Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Best Menswear to Celebrate 10 Years of Howler Brothers

A Beginner’s Guide to Fly-FishingThere’s something special about a brand that knows what it’s all about, nearly from the very start, and then sticks to that vision while embracing challenges along the way. Such is the story of Howler Brothers, the rugged yet fun-loving, Texas-based brand with storied roots in music and a taste for adventure. Better still, the brand recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, launching both a richly crafted coffee table book and now, a new collection of spring style essentials.

Founded in 2011 by Virginia college buddies Andy Stepanian and Chase Heard, the brand began on a bit of a whim, as the two friends blended their love of music with a love for fly fishing and eye-catching style. The duo’s time in the bluegrass band Wrinkle Neck Mules naturally informed what they wore on stage (Western shirts, now a staple of the Howler Brothers brand and adorned with vivid stitching and colors). And then, there’s that love of adventure: You can wear Howler Brothers’ mix of technical puffer jackets, quilted flannel shirts, soft yet vibrant graphic tees and hybrid shorts just about anywhere, especially fly fishing or to grab an ice cold beer afterward.

Recommended Videos

That trio of pursuits — music, outdoor adventure and a love of great clothing — sits at the core of the brand today, as The Manual learned when they caught up with the two founders via video call in January.

“Fashionable fly fishermen” might be an odd proposition for a brand, but it speaks to the variety of fun to be had in Austin, as well as the utility (and style) behind the brand itself. Rest assured, guys all over Texas and well beyond now count the brand’s wardrobe staples as their own favorites. The company now has dozens of employees but maintains a lean operation overall — still, it’s a far cry from screen-printing t-shirts in the brand’s early days. Now, Stepanian and Heard play in a different band (Leon III), but the Howler ethos of adventure, fun, and style remains the same.

That ethos goes for plenty of the company’s staple pieces, with even jackets only setting you back $99. Dive into the world of Howler Brothers for yourself with our favorite new spring style picks, fresh out of Texas.

Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt

The best rugged Western shirt for men.
Howler Brothers

The Gaucho Snapshirt, a revamped take on the printed Western shirts the brand’s co-founders once wore, remains a hot seller for Howler Brothers, year after year. A blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex gives it stretch, while the flower detailing at the chest adds distinctive style points.

Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt

The best short-sleeve outdoor shirt for men.
Howler Brothers

The Howler team certainly knows how to have a good time — not to mention how to design versatile gear to be worn from sunrise to sunset. The cotton-poly blend is quick-drying (useful when out under the sun manning the grill or hanging on a boat), while the two front-button chest pockets give you a  bit of everyday carry versatility (use either or both to store a bottle opener or an extra fishing fly).

Howler Brothers Seabreacher Jacket

The best lightweight spring jacket for men.
Howler Brothers

Even the morning sometimes dawns cool in Howler Brothers’ home state, hence the introduction of a packable windbreaker in a fresh, new spring color. Nylon construction helps repel wind and light rain, and oversized zipper pockets act as useful storage space on the road or when cruising to a favorite surfing spot.

Howler Brothers Pressure Drop Cord Shorts

The best men's corduroy shorts.
Howler Brothers

Corduroy shorts are a throwback style staple that calls to mind long days in the spring and summer sun, cold beer in hand — the kind your dad might have worn in an old Polaroid, for instance. Howler Brothers has channeled that same energy with a pair of drawstring cord shorts in a subtle but stylish print.

Howler Brothers Plusherman Terry Polo

The best men's spring polo.
Howler Brothers

The terry polo is a style move that screams laidback yet polished relaxation. The kind that signifies you’re not worried about much, but you still want to look put together. You can do that quite easily with this cotton and polyester terrycloth polo, with an eye-catching Howler Brothers chest pocket graphic for good measure.

Howler Brothers Pedernales Packable Shorts

The best packable shorts for men.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The idea behind the Howler Brothers brand is, of course, that no fun was ever had without the right gear. Take these versatile, lightweight nylon shorts. Stuff ’em in your overnight bag for a quick jaunt out of town, throw ’em on for a hike, and wear them just about anywhere else — the 7-inch inseam is just right on most guys, and the integrated belt and elastic waist make for easy-on, easy-off comfort and a no-slip fit.

