Proper Picks is back for May, and it’s right on time, too. Due to the luxurious weather we’ve been having as of late, this edition is packed full of shorts, sunglasses & lightweight shirts – everything you need for navigating temps north of 16 degrees, really.
This is probably the biggest Proper Picks we’ve ever done. I think it’s got something like 47 items in it. It’s taken me far too long, but hopefully, you’ll find something in here that you like. If not, it’s probably time to come to terms with the very real possibility that you have poor taste. Sorry about that.
BEAMS Plus Open Collar Shirt
If Tony Soprano was into acid, he’d wear this.
Idea Dave Swindells Ibiza ’89 book
This book looks mega, full of photos and stories of the glory days of Ibiza, written by someone who was there at the time. Very important journalism.
Bedrock Sandals Mountain Clog
I’ve actually got a pair of these and have fallen madly in love with them. I’m actually contemplating getting rid of all my other shoes and just wearing these year-round.
C.P. Company Flatt Nylon Goggle Jacket
A very good iteration of the goggle jacket. Just look at all those big asymmetrical pockets.
Goodlids Hemp Rugby Highland
These new Goodlids hemp rugby shirts are well good – pair them with some really small shorts and you’ll be looking like prime Tom Selleck in Magnum, P.I.
Salomon XT-6
The meteoric rise of the Salomon XT-6 has to be studied – they’re everywhere. Easy to see why, though, especially when they do colourways this good.
Carhartt WIP Äôs Football T-Shirt
Carhartt are doing football shirts now. Really, they should’ve changed the text from Carhartt wip to Carhartt whip. Because you know… Whipping balls into the box and that.
Vans LX Authentic
Mark my words, these are going to be the hottest shoes of late 2025.
Snow Peak Shadow Ripstop Pullover
Big fan of the two different-sized pockets on this. Perfect for carrying two different-sized objects.
Noah Classic Sweatshirt
Whenever I see Noah, I always end up thinking they’ve picked a good name for their brand. Having RYAN or CRAIG on the front of your jumper isn’t anywhere near as cool, is it?
Bongusta Tigress Rug
Come on, who wouldn’t want this in their home?
Everyday Mountaineering Meadow Mountain Tee
Everyday Mountaineering is the outdoor clothing world’s best-kept secret. Sublime fabrics, solid construction, and a plethora of very intriguing design details.
District Vision California Hoodie
Not sure what to say about this one other than it’s a nice hoodie. With a nice logo on it?
Cayl Light Mesh Cap
This cap is very calming; just looking at it has reduced my blood pressure significantly. Sort of like if you turned a pair of pyjamas into headwear.
Universal Works Camp Shirt
Great summer shirting from the gang over at Universal Works – if you’re reading this, will you send me one?
BEAMS Basic Hoodie
I’ve still not figured out the difference between BEAMS and BEAMS Plus, if anyone could enlighten me, that would be great. Anyway, nice hoodie.
Birkenstock Cotton Crew Tennis Socks
BIRKENSTOCK SOCKS, BIRKENSTOCK SOCKS, BIRKENSTOCK SOCKS. Now try saying that five times, quickly. Now you’ve got spit all over your phone.
HAY Wall Clock
I might be getting old, putting a clock on the list. It is nice, though, isn’t it? Bet it would be very enjoyable to tell the time off.
and Wander Cordura Cotton Rip Shirt Jacket
and Wander’s shirting for SS25 is delightful. Big fan of this deep blue colour paired with their reflective pizza slice branding.
Danner Mountain Light
Don’t care if these have appeared many, many times on Proper Picks over the years, the Mountain Light is still the best boot ever made. It’s here just in case you needed reminding.
South2 West8 Belted C.S. Short
These South2 West8 shorts look like they would fit fantastically.
Ferm Living Desert Lounge Chair
Just imagine sitting in your cool green Ferm chair, looking up at your cool green HAY clock. Sounds like paradise to me.
Klattermusen Ultralight Waterproof Tee
This is what I imagine Tintin would wear if he was into techy outdoor clothing and had quite a lot of money.
NNormal Race Vest 5L
This vest looks fast. Which I suppose all running vests should, but this one looks really rapid.
Oscar Deen Nelson
Sunglasses season is back. Although it never really left, if you’re one of those super cool individuals who wear sunglasses indoors. God, I wish I could be one of those people.
Norse Projects Per Cotton Tencel Shorts
Really want these.
Idea Acid Hat
To avoid uncomfortable questions, we would suggest not wearing this cap at any genre of family occasion.
Montbell 50th Anniversary Classic Logo T-shirt
Montbell has turned 50 this year, and to commemorate this special moment, they’ve released a load of great 50th anniversary tees – like this one here, with a graphic of the brand’s very first logo.
Champion Made in USA Reverse Weave Hoodie
Not only does this Champion hoodie look extremely cosy, I reckon it would also double up as an excellent goalpost for an impromptu kickabout.
Nike AirMax SNDR
Here we have Sunderland’s greatest export, the Nike AirMax Sunder. Well done lads.
KEEN Uneek
Not really hot out until you’ve got a pair of KEEN Uneeks on your feet.
Service Works Apron
Aprons weren’t cool until Service Works did them. I’m debating planning an entire barbecue just so I could show this piece of kit off to my mates.
Fred Perry Twill Overshirt
Very smart overshirt from Fred Perry.
Filson x Housefly Swiftwater Rain Poncho
Fishing is the coolest pastime, let’s be honest. Sitting by a body of water, watching the world go by, maybe catch a fish or two. The clobber they wear is pretty cool too, evidenced by this mega Filson x Housefly collaboration.
SAYSKY Stripe Combat T-Shirt
Not entirely sure why this is called a Combat T-Shirt. Surely this would be pretty useless in a combat situation? You’d be spotted instantly. Anyway, besides the silly name, it’s a very nice piece of clothing.
Cadence Core 500 RTD
A co-worker has told me that these are the next big thing in running. I’m not buying into it. Just looks like salty Coke to me, although I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit intrigued…
Uskees #7001 North West Wax Jacket
Big, big jacket from Uskees. We actually shot it around Ancoats the other day, you can look at that here.
Action Bronson x New Balance Made in USA 990v6
If you were to ask me what a New Balance Action Bronson collab would look like, I would’ve said something very similar to this. Perhaps with some kind of baklava reference added in.
BEAMS Japan Lucky Charm Doll
What on earth is this?
Filson Dry Tin Duckbill Cap
Have you ever found that regular cap bills are not long enough? If yes, then you should consider getting one of these slightly longer billed Filson Caps.
Arksen Guara Softshell Shorts
Arksen seem to execute everything they do extremely well. Jackets, trousers, shorts, caps, cars, boats.
Danner Huckberry N45
Danner Huckberry sounds like the name of some mad explorer with a massive beard. I, for one, would like to see the next instalment of this collaboration have some Danner Huckberry looking fella modelling the gear. Does that make sense? Probably not.
PUMA King Ultimate x PORSCHE
Never knew I needed Porsche football boots until now. Be pretty embarrassing dropping a stinker at Power League with these on your feet, though.
Peak Performance Trail MTB Shorts
Alright, these Peak Performance shorts might be designed for mountain biking, but they look like they’d handle plenty of other stuff not involving mountains or bikes just fine. Like walking around. Or sitting down.
Fjällräven Heavy Classic T-shirt
This Fjällräven garment is two things that you most definitely want your T-Shirt to be – heavy & classic.
Filson Birkenstock London Methow
The more I look at these, the more and more I like them. Currently contemplating buying them for my dad.
