Buck Mason Review: Is New American Vintage In?

It’s time for me to accept it.

I’m an overshirt guy. 

Every time the seasons change, I just go out and get more overshirts. It’s a problem. 

Well, it was time to actually do a little refresh of my wardrobe instead of just get new overshirts. 

And I’ve heard a lot of great things about Buck Mason, so I decided to pick up some of their most popular pieces and give the brand a shot. Here’s what I think.

What Is Buck Mason?

Buck Mason was founded in Venice Beach, California in 2013. I’d say their style is like vintage American classics without the outdated boxy style. 

If you’ve ever been interested in WWII era chinos, heavy cable knit crewneck sweaters, flight jackets, and raw denim that fits like *chef’s kiss*, then you’ll like the styles Buck Mason have to offer. 

You may also know Taylor Stitch, which has a similar vibe. While I’m a fan of both brands, I think Buck Mason has a more comfortable fit and is more solid on the basics. That said, Taylor Stitch  pretty regularly makes an overshirt or a jacket that I literally can’t stop myself from buying, so I’m not throwing shade on them. 

Buck Mason is priced in the mid-to-high range. I’d say they’re in a similar range as Banana Republic, but the quality is way better. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Clothes from Buck Mason

Because of Buck Mason’s price, you (or at least I) may have to be a bit more selective, depending on your budget of course. I wouldn’t say Buck Mason is expensive—there are some more designer and niche brands that blast into the stratosphere. Buck is still in the mid-range. 

But their quality is rock-solid, and I think they’re a fantastic brand to go with for building out the staples of your wardrobe. 

Their tees, jeans, and shirts are simple and classic. They fit well, and the fabric is great. 

So I recommend picking up one of a few different things. Try a tee, try a shirt. And if you like how it fits, then go back and stock up. 

In terms of quality, Buck Mason is on it. For you, it really just depends on how the clothes drape on your body-type. I’ll try to help you out with some photos below so you can get a better idea. 

Buck Mason Review

Buck Mason is known for their tees and their jeans. But I couldn’t just stop there, so I picked up one of their casual shirts, a hoodie, and their Felted Chore Coat (totally different than an overshirt, I swear). 

Buck Mason T-Shirt Review

There are several different types of Buck Mason tees, but I got the Slub Curved Hem Tee.

Spring is on its way, and I can already sense the summer humidity getting ready to punish me, so I was looking for something lightweight and breathable, but still has a solid shape and structure to it. 

The Slub Curved Hem has a bit of a vintage look to it, as the collar doesn’t sit perfectly neat and the shirt overall looks more “lived” in. If you’re wondering, the term “slub” basically means that the fabric isn’t completely smooth. 

You can see some horizontal waves in the fabric, which gives the shirt a more rich and dynamic look. 

In terms of sizing, I got a Large and I’m 6’1” and 200 lbs. I love the fit of this shirt. A lot of higher end brands tend to be a bit too tight in the chest for me, but I feel like Buck Mason has a tailored look without going too snug. 

I’m also a fan of the curved hem, as I don’t have to worry about bending over and showing some plumber’s crack. I prefer curved hems because they tend to make me look slimmer.

Considering that the cotton used in this shirt is grown in the USA and the shirt is made here, the price on this tee is a great value for your money. 

Buck Mason Jeans Review

I got the Japanese Selvedge jeans in the Ford fit. I was willing to pay a bit extra for the selvedge because I like the inseam and I tend to roll or cuff my jeans. It’s a small detail, but I think that’s what style is all about—the little details.

All of Buck Mason’s denim is milled in Japan, which has become the de facto king of denim. It’s an interesting story, but basically after WWII, Japan bought up a ton of American industrial looms for making denim. 

Now the US only has a few left, and all the legendary machines are in Japan. So if you see that the denim is made in Japan, that’s basically the gold standard. And in an odd way, it’s also American Heritage, as the loom was likely an old US machine that was then exported. 

I can nerd out on this stuff all day. Let’s get to the important stuff with these jeans. 

Most Buck Mason jeans are a 14oz denim, which is a solid mid-weight jean—I think that’s an ideal weight: it’s sturdy and will last for years, but it’s not so heavy that it’s uncomfortable.

For the Selvedge version I got, it’s a 13oz weight, which is quite similar. I got the pure indigo without a wash, so it feels a bit stiffer than a washed jean with fades already baked in. 

As for fit, there’s three styles: the Ford, the Maverick, and the Full Saddle. These translate to straight leg, slim fit, and relaxed fit, respectively. 

So the Ford fit I’m wearing in these pics is basically a straight fit jean. I’m wearing a 34 waist as a 6’1” 200 lb guy. I probably could’ve sized to a 33, or maybe even a 32 if I had big plans on cutting a few pounds. 

