The Obtainer - 10/2/23, Monday
↦ The Perfect Fall Jacket?
Monday, October 2nd Edition
Can a man have too many chore jackets? I sure hope not, because I’m amassing quite a collection of them in a range of colors and fabrics. The more, the merrier, I say.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Buying Guide
The Do-It-All Jacket
When it comes to easygoing style and versatility, nothing beats the chore jacket. The lightweight layer can tackle almost any situation and any style: It's truly the go-anywhere, goes-with-everything jacket that you absolutely need for transitional weather. As versatile as it is practical, the old-school workwear staple has been the go-to cover for a myriad of men, from mechanics and construction workers to photographers and outdoor sportsmen. And why not? The jackets are big on storage and easy to care for.Right now, the jacket—with its oversized pockets and slightly boxy fit—feels incredibly modern, especially since it's returned in fresh fabrications from a range of brands. Wear a wool one layered over an oxford button-down with some proper trousers or throw a canvas one over a T-shirt and jeans to make a casual weekend outfit look a lot more considered. This is a great jacket to wear to work. It's more relaxed than a blazer, but still looks sharp and all the pockets mean you can stash everything from your phone and keys to even a paperback for your commute. What's more, they're easy to tailor to your own personal style and budget. Available in a variety of fabrics and colors, here are 20 of the season's standout options—from starter models that ring in under $100 to more durable and luxe versions built to last. Trust us, you won't want to be without one.
Our Picks
This French workwear brand has been crafting these legit chore jackets since 1913. The tightly woven fabric creates a water-repellent effect.
Moleskin chore jacket, $275 by Le Mont St Michel
The rich chocolate brown corduroy adds a luxe touch to this rugged jacket. Tailored with a retro fit, it looks excellent with navy chinos or a pair of lived-in denim.
Corduroy chore jacket, $198 / $138.60 (w/code SHOPNOW) by Wallace & Barnes
3sixteen developed this subtle jacquard fabric inspired by the patterns found in Japanese rock gardens.
Shop chore jacket, $240 by 3sixteen
OrSlow's jacket is influenced by vintage coveralls. A generous raglan sleeve allows room for layering, and old brass buttons add an authentic workwear vibe.
1950s chore jacket, $405 by orSlow
Who makes a nice-looking watch box that isn’t too expensive?
- Jacob
You really can’t go wrong with a simple, understated yet functional watch box. This one from Case Elegance ($39.99 / $37.77), is one that several “watch guys” swear by. It’s not expensive, but it’s good enough to house their grail-level timepieces. The magnetic lid ensures a secure seal while a tempered glass window allows you to appreciate your investment, even when not in use. The suede-lined slots add a dash of luxury as well as protection. And the pillows have been designed to fit most sizes and styles of watches (including large faced watches), but are also soft enough to adjust as needed. For the piece, you won’t find a better storage solution.
⋆ Have a style question you'd like answered? Ask The Obtainer
We didn't see this one coming. But it makes sense ... Brendon Babenzien (J.Crew's creative director) and Chris Gibbs (owner of Union LA) are longtime friends. And the two teamed up to design a capsule collection that Babenzien says “reflects the overlap of our respective brand DNA.” There's a lot to like, but we're definitely sold on the rugby ($128)—a twisted take on a preppy classic. The pattern on the shirt is “pieced”, with individual pieces of fabric meticulously cut to size and sewn together in colorblocks. You'll notice the craftsmanship in the distinct seams between colors.
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
A fresh take on the trucker jacket, made of a hefty corduroy with two front pockets spacious enough for daily essentials.
$269 / $135 byPilgrim Surf + Supply
Wythe's chinos are made of a custom slub-twill fabric and cut with a straight-fit all the way through, similar to vintage military versions, and washed for softness and a lived-in look.
$228 / $136.80by Wythe
Todd Snyder’s elevated take on a classic utility shirt is now marked down nearly 60%, along with a slew of his other early fall items. Don’t sleep on seasonal deals like this.
$198 / $84by Todd Snyder
The three best stories from around the web.
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We’re talking about major savings for those who typically rely on department stores or designer e-commerce destinations for their cologne.”
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Wearing a suit on stage, playing the persona, having the slicked-back hair, it makes me feel even more ingrained in the world and the feeling of that music.”
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The same photos of Paul Newman and Miles Davis get posted online over and over again because those men wore clothes that they clearly felt were for them.”
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a look back at last summer’s very special shoot with @luuuuush’s parents, photographer mitch epstein + writer susan bell, in and around their LES home
August 24
