Loafers - The Upgrader on Men.Style.Com

Unless you're a dyed-in-the-wool devotee of the mohawk (or, say, Mad Men), the stuff you put in your hair should probably play a supporting role and little more. Toward that end, we, er, combed the market to find the best hair product out there, whether pomade, cream, wax, stick, or puck. And because that market is so vast and fraught with stylistic peril, we enlisted a team of experts to help narrow our list down to the very best. Special thanks to Shorty Maniace of FSC Barbers; April Barton of Suite 303; and Shaun Cottle and Kate Werner of Seagull Hair Salon (all in New York); and Christiaan Van Bremen of Rudolph's in L.A.

Although the sport puts on traditional airs—it evolved from a pastime played by French monks in the twelfth century, don't you know?—today's racquets are practically space age. With composite frames, sophisticated vibration dampening, and plenty of time in the R&D labs, they are high-tech tools of the tennis trade. Perhaps you plan on simply joining the friendly doubles match down by the pool (gin and tonic between sets, anyone?), or maybe you're sweatily working your way up the league ladder. In either case, the right stick is key. Vote now for you favorite object of devotion.

Between Guitar Hero and Rock Band, the guitar solo is experiencing a renaissance. (Or at least appreciation of the guitar solo is experiencing a renaissance.) And it ain't like gamers are rocking out to Pavement B-sides—the kids are strumming their plastic axes along to classic licks from the '70s. In that spirit, we strapped on some extra-bulky Koss headphones, plugged in our air guitars, and called a panel of experts—Guided by Voices guitarist Doug Gillard, designer John Varvatos, and To Air Is Human author Björn Töroque (real name Dan Crane)—to find the best guitar solos of the guitar solo's best era. Think our picks are just noise? Shred away in the comments.

Chronographs and other sport models have been grabbing the headlines in the watch game for at least the last decade. But for business or black-tie occasions, nothing beats the elegance of a dress watch—or the knowledge that your understated timepiece is more refined technically (and much more costly) than that flashy chunk of metal on the wrist of the fellow across the table. We enlisted Al Armstrong, of Hartford, Connecticut–based dealer Armstrong and Rockwell, to give us a hand picking the finest examples of the genre. Hartford is known as the "insurance capital of the world," meaning that it's full of the sort of executive who appreciates the value of quiet one-upmanship.

As the name of this Web site suggests, we put a great deal of stock in style. We're prepared to make an exception for running shoes, though. Okay, let's be honest: We don't have any choice but to make an exception for running shoes. The things are fucking ugly. On the other hand, no one wants to be the guy who had to get his knees scoped because he insisted on running five miles a day in a pair of old-school sneakers. So, in order to fit into that Thom Browne suit, you may have to sacrifice a little style (it's okay, Thom understands: He's a runner too) and pick up one of these high-performance models.

Contrary to what you may have heard, it is still legal to buy and drive an SUV in the United States. No, they're not the greenest vehicles out there—nor are they the most cost-effective—but for those who just can't fit all their stuff inside a Prius, only a rig that can fit a Prius inside will do. Here, from a fire-breathing Porsche to a yacht-hauling GMC, are 15 models that are worth the gas money—and possibly even the dirty looks.

In our ongoing commitment to service journalism, we went out and researched every possible coital arrangement (who knew there was more than one?). After a brief cigarette break, we culled the list down to the bare essentials. Think we're truly on top of our game? Firmly disagree with the thrust of our arguments? Leave a comment.

Kobe sliders and foie gras–fortified expense-account monsters may get all the press, but nothing beats a slab of good old-fashioned ground chuck on a toasted bun (with maybe a little onion and tomato thrown in for good measure). With that in mind, we scoured the country from Cali to New Haven to find the best of the basics (plus, okay, a couple tolerable examples of the kobe-and-foie-gras genre). Agree with our best-burger picks? Let us know. Disagree? Don't be shy. Hold to the ludicrous belief that succulent, flavorful cows are somehow not meant to be eaten? You're on the wrong Web site, pal. Oh, and if you'd like to suggest an addition to the list, feel free to send us an e-mail. Whatever you do, just remember not to read what's ahead on an empty stomach.

Whether you're looking to sip it in a hot tub or fill one with the stuff, choosing the right Champagne is always fraught. Why? Because it's not just fizzy wine—it's a demographic signifier. Are you a man of immense means and impeccable taste? A crass show-off? A total cheapskate? Whatever the case—and we're guessing the answer's a little of each—we've got a brand to recommend. Don't like our picks? Feel free to aim a few virtual corks in our direction with a well-argued comment.