The 34 waist is comfortable, but a little loose. I don’t blame Buck Mason for this—I probably should’ve gone with a 33. But real talk: I’m having a baby soon and I wanted an inch of insurance just in case I can’t get to the gym as regularly when the baby comes. 

Overall, I would’ve loved a little more taper at the knee with the Ford fit. I’m happy with these jeans, but I feel like they’re closer to a relaxed fit. 

Compare the Buck Mason Ford straight fit above with a Levi’s 501 straight fit:

As you can see, there’s a lot more room in the Buck Mason compared to the Levi’s 501 (which is also a 34 waist). 

Still, the quality of the fabric is excellent, and these jeans have the perfect balance of comfort and durability that I struggle to find elsewhere with denim. 

Draped Twill One Pocket Shirt

This shirt makes me feel like Matthew McConaughey. I certainly don’t look as cool. But if I don’t look in a mirror, I at least feel as cool. 

The Draped Twill One Pocket Shirt is a disaster fresh out of the dryer, so you definitely need to iron it. That may be a bit harsh, but the main point I’m trying to make is that if you want to showcase the beautiful fabric, you should iron or steam this shirt. You should be doing that with all your shirts. 

It’s definitely a casual piece, because even when ironed, the fabric tends to “loosen” up throughout the day and looks more and more relaxed. I actually love it. 

The Twill is extremely soft, and I think the weight of the shirt is ideal for spring and summer. It could also do well in fall with a thicker overshirt on. 

But paired with some jeans and a nice pair of boots, this shirt might seem a little basic, but the quality shines through. 

I got a size large and the fit is spot on for me. One thing you’ll need to consider is whether to go with a button-down collar or not. Usually I’m a button-down guy, but for this one, I went free-spirited. 

The Draped Twill One Pocket Shirt is a great every day piece, and an ideal pairing with a Saturday morning coffee and pastry deal.  

Brushed Loopback Hooded Sweatshirt

If you’re going to go full Rocky and listen to “Eye of the Tiger” on repeat, you’re going to need a hoodie. So I needed a hoodie. 

The Brushed Loopback Hooded Sweatshirt is obviously a very casual piece, but it still looks trim and refined. That’s a hard balance to pull off, but Buck Mason does it well. 

Subtle details like the fatty contrasting drawcords and the tailored fit keep this hoodie firmly in the “stylish” category, and not the “I punch flanks of meat in the freezer” category. 

It’s made with a French Terry cotton, which is a certain kind of weave that leaves more “open” loops facing inward. It’s generally known to be a more comfortable and soft feeling without sacrificing any durability. 

And I can attest that it’s quite comfortable and cozy. Pair that with a great fit, and it’s an all-around great hoodie. It’s nothing too special, but I’m happy with it. 

Felted Chore Coat

The Felted Chore Coat is all felted wool, and I’m digging the balance of casual and formal. It has the shape of a blazer, but the finishing and collar are certainly more relaxed. 

I’m not sure I’d call this a chore coat—to me it’s more of a boiled Merino wool light blazer-thingy. In any case, it’s a good casual piece that elevates your look without much effort. I like pairing this piece with my Twill Shirt and leaving the button open. 

Ironically, this is the most expensive piece I got from Buck Mason, but it’s the one I’m least stoked on. It’s a great piece, don’t get me wrong: 100% Merino wool is certainly valuable. But it doesn’t pack the vintage punch that a lot of other Buck Mason pieces do. 

Buck Mason Alternatives

Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch and Buck Mason have a similar aesthetic, but there are a few key differences between the brands in terms of how they build their clothes and the kind of guy who would like one brand over the other. 

Taylor Stitch has more of a focus on sturdy build. Buck Mason is more comfortable. 

Taylor Stitch generally has a slimmer fit. Buck Mason is a bit more forgiving. 

Ultimately, I can’t say I prefer one brand over the other. I like Buck Mason basics—their tee, jeans, and casual shirts are my new go-to’s for everyday wear. But Taylor Stitch releases a few absolutely incredible statement pieces every year that are irresistible. 

So in my opinion, it breaks down like this: Buck Mason for the basics, and Taylor Stitch for the showstopper. 

Outerknown

Outerknown is more of a beachy brand, so if you want more relaxed coastal vibes and a little less American vintage vibes, they’re a great brand to shop with. 

The main reason I added Outerknown here isn’t so much that I think they’re an alternative to Buck Mason, but more that the Outerknown Blanket Shirt is one of the greatest shirts ever, and if you’re into the Buck Mason look, you’ll probably also love the Outerknown Blanket Shirt. 

Still get your Buck Mason gear, but I wanted to give you the heads up on the Outerknown Blanket Shirt because it’s incredible. 

My Thoughts Overall On Buck Mason

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