orange ($249)
Most Underrated Running Shoe: ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27 ($140)
Best New Microbrand Watch: RZE UTD-8000-FC Watch $230
Best New Recovery Slides: norda 008 Hinoki Slides
Best Deep Internet Find: Jack the Bulldog - No Time To Die Edition
Look Ma, New Boots: Hyer Boots
Best New Summer Shirt: Faherty Irish Linen Safari Shirt
Best Shades Release: Vallon Howlin’ Brad Leone Edition
Best New Golf Brand: Sentinel Golf
Best New Performance Brand: Florence
Most Functional Summer Sneaker: XTRATUF Kiata Drift Sneaker ($120)
Best New Watch: Huckberry x Citizen Promaster Tough Watch
Best Sport Collection Release: Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Collection
Best Bag Release: Peak Design Outdoor Backpack ($190)
Best EDC Release: Groove Wallet - New Colors
Best Surprise Release: 3sixteen Active Collection
LIVE A LITTLE
MORE FROM THE ARCHIVES
Are you caught up on all last month’s posts? Here’s what you might’ve missed.
I published a style breakdown on the 15 best shirts for summer under $100.
Paid subscribers gained access to two exclusive posts: 105 Men’s Style Summer Style Essentials and 23 Men's Watches That Will Never Go Out of Style.
FIELD JOURNAL 34 I recap an awesome float trip on the San Marcos river. It’s one of the best highlights
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Comment your favorites + let me know if I missed anything!
The Wellen PatinaTech tees are sick. I really like the whole idea of running in cotton, at least the look, but hate actually running in cotton. So, a tee like this is perfect for that. Cool to see a brand nail the fading of a vintage cotton tee in something that is pretty much all polyester.