In the era of snowboard as art, it's nice to know that they still make versions you can actually ride down the slopes (provided you can actually ride a snowboard down the slopes). Whether you're a seasoned pro in search of a new deck or a weekend warrior trying to keep up with the kids (be they snowboarders or art lovers), you'll find the right piece of equipment here. Disagree with our picks? Head to the comments section and shred away.

We think Helmut Lang deserves the credit—or is that the blame? Before the rigorous Austrian introduced his slim, precisely cut jeans in the mid-90s, you'd buy a pair of 501s and call it a day. Now the choice is just a bit more complicated. We've rounded up the best jeans in a ridiculously crowded market, focusing on each brand's most essential style (and yes, that includes some Helmuts and 501s, though neither in quite their original form). Here's your chance to stand up for your favorites.

It's a fact too many guys ignore, but sunglasses serve a purpose beyond just helping you look cool (and we're not talking about concealing bloodshot eyes). Happily, ever since it was introduced as standard-issue eyewear for Air Force pilots, the aviator has been adept at glare protection as well as aesthetic enhancement. The examples gathered here serve both form and function, whether you're talking about a pimped-out pair from Tom Ford or the G15 XLT-lensed originals from Ray-Ban.

Over their 70-odd year history, loafers have gone from a symbol of rebellion (yes, they were a favorite of misbehavin' teens back in the day) to footwear of choice for off-duty tax lawyers. Now they're back (well, almost). Possibly a bit too conservative for your average unruly teen, today's loafer is definitely not your father's shoe (unless, of course, your dad has really great taste). From Gucci's two-toned slip-ons to a punked-out pair from Barker Black, here are the season's sleekest styles.

Twenty-first-century man spends most of his time in an office or in stalled traffic en route to said office, which is why it's essential that twenty-first-century man sport a watch capable of timing laps at the Monaco Grand Prix with infallible precision. With a little help from Edward Faber of the Aaron Faber Gallery, we've selected the top examples of this contemporary staple. Let's face it, chronographs just look good—and, if nothing else, can be used to time exactly how long that moron at the other end of the conference table is taking on his presentation.

Though most closely associated with eighties-era corporate raiders (both real and cinematic), the contrast-collar shirt has enjoyed a comeback over the past couple seasons. Now, a wide variety of labels, from A.P.C. to Zegna, are offering new interpretations of the look. And while the details differ, nearly all have one thing in common: Their more casual demeanor is much better suited to the barroom than the boardroom.

Long a military staple, the double-breasted overcoat finds itself in the midst of a civilian resurgence for Fall 2007. Here's our salute to the season's best, from Tom Ford's cashmere mac to Frida Giannini's mod gray check to Christopher Bailey's full-length symphony of "uniform blue." Disagree with our choices? Feel free to sound off. Like what you see? Same goes—and, better yet, put your money where your (virtual) mouth is. Consider it an order.

Many barbers profess indifference to "the tool," as they call a razor, but they'll happily discuss lathers, emollients, and various other elixirs as if they were fine wines. While there are products here that cost as much as a decent cabernet, there are also options for the price of a six pack (or, in a couple cases, a single tallboy). We risked life and limb—or at least razor burn—to try them all. All for the simple purpose of helping you, the style-minded consumer, avoid a rash decision.

A trim gray suit never goes out of style, though you could contend that the look has never been more in style than right now. And the options available reflect that fact. From Margiela's artfully mismatched combo to Ralph Lauren's supple houndstooth three-piece, the range of fabrics, cuts, and colors—though all officially gray—is as wide as the lapels on a Tom Ford jacket.

You've come a long way since junior high, and you should be able to say the same about your scent (not that Drakkar Noir wasn't a massive hit with the babes back then). Whether that means something new, like Calvin Klein Man, or classic, like Creed Green Irish Tweed, one rule applies: It's possible to have too much of a good thing.

Now that the iPod—and we mean the iPod, not some wannabe "iPod killer"—is a part of everyone's daily life, a new market has sprung up to help you get the most out of your little white mind-control device. We sacrificed our individuality (and hearing) to find the best-designed, sweetest-sounding add-ons out there—car accessories, docks, even exercise-oriented wristwatch remotes. Disagree with our assessments? Feel free to sound off.

Roomy as a Mini, environmentally friendly as an Escalade—yup, we're talking about the expensive, impractical, yet utterly irresistible high-performance coupe. From the Audi that's got the 911 directly in its Xenon-equipped sights to what may be the best Ferrari ever, here's the lowdown on the world's top two-doors—or at least those that go for less than $200,000. Hey, don't say we're not budget conscious.