Howler Brothers Loggerhead Hoodie

The best lightweight hoodie for men.
Howler Brothers

Breezy, functional style is the name of the game when hitting the water or exploring, say, one of Austin’s famed parks. We think this hoodie, fashioned partly from recycled polyester and boasting built-in sun protection, is the ideal lightweight layer when you want protection from overhead rays without overheating.

Howler Brothers Camp Howler Snapback Hat

The best snapback ballcap for men.
Howler Brothers

What makes a great ballcap? Is it the throwback-oriented design details, like braided roping on the brim? Is it a striking graphic that makes you look twice? Is it the color, like a pair with a specific shade of olive? In the case of this snapback hat, it’s all of the above — and then some. Keep the sun off your mug and your vision clear as you search for your next catch.

Howler Brothers Classic Pocket T-shirt

The best men's pocket T-shirt.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Never underestimate the value of a good pocket t-shirt, which is more than just your standard white t-shirt or undershirt. In fact, when designed by Howler Brothers, it becomes a conversation piece all its own, with a bold, retro-style graphic and the Howler Brothers creed to “heed the call.” Go forth in style.

Howler Brothers Daily Grind Boardshorts

The best men's boardshorts
Howler Brothers

For as much fun as you can have on land (and on a boat) wearing gear from Howler Brothers, you can have just as much fun in the water with the right pair of boardshorts. To us, that means a pair with quick-drying nylon-blend fabric is just the ticket for quick dives and lazy days, complete with welded front zipper pockets for daily must-haves.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
10 of the Best Neck Gaiters for Men
The best neck gaiters are comfortable, while protecting against the sun and weather.

Neck gaiters were always a super-versatile garment long before they found a new level of popularity during the pandemic. While they are absolutely one of the best options out there for a comfortable indoor face covering, the outdoors are where a good neck gaiter really shines.

Who'd have thought nearly any outdoor activity you can imagine would benefit so much from the addition of a fabric tube? Going fishing? Throw a gaiter on to protect your neck and face from the sun. Got a ski or snowboard trip in the works this winter? Throw a gaiter in your pack to keep your body heat where it belongs. Taking your trusty dual-sport motorcycle out into the desert? A nice breathable gaiter keeps all that dust out of your mouth and nose.

Read more
The 10 Best Blue Jeans for Men to Wear on the Daily
A man in jeans posing on a railing of an old mansion

If you don’t have a pair of good blue jeans in your wardrobe, allow us to explain exactly why you should remedy that as soon as possible. The best men's blue jeans, once a workwear staple, are now fit for work and play, particularly when made in rich shades of indigo and done up with perhaps a helpful hint of stretch. To say that you need at least one great pair is an understatement. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also keep in mind how your pants should fit, so we'll offer up options for different body types, too. 

This classic style staple has truly evolved into something that can be worn by, well, everyone. The best men’s blue jeans can be as sharp and dressy as your favorite suit pants or as casual as you want ‘em to be. Best of all, they’ll work with plenty of your favorite men’s style essentials. To start, here are the pairs we love and wear often.
Best Overall Levi's 514 Straight-Leg Jeans

Read more
The 10 Best Christmas Pajamas for a Festive Holiday
A midsection of a man wearing checkered pajamas and holding a mug at home.

When it comes to humorous, festive Christmas apparel, ugly Christmas sweaters tend to steal the spotlightf but Christmas pajamas play a starring role for many guys as well. Though you may not have the opportunity to sport your jolly Christmas pajamas at a work party or holiday gathering with friends, they can be a special way to enjoy the Christmas season at home with your family.
Wearing matching family Christmas pajamas is a growing trend, but even if everyone in your home has their own unique set of Christmas duds, just the fact that you can slip into something particularly festive for the magic of Christmas is a fun way to go all in on the holiday. After all, Christmas only comes once a year. With that in mind, we scoured the best pajamas to wear for the holidays. Our top picks are a totally fun, holly jolly way to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in style. Scroll down for the best Christmas pajamas for men.
 Related Guides

Best Christmas Socks
Best Christmas Jumpers for Men

Read more