For an inside look at how Buck Mason became America’s next great everyman brand, revisit our profile of the LA menswear label here.
I love a rarified, hand-made, indigo-dyed, heritage-inspired something-or-other from a subterranean Japanese label as much as the next menswear obsessive, but sometimes I’m reminded how nice it is to pick up a reasonably priced closet staple that slip-slides into my existing rotation. Which brings me to the Buck Mason Carry-On Jacket, a lightweight blazer from a brand that’s been owning the “everyday, but better” mantra.
There’s more to the Buck Mason Carry-On Jacket than you’d think, given what it doesn’t have. It’s missing back vents, cuff buttons, and any padding or lining—but offers three patch pockets, a classic notch lapel, a relaxed drape. I really liked how the lapels are shaped to meet at the second of its three buttons (the top and bottom in the “three-roll-two” closure are mostly for show). It all adds up to a jacket that’s simple, classic, easygoing. Minimal, but not minimalist, if you get the gist.
Buck Mason
Shuttle Sateen Carry-On Jacket
Buck Mason
Tropic Twill Carry-On Jacket
Founders Erik Allen Ford and Sasha Koehn have been fine-tuning Buck Mason for over a decade, setting up shop in the divide between Ralph-Lauren-level quality and J.Crew-ubiquity. Beefy ’90s-inspired tees, Americana collabs, and a my all-time favorite chinos have put the brand on the map. But Buck Mason’s casual suiting collection—to which the Carry-On Jacket and its matching pants belong—is proof that the brand’s got a lot more where that came from.
Like the rest of Buck Mason’s offerings, the Carry-On suiting gets a seasonal refresh in fabrics like linen, tropical twill, and seersucker. But the version that made me commit is the brand’s shuttle sateen Carry-On Jacket edition. The 8.9-ounce sateen, the same weight as Buck Mason’s fatigue pants—is reassuringly weighty but not stiff. And as far as I can tell. It almost never needs pressing. It works with anything. All the time.
Which is why I decided to put Buck Mason’s Carry-On Jacket to the test. One navy blazer, seven days, seven looks. Afterward, I gave it a wash—and put it right back into rotation.
Outfit 1: Blue-siness Casual
All-navy-everything can look sharp so long as you nail the shirt. My closet isn’t filled with flamingo-patterned button fronts or campy camp shirts; this piece from Original Madras Trading Company is about as festive as I get. Its brighter, patterned blues liven up the navy.
I believe in brown Belgian-style loafers for every season, but consider them legally required in the summer. If I had an actual office to go to, this fit would be on heavy rotation. They still look—and feel—good, even if I’m roving the house looking for snacks.
Buck Mason
Shuttle Sateen Carry-On Jacket
Original Madras Trading Company
Lax Long Sleeve Shirt
Photos: Omar Atwan
Lowercase
Atc Sun sunglasses
August Special
Augie Type-S
Outfit 2: The Stash Spot
This is the kit I’ll throw on for Saturday morning story time at the library with my kid. Between the button-down and the jacket, I’m a walking storage unit, with pockets for everything (short the water bottle and Wet Wipes). Sweats are fine for lounging at home, but pulling on a jacket like the Carry-On is my personal rebellion against falling into Dad-mode. Related: white jeans are lighter-weight than their indigo brethren, and more versatile than you think. Enjoy them while they’re pristine, then make peace with the stains.
Buck Mason
Shuttle Sateen Carry-On Jacket
Rag & Bone
rbBaggy Fit Jeans

Photos: Omar Atwan
Another Aspect
ANOTHER Shirt 4.0
Sperry x Beams Plus
Nylon CVO
Outfit 3: The Work-From-Wherever Power Suit
Whenever my work-from-home psyche starts craving a little structure, I reach for my trusty white oxford. It’s my version of a cape for getting shit done. That plus the navy jacket plus Buck Mason’s light-wash full-saddle jeans (raw version here) become my WFH LFG outfit.
Buck Mason
Shuttle Sateen Carry-On Jacket
Buck Mason
Japanese Denim Full Saddle Jeans

Photos: Omar Atwan
Merz B. Schwanen
Modern-Cut Cotton Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt
Sperry
Gold Cup Woven Penny Loafer
Outfit 4: A Sweater As a Sweetener
Aside from a navy blazer, a navy crewneck sweater is another year-round essential. I always keep one stashed in the backseat of my car for all sorts of reasons: a quick spruce if I need to look presentable; keeping me cold in the Arctic freezer aisle of the grocery store; tying over my shoulders when I want the softest accessory possible.