Make sure you have the gear to carry you through this brisk, wet season.
For most people who live above the Equator, spring means two things: dampness and chill. However, that’s slightly changing now because of rising global heat levels. For many people, spring now means a whole season’s worth of transitional weather.
Still, spring requires you to make a few seasonal considerations. For one, you have to be prepared for changing weather — especially wind and rain. And you have to think about layering and fabric weight so you’re not too hot or cold.
When it comes to accessories, spring requires a mixed bag. You’ll still need some colder weather gear, but you might also need to deal with increased temperatures and sunlight. And, of course, there’s the typical spring wetness to consider.
In my mind, there are three main categories of men’s accessories for spring: umbrellas, headwear, and sunglasses.
Umbrellas are obviously necessary during spring, but headwear and shades are just as important. Good spring headwear will provide a balance of warmth and elemental protection. You’ll also likely need sunglasses for when the sun peeks out every now and then.
The right spring gear will help you make sure you’re prepared for anything the season throws at you. Here are my top picks for men’s spring accessories.
The Best Spring Umbrellas for Men
If you splurge on one spring accessory, make it an umbrella. Umbrellas are a dime a dozen, and most of them just don’t work. It might feel weird to drop some serious coin on an umbrella, but you’ll be glad when it’s pouring out.
Davek Solo Umbrella
The Davek Solo ticks a lot of boxes. This compact umbrella features a microweave canopy, fiberglass-reinforced frame, and automatic opening and closing that support one-handed operation.
With its excellent wind resistance and ease of use, the Solo is a fantastic umbrella for unpredictable spring weather. Thanks to its build quality, it can easily handle everything from light sleet to heavy rain.
Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
For the most part, cheap umbrellas are cheap for a reason. That said, if you’re on a tight budget, you could do much worse than the Windproof Travel Umbrella. It weighs just 15 ounces and has a double-vented canopy to handle both wind and rain.
While the Repel still has some of the weaknesses you’d expect from a $20 umbrella, it’s an overall solid choice. It’s not the best choice for intense weather, but it’ll handle the average rainy day just fine.
Fox Umbrellas MS1 Scorched Maple Solid
Britain’s Fox Umbrellas has been making some of the most luxurious umbrellas in the world for over 150 years. Fox has several offerings that qualify as endgame umbrellas, but the MS1 Scorched Maple Solid is an especially strong contender.
The MS1 boasts a strong polyester canopy, handmade springs, and a handsome handle made from a single piece of wood. Each umbrella is made to order, and you can choose from 49 canopy color and design options.
While it costs more than any umbrella you’ve ever bought, it may well be the last one you ever buy.
London Undercover Crook Handle Telescopic Foldable Umbrella
London Undercover is another superb British umbrella manufacturer with a range of stylish options. Like Fox, LU offers plenty of high-end umbrellas, but it also has some more affordable wares.
In particular, the brand’s line of crook handle telescopic foldable umbrellas provides excellent value for money. Each one features a wooden handle (either maple or Whangee) and a strong 10-rib frame. Many also use 100% recycled polyester, which is a plus in terms of sustainability.
The Best Spring Hats for Men
There are many types of hats out there, but not all of them are ideal for spring. For this season, you’ll want headwear that’s not too thick or thin so that it can adapt to changing conditions.
Here are a few pieces of headwear that easily fit that bill.
Knickerbocker Watch Cap Cotton
Watch caps (which are similar to beanies) are just as good for spring as they are for fall and winter. A good cotton cap will provide the right amount of warmth for spring and will also allow for airflow.
There are tons of options, but it’s hard to beat the Watch Cap Cotton from Knickerbocker. This American-made cap is woven from a thick yet soft cotton yarn and is available in six great colors.
Stiksen 105 Ventile Moss
No hat collection is complete without a reliable baseball cap. For vintage vibes with contemporary build quality, look at Stiksen’s 105 Ventile Moss. This dad cap takes a traditional style and combines it with a clean, minimal design.
The 105 Ventile Moss is made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton that’s also fully waterproof. That waterproofness, plus the earthy moss color, makes this a fantastic hat for spring.
NoBrim Co. The NoBrim
If you’ve ever wanted the form of a beanie and the structure of a baseball cap, then the NoBrim might be for you. This unique hat is essentially a brimless ball cap with a beanie-style cuff.
It’s an easygoing hat that works well with a wide range of casual outfits. I’ve been wearing these for years and love them (and, no, this isn’t sponsored).
Conner Handmade Hats Hiker Bucket Hat
Some bucket hats scream summer, but a more structured bucket hat will fit right into your spring wardrobe. The Hiker Bucket Hat from Conner Handmade Hats is a great choice that’s more versatile than the average bucket hat.
Made by hand in Sri Lanka using organic cotton, the Hiker Bucket Hat offers excellent quality for the price. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection, so it’s truly a hiking hat.
The Best Spring Sunglasses for Men
Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. (In fact, you should have a pair even in the winter for when the sun reflects off the snow!) It’s always a good idea to have a pair at the ready.
Randolph Engineering Aviator Military Special Edition
Simply put, Randolph Engineering makes some of the best aviators in the world. (If you want a peek behind the curtain, check out our Randolph review.) The build quality is stellar, and the style is virtually timeless.
It’s hard to single out a pair, but I’m going with the Aviator Military Special Edition for its simple, classic design. This edition features American Gray lenses (which were originally created for military pilots) and bayonet temple tips for comfort. Like all Randolph products, these shades are handcrafted in the USA.
MOSCOT LEMTOSH SUN
MOSCOT is over a century old, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at its super stylish frames. The LEMTOSH SUN is a perfect example of MOSCOT’s distinctive design ethos that balances understated elements with bolder ones.
These sunglasses are handcrafted from Italian acetate, so no two frames are alike. The frame also features diamond rivets for an extra touch of luxury. Available in 21 colors and designs, the LEMTOSH SUN is a fantastic upgrade pick.
Jacques Marie Mage Enzo
Jacques Marie Mage is one of the few high-end brands that actually deserves that label. The brand’s design-forward frames are always sophisticated and striking, and they’re truly high-end quality, too.
The Enzo exemplifies JMM’s one-of-a-kind approach. This elegant frame features a cured cellulose acetate frame with double-laminated temples and a custom 7-barrel hinge. It comes in a handcrafted Italian leather case with a limited edition letterhead certificate — talk about luxury.
Cubitts Judd
If you’re not already aware of Cubitts, you should be. This independent British brand has a slew of great designs inspired by vintage styles.
The brand’s Judd sunglasses offer an incredible balance of value and quality. The frames are made from premium acetate, and all prescription orders include ZEISS ClearView lenses with DuraVision® coating.
Spring Accessories for Men FAQ
Need a primer on accessories in general? Here are a few quick answers to common questions about accessories for men.
What Accessories Does a Guy Need?
This entirely depends on your specific needs. In general, it’s hard to go wrong with hats, watches, wallets, and bags.
How Many Accessories Should a Man Wear?
As a rule of thumb, if your accessories become the focal points of your outfit, you’re wearing too many. However, this depends on specific outfits. You can’t go wrong with two to three accessories.
Why Should Men Wear Accessories?
Good accessories for men are both functional and fashionable, so they meet very practical needs. They also allow you to express your personal style.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
