The Obtainer - 10/30/23, Monday
↦ The Not-So-Serious Side of Tailoring
Monday, October 30th Edition
Today, we’re talking about suits. Not the kind you have to wear … but the ones you want to wear. And if you’ve got sensitive skin, our own Leon Hedgepeth shares a recent find worth your time.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Buying Guide
The Not-So-Serious Side of Tailoring
A lot has been said about dressing well. Tom Ford has often said that “dressing well is a form of good manners.” The legendary, and famously stylish, tennis player Arthur Ashe might disagree slightly. He once told a reporter, that “clothes and manners do not make the man; but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance.” A sentiment the always dapper American writer Gay Talese would surely agree with—he's always in a suit and says that “putting on a beautifully designed suit elevates my spirit, extols my sense of self, and helps define me as a man to whom details matter.” And it will do the exact same thing for you. Even if you don't work in a job that demands one.In fact, the best suits today aren't the boring, stiff jackets and pants in workaday grey. They're more relaxed, for one. They're still tailored, but in a more fluid, generous silhouette. And they're cut from a range of fabrics—from rich wools and corduroys to garment-dyed cottons and travel-ready nylon blends. The trousers are wider, and sometimes pleated. The unlined or partially lined blazers are finished with unpadded shoulders—all classic hallmarks of relaxed tailoring. Done right, it should feel effortless, carefree and comfortable as hell. Wear it with your favorite oxford button-down, a denim shirt or knit polo. And when the weather really dips, try a sweater or turtleneck for an equally stylish but ultra cozy look. Making one of these relaxed suits your own is the key to looking and feeling your best the next time you need to pull on a suit. Especially if the only reason why you're suiting up is because you said to yourself, “I feel like wearing a suit today.”
Our Picks
The Roebling blazer is milled in Italy, featuring a timeless single-breasted design, two-button closure, and interior pocket. You can dress it up with matching trousers or dress it down with your favorite pair of jeans.
This casual and rugged corduroy suit from Alex Mill is what professors aspire to wear. Dress it up like you're attending a lecture hall or laid back for an after-hours martini.
This secret agent-level suit is crafted from a durable stretch performance wool and nylon blend that looks luxurious but can endure all kinds of abuse and come out looking sharp.
A year-round navy suit is a closet essential. Sunpel's is unstructured and cut from soft, lightweight stretch cotton sourced from a French mill. It’s finished with oversized patch pockets and genuine horn buttons.
We're big fans of vintage mid-century furniture. The high prices of genuine antiques? That we're less thrilled about. So we were excited to discover this wall-mounted shelf ($799) from Article. Constructed of solid and veneered walnut wood (much like they did in the '60s), this set has four shelves at various distances to accommodate a range of items and a large cabinet for extra hidden storage (plus, the top adds a fifth shelf into the mix). What's more, it ties into other Newbury items from the brand so you can build it into a modular entertainment center or workspace.
Test Drive
A Skincare Set for People with Eczema (Like Myself)
I have dry and sensitive skin, which means that pretty much every time I’ve tried new products in the past, the results never end well. I can’t put anything that is scented or will exfoliate on my face or body. I need my skin to retain moisture and avoid fragrances that could cause redness and tightness. Growing up, I also had some eczema, which comes back sporadically, like on the back of my neck—a dry patch that just won’t quit. I was able to try recently though the sensitive skin-friendly brand Tower 28, which was built on founder Amy Liu's desire for safer and more affordable options for all skin types. After her long battle with severe eczema and having difficulties finding clean products, she decided to start her own clean line.
I was skeptical about trying something new like the SOS skincare routine from the brand, but my mind was put to ease once I saw all three products follow and approved by the National Eczema Association's ingredient guidelines. First, I applied the rescue spray. Since my face has already been cleansed, the daily face toner and treatment spray gives my face a dewy feeling that’s ready to be layered with a face lotion and serum. Give it a few seconds to set and sink in. This makes for a perfect after-shave mist as well since it alleviates redness and is alcohol-free. Second, I applied the rescue serum. One squirt will do the trick. It’s a lightweight treatment serum powered by hypochlorous acid that will help soothe chronically sensitive, inflamed skin. Putting this on top of the spray is double the hypochlorous acid, and let me just say, your skin will thank you. Lastly, I capped everything off with the recovery cream. I applied about a quarter-sized to my hand and rubbed it into my face and on the back of my neck. It’s a do-it-all moisturizer thanks to its ceramides and hyaluronic acid that help to hydrate and reinforce your natural skin barrier.
The set is $72; however, each product can be purchased individually. Which is good, since I might need to re-up the moisturizer before the toner. But one thing’s for sure: Thanks to how non-greasy yet effective each product is, I’ll keep this trio in the medicine cabinet all year. They’re proof that you can have few yet clean ingredients that are highly effective but won’t leave you feeling itchy, red or dry. And that’s worth every penny.
- Leon Hedgepeth
Complete SOS skincare routine,$72 by Tower28
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Snow Peak's insulated vest can be the most versatile piece in your winter wardrobe. Recycled polyester and Primeflex material create a durable stretch and water-repellant finish.
$199.95 / $99.97by Snow Peak
U.S. Rubber Co. outfitted the American soliders and paved the way for Converse and Vans with their vulcanized sneakers. They're pretty much still made as they were back then—a durable, washable canvas and a vulcanized outsole that's lightweight and flexible.
$108 / $86 byU.S. Rubber Co.
Levi's trucker-style jacket has been updated with a relaxed fit throughout the body and sits at your waist for a classic look. The Hickory-style motif and pointed collar make this jacket a workwear staple.
$85.98 / $42.99by the-obtainer-newsletter' target='_blank'>Levi's
The three best stories from around the web.
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But Warhol was mostly fascinated with aesthetics, especially the classic lines of his favourite Cartier Tank, a watch he rarely bothered to wind.”
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Ralph is the blueprint, even after all these years. With prep fully back, we are bound to follow him onto the ranch.”
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Still, Transnomadica HQ isn’t a shop or a showroom so much as it is an exhibit.”
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What could fashion designer and Officine Générale founder Pierre Mahéo not live without? "My morning coffee. I sit outside thinking of the day ahead or sometimes meeting a friend. It is a stolen moment before my full day of work. I live in Saint-Germain, opposite Café de Flore, so I often sit there, even when it’s freezing, to watch the people passing by."
September 16
