The Obainer - 8/28/23, Monday
↦ The Polo Got Sexy
Monday, August 28th Edition
It’s funny how the life (and style) pendulum works. I thought polos were for kids who had to wear school uniforms back in the day or for family photos. I guess the joke is on me since they make up a quarter of my wardrobe now.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Buying Guide
The Best Piqué Polos at Any Price Point
We don’t know when exactly it happened. If it was a gradual transition or happened all at once. But the humble polo shirt, a prosaic Casual Friday hall-of-famer, is now a sexy staple that's ready to enhance your wardrobe for the rest of the year. Don't believe us? Just look at the ones featured here. They're laid back and as comfortable as a T-shirt, but versatile and ready to add some polished style to a range of outfits. After all, the reason why polos remain such a classic is because they have a unique way of adding respectability to an otherwise casual look. Maybe it's the face-framing collar or the cut of the sleeve that square your shoulders and hug your biceps, but you can trust them to help you look handsome no matter what you're doing.While there is a myriad of fabric options to choose from these days, we're still partial to the timeless quality of piqué cotton. Soft yet sturdy, it look good on its own but works just as well under a jacket or cardigan, now that the temperatures are due to start trending downward. Which brings us to our next point. Don't sleep on the long-sleeve polo. They've got the same pec-grazing fit, but the added sleeve length to make them seasonally appropriate. They're refined yet relaxed, which is why you see so many A-list leading men wearing them on red carpets or talk shows. Take a page from their playbook and add a few to your wardrobe for both work and the weekend.- Jordan Taylor
Our Picks
The color of this polo is perfect for moving into fall, but the long-sleeves still works with shorts now. Also, the one-button touch is unique and looks excellent undone.
Long-sleeve piqué polo, $150 by P.Johnson
It wouldn't be a proper polo roundup without the infamous crocodile logo. Lacoste’s version of the polo has been perfected over 90 years and is finished with genuine mother of pearl buttons.
Piqué cotton polo, $110 by Lacoste
UNIQLO’s polos are beloved for good reason. Other than the price, they come in every color and hold up wash after wash, so these are the best options to stock up on.
Piqué polo, $29.90 by UNIQLO
Too lazy to button up a polo? No worries, COS has you covered with their half-zip piqué polo. It's a nice surprise and looks chic with a linen suit.
Piqué half-zip polo, $89 by COS
Have we entered chore jacket season yet If not, it's just around th corner. And we've found the perfect one to start with. This classic jacket ($275) is made in France by a company that's been crafting them for over a century. Built from a 100% cotton moleskin fabric, it's incredibly durable and yet gets softer with each wear and wash. It's available in half a dozen different colors, but you can't go wrong with the classic shade of navy. It has three generous patch pockets and is finished with natural Corozo buttons along with the brand's historic label of authenticity that's not only hand-numbered, but also has a space for your name.
Test Drive
This Makes You More Handsome by Morning
You probably know by now that getting ample sleep is good for your skin. Your body boosts blood flow to the skin and regenerates cells while you snooze. But it could be even more efficient. So why not use those hours in bed to supercharge your skincare? I recently discovered this overnight mask by Korean skincare brand COSRX and it’s be working wonders for my skin—solving not just one issue, but several, all while leaving my skin more hydrated and brighter. What I really appreciate is that it works for all skin types and is relatively affordable, considering how much use you’ll get out of it.
Despite having “honey” in the name, there is no actual honey in the formula. What it does contain, however, is propolis, a residue that honeybees use to fill and seal the crevices of their honeycombs. That might seem strange or unnecessary but apparently, there are tons of K-beauty brands that swear by this underrated ingredient. And now I see why. It’s a bit of a holy grail ingredient. Research suggests that propolis is naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral, which means it’s ideal for regenerating skin, while also softening and soothing irritation.
Which is why everyone should use this mask. You just slather it on your skin after washing at night. As a mask, you can apply it on its own or at the end of your nightly routine. It can be layered over your normal night cream. If you’re suffering from a breakout, this will minimize redness while helping blemishes heal and shrink. If you’re feeling a little dry and flaky, this hydrates skin and plumps fine lines. And if you’re just looking for a little extra smoothness and glow to help boost an otherwise dull complexion, this will do the trick. And it requires nothing more that a quick swipe on your face and a rinse in the shower the next day. That’s a lot of bang for not much work.
Moisturizing overnight mask,$22.98 by COSRX
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Sometimes a striped T-shirt is all you need to make a boring outfit more interesting. This one from MR PORTER’s private label is made of a soft cotton-jersey blend with a structured neck—making this an excellent option to throw on underneath a suit.
$125 / $62.50by Mr P.
Using the grill is excellent for the all-important meats, but what about your veggies? This stainless steel mesh grill basket is perfect for grilling green beans, onions and peppers. The mesh holds a large amount of small foods and cooks them evenly.
$29.95 / $9.97 byCrate and Barrel
A distressed pair of selvedge denim, without having to break them in yourself. Levi's commemorates their 150th anniversary with this pair and has mended patches for a lived-in look. The relaxed fit looks excellent with several shoe options and is airy enough whenever it's hot.
$148 / $124.98by Levi’s
The three best stories from around the web.
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I’m not into fashion, but I really enjoy garments and fabrics. That’s where my interest and love is.”
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We’re trying to serve an audience that loves clothes, but we’re not going to sit and agonise about every single detail.”
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There's a certain level of love and attention that just comes through in the design of a watch like this.”
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In the studio with @riseandfallWearing: Organic super soft cotton white t-shirt and beautiful relaxed linen trousers.
July 28
