Holiday Gift Guide: Men’s Casual Apparel

There’s no reason to show up without looking good, even in the Outback while traveling the world. The team here has picked some favorites to buy now and start wearing – if you can’t keep the gift box from getting unwrapped.

Mountain Khakis El Camino Men’s Short-Sleeve Shirt: Mega-guapo

Mountain Khakis El Camino Men’s Short-Sleeve Shirt Starting at: $66.81

Summer is worth stretching out. Even when the sun starts to dip, El Camino brings the kind of endless style that’s becoming more of Mountain Khakis’ signature. Testers valued the short-sleeve shirt’s slightly heavier fabric that transitions well from inside air conditioning to sun-baked pool decks. The chest pocket on the left is double-welted (and buttoned) for a touch that elevates El Camino miles past even a $150 designer tee. Pearl snap buttons are sublime and never seem out of place. Nor does the DNA-like, double-twist pattern flowing down the shirt’s body and across the collar. Without a doubt an untucked style, this one cries out for some well-considered sunglasses, shorts and leather sandals (instead of sloppy flip-flops). If you’ve even been mistaken for a Hollywood personality, get ready for the mistakes to multiply. All for nowhere close to $100. Take reasonable care of the 100% cotton fabric and there’s no reason why you won’t keep the guapo rocking for years to come.

Best For: Casual, travel, after-surf wear paired with fish tacos – don’t forget the fresh limes

Lululemon Men’s Kahuna Short 2.0: Master the moment

More James Bond than putt putt poser, this short owns the situation. Commanding the field whether it’s a driving range distance challenge, Frisbee golf smackdown or bocce ball scrum, Short II is long on easy movement courtesy of sweat-wicking Warpstreme fabric. Movement is free with a non-binding crotch and legs that don’t ride up. Running 22” in length, this short works both for tuck-in shirts (remember those?) and casual tees. Testers, with previous Lululemon experience, glommed on to the pocket-in-a-pocket left front stowage for I.D., cards and cash. The right rear zippered pocket added yet another measure of utility in spite of the model’s “watch me do the IPO” relaxed confidence. Trimmer wearers benefit from the short’s cut while the back-up waist button and belt loops complete a country club-capable package.

Best For: Domestic and international travel, better coastal seafood restaurants, light-duty athletics

Also check out the Lululemon The Works shorts with Quick Oxford Fabric. 

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Woolrich Trout Run Flannel Shirt: Embrace the place

Woolrich Trout Run Flannel Shirt

Even in late summer and at altitude, temps drop into what Active Junky affectionately calls “The Flannel Zone.” Here, cozy becomes beyond convenient as campfires take on more than simply soul-warming duties. This 100% pebble-washed cotton flannel shirt adapts to multiple seasons with a 5oz fabric weight. Once again, Woolrich gets it right with cotton-twill lined collar and cuffs. Urban, casual and backwoods get equal style treatment as Trout Run carries a button-down color along with a button-through patch pocket. Relaxed fit doesn’t feel or look sloppy in a machine wash style available in a rainbow of colors (including browns, fellow anglers). Testers found little to dispute as Trout Run handles tucked or untucked looks. A back yoke permits full movement to cast, chop wood and raise a glass high. And taller outdoor lovers can grab for the Long version. Brushed for extra softness, this plaid shirt owns the stream. Even when ice starts to form along the banks.

Best For: Three-season wear in cooler climates