It's a cell phone. You use it to make calls, period. Right? Not really. And while the cell has somehow evolved into the leading demographic signifier of our time—what, you think iPhone hysteria was about a touch screen?—we've done something radical and evaluated the latest models on their merits, as well as their cool factor. So which one's the best? You make the call.

Not that long ago, buying a pocket-sized camera meant a serious sacrifice in image quality. Now? Pretty much the same situation, though pocket digital cameras are getting better—and smaller, and more affordable—all the time. We combed the market to find our favorites, from the stalwarts (Canon, Leica, Nikon) to the upstarts (GE—seriously), all of which work a hell of a lot better than your camera phone, without taking up much more room.

Long the province of antisocial geeks and preadolescent boys—or grown men who exhibit characteristics of both—gaming has lately become… well, not exactly cool, but something you can admit to without being too embarrassed. With that in mind, we risked life and thumb (and a little dignity) to find the most intense, best-designed, and most addictive titles out there, from EA's latest Madden NFL to BioShock and, of course, Halo 3. Now it's your turn to weigh in—provided you can tear yourself away from that console.

The good news about the HDTV market: Rapidly falling prices for flat-panels mean high-def is cheaper than ever. The bad news: Rapidly falling prices mean fewer barriers to entry for crappy brands with nothing better to do than clutter up the market and confuse your buying experience. Whether you're looking to upgrade your living room or your tour bus, here are the ones that matter - from ultra high-end to the best of the big-box models.

No offense to hard-core mountain bikers or spandex-clad Armstrong wannabes, but there's such thing as overkill. After all, most of the time you hop on a bike, you're looking to get from point A to point B, to take in a little air, or maybe just avoid a DUI. Do you really need a tricked-out, single-track-devouring steed in those situations? Of course not. Dial the intensity back a bit and pick up one of these easy-riding, smartly designed commuters. Helmet optional, spandex forbidden.

Ordering the wine during a business dinner is generally considered a privilege—and with great privilege comes great responsibility. Translation: You've got to impress your clients and colleagues with your viticultural acumen (or at least the appearance thereof), while simultaneously knowing where to draw the line with your close friends in accounting. The latter area's up to you, but we're happy to help with the former—after all, it may be someone else's money, but that's no reason to spend it unwisely.

Snarled airport traffic, security hassles, flight delays… air travel has never been more stressful. The bad news is it ain't getting any better anytime soon. The worse news, you ain't getting a private jet anytime soon. The good news? For those with a little (company) cash to spare, airlines across the globe are working hard to provide an airborne oasis from all the aggravations. About to book an overseas trip? Click through our reviews first. Just back from one? Tell the world what worked—and didn't.

Despite the ongoing Sandals-ification of the world's warmer climes, there remain a few spots where even the most jaded and overworked traveler can have a good time. (Some of them—OK, a couple of them—are even affordable.) From the (millionaire) surfer vibe of Oahu's North Shore to classic destinations like St. Bart's to up-and-comers like Vieques, here are our picks for the best places to kick back with a minimum of annoyance, a maximum of enjoyment, and a complete absence of buffet meals.

Pure grain alcohol, usually made on the cheap, diluted to about 80 proof. When you put it that way, vodka doesn't sound all that appealing, does it? (The correct answer is "no.") And yet, among the more notable brands, the differences in flavor profile, smoothness and—perhaps most strikingly—mouthfeel can be substantial. Fact: They don't all taste the same. In the cause of quality journalism, we sampled the world's best. The results? A late morning or two, and the highly opinionated list you see here.

If a snifter of sipping tequila is your idea of the perfect dessert, chances are you're a fan of premium añejos (which, by legal definition, are barrel aged from 1 to 3 years). Given the wide range of choices now available, finding the best isn't easy. With that in mind, we put our livers on the line to find the smoothest, most complex versions out there, from the full-bodied Chinaco to the small-batch distinctiveness of Los Abuelos (along with 13 other top choices).

Board meetings, brunch with the in-laws—a few decades back, there wasn't much in a man's life that couldn't be improved by a couple fingers of Cutty (with a little splash of water when served before noon). In these more sober times, however, the focus is on quality over quantity. As a result, there have never been more mouthwatering malts to choose from. Styles differ—from the peaty beast preferred by British royalty to Macallan's delicate Fine Oak 15—but all share one key trait: They're a far cry from the swill you once swiped from your father's liquor cabinet.