Matthew Medendorp

Grand Rapids

Writer and Contributor at Freelance

Poet & Essayist, MFA '21 @nau_MFA, aspiring member of Butch Cassidy's Hole in the Wall Gang.

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Articles

Best Dad Jeans 2025-How to Wear Dad Jeans

1 week ago | esquire.com | Matthew Medendorp

When my wife was pregnant with our son, I called a good friend to share the news. His first response was, word-for-word, “R.I.P. your life.” He’s since apologized, but it’s not an uncommon sentiment. People tell you that being a dad reduces your world. That you’ll be forced into the hellscape of colorful plastic and baby shark and mac-and-cheese, never to return to the world of boutique hotels and cashmere sweaters. I’m now a grizzled, veteran dad.
This Father's Day, Embrace Your Inner Dad Jean

2 weeks ago | esquire.com | Matthew Medendorp

When my wife was pregnant with our son, I called a good friend to share the news. His first response was, word-for-word, “R.I.P. your life.” He’s since apologized, but it’s not an uncommon sentiment. People tell you that being a dad reduces your world. That you’ll be forced into the hellscape of colorful plastic and baby shark and mac-and-cheese, never to return to the world of boutique hotels and cashmere sweaters. I’m now a grizzled, veteran dad.
This Father's Day, Embrace Your Inner Dad Jean

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Matthew Medendorp

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."When my wife was pregnant with our son, I called a good friend to share the news. His first response was, word-for-word, “R.I.P. your life.”He’s since apologized, but it’s not an uncommon sentiment. People tell you that being a dad reduces your world.
13 Leather Briefcases That Might Just Get You a Raise

2 weeks ago | esquire.com | Matthew Medendorp

Walk into any tack shop here or abroad. Take a deep breath, and you’ll get the romance of leather. It’s far too important to be relegated to just your wallet or belt. And, unfortunately, sometimes it’s just too damn hot for your favorite leather jacket. Thankfully, there’s another option: a leather briefcase. We’re already on record that a briefcase is a necessary upgrade for adult life. The easiest way to get taken more serious at work is to dress the part.
This Summer, Swap Your Jeans for Fatigues

3 weeks ago | msn.com | Matthew Medendorp

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This Summer, Swap Your Jeans for Fatigues

3 weeks ago | esquire.com | Matthew Medendorp

Summer and jeans don’t play well together. Maybe that’s because Esquire is big on real-deal 100-per cent-cotton denim. But even with the advent of lighter and cooler jeans, 30 degrees and up is too damn hot to wear denim. And while it’s disappointing to shelve your favourite beat-up 501’s, it’s also exciting to let the thighs out. Until it isn’t. We’re firmly on team shorts, but some locales (like grubby pub stools and public benches) demand a little more fabric.
This Summer, Swap Your Jeans for Fatigues

4 weeks ago | esquire.com | Matthew Medendorp

Summer and jeans don’t play well together. Maybe that's because Esquire is big on real-deal 100-percent cotton denim. But even with the advent of lighter and cooler jeans, 80 degrees and up is too damn hot to wear denim. And while it’s disappointing to shelve your favorite, beat-up 501s, it’s also exciting to let the thighs out. Until it isn’t. We’re firmly on team shorts, but some locales (like dive bar stools and public benches) demand a little more fabric.
This Summer, Swap Your Jeans for Fatigues

4 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Matthew Medendorp

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."Summer and jeans don’t play well together. Maybe that's because Esquire is big on real-deal 100-percent cotton denim. But even with the advent of lighter and cooler jeans, 80 degrees and up is too damn hot to wear denim. And while it’s disappointing to shelve your favorite, beat-up 501s, it’s also exciting to let the thighs out. Until it isn’t.
It’s About Time You Get a Good Pocket Knife

1 month ago | esquire.com | Matthew Medendorp

At Esquire, we often sing the praises of the essentials, the stuff you should always have on you. I mean, just look at the watches that we talk about: dream dive watches to now-collectible quartz movements and sub-$500 daily-drivers. Or when we talk about other daily necessities, it's a belt to last a lifetime or leather bag that'll do the same (or one that'll do the same and look even better). We've moved past the everyday carry thinking, but we can't deny we do trend towards #EDC sensibilities.
It’s About Time You Get a Good Pocket Knife

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Matthew Medendorp

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."At Esquire, we often sing the praises of the essentials, the stuff you should always have on you. I mean, just look at the watches that we talk about: dream dive watches to now-collectible quartz movements and sub-$500 daily-drivers. Or when we talk about other daily necessities, it's a belt to last a lifetime or leather bag that'll do the same (or one that'll do the same and look even better).