The Obtainer - 10/16/23, Monday
↦ The Shadow Plaid Is Back
Monday, October 16th Edition
Do you remember the first time shadow plaids were in style? I was in high school, but I know I had plenty hanging in my closet. Frankly, I’m ready for this return.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Buying Guide
The Best Shadow Plaid Flannels at Any Price
The flannel shirt is a bonafide autumnal staple. A hardwearing wardrobe workhorse—the very definition of a “layering piece” for colder weather. Something of a sartorial contradiction, the shirts are rugged and durable, and yet soothingly soft and warm at the same time. And while they've always come in ranges of color and checked patterns, right now we're seeing a resurgence in the ombré plaids popular in Western shirts and vintage flannels from the 1990s. Also known as “shadow plaids”, they come in a range of colors but all share the same hazy gradients that give them a soft, laid-back vibe.Let us just try to count all the ways you can wear one. Buttoned all the way up for a sleek, modern vibe? Sure. Tucked into your favorite worn-in jeans? Of course. Pulled over a loose T-shirt or thermal, with a pair of Dickies or cargo pants? Why the hell not? There are all sorts of styles to try, from hardwearing chore shirts to more tailored button-downs. The best ones right now are unapologetically flannel—with warm, nubby woolen textures and slightly roomier cuts that make them ideal for layering. Here are a few of our favorites.
Our Picks
What helps Noah’s flannel stand apart from the pack is the camp-style lapel loop collar.
Shadow plaid flannel shirt, $198 by Noah
3sixteen's crosscut flannels have been in production for 15 years. The custom heavy fabric and enamel-coated metal buttons make this a mainstay for the colder months ahead.
Crosscut flannel shirt, $220 by 3sixteen
An oversized ‘90s-inspired silhouette that can double as a jacket.
'90s oversized flannel shirt, $70 by Abercrombie & Fitch
Want something truly cozy? Try this fleece-lined flannel overshirt. It’s finished with oversized snap buttons and deep chest pockets.
Moreau check flannel shirt, $248 by Carhartt WIP
What's cooler than burning some Palo Santo to set the mood in your place? Burning it from one of these cheeky tins ($16) that borrow iconic designs from America's most well-known cigarette brands. Each tin contains six sustainably harvested sticks of the fragrant “holy wood”, which smolders nicely when ignited and releases a sweet, woodsy scent. When you're done burning them, reuse the handsome tins in your travel kit or for stashing items on your desk. They're sure to become a nice conversation piece.
Test Drive
An Invigorating Body Scrub
Can a body scrub really wake you up while also smoothing and nourishing your skin? That’s the promise of MALIN+GOETZ’s peppermint body scrub. The soothing foaming gel synthesizes natural peppermint with ground pumice and amino acids for a one-two punch of hydration and exfoliation. What I don’t like about body scrubs is that they’re either too much or not enough. Many scrubs tend to be so harsh that they leave your skin over-buffed and stripped or they’re simply not effective enough to clear away the dry itchy patches of dead skin. But this one is something of a Goldilocks product—it’s just right.
Squeeze a quarter-sized dollop in your hand and start working it into your skin. A mix of fruit extracts and natural peppermint oil makes for an invigorating aroma, perfect for a morning shower and the gritty lather has a satisfyingly scratchy feel—which really works to scrub away any roughness. But after you towel off, your skin doesn’t feel dry or tight, but rather smooth, hydrated and soft. And another thing I appreciate is that you don’t need this every day, either. Maybe twice a week, at most. That’s a good thing, since it means that this tube will actually last you a while.
Peppermint body scrub,$32 by MALIN+GOETZ
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Madewell is promoting an extra 40% off sale items, so grab the brand’s slouchy and relaxed fitting jeans for a very affordable price.
$69.99 / $41.99(w/code FALLIN)by Madewell
Based on a vintage Bulova design, this re-issue has been modernized with a slimmer, more durable case and a reliable three-hand quartz movement.
$225 / $157.50by Bulova
Gap's pullover fleece is made with recycled fabric and features a roomy front kanga pocket. Use the mock neck half-zip closure whenever the weather is frigid, and throw on a vest for added insulation.
$79.95 / $63by Gap
The three best stories from around the web.
“
There’s a beautiful part of collecting where you start to see something everywhere.”
//
“
The watches are priced at just $550—the exact same price as the original Shinola Runwell when it hit shelves in 2013 (modern Runwells go for $595).”
//
“
The legendary DJ and presenter on his career and favorite artists—plus his own approach to getting dressed.”
//
@c.fenimore always gets my good side(s)
September 1
