Every month, the Cool Material team road-tests all sorts of new (or new-to-us) goods. Black Book is where we showcase the tried-and-true—the Cool Material MVPs.
This month we tried out some essential home goods, including a beginner-friendly cast iron and an unbelievably comfortable memory-foam mattress. We also managed to get our hands on some exciting uncertified mezcal, a pair of impressively affordable sunglasses, and a monogrammed leather bag with buy-it-for-life appeal. Read on to see our top recommendations from March 2025.
Nike Life Oxford Shirt
[PARTNER] A high-quality Oxford shirt is an essential piece of any modern man's wardrobe. And Nike’s new light khaki Oxford is the perfect blend of refined style and laid-back ease. —John A. Paradiso
Buy: $110
Cravar F.C. 15 Messenger Bag
The phrase “buy it for life” isn’t a high-enough bar. Only one lifetime? That’s thinking small. Let’s consider the buy-it-for-life bag. Harder than it sounds to pull off. It requires a durable material that still feels soft to the touch, a trend-proof color, and a perfect size for a daily commute or a weekend at the in-laws’. Cravar’s F.C. 15 may just be the Platonic ideal of messenger bag, and it’s available at a non-luxury price. I love this piece and how durable it feels—I know I’m only part of its story, and I’m here to keep it safe for the next generation. In fact, I monogrammed my future son’s initials on it, not my own. —Cooper Fleishman
Buy: $425
Field Co. No.8 Cast Iron Skillet
I love a good cast iron. But sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the amount of care and maintenance required. Filed Co. makes it easy with their “everyday pan.” It’s lighter than most cast irons while still having a vintage, hefty feel. And it’s a cinch to cook with—from pancakes to shakshuka to everything in between. My wife and I are loving it. —JP
Buy: $165
Toast Indigo Cotton Quilted Jacket
I call this piece my favorite jacket because it’s rare that I get to wear it. That’s not due to its versatility—it’s because my wife, a designer, is very jealous of it and keeps stealing it. When I get it all to myself, though, I thank the menswear gods for its subtly boxy fit, rich indigo color, ideal springtime warmth, and the subtle details that make it so delightful (just look at the stitching down the front, the Corozo buttons, the patch pockets). I wish everything in my closet fit like Toast fits. —CF
Buy: $430
Paquera Mezcal Arroqueño
The mezcal category has exploded in the past few years with the agave spirit gaining plenty of traction among cocktail aficionados. And as mezcal cements itself as a universal spirit, smaller producers in Mexico are using traditional techniques and crafting uncertified mezcals, foregoing the often expensive and time-consuming process of getting their product certified as “mezcal.” Paquera Mezcal has just launched its first two uncertified mezcals, and they are absolutely fantastic, offering unique expressions of traditional agave spirits. In fact, this is the first time these spirits are leaving the villages where they were produced! The result is a delicious and unique beverage that I am constantly excited to share with fellow mezcal lovers. —JP
Buy: $
Beardbrand Utility Trimmer
With spring nearly upon us, I decided to upgrade my beard grooming routine and picked up the Beardbrand Utility Beard Trimmer. I've maintained a beard for over a decade and have tried many different trimmers over the years. Right out of the box, this one felt different. It felt solid and well-built. The sleek design and comfortable grip made it easy to handle, even in tricky areas like the jawline. In short, if you’re looking for a beard trimmer that blends ease of use, durability, and precision at a reasonable price, the Beardbrand Utility Beard Trimmer is a solid choice. It’s become an essential part of my grooming routine, and I’m definitely sticking with this one. —Travis Haley
Buy: $125
Percival ’90s Dad Tee
If you haven’t yet caught on, there’s a real dad theme in my blurbs this week. I’m an ’80s dad, not a ’90s dad, but I wear this (in one size up and tucked in, naturally) to channel my inner early-’90s Bob Saget. I love that Percival embroiders their 100% cotton tees. That extra touch earns its place in my daily rotation. —CF
Buy: $82
Finisterre Basset Vest
I never considered myself a vest person but now that I've added the Basset Vest from Finisterre to my outfit rotation, I'm all aboard the vest train. The organic cotton gilet adds a small workwear touch to any outfit and offers some genuinely useful versatility with additional pockets. —JP
Buy: $130
Knockaround Fort Knocks Sunglasses
Living in sunny Colorado, one can never have enough sunglasses. I've needed to refresh my sunglass game for a while now and, with summer right around the corner, I wanted to find some high value options that combine style with functionality. So, after some searching, I picked the Knockaround Fort Knocks—the Coyote Calls edition in particular—and they’ve been a game changer. The polarized lenses help reduce glare, and the lightweight design makes them comfortable for all-day wear. They fit securely on my face and the matte, desert-inspired colors add a touch of style without being too flashy. —TH
Buy: $35
Allevol Heavy Duty L/S Crew Neck
I don’t know why I’ve been so skeptical of long-sleeve tees. This one, a loopwheeled number from Allevol, feels luxe from top to bottom, and it’s the only thing I want to wear in April. Often, heavy tees feel scratchy when you throw them on. Not Allevol’s. They’re spun in Japan on old-school circular knitting machines—no side seams to be found. —CF
Buy: $91
Hockerty Field Jacket
The Men’s Spring Jacket Bracket has become quite congested in recent years, with the field jacket emerging as a worthy competitor to its longstanding leather and denim compatriots. The Hockerty Field Jacket earns our seal of approval thanks to its classic military-inspired look and durability, paired with the flexibility and customization we’ve come to expect from the brand’s versatile design-your-own approach to fashion. Enter a few inputs about your body profile, select your choice fabric and style, and your new favorite jacket arrives at your door ready for a spring fling.
Buy: $249
Heim Nest 12" Cooling Foam Mattress
With winter winding down and consistently warmer temperatures on the way, I figured it was time to upgrade my sleep setup and try the Heim Nest 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress. From the first night, I noticed a big difference. The mattress offers the perfect balance of softness and support, contouring to my body while keeping my spine aligned. It’s incredibly comfortable—no more waking up with aches and pains. —TH
Buy: $750
Veja Paulistana Ripstop Sneaker
Veja runners and hikers were all I wore on a recent monthlong trip to Portugal—they got me through muddy hikes, city cobblestones, and even the volcanic terrain on the island of Pico in the Azores. I’ll wear ‘em on my next adventure, too. —CF
Buy: $